Starting a business or creative project is scary for many reasons, but one that is often overlooked is the anxiety related to whether this is really “the one.” To some, this isn’t a valid consideration while to others this is the only consideration. Some argue that what you work on, along with who you work with are the two most pivotal decisions you’ll make and so we’ve asked folks to tell us about how they came up with their ideas and how they knew this idea was the one.
Joshua Horn
I’ve been independently making videos and taking photos since 2016. I’ve always had a passion for creating and finding a way to make that into a living. For some reason, i’ve always have been fascinated with how things are made. I’m the guy who will go to a craft show and go inside the tent to meet the vendor. I’m amazed with what ideas other creatives come up with and how they put it all together. In fact, very recently my wife put together her own business where she makes beaded accessories and oil diffusers. I went with her to her first market to help her put it all together and be there for support. I brought my camera with me to help take pictures and market her event, and thought it might be a cool idea to take photos for other vendors as well. It turns out that not only did my wife need help with the photos, but the other vendors as well. That same day I met a vendor who sold hand-made soy candles. Read more>>
Edward Underwood
The vision for Touchstone Learning Solutions wasn’t born overnight—it evolved from a deep calling to serve all learners, regardless of their background or starting point. My journey as an educator has been rich and varied, taking me from coach and mentor to therapeutic staff support, teacher, and methodologist. Along the way, I’ve witnessed the challenges and triumphs of learners across every stage of life. Whether it’s a child mastering reading for the first time, a teenager grappling with the concept of learning itself, an adult seeking to retool for higher education or a career change, or someone pursuing knowledge purely for the joy of it, one truth has become clear: our educational system wasn’t designed to truly empower learners. Read more>>
Taylor Husereau
I’d often roll out my yoga mat at home, my oldest son attempting handstands alongside me while I tried to focus on my breath. Meanwhile, as I continued to learn new practices, sound healing would became my secret tool, soothing my youngest when the world felt too loud for him. Those imperfect yet deeply connected moments sparked something in me: a wish for a safe space where everyone—no matter their story—could show up as they are. Read more>>
Mike Katona
Years back I worked for an advertising agency. Part of my job was to come up with and source really fun swag / promotional products for Fortune 500 companies. In that space there was a ton of what the industry calls “trinkets and trash”. Those are essentially the cheapo $1.00 – $2.00 promotional items brands create that end up in one of your drawers or you can put right in the trash. I always took great pride and was well known for finding some of the coolest swag items and presenting or delivering them to the end-user in a creative way. Some of my friends outside of the industry saw what I was doing and said “Hey! can I get one of those” or “You should start your own business and make these.” So I did! Read more>>
Emily Keiser
My business model and niche have been in the works for a long time. I worked in several tri-state studios before launching my own business. During that time, I didn’t just focus on Pilates but also observed and learned as much as I could related to the business side. I realized early on that men were not a focus of their marketing, yet these studio owners complained that they didn’t have enough male clients. They always spoke about how vital this work is for men, but they didn’t speak to them when advertising. I started to sense that this lack of male clients in studios wasn’t just a marketing problem but also revealed how intimidated some Pilates teachers were. I couldn’t understand why some teachers were hesitant to teach men. So, what did I do? I asked my bosses and mentors to give me any new male clients because I wanted to learn what it took to teach men experientially. From the beginning, I learned that there were anatomical differences and subtle variations in movement patterns, but I enjoyed teaching men. Read more>>
Diana Elliot Graham
I wrote started writing my first book in February of 2022. At the time, I had no idea if it would actually become anything more than a google doc that stayed buried in a folder I would forget about. The idea to write the book was encouraged by a friend. She herself is an indie author, and we bonded over a love of romance novels. As you do with friends, you reminisce, you brainstorm. And as we were talking about romance novels, breakups, and the traditional happily ever after, the idea for a different type of romance novel was born. Now, I’m not the first person to come up with the idea for a love story crafted around a second chance at love, but the more I thought about it and all the classic romance novels I read, I felt more and more inspired to write something different. Read more>>
