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.
Emily Kern
The idea for my wedding planning business was born the week after my own wedding. My husband and I threw a full-blown 70s-themed celebration—think vintage family photos, disco balls, funky attire, and a playlist filled with our favorite hits from the decade. We went all in, and so did our guests. It felt like we stepped right into a modern-day disco movie. I had so much fun planning every detail that when it was over, I found myself asking, “What now?” That’s when it hit me—I didn’t want the planning to end. One week later, I officially launched my business, and I haven’t looked back since. Read More>>
Rolexis Schinsing
Honestly, the idea for HMUA Agency came from a genuine passion for making the beauty industry better. Stephanie and I first met on a creative project, and from that moment, we just clicked. Our styles, our visions, and our love for this craft just aligned naturally. It was during that collaboration that we realized how powerful it could be to bring together talented, dedicated makeup artists & hair stylist under one trusted umbrella. Read More>>
Ryan Lamon
I came up with this idea after doing it for many years unpaid. I would always video/vlog my bands “Blue Lizard” and “ToyMachine!” and handle all of our social media platforms, event planning, and communications. From that, I opened up 2 creative spaces called the “Film Factory” and “Film Factory Loft”. These spaces were 3,500 sqft and 2,000 sqft. One was an old warehouse that was converted into a creative space and the other was also the 2nd floor Loft of an old warehouse on the Westside of Jersey City. Read More>>
Ally Weiss
Grip Baby was built on the foundation that babies are meant to crawl, but modern surfaces make it hard. After having my first son, I noticed how much he struggled to gain traction on our hardwood floors. He’d get so frustrated trying to move, and it broke my heart. I went looking for a solution and was shocked to find there wasn’t anything out there that directly supported crawling, one of the most important developmental milestones. So I made one! Read More>>
Marisa Carter
My husband and I first came up with MSMP Media LLC from the back bones of what it already was, AKA MSMP Photography.
At first it was just a one woman business and once my husband joined me, after covid, he gave me the idea to expand MSMP into a growing partnership/business working alongside other creative and talented photographers & videographers. Read More>>
Shyevena Fields
The Story of The Sugar Artist
On July 10, 2024, The Sugar Artist was born, not just as a business, but as a vision that came straight from my spirit. I was reading through my training manual when the words “sugaring is an art” jumped out at me. Something about that line unlocked something in me. I instantly started writing, and pages of thoughts and ideas just poured out. Read More>>
LaNay Smith
During my senior year of college, I was doing a paid internship with a company in the criminal justice field. It was about a year later after, working around the clock & plenty of overtime and picked up shifts. On January 1, 2019, I lost my grandfather. After everything I had done for that company, they REFUSED to give me any bereavement time. I was threatened that if I went to the funeral, I would be fired. Read More>>
Jessica Tremblay
I’m incredibly lucky to be surrounded by so many smart, driven creatives who are passionate about their work and what they do. These are friends who own small businesses and love being their own bosses. It’s no mistake how that passion rubbed off on me to the point where I would eventually start my own business. Read More>>
Mohamaris Gomez
When starting my journey with Solskyluna I found myself in a very dark place dealing with a lot of personal issues, I wanted to feel better about myself and I knew helping and making others feel good about themselves has always been my thing. I started looking into industry’s that’s could be helpful to others and came across esthetician school. Read More>>
Mathew Kerbis
When I was a law student in 2013, I was Chair of the American Bar Association (“ABA”) Law Student Division. It’s kind of like being president of America’s law students, at least at ABA accredited law schools. I traveled the country and lobbied for improved standards that benefit law students. I also got to know, at least anecdotally, how prevalent student loan debt was on the minds of law students (and how my own student loan concerns were not solitary). Read More>>