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.

Patricia Morgan

I knew I needed more flexibility to be a more present parent with my kids’ schedule without feeling like I wasn’t juggling work life balance well. The perpetual mom guilt if you will. I wanted to take a step back from the day to day grind to reset and build a brand that resonated with my leadership style and how I practice law. Read More>>

Nina Mua

Chakra Hours started from a very simple idea: people are carrying a lot more stress than we usually see on the outside. For years, I’ve been drawn to practices like yoga, meditation, breathwork, and sound healing because I’ve experienced how powerful they can be, not only for relaxation, but for helping people feel more grounded, clear, and connected to themselves again. Read More>>

Clay Eiland

My path to Eiland Coffee actually started with an unexpected detour. When I received a letter from Apple notifying me that they were discontinuing their authorized reseller program, I found myself at a crossroads. Read More>>

Lexxy Gibson

I started my business because I wanted something I felt like I couldn’t find. I wanted a space where I could show up as myself, feel confident, move my body, and still feel soft and feminine. A lot of fitness spaces felt either too intense or not aligned with that energy. Read More>>

Nikki Heath

I got signed to a Management Deal by InstruMusic Solutions in 2022. I had been booking and doing everything for myself and for my band. They realized that I could help them find talent for their roster and hired me. I became a Co-Owner a year later.. Read More>>

Tim Halls

My thought process behind starting Burnt BBQ and Tacos was really about combining passion, family, and culture into one place. After spending years in the restaurant industry as an Executive Chef and General Manager — and even working as an EMT for 10 years — I realized I wanted to build something that truly represented who I am and the people around me.  Read More>>

Adriana Torres-Pena, LCSW

Starting my own business came from realizing that the work I cared most about didn’t always fit neatly inside systems, policies, or limitations I couldn’t control. After years of working with children and families in different settings, moving into mental health therapy made me see how much more support people truly need beyond what is often allowed within traditional structures. Read More>>

EVA NANA YAA KYEREWAA

Starting Eva’s Braiding and Beauty Supply came from my passion for beauty, confidence, and making people feel good about themselves. I wanted to create more than just a business. I wanted a place where people could feel welcomed, beautiful, and cared for. Read More>>