Oak Morse
When it comes to my admiration for words, I would say somewhere between seeing John Singleton’s Poetic Justice and immersing myself in R&B and hip-hop music at an early age, I developed an affinity for language. When I can have people experience that same love for music, the expressive power of words, and the deep connection, I feel a sense of satisfaction. I have carried this enthusiasm with me since I can remember. From Brandy’s “Never Say Never” to Martin Lawrence’s “Don’t You Know No Good” to Jean Valentine’s “Door in the Mountain,” are a few of the many pieces that ignite my passion for beautiful words, by writing and witnessing the effects of its transformative power. All these experiences paved the way for the establishment of my custom poetry writing business, Ink Motifs, where I craft the ideal gift, poetry canvases, for you or your loved ones, ensuring it is a present they would cherish for a lifetime and can pass it on to future generations. This design is perfect for events such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, funerals or memorials, retirements, business mottos, baby showers, and graduations; work that is very personal to people and is not frequently seen. Read more>>
April White
I started Trust Relations to create a PR firm focused on authentic storytelling. Frustrated by the shallow, image-driven nature of traditional public relations, I wanted to offer a more genuine approach, helping clients build real connections with their audiences through meaningful and honest narratives. Trust Relations was born from my belief that true, transparent communication is essential in a world where trust in media and corporate messaging is increasingly eroded. Trust Relations aims to bridge the gap between brands and the people they serve by focusing on authenticity to create long-lasting relationships built on credibility and trust. Read more>>
Elise Conley
I first came up with the idea for the Cookin’ with Booze Newsletter as a place for me to showcase more in-depth content about the Charleston food scene that didn’t quite fit in my social media channels (@cookinwithbooze on Instagram and TikTok). I started my Instagram back in 2016 when I was a junior at the College of Charleston and writing for Spoon University. It started out as (now cringey) food puns and highly filtered photos, and I am so glad the focus has shifted to video. Videos provide more of an opportunity for storytelling, which is what I’m best at. Since then, I have grown my channels to 25.8k+ followers on Instagram and 26.5k+ followers on TikTok. Read more>>
Sofia Silva
Jewelry has always been a passion of mine but, I often found that there were not many inclusive options that fit everyone or went with everyone’s style. That is when I started Weld & Wear – Permanent Jewelry, to be able to custom fit any type of jewelry to suit my client! I now carry over 70+ high quality chains and nearly 1,000 different charms. Every piece is completely unique and made to fit exactly how you would like. I also offer clasps for those that cannot make the long term commitment or would like to purchase my jewelry for someone else. I am also launching a hand made line of jewelry, a crystal line of jewelry, and custom engraving, so that I can be even more inclusive! Read more>>
Roy Schwartz
The idea for the documentary, which is the first of its kind, took shape gradually. In 2023 I was invited by the Center for Jewish History in New York, a Smithsonian affiliate, to co-curate an exhibit titled JEWCE: THE JEWISH COMICS EXPERIENCE, about the Jewish history of comics as well as Jewish expression and representation in comics. The idea for the exhibit came from Dr. Miriam Eve Mora, the Academic Director of the Center, and Fabrice Sapolsky, a comic book artist and publisher best known for co-creating Spider-Man Noir. To our fortune it received strong reviews and ended up becoming the most well-attended exhibit in the history of the Center. Read more>>
Jarrod Cox
I have been a Leprechaun fan for years and use to follow the old website Lepconnie. It’s been long gone off the Internet for many years. When I saw there were no Leprechaun themed fanpages online I said I’ll just make one myself. So I came up with the name LeppieLaddie. I’ve been posting Leprechaun stuff for several years now on Instagram, YouTube & Twitter. I got to meet some of my favorite actors from the movies too like Warwick Davis & Mark Holton. It’s been a very fun experience connecting with fans and making new friends along the way. When not posting Leprechaun I also include some funny characters I’ve played over the years like Witchie Poo and Bubba Lumpkin. I enjoy keeping the Leprechaun spirit alive and posting content to make people laugh online. I recently got to be in a book about the making of Leprechaun by B. Harrison Smith too and that was a very rewarding experience. I don’t know if it’s good luck or just the Leprechaun in me, but it’s been a Golden good time! I love my fans and the community has been very supportive of what I do. Leprechaun in a way too saved my life when I was going through a rough spot when I lost my mother from cancer. I don’t know what it is about the character but it’s something I hold special to my heart. Warwick Davis gave the character life and fans to this day love the lad in green! Read more>>
