Starting a business can be terrifying. Weighing the pros and cons, the risks, and other considerations can be so overwhelming that often promising entrepreneurs stop before they even start. We asked some phenomenal entrepreneurs about their thought process behind starting their own businesses. Our hope is that by making the thought-process less intimidating we can help more folks think through whether they should take an entrepreneurial leap.

Arion King | Model/Actress/Host/non profit organization owner

As a child my mother was definitely a businesswoman. When I was about four years old, we opened our first salon, and my mom was always involved with the youth and inspired me to want to become a business owner as well, which led up to my career in my business platform. Read more>>

Meet Lorie Fangio | Founder of A Taste of Paris(TM) food and wine trips to France

This is a difficult question to contemplate and something I do think about. From the very beginning, A Taste of Paris(TM), has always been about getting people around the table. In the early days, when I still had children at home, my business focused on helping busy people get dinner on that table for connection as a family. As my children grew and left the nest, so did my business. Read More>>

Rhea Meka | High School Student, Dancer, & Editor-in-Chief

Starting my non-profit was driven by many reasons such as passion, opportunity, and a desire to make a positive impact within my community. I noticed no platform out there that truly resonated with young girls and provided them with a space to share their stories, connect with others, and express themselves. Read more>>

Tabby Fayyaz | MD

While going through the residency application process, I realized the lack of reliable resources for residency applicants. The inspiration behind Resiyay was sharing essential information and developing a community of PGYs passionate about giving back to the community. Read more>> 

Lara Safa | Photographer

My thought process behind starting my own photography business was driven by a passion for capturing unique moments and telling stories through my lens. I wanted the freedom to explore creative ideas, connect with diverse clients, and provide personalized experiences. Read more>>

Tobie Zimmerman | Hair Stylist and Salon Owner

That’s a great question! I started my own business for people like myself. I wanted to create a safe space for alternative, queer, and neurodivergent people like myself. A place that they could experience beauty services in a small safe space. Read more>>

Kendall Inman | Hotelier, Yoga Teacher, & Ayurvedic Health Counselor

Starting Jungle Keva Tulum has been a deeply personal journey for me, one rooted in a desire to create something that honors my heart and a commitment to providing unconventional experiences for others. Read more>>

Keokuk Domingo | CEO and Founder

My decision to start a business was driven by a desire to empower individuals with the freedom, cleanliness, and confidence that comes from having a well-organized and beautiful living space. To achieve this, I pursued education and training to ensure that I could provide effective methods and tools to my clients. Read more>>