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.

Mike McMonagle | Photographer & Ultrarunner

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed photography for years, and by early 2022 I felt like I’d been steadily getting quite a bit better at it for some time. At that point, I’d had a few people, brands, or publications reach out to me to pay for some photos. I was still working full-time, but that was the first time I realized there was at least some potential to actually get paid for something that I’m genuinely passionate about. Read more>>

Keyanne | Model

i wanted to have the freedom to live my life and make money doing the things i love. i don’t want to work for somebody else forever. i can invest my time and energy back into me. Read more>>

Lauren Piland | Author, Blooming Rose children’s book series

I first came up with the concept of starting the Blooming Rose series when I left teaching in 2017. After four short years, I was burned out and exhausted, yet wanted a way to still contribute to helping and supporting both my students and fellow teachers. I feel strongly that using books about social and emotional support and situations can aid kids at home or in the classroom. Read more>>

J. Beauty | Owner and Founder

I wanted to make a platform that made women feel beautiful and it started with working out. Activewear became my first branded product and I plan to branch out with my more for the ladies! Read more>>

Maggie DellaGiustina | Owner/Producer

Being retired earlier than planned left me with the one thing I love the most. Myself. Ha! A mind truly is a terrible thing to waste. Having worked for others my entire life, (knowing fully, I was capable of the best), I decided to utilize my favorite hobby to benefit humanity in a creative way. Music. I have been listening to Music probably since birth. Music has always been there for me and now I am there for it. Read more>>

Courtney Sanchez | Mateto POP Owner and Artist

I left my career as a store manager for a major craft store to be a stay at home mom when I had my oldest son. By the time his first birthday was nearing, I desperately felt the need to be creative again, and to have a a focus outside of being a mom. My new circle of friends and acquaintances were most parents of young kids, so what better treat is there to offer than custom cookies! Read more>>

Lindsay Graham | Hat Pyrography Artist

In September of 2020, I gave birth to my first child, Wesley James Frederick Graham. Being a new mother presents many challenges, and those challenges come in all shapes and sizes. While stepping into the biggest role of my life, and also struggling with a short spout of postpartum anxiety, I was blessed with an incredible desire to create a legacy for my son and my family. Read more>>

Tenille Livingston | CEO/Founder

As a mother of twin 18-year-old girls, I am always concerned about their safety and well-being. When I saw the story of Aniah Blanchard on my Facebook newsfeed, it hit close to home and made me realize how vulnerable young women can be to outside threats, particularly human trafficking. I felt a strong sense of responsibility to do something to protect not only my daughters but also other girls and young women who are at risk. Read more>>

jay-king-ceo-owner-of-mr-jays-cosmetics-jays-boutique-makeup-artist-eyebrows-nail-technician-hair-stylist-custom-wigs-wig-caps-ponytail-maker

My thought process when I started my own business was to create something that was mines and to have the opportunity to fulfill the needs of women around the world. Regardless of their skin tones. I wanted to come up with products, merchandise and styles that made us all look and feel beautiful. I wanted to decrease the hiccups that women deal with, when trying to find the right colors to match their skin tones, the right style to match their body type and to give them the confidence to shine bright in their skin. Read more>>

Mekahaliah Raindance Brown | Photographer

I decided to start my own business because I wanted to pursue my dreams. I wanted to have control over my own life and enjoy doing what I love. I was in college and feeling like I was going nowhere with my major. Then one day I decided to drop out, go to work to save some money and invest in myself. I started doing photography as a hobby, taking pictures on my phone and I loved doing it. So I took a chance at doing it professionally and here I am today! Read more>>

Tracie Kendziora | Writing Coach + Editor

My thought process was admittedly quite minimal! I I knew I wanted a change. I knew I wanted more control over what I did and when I did it. I knew I wanted more creativity. A friend who had her own business encouraged me to go for it…so I did. In hindsight, I really, really wish I had given it more thought. Not because I wouldn’t have done it – but because I wish I had made a plan. I didn’t even have a plan beyond “quit this job.” Read more>>

Kiran Syed, Psy.D. | Clinical Psychologist, Level II Reiki Practitioner, Aspiring Nature Photographer

As a clinical psychologist, my work primarily entails assisting my clients with the process of exploring their personal values so that they can ultimately make the best decisions for themselves. I went through this values exploration process myself during my clinical training years and found it to be tremendously helpful as I was able to really determine how to make decisions in my life that would feel, ultimately, satisfying to me. Read more>> 

Paula Bates | Your Favorite Chandler

Initially starting my own business wasn’t my plan. As I got older, I realized I didn’t always want to work for corporate and not leave a true legacy or foot print for my family. I’ve had a plethora of businesses however BRM- Home was the one that tugged my heart. I realized starting a business wouldn’t be easy, but it would be worth it. Once I realized what I wanted and how I wanted the business to be structured, I created a plan and went with it. I took my time and put all my effort forth. Read more>>

Anjuli Garcia | Brand & Web Designer

I used to work over 80+ hrs weeks in the music industry for 6 years which caused emotional and physical stress on me and my family. After getting shingles, I re-evaluated what I wanted in life and quit my job. With the gracious help of my now husband, I was able to set some time out to try out new things including education and design. Read more>>