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.

Christe Konopitski, M.S. NPM | Founder & Consultant

I started Creative Konsulting Exchange (CKE) to fill a void in the market for fundraising and marketing consulting focused on sustainable growth and a longterm strategy. With a background in nonprofit management and corporate and public relations, CKE takes inspiration from both for-profit and nonprofit tactics to foster the development of brand advocates, grow community support for brand stories and missions, and establish key collaborations aligned with brand values goals. Read more>>

Maggie Records | Data Analyst & Owner/Lead Stylist of GCC

In May I got engaged. As most brides do, I began dreaming and planning my day right away. The first thing I knew I wanted was vintage, vintage and more vintage. I have always been drawn to vintage styles, but even more so I love giving life to something again. I immediately started thrifting all of my dinnerware, glassware and decor! Within a few weeks china and glassware was taking over my home. This all happened around the time that my sisters wedding was right around the corner. Read more>>

Ramona Quintanilla | RQ AUTOS, LLC – Title service

Well originally, I wanted to do something that could give me a work/school balance, but I also wanted it to be meaningful. I used to get so much appreciation working at your local tax office by simply speaking Spanish and explaining thoroughly why certain things we’re needed and different ways to get out of sticky situations with bad dealerships/ title service. Sometimes people would come frustrated with tears in their eyes because they paid their vehicle off with receipts in hand b

Bhagyesh Patel | Restaurateur

As a kid I grew up showing my dad running his own business and I have always wanted to do something on my own as well. I came to the country when i was 18 and worked in the restaurant industry for quite some time and owned few franchise business before starting Eggholic. Read more>>

Angie Del angel | Owner of NG Jewelry

I had one thing in my mind while starting my business and that was making myself and my family proud. At the time I started my businesses I was a stay at home mom and although that was an amazing experience I needed more. I needed something for myself, I needed to have something of my own. I felt like time was passing me by and I was stuck doing the same thing. One day out of the blue I decided I wanted to start this amazing journey. Read more>>

Joffre Camacho | Photographer & Entrepreneur

I have been in the customer service business for many years. Previously I worked as a waiter, valet parking, and delivery for various companies, Uber, Lyft, and even construction. All those jobs were always in the customer service industry, so the transition to photography was pretty straightforward. At a technical level, I needed to gain knowledge of photography; however, I had an enormous desire to learn. That has always been my coin and has helped me grow personally and professionally. Read more>>

LaTonya Davis | CEO and Founder

I am a Black woman who I realized that I could have more impact toward antiracism as a CEO than as an employee. I wanted to use my expertise and experience to drive equity for Black talent and beyond. I set out to shift leaders in companies, nonprofits and schools from good intent to exceptional impact toward antiracism, anti bias through the domains of diversity, inclusion, belonging and equity. Read more>>