We reached out to some of our favorite entrepreneurs and asked them to think back and tell us about how they decided to start a business. Check out their responses below.

Richard Maddox

Playhouse West has been around for over 40 years and the last location Sanford Meisner spent the final decade of his life working and perfecting his technique. When My teaching partner and I received the green light to open in Dallas, it was a no brainer. Tamara and I look at it much more as an opportunity to give back and continue authentic Meisner teachings to honor his legacy. Read More>> 

Garrick Hubbard

My decision to start this business came from a genuine love for music and the creative process. I’ve always been drawn to the energy of the studio, the excitement of discovering new artists, and the opportunity to share that talent with a wider audience. With my background as a student of history, I’m fascinated by the idea of being part of the evolving story of the music industry and contributing to the culture being created today. For me, this business is not only about building professional relationships, but also about creating a meaningful life and leaving a lasting mark on something I truly care about.” Read More>> 

Ricki-Lyn Calabro

I’ve always had a love for things that smell good—candles, perfumes, fresh cleaning products. There’s something so powerful about how a scent can instantly transport you to a memory or moment in time.

As I grew older, I started paying more attention to the products I was using and was shocked to learn how many of them were filled with harmful chemicals like parabens and phthalates. What I thought was harmless was actually affecting my health. Read More>> 

Jeremy Gords & Brittani Gords

Honestly, we first picked up a camera back in 2011 because we wanted to photograph and document the birth and life of our first daughter who was born in 2012. This was before phones had good cameras like they do now so we bought a Sony A35 DSLR and started capturing everything! Over time we fell in love with photography and started doing small shoots for friends and family. In 2015, we decided to close that first photography business. Read More>> 

Ben Bauer

Over the years, I have created several businesses, driven by the understanding that my opportunities would be greater as an entrepreneur and business owner. I have experience as a self-employed individual in the mortgage industry, a partner in a construction and development firm, a partner in a software company, and even managed a professional three-car racing team. Read More>> 

Jessica Wheeler

Starting The Dyslexia Diva was deeply personal. I’ve always had a heart for struggling readers, and watching a child go from frustration to confidence is what drives me. Over time, I became increasingly aware of the heartbreaking connection between low literacy rates in the U.S. and long-term outcomes like poverty and incarceration. I knew I wanted to be part of changing that narrative. Read More>> 

Rishi Alluri

Purifi started with a rather simple thought: why is it that in 2025, so many people still don’t have access to clean drinking water when disasters strike? I couldn’t stop thinking about how something as basic as safe drinking water becomes a luxury in the middle of a crisis.

I didn’t want to just build a project that looked good and function on paper but rather something people could actually use when it mattered most. That’s why I designed Purifi to be solar-powered and portable, so it can work anywhere without needing complicated setup or outside resources. Read More>> 

Kylah Carter

As a young girl, I’ve always pictured myself in the perfect suit and heels, briefcase in hand. I had a huge fascination with briefcases–they just looked so official to me! My mother and grandmother always let me dress myself, and that freedom really sparked my love for clothing. From there, it grew into a love for shopping, which then turned into an obsession with designer shows and NYFW. Read More>> 

Rochelle Robinson

The thought process behind starting Chamomile & Lace came from a mix of passion, purpose, and problem-solving. I’ve always been drawn to the artistry of handcrafted products, especially those that promote self-care and well-being. But when I looked at the personal care products on the market, I saw a gap — too many were filled with unnecessary chemicals, lacked authenticity, or didn’t offer the sensory, uplifting experience I felt skincare should provide. Read More>> 

Osiris Ayala

Well, it’s kind of a long story, but to keep it short I basically stumbled into this business through someone introducing me to it—something I didn’t even know existed at the time! From there, I just learned every angle from the ground up, and eventually I thought, ‘Hey, I can do this on my own!’ And that’s how it all started.” Read More>> 

Daniel Witcher

I always thought there were a lot of intriguing aspects to starting and running a business. I love that you can create a space for the community that can have an awesome environment while also providing jobs. It is a real privilege to be able to come up with a concept and be able to create and execute it. I also like that you are able to directly reap the rewards of your work. Read More>> 

Bhakti

I’ve always been passionate about blending creativity with culture, and I noticed a strong demand for authentic handcrafted jewelry and handmade gifts and decor were hard to find with a personal touch.

The thought process behind starting my business was driven by both passion and observation. I noticed that there was a growing interest in authentic handmade products, but not many accessible platforms that represented them well. I combined my love for cultural craftsmanship with this market opportunity. Read More>> 

Nicole Solano

My thought process behind starting Mini Bites was really about creating a life that blended my passions with my priorities. I’ve always loved making food that makes people smile, so I wanted to do something I genuinely enjoyed while also having the flexibility to be present with my kids. I also wanted to set an example for them that if you have an idea and you’re willing to put in the work, you can build something from scratch and watch it grow into something that not only brings you joy but also supports your family. Mini Bites became that for me: a creative outlet, a way to connect with the community, and a chance to show my kids what’s possible when you follow your dreams and keep going, even when it’s hard. Read More>> 

Mama Virgo

When I decided to start my own business, I was exhausted of my current reality. First off, I prefer to utilize the term “legacy building vehicle” because that was and is really my idea behind this all. I needed to create a life that felt good for me now and forever and could greatly benefit my children. I currently have three children, and I have always desired a large family, however I knew that wasn’t possible living off of government assistance and a “hard-working” man. When I began this journey, I was in a devoted partnership, and we were struggling desperately and I absolutely could not continue in that reality. I had to create wealth of my own that was not dependent on mine or anyone else’s circumstances. Read More>> 

Scott Robbins

I had run successful coaching/teaching operations at/for various facilities since 1991. When I had the opportunity to branch out and continue my coaching under my own banner, I took the chance. I was able to negotiate and create a true win-win situation for the facilities I conducted my programming at. Not only does our programming benefit the facility by the fees I pay but also by exposing the facility for additional revenue through play by the parents and families of our youth participants as well as the incremental bonuses of food and beverage and merchandise sales. Read More>> 

Jim Attrell

The market was demanding products that the industry was not offering. To provide those products required a blending of construction techniques that no large supplier was willing to undertake due to the increased risk and the need for highly trained managers and employees. Read More>> 

Amaria Webster

I started Esse because I saw a gap. Men often don’t get the same care, conversation, or safe spaces that women do—especially when it comes to wellness and self-care. I wanted to create more than a body care brand. I wanted a brand that addressed the whole man: mind, body, spirit. The body butter is just the first step—it’s a tool for daily care, but also a symbol that you deserve more than just survival. You deserve legacy, confidence, and community. Read More>> 

Bobby Johnson

I worked in Corp. offices for years. Over time, it became stressful, unfulfilling and I wasn’t enjoying my job. It was hard going to a job everyday that I didn’t enjoy. I really enjoyed fitness, It made me feel great, kept me healthy, relived stress, and I’ve met so many people. I want others to feel and experience what I have, along with living a better healthier life, both physically and mentally. Read More>> 

Holly Bridier

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and knew I wanted to put a fun, unique spin on a business of my own. I’ve loved getting dressed up and feeling my best for as long as I can remember—and I’ve always wanted to help other women experience that same confidence. Starting Jaded Tans was truly a no-brainer; it’s the perfect way to showcase my personality while helping others look and feel their absolute best! Read More>> 

Samuel Hawkins

Starting my own business was really about recognizing an opportunity and wanting to create something meaningful on my own terms. I’ve always had a mix of curiosity and independence, and I realized that working for myself would give me the freedom to shape my vision. Read More>>