Starting a business is a commitment and requires dedication, resources and sacrifice. We asked some of the rising stars in our community how they thought through the idea of starting their own businesses.

Von Lane

My thought process behind starting my own business was really about creating a space where I could make a meaningful impact while staying true to my values. I wanted to build an environment where both clients and employees feel seen, heard, and respected—where care, compassion, and boundaries coexist. Read More>>

Saluna Chow

I’ve always been drawn to creating something meaningful with my hands. When I was planning my own wedding, I realized how much love and care goes into every detail of such a special celebration, and stationery felt like a beautiful and elegant way to set the tone. I started Saluna Creative because I wanted couples to have paper goods that feel like an extension of their story. Read More>> 

 Raghu Athre

It actually was not my original idea to start my own business. After I finished fellowship, my dad urged me to start my own practice. My dad is a financial planner and really pushed me to start my own practice. I was completely scared out of my mind. Being a physician, I had no background in business and finance, and the whole thing seemed like scifi. With the help of my dad, and my felllowship director, I started my own practice in 2008. Read More>>

Camren Tamayo

The thought process behind starting my business really came down to balance and independence. As a father, my time with my son is very important — I have him every weekend, and I didn’t want to miss out on that because of a rigid work schedule. At the same time, I’ve always had a passion for my craft and wanted the freedom to build something of my own.  Read More>>

Robert Williams

The primary motivation for starting a business is driven by a combination of personal passion, the desire to help others, and leveraging existing skills. It took me many years to finally make the decision and to move forward and as long as my wife was onboard then the time was right. Read More>>