Many books on startups and business talk about how there are right and wrong reasons for starting a business. So, we asked a handful of successful founders about their reasons and the thought-process behind starting their business.

Hetal Joshi Nagaraj | Independent Educator, Infrastructor Specialist, Perfomer, Artistic Director, IT Geek, Textile Fabric Designer, Alternative Holistic Wellness Coach

It was a process that continuously triggered the idea! The idea sparked the very first time in 90s when I came across Darpana Academy, my own IB schools infrastructure (Convents) and my visits to factory sites such as Reliance Industries, Nirma and visits to several textile/industrial factories in Ahmedabad because of my dad and by own school trips. All of this attracted me. I was in India back then as dad refused to relatives for USA visa due to mom’s health.
Those couple years of factory visits and these established infrastructure changed my life! In early teen years, i was introduced to salon services and beauty industry so that I can take care of myself as performing arts was related to it. Read more>>

Lucky Gordon | Founder/CEO, The House Label

The decision to start my own business focused on designing custom uniforms for the hospitality industry was rooted in my design and manufacturing background and a thoughtful analysis of the market needs and trends within this sector. Let me break down the thought process. Before diving into this venture, I founded two contemporary fashion collections that were sold at many upscale retailers nationwide- including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom to name a few. I was very familiar with the world of garment design and manufacturing. But uniforms are a very different product, so I conducted extensive market research to understand the challenges faced by the hospitality industry in this area. Read more>>

Kamran Maddela | Barber & Entrepreneur

I’ve always wanted to be my own boss because I like to have the freedom to do things my own way. Once I found my passion in barbering I just put the work in and ran with it. I’ve grown and accomplished a lot, but there’s still always going to be room to grow more. However I’m enjoying each step of building my brand from the ground up. Read more>>

Ana Cruz | Social Media Marketer & Podcaster

I had been generating money with my hobby, digital marketing, for several years, but it never crossed my mind that it could become my own business and my main financial income. I started more than 10 years ago when saying that you were a blogger was new, back then the concepts of influencer or content creator didn’t even exist, people didn’t take me seriously. But there came a point when companies and brands began to realize that digital advertising and marketing were gaining strength and reaching unique and specific market niches, where they could have a more intimate impact and approach than with conventional media such as radio and television and that it was also much cheaper, I knew it was time to formalize my business Rollos de Mujeres LLC and put into practice my more than 15 years of experience in media, but above all, my experience listening and connecting with people and creating a community. Read more>>

Paula Goforth | Paula Goforth Photography – Maternity, Newborn and Lifestyle Family photographer

As a child, I have always enjoyed taking pictures of random things and having a camera on vacation and trips. When I became a parent, I loved capturing my daughters. It didn’t matter what they were doing, I wanted every detail of those growing-up memories with them. Then came grandkids…my camera stayed attached to my hand! My “real professional” journey with photography began in 2010 when my daughters encouraged me to reach to friends and capture their families. That is where it ALL begin. I started out as a Senior photographer and eventually decided I wanted to move to Newborn photography. Read more>>

Matt Davis | President & Head Janitor

I didn’t start my own business, this was actually a non pre-planned passing of a legacy. My dad started this company in 1991, and I hated working for the family business. I found a career in purchasing and was miserably content in my job, and one day in a casual conversation with my dad, he asked me, “When are you going to take this company over for me?”…. I had never given it real thought before, but after consulting with several people, my wife gave me the clearest answer that made my decision really simple. She said, “Take a look at your current boss, and take a look at your dad. Who do you want to grow up to be like?” And with that statement, I quit my job, and started working full time at the family business. Read more>>

Nallely Banda | Sugaring’ specialist| & Brow artist

I started my business with a partner. We both decided to go our separate ways and it was a great de ion for both us. Read more>>

Cole Gilman | ARC Owner & Head Trainer

My wife and I have always been fitness enthusiasts concerned with our health and well-being. We are both former athletes and grew up in families where the importance of health was stressed. We both were involved, opened, and coached in the fitness franchise world but found it to be very limiting. We found that given such limitations, there was a much bigger need not being filled. In our community, nothing existed that focused beyond just fitness, such as recovery, youth based programs, and even more so anything faith based. A lot of youth identify with sports, especially in a very successful sports town, but often times they are lost outside of that identification means with no outlet. Read more>>

Shelby Smith | Western Fashion Blogger and Marketer

My thought process behind starting my blog, Western Aesthetics, was: I wanted to share my passion for Western culture. I grew up in a Western family, and I have always loved the lifestyle and values. I wanted to create a space where people could come to learn about Western culture and get inspired by it.
I wanted to connect with other people who shared my interests. I knew that there were other people out there who loved Western culture as much as I did, but I didn’t have many opportunities to connect with them. I wanted to create a community where people could come together to share their stories and experiences. I wanted to build a platform for my own creative work. I am a writer and western fashion marketer , and I wanted to have a place where I could share my work with the world. Read more>>

Chelsea Hodges | Wife, Mom & Small Town Med Spa Owner

I started Haus of High Cotton with the intention of helping people feel beautiful by providing access to underserved and underprivileged communities. I saw first-hand the disparity between the “haves and the have-nots” and set out with the mission of making a difference in the lives of many, not just a few. My goal is to bridge the gap between financial constraints and self-care. I offer affordable services without compromising quality. This allows individuals from all walks of life to access beauty treatments that can enhance their self-esteem and overall well-being. I wanted to focus on accentuating natural beauty, to empower individuals to feel more confident and comfortable in their own skin. Read more>>

Isaac Westbrook | Photographer

My thought process for starting my photography business was that I could turn my artistic talent into creating photos since I knew how to draw. I told myself I would take photos that tell a story in my artistic way. I went into the photography business, having the tools of an artist. Still, I needed to gain the technique and knowledge of a photographer and the business mindset of running a business in photography. I went on YouTube to look at videos of experienced photographers giving information about using a camera and learning what accessories are needed for a camera. From a business aspect, I asked friends who are entrepreneurs in their category about starting and maintaining your business. Read more>>

Robert Queen | Graphic Designer | Editor RNow Media

Business itself is a lot of hard work and dedication toward anything that you are building. You are embracing your own brand and trend while building an empire of your own for the world to enjoy. The first step is to “think” about what it is you are launching into and stick it. You may a lot of creatives come across with other ideas but as long as you make that one desire stick out first it will benefit you to start! Starting for me in the graphics world was under pressure because the game of it all was so high! Surrounded with multiple talented team players of the design and arts industry I yet pushed since 2013. Read more>>

Shametra (Mimi) Johnson | Safety Defense Instructor

My thought process behind starting my business was my son and cousin both got shot and I wanted a business that empowered people safety wise without the use of guns. Read more>>