Readers often email us asking us for advice about new businesses they are thinking about starting and we often find that many of them don’t have a framework for thinking about a more fundamental question: why should or shouldn’t you start a business?

Below, you’ll find how successful entrepreneurs from across the city thought about this very question when they were considering whether to start their businesses.

Sarah Sides

I actually discovered permanent jewelry by accident. At the time, I was leading design and development at a jewelry brand when I came across a group of women in LA having bangles blow torched onto their wrists. I wasn’t looking to start something new, but the concept completely captivated me. There was something so emotional, so lasting about the idea of jewelry you never take off — it felt more like a bond than an accessory. Read More>> 

Dr. Tammia Guest

As Dr. Tammia Guest, D.C., my decision to start my own chiropractic office stemmed from a deep desire for both freedom and flexibility—not just for myself, but for my patients as well. I’ve always believed that true healing takes time, personalization, and an environment that isn’t rushed or restricted by rigid corporate systems. Starting my own practice allowed me to create that kind of environment. Read More>> 

Jai Brown

Starting A Phoenix Woman was both a personal mission and a deeply rooted calling. As a woman who experienced domestic violence, emotional trauma, and the challenges of rebuilding life while raising children, I understood firsthand how isolating and overwhelming that journey can be—especially for women over 25 who often feel overlooked or expected to have it all figured out. Read More>> 

Alina Latkovic

I’ve always been a creative – drawing, painting, design. Photography and videography were a natural extension of that. But I didn’t start JEM because I thought it would be easy. I started it because I saw a real need.
There were so many business owners, especially women, who had no idea how to translate their story into visuals, and no creative partner they could trust. I saw an opportunity to build a studio that wasn’t just a rental space or a content factory, but a place where brands could come to create, grow, and feel seen. Read More>> 

Octavia Schaeffer

My whole life ive grown up with parents and family members owning businesses, and wanted to try and make something of myself. Ive always been a musician, and loved to organize and lead people. So, when no one booked me to play a pride show, I took it upon myself to host our first show. I saw the perfect opportunity to start my own production company and throw my own shows! Its all about the music for me, I never wanted to start a business for money. Read More>> 

Rebecca Salazar

My thought process behind starting Sundown Sounds was really about blending two important parts of my life. I came from the nightlife and entertainment world, running an event company—but as a full-time Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, I’ve also developed a deep passion for health and wellness. I wanted to create something that honored both sides: a space where people could enjoy movement, music, and connection—without it having to happen late at night.  Read More>> 

Erin Beatty

Our thought process behind starting our own business was to get out of the jobs we hated. We wanted to work in the industry we love, with people we love and serve others better than we were being served. Erin was in a corporate job that kept her behind a cubicle and Jon worked for an automotive shop with no room for growth or opportunity. We knew there was something better out there for us, instead of looking for it through someone else, we decided to create it. Read More>> 

Jennifer Osborn

As a full-time teacher, I understand how demanding and stressful the profession can be at times. In search of a creative outlet, I discovered cookie making and it quickly became a meaningful passion. I began by taking a cookie decorating class and soon found myself experimenting and perfecting techniques at home. Read More>> 

Ivanna Nguyen

Starting Lucky Yu Bakery was rooted in something close to my heart—a childhood dream I once thought would never be possible. For a long time, I felt the need to hide parts of who I was, especially when it came to the foods and flavors I grew up loving. Flavors like matcha, red bean, corn pudding, and durian were once things I felt embarrassed by, simply because they weren’t seen as “normal” in the spaces I grew up in.
But over time, I realized those flavors are part of my identity—and they’re all something to be proud of. Read More>> 

John Adams

By the time I was in my mid-30’s I had already done 15+ years of professional work as a bassist, in just about every genre and type of setting there is. This ranged from Symphonies, to Jazz, Funk, Rock, Country and Latin bands, to studio sessions and recording projects, to musicals, to regular/weekly engagements, touring gigs, and more. As I decided to launch my own initial recording project under my name, after passing on a couple of record deals with small Jazz labels, I realized I would be better off doing them with my own label. Read More>> 

Marketa Fiala Njoku

I’ve always believed in the healing power of art, which inspired me to start a business where I could share my work with others. My motto is “Art Heals”, and my goal is to create artwork that brings joy, peace, and emotional connection. I believe that art speaks to people in unique and personal ways.

To appeal to a wide range of people, I focused on building a diverse inventory of pieces. Most of my paintings are 12×12 inches or smaller, which makes them accessible and affordable for the average buyer. However, I also create larger pieces, with pricing based on the time invested and the cost of materials. Read More>> 

Thu Trinh

Honestly, starting Thu Trinh Interiors was a long time coming. I spent years in the financial world, hit pause to raise a family, then worked part-time in healthcare — but design was always tugging at me in the background. I’d help friends and family with their spaces just for fun, and even went back to school for it in 2014, but life was busy and the timing never felt quite right. Read More>>

Elizabeth Chirinos Molero

In my home country, Venezuela, I am a lawyer and hold a Doctorate in Law. I have always felt a deep calling to learn and to support people through processes that are often difficult or confusing. I’m passionate about guiding, explaining, and providing tools that empower others to make informed and confident decisions. Read More>>

Victor Adekola

The idea to start Baycarl Editing Services was born from a combination of passion, necessity, and a desire to fill a real gap in the creative space. As someone working closely with business owners, event professionals, and creatives, I observed that many of them enjoy capturing content through photos, videos, or behind the scenes moments but often lack the time, skill, or tools to edit and present that content professionally. And in today’s digital world, how your brand shows up online can make all the difference. Read More>>

Wendy Kidd

My father is the one who started my entrepreneurship journey, by inviting me to be a co-owner in a small online only business while I was in college. Because of that, I looked into resources for starting a business and found the Small Business Develpment Center, which offered many courses on business ownership. I’ve always loved learning and the more I read, the more I found that entrepreneurship really appealed to me. Read More>>