Pamela Anoliefo
The idea for my business didn’t come from a single “aha” moment — it was more like a journey of experiences that finally clicked into place. When I first moved to Canada, I knew how challenging it could be to find my footing, especially as a newcomer. To give back, I started mentoring and coaching others for free — helping them navigate the job market, clarify their career paths, and build the confidence they needed. Many of these individuals were aspiring business analysts, project managers, and scrum masters, — people whose roles are vital to successful organizations but often lack targeted support. Read more>>
Alicia Brown
When I came up with the idea for The Wick and Wine Experience, it wasn’t during a moment of calm—it was in the middle of chaos. I had just been laid off from my job in advertising, and I was trying to navigate feelings of uncertainty and loss. For me, candles became my therapy. Lighting one at the end of a tough day gave me a sense of calm and control when everything else felt so unstable. I realized that these simple moments of self-care weren’t just helping me—they were transforming me. Read more>>
Iryna Riaba
It’s a bit of a serendipitous story. About six years ago, I attended a lecture by a food photographer, not fully knowing what to expect. I just knew it had something to do with food and creativity, which had always been passions of mine. During the lecture, they began to break down the process of creating those flawless, mouthwatering images we see on packaging and in commercials. I was blown away when I learned how much goes into something as simple as a picture of chips—teams of stylists, effects specialists, pyrotechnicians, lighting experts, and more. It was this big, orchestrated dance of creativity and precision. Read more>>
Paige Young
Nip Slip Catnip started as a simple “friends and family” idea and has grown into something much more meaningful. Back in the spring of 2020, I started a large garden at home as a way to cope with the challenges of the pandemic. Like many others, I struggled with my mental health during that time and sought out hobbies that would help me feel grounded. Gardening was the perfect fit—it got me outdoors, kept me physically active, and gave me the satisfaction of nurturing plants. While planning my garden, I came across articles about catnip being an effective way to deter squirrels. I decided to plant a few, thinking it would be a great two-in-one solution: I could keep pests away from my tomatoes while treating my own cats to fresh, homegrown catnip. Read more>>
Brymax Brothers
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when everything felt uncertain and disconnected, Bryson and Maxwell, like so many other kids stuck at home, turned to video games as a way to stay entertained and connected with friends. One day, they approached me, Dad, aka “Hoagie”—with an idea that would change everything: “Let’s start a YouTube channel!” At first, I was hesitant. Between balancing work, family life, and adapting to the craziness of a global pandemic, launching a channel seemed like an overwhelming project. But the boys wouldn’t let it go. Their excitement was infectious. They started sharing all these ideas about the games they loved and how much fun it would be to share their experiences with others. Eventually, I realized this could be more than just a creative outlet for them—it could be a way to bond as a family and maybe even bring some joy to others during such a difficult time. Read more>>
Jonathan Klein
Our story started during a tough time for my wife, Emily. She had a serious knee injury while still dancing professionally with the American Ballet Theatre. If you know anything about ballet, you know it’s a physically demanding career, and dancers don’t exactly retire at 70. So, while Emily was recovering, we started talking about what life after ballet could look like—what we’d do next, what could inspire us, and how we could build something meaningful together. Part of that answer came from my godfather, Jean-Paul, or J.P. for short. J.P. was a famous herbalist in the South of France, and because my parents were busy running their own businesses and traveled a lot, I spent most of my summers with him. His home was magical—a stone cottage from the 1800s perched on a hill, surrounded by the most beautiful English gardens. But what really stuck with me was his work. J.P. dedicated his life to researching plants and their medicinal properties—after he passed, I kept his journal close. Read more>>
