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.

Kimberly Typaldos | Family Photographer and Videographer

I started my business because I had a burning desire to introduce video into the realm of family photography. While it’s quite common to have a professional wedding video to capture the big day, I firmly believed that there are countless other joyous moments in family life that deserved to be immortalized on film. I’ve often heard parents express their desire to hold onto the memories of their children’s early years. Read more>>

Shelbey Aldous | Manager

Prior to starting our business venture, we were both traveling construction workers in the trades. Once we found out we were pregnant with our son, we owed it to him and ourselves to relentlessly pursue our passions in hopes of providing the best possible life for our family doing what we love. Read more>>

Thomas Hellberg | Founder/CEO of Palmer James Designs

I felt that in the fashion market, men’s specifically, there was an opportunity to invest in high-quality custom shoes and accessories to fit the individual in a personal manner. Personally, I had always struggled to find shoes that not only fit me well but also matched my individual style and wardrobe. With Palmer James I looked to provide a solution for people like me who wanted unique, well-fitting shoes and accessories as an investment in ourselves. Read more>>

Niyobi Davis | Owner & Entrepreneur

Starting my own business was a dream of mine for a long time. I wanted to create something unique and special that would bring joy to people’s lives. I love balloons and the way they can transform any event into a magical experience. So, I decided to combine my passion for balloons with my entrepreneurial spirit and that’s how Exquisite Productions was born! It’s been an incredible journey so far, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to bring happiness and creativity to every celebration. Read more>>

Shilan Ahmad | Newborn & Maternity Photographer

As a child, growing up I was always attracted to art. I loved painting, drawing and then later on photography. When I was gifted my first DSLR camera as a teenager, by my dad, I was over the moon! I would take pictures of my friends or just random landscapes, come home and edit it in photoshop. Looking back at it now, I can admit that I was completely clueless and didn’t really know what I was doing. It wasn’t later on, as an adult, I’d take my teenage passion, refine it and find the perfect niche to pursue as a career. Read more>>

Kaycie Timm | Founder of KE Creative and Serape Media

My journey to business ownership started early, although I’m still on the journey to making my dreams reality. As a high school sophomore, I began writing articles for magazines as a freelancer in pursuit of a future career in journalism. The freedom to choose my own assignments and make money on my time appealed to me immediately. Throughout college, I continued freelancing as both as writer and photographer, slowly building my portfolio while earning my degree. After graduating, I found a job I loved and dove in, leaving my business ownership ideas behind. Read more>>

Jenny Larsson | Founder, Belly Brand Foods

I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease when I was fifteen. Because of that diagnoses I developed a passion for nutrition, as well as an obsession with roaming grocery store shelves for new, gluten free products. For years I’ve told family and friends that if I could go back and start over, I would get a degree in nutrition and start a health food brand. Mind you – I was in my late twenties when I had this revelation. Read more>>

Anabelen Aranton | Physical therapist, Pilates and Yoga Instructor

In 2019, I began my Youtube Channel as a way to share my knowledge and experiences in Pilates, Yoga, and Physical Therapy to assist those in need of healing. At the same time, I was also on my own journey of self-healing after dealing with various physical issues. Throughout the first year of my channel, I documented my pain and progress, serving as a reflection of my true self. After a year, I successfully healed myself and was free from neck and back pain. Read more>>

salvatore moltisanti | pianist and artistic director

i myself am a musician.. a classical pianist. as a young man i was introverted and afraid of public performances. i found very helpful for my professional growth the experience of performing through several music competitions. they offered me the opportunity to focus on a specific repertoire the months prior to the competition itself and test my memory during the performance in front of a jury panel and assess my talent and expertise in relation to other professionals. Read more>>

Jasmine Coefield | Meal Prep Company

It all started with my passion for helping people live healthier and more convenient lives. My coach always used to see me cooking my meals and post about them and ended up bartering service which worked out great in the long run. Once moving to Dallas from orlando, I was given a opportunity to partner with a local gym in Fort Worth called Savage Fitness gym. I noticed that many individuals nowadays struggle to find the time and energy to cook nutritious meals for themselves and the lack of healthy meal options, which often leads to unhealthy eating habits. Read more>>

PlateConnect | Sriram Kakumanu, Sahil Hora, Ashvin Jayanthi & Rithvik Chikoti

With the goal of reducing food waste, PlateConnect was started by 4 founding members who realized how deep the issue was present in America. To start on the right track, PlateConnect applied to be a part of the Bizworld YES! Incubator program which helped curate the right strategy, develop a sustainable business model, and connect with a network of mentors and partners who could help them scale their operations. Still being a part of the Bizworld YES! Read more>>

Varnik Gill | Ecosysteens Founder

When my close friends Sehej and Piyush and I first started discussing how we could make a positive environmental impact, I suggested creating a nonprofit organization to consolidate our ideas and expand our reach. That’s when Ecosysteens was born! I came up with the name by combining my passion for ecosystems and engaging teens. It has been so rewarding to see how our name resonates with people and encapsulates our mission. Read more>>