Many books on startups and business talk about how there are right and wrong reasons for starting a business.  So, we asked a handful of successful founders about their reasons and the thought-process behind starting their business.

Neeli Sharrett | Jewelry Designer

Well I love jewelry of course! In all seriousness, I love a challenge to understand a process of building something. As a child, I was that kid who would be called on to figure out how to fix things around the house. As an adult with a science degree, I work in the clinical research industry responsible for implementing technology. After having children and failing at candle and lip balm making, I started exploring jewelry making. Read more>>

Kat Ivanov | Makeup Artist, Hair Stylist, & Business Owner

When I decided to start my own business, I had already been renting a chair at a salon for three years. During this time, I was overseeing multiple clients and responsible for both the creative and business side of it. So, to me, it wasn’t a question of whether or not I wanted to start a business, but which type of business do I really want to have. I had also been contracting with local hair and makeup companies and had fallen in love with the wedding industry. Read more>>

Tavarious Linzer | CEO/Recording Artist

As a musician, never in a million years did I think I’d be a business owner but I’m proud to say that it is now my reality. I’ve known from about the age of 15 that I was a creator; always searching for ways to create or perhaps make something better. My primary avenue has always been and still is music but in today’s culture music alone could potentially be a limitation. In addition, I knew that there was more in me – something that I hadn’t yet tapped into. Read more>>

Shani Williams | Professional Makeup Artist & Engineer

I’ve always had a niche for helping others but didn’t know it would be in beauty. My passion for beauty started in college selling cosmetics for extra money. I fell in love with learning how to take care of my skin as well as applying makeup. If I can make myself feel this way, just imagine how I can make other women feel. As you may notice, the cosmetics world is booming with many new vendors and products. Read more>>