Hayle Howland
I started playing golf again in 2021. I had picked up my clubs, after the pandemic, to spend time outside with my family. I quickly fell in love with all aspects of golf: being surrounded by nature, unleashing my competitive self, meditating for hours on something that wasn’t work/school, and the conversations curated by time on a cart with my kids! The sport itself was fulfilling, but I soon began to realize that the shopping side was daunting. I never thought I would think shopping was overwhelming!!! I was challenged finding apparel, a new golf bag, shoes, hats, gloves – almost everything. The stores near me had very limited selections for female golfers. I turned to online shopping, as most female golfers do, and then spent copious amounts of time scrapping Google, Pinterest, and Instagram. I had truly had enough. Finding cute golf gear should not be this difficult!!! Read more>>
Titobi Oreolorun
Inspired by a fervent desire to protect our planet and empower underserved communities, JustUsedTech emerged from a simple yet impactful idea. Observing the careless disposal of perfectly functional technological devices on my college campus, I initiated a grassroots movement to reclaim these often-overlooked resources. By actively collecting unused gadgets and purchasing outdated technology from indifferent individuals, I sought to breathe new life into these discarded items. As an engaged member of various campus organizations, I recognized the potential of these revitalized devices to bridge the digital divide in rural areas. By providing access to essential technology, I aimed to empower individuals and communities that had been historically marginalized. Read more>>
Maya Bethke
The idea for Kiwi Spa was deeply rooted in my childhood experiences growing up in Ukraine. My grandmother was a skin healer, and I spent countless hours watching her work with herbs, flowers, roots, and plants to create natural remedies for various skin conditions. She always believed that healthy skin starts from within—a clean gut leads to radiant skin. Her wisdom and passion for holistic healing inspired me, and I carried those lessons with me as I grew older. As a teenager, I developed a fascination for skincare and dreamed of helping people feel confident in their skin. After formal training in aesthetics in Ukraine, I spent years gaining hands-on experience in countries like Israel, Croatia, Cyprus, and the Dominican Republic. Each place exposed me to diverse skincare techniques and cultures, but I always felt something was missing—many treatments were either too clinical or disconnected from nature. Read more>>
Jordan Hutchison
The idea for my business was born from a deeply personal journey—a journey of reclaiming my own power and rewriting the narrative I had about my body and what it meant to truly feel alive. It wasn’t something I planned; it was something that called to me, demanded to be birthed. The moment of clarity came during a period of transformation in my life. I had just gone through a season of questioning everything—my worth, my relationship with my body, and how I was showing up in the world. I realized how disconnected I had become from the truth of who I was and how often women around me were echoing the same sentiment. We live in a world that tells us, over and over, that our bodies are problems to be fixed, that our power is something to keep small and quiet. I couldn’t unsee it—and I knew I couldn’t keep quiet about it. Read more>>
Shireeta Benjamin-cosom
So the answer this question I have to tell you my backstory. I’m a registered nurse by trade. My specialty was emergency medicine. In February 2015 I met this guy on Facebook and he told me he wanted to start a home health agency. He needed two nurses and I was interested in becoming one of them. He told me that if I helped him get the agency, he would give me 10% of the profits monthly. The catch was I had to help him write the policies and get approved for the license. I knew nothing about policies, but I was intrigued by the opportunities so I decided to help him. Long story short he didn’t get approved because I sucked at writing policies. My now husband at the time said if you’re helping someone else start their home health agency why not us? I said I don’t wanna start a Home Health agency. Read more>>
Adriana Lewis Zahirah Abdul-rahim
The idea for Fun 4 All Sensory and Softplay was born during a brainstorming session where I was thinking about entrepreneurial opportunities and came across a TikTok video showcasing a Softplay business. Something about the concept instantly clicked—I thought to myself, I could definitely do something like this. It was one of those moments where inspiration feels tangible, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that this idea had incredible potential. I immediately shared the idea with Adriana, and her enthusiasm matched mine. Together, we dove headfirst into researching Softplay businesses. The more we explored, the more we realized how impactful this type of business could be, particularly in our area. Softplay businesses were not yet common in our community, and we saw an incredible opportunity to fill that gap while bringing something truly special to families and children. Read more>>
