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.

Kierra Crawl

Lab Roots Skincare was inspired by the intersection of science, wellness, and purpose. With a background as a biomedical lab scientist and a licensed esthetician, I saw a unique opportunity to bridge clinical knowledge with clean, results-driven skincare. The idea came from a deep desire to create products that are both effective and rooted in integrity—organic, thoughtfully formulated, and backed by science. “Lab Roots” represents my foundation in the laboratory, but also speaks to staying grounded in what truly matters: helping people feel confident and radiant in their own skin. Read More>>

Pasha Lebedinsky

Many years ago, before the internet was ubiquitous, I was instructing therapeutic painting classes for elderly residents at a managed care facility. A granddaughter of one resident watched my interaction and asked if I could paint live at her upcoming wedding. Of course, I was horrified at the idea, but my reticence was short-lived after I heard her offer. Read More>>

Coach Ricardo Miller

The idea for Effective Living LLC was birthed out of both personal experience and observation. I noticed that so many people—myself included—were constantly busy, chasing success, juggling responsibilities, and pursuing goals, yet still feeling unfulfilled. One day, over breakfast with my good friend and brother, Dominick Antonino, we had a powerful conversation about the concept of intentionally creating a life you don’t need a vacation from. That moment stuck with me. Read More>>