Ideas aren’t everything, execution matters greatly, but starting often requires an idea and so we asked folks to think back and tell us the story of how they came up with the idea for their businesses. We’ve highlighted some of our favorite stories below.

Dr. Constance Leyland | Serial Educator, International Published Author, and Podcast Host

My business was born because of my experiences both in the academic world. I taught K-12 all the way to a doctoral program. What I have noticed is that any institutions that I have worked for, all create their curriculum around theory a lot. Occasionally we look at case studies, etc. but we don’t ever teach our students the soft skills they need to stay employable and create that transferable skills. Read more>>

Giada Matteini | Artist, Thinker, Mother & Dreamer

We were in lockdown because of the Covid-19 Pandemic; even though everything outside of my home was traumatic, bleak and dangerous, inside the home that I created with my son, I felt safe and grateful. As a survivor of domestic violence I felt very blessed to have a home full of love and light. Read more>>

Liz Leiva | Owner

It all started about 8 years ago. I was in a depression, and my husband wanted to help me, My whole life I have loved baking but never took it to the next level. it was always finding a recipe and making it for the family, or always being in the kitchen coming up with new but delicious inventions. Read more>>

Sheronda Null | Ladybuggz Bows

Me coming up with my hair bow business comes from me having a daughter.She was 4 at the time when I started my hair bow business.I got tired of going into the store seeing the same basic bows over and over again and wanted something cute/extra but also affordable for mommas out there. Read more>>