Alex Black
The idea for EpicVIN came naturally to our team because we’ve been involved in the automotive industry for many years. We’ve seen firsthand how important it is to verify a vehicle’s history before making a purchase and how devastating it can be for someone to buy a car that turns out to have hidden issues. At the time, we felt there weren’t enough accessible tools that truly empowered buyers with detailed and reliable data. We had a robust database and the expertise to analyze it, so we thought, why not put that to good use? Our goal was simple: to create a platform that helps people make informed decisions, avoid scams, and ultimately save money and stress. Read more>>
Matthew Allen
I started working in Beauty/Retail Cosmetics around 2007, after grad school at NYU while working as a dancer and performer and traveling the world doing Broadway shows. In my downtime, I worked at an upscale hair salon on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Along with selling hair products and skincare, I assisted clients post-hair service with subtle makeup touch-ups, featuring the salon’s own makeup collection. It was during that time I quickly realized I had not only a gift but also a deep passion for helping people look and feel more beautiful. Read more>>
Tony Nava
In order to answer this question, I have to take you back to 2020 when I decided to quit my well-paid job overseas. I was tired of working the routine 9-5 and decided to try my luck at being an entrepreneur. Fast forward to early 2021, I have tried and failed at different endeavors, it’s the height of the pandemic, and I have my first child expected in the next couple of months. The pressure is on. As other entrepreneurs may have experienced, I find myself deep in YouTube University late at night and find a page where they make money picking up trash. Read more>>
Rebecca Lopez
Sunrise Bookworm Co. emerged from my desire to transport my husband to Northern Arizona through a candle scent since traveling wasn’t an option at the time. In the Winter of 2018, I dove into the research and testing phase. Candles had always triggered headaches for me. When I discovered the harmful ingredients in big box brand store products, my passion ignited to curate non-toxic, clean burning products. Then the muse took me to scents inspirations inspired by my favorite literary works and films. I had never encountered a business with a bookish focus before and wanted to bring something to the literary community. Read more>>
Mallum Sanchez
During my last interview, I spoke about how I met my friends that helped me found this company. I included a picture that shows where we were when we decided to go ahead with our plan and follow our passion, on the banks of the Danube River. What I haven’t talked about yet, is how our group trip culminated in this revelation. Often, I would look online, trying to find information regarding fitness and mindset training etc, and be lost in pages upon pages, not knowing what works, what is just a cashgrab and what is legitimate. I expressed my desire to allow people to conveniently access what they need through a simple process. Tanner always wanted to provide others with his vision through the form of “San Antonio Discipline”, but found it difficult to gain a platform to allow him to operate from. He thought about it, and decided he would take action, and construct a virtual space for his coaching. Read more>>
Rosie Ortiz Liz Spano
The idea for GopherHire was born during a cross-country drive from California to New Jersey in 2020, while we brainstormed solutions to a common challenge in our industry: finding reliable, high-quality local crew outside major filming hubs with limited budgets often preventing us from traveling with our usual crew, we wanted a better way to hire exceptional local talent anywhere in the country. After refining our vision, GopherHire came to life. Read more>>
Pasquale Martinelli
I was the chef at an italian restaurant on the lowereast sode of Manhattan and i happened to cook that night for a nyc doctor and his family and at the end of the dinmer he came to visit me and asked me if i coudl go to cook for his family over the weekend at thimeir hamptons beach house . I was off that weekend and accepeted the offer My daughter back than (2011) was 4 years old and as the doctor was walkimg me through the house to ahow me around a photo on the wall of a little girl of pretty mucj the same age of my daughter caught my attention and i asked who she was ans his reply was “thats our daughter who passed away in a boat accident” ..that touched me deeply . Read more>>