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.

Micah

“Honestly, it was about ownership and legacy. I’ve spent years giving my time, creativity, and energy to jobs and industries that didn’t reflect my full value. At some point, I realized I didn’t want to just participate — I wanted to build something I could pass down, something that reflected my culture, my voice, and my vision. My business isn’t just about content or music; it’s about creating a sustainable ecosystem where creativity meets strategy. I wanted to be in control of the narrative, the revenue, and the reach — and the only way to do that was to build it myself.” Read More>> 

Iman Laureano

When I started, I never intended to build a business. I began making candles out of a genuine need and desire for something non-toxic and safe to burn in my home. At the time, I was regularly buying candles from brands like Diptyque and Nest. But one day, while burning a Diptyque candle, I noticed how unusually hard the wax was. That moment sparked a deep dive into what was actually inside the candles I loved. What I found shocked me: many were made with ingredients linked to harmful toxins and carcinogens. So, I did what felt natural..I decided to make my own. Read More>> 

Brian Okeke

My passion stems from powerlifting and strength sports overall. They take up a huge part of my life, not just from a performance standpoint, but from a discipline and transformative perspective and community engagement. Ultimately, after being in the sport for such an extended period, I realized there was a way to document, empower and showcase the transformations of my lifters and others as well through a lens that goes unseen sometimes. Read More>> 

KL Watson

My thought process behind starting my own business was the desire to have control over my own schedule while also using my talents to produce a source of income. Merging my fondest hobby along with the business nature I have was an idea to tell be a stepping stone towards financial freedom. Read More>> 

Richard Mudd

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset, it’s just in me. By the age of 27, this is already my third business venture. Each step along the way has helped shape my vision, sharpen my approach and most importantly, expand my mindset to embrace collaboration over competition. That shift is a big part of why OTM TV is what it is today. Read More>> 

Rosi Yabur

My journey started with a deep love for children and a passion for education. Entre Letras y Colores was born as a space to bring learning to life through colors, stories, songs, and emotions. At first, I created content to support my students and families in a more personal and creative way, especially during the pandemic. But soon I realized there was a bigger need: bilingual families and educators were searching for meaningful, respectful ways to connect with children. Read More>> 

Ariel Ellzey

The thought process behind starting my business was deeply personal and rooted in purpose. When my son Malcolm was born prematurely and spent time in the NICU, it was one of the most challenging seasons of my life. But in that vulnerable space, God planted something powerful in my heart—a vision to turn that pain into purpose. I didn’t want our story to be something we just survived; I wanted it to become something that inspired and uplifted others. That’s how Miracle Malcolm was born— Read More>> 

Tara Paulsen

As a kid, I always wanted to see the 7 wonders of the world. After I took my mom to Middle East for her 75 bday/ we went and saw Petra and it was amazing. I decided then to open a travel company taking people to see the 7 wonders. I have been teaching over for over 12 years in the metro plex and decided to make my trips more focus on wellness and cultural trips and switched gears to now going more than to the 7 wonders. Read More>>