Coming up with an idea for a business or creative project can feel exhilarating. Inspiration for a new idea can come from so many places and we’ve asked some great folks from the community to share their stories of how they came up with their ideas.

Jelena Louie

For as long as I can remember, I have been involved in one type of art or another, from music over painting and textile design to jewelry design. The idea for Buckaroo Bling came in part from necessity and in part from the need to do something creative in order to prevent myself from going crazy in the midst of the rat race at my “normal” office job. Read more>>

Tiffany Rose

Coming up with the idea…… it was out of a need to find more to do with my children while we were all suffering through the COVID 19 pandemic. My family had moved to a new city and everything was shut down. As parents, we were running out of things to do to occupy our children. One day I asked my tweens if they could have a business at their current age (10 & 11), Read more>>

Massimo Zaretti

The idea for Il Massimo came about because I really wanted to revisit the perception of Italian cuisine. The idea was to break away from certain stereotypes and to offer an authentic yet original dining experience. Gone are the checkered tablecloths, Chianti bottles on the tables, classic Italian songs, and spaghetti with meatballs. Italian cuisine is focused on simplicity, or in other words, using few ingredients in each dish. Read more>>

Rebecca Hemsley

Our current business has evolved many times over the last several years. Summer of 2015 I attended a retreat for anxiety and depression that I was currently dealing with. During this time I was given the advice by a therapist to ask myself “what have I put into a drawer and set aside that used to bring me joy, but I have forgotten about?” Read more>>

Matt Nash

The vision for Kardia Community came out of more than 25 years of my work as a pastor and missionary and realizing that the person I cared about least during all those years was myself. Soul Care is not something that was really ever discussed among pastors and ministry leaders and I wanted to create a community where pastors, priests, missionaries and ministry leaders could be themselves and receive care for their soul. Read more>>

Mehmet Sogan

I have always been passionate about coffee and how it brings people together. From my childhood in Paris, France, to my travels to coffee origins around the world, I saw firsthand how coffee could connect people and cultures. However, I noticed that there was a gap between specialty coffee quality and coffee consumer knowledge and appreciation. This is where the idea for Memli Coffee Lab was born. Read more>>

Lee Bogle

Southern Sideboard started in 2008 when I could not find the southern delicacies I grew up with in Georgia. My mother informed me they were homemade recipes that had been passed down from family through the generations. I began making cheese straws, caramel cakes, pecan sandies, ham biscuits, tomato aspic and my friends went nuts. During the holidays, I would sell them in pop up shops. Read more>>

Jessica Shore

Opening a unique flower shop has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I’ve always loved to “play” with flowers but didn’t think I could actually turn this hobby into a real business. After helping a few friends with weddings and getting requests for arrangements, I decided it was time to put my business education to the test and do this thing! IMy family and other half had a huge hand in helping me with the courage. Read more>>

Sarah Kukie

The idea for LyfLyn came from my own personal struggle with overwhelm and how that was affecting my mental health. As a creative who was then working in an architectural practice, I always had so many ideas. I always thought they were brilliant, as one does of their own ideas, and that they needed to be executed. However, on looking at things in more detail I realized that everything needed a lot of time, effort, energy and capital. And let us not forget the fact that I wanted to do all of that whilst I kept pursuing my architecture career. Read more>>

Lara Holliday

A number of years ago I started noticing a pattern in my coaching practice: a number of my female clients were coming to me with very similar issues, and feeling completely isolated within those issues — like they were the only one this thing was happening to. Read more>>

Kiara LaSha

In my teen years, I was someone that always enjoyed having eye-catching nails. My cousins took me to a nail shop for the first time for my 15th birthday, and from that point on I was addicted. I enjoyed the entire experience from choosing colors to asking my nail tech to come up with creative designs. It made me smile each time someone asked who did my nails and where I got the ideas from. Read more>>

Laura Santoyo

My career began as a freelance makeup artist from 2013-2020 and the unexpected happen covid-19 pandemic. With the world at a halt, so was my career. No events, no special occasions to dress up for other than living room dates. During covid, simultaneously my husband and I would have date nights in the living room every week to break up the monotony of pajamas, sad news, and unshowered days as well as trying to figure out how to make an income. Read more>>

Eric Coffie

I am Eric Coffie and here at Govcon Giants we teach companies how to win government contracts. This was just an idea before 2017. Before I started Govcon Giants in 2008, my life was turned upside down by the financial crisis. I had challenges, too. My construction company was weeks away from going under. I was scared. It was only with the help of a very good friend and his knowledge of working with the government that my company survived. Read more>>

Mandi Fugate Sheffel

Read Spotted Newt was founded in January 2020. The idea was born out of a love for books and the community a bookstore provides. Bookstores stimulate all the senses, the smell of new books, the anticipation of scanning the shelves, and the conversation that happens when book lovers unite. I spent a week at the Appalachian Writers Workshop in the Summer of 2019. Read more>>

Kyle Sommer

[note: This is a story about how I came up with my bestselling planner.] In 2017 I was a couple years into running a stationery business. I felt generally overwhelmed by life as an entrepreneur. I had so much on my plate: a busy personal life with friends and family I loved, as well as a massive to-do list for my tiny business. Read more>>

Michelle Lukasiewicz

I have been involved in animal activism for over 30 years. First becoming vegetarian and then vegan, I have always felt a kinship with animals. My family and I spent our vacations visiting sanctuaries even as far as England, but our favorite tradition was ThanksLiving at Farm Sanctuary in Orland California. Ten years ago, I was looking to return to my hometown in CA when I passed some land in AZ and thought “wonder if I could afford land to open a sanctuary?” Well, after being stuck in traffic on a Saturday afternoon in CA visiting family, I decided I was staying in AZ and buying property. Read more>>

Arnold Risvik

So I build Ninja Warrior Obstacle Gyms for a living. It started 11 years ago when I tried out for the show and made it on. After that season I started building obstacles at my house to help me train. I was in the process of starting my own machine shop at that point and was no stranger to building pretty much anything. I spent the next 6 years building Ninja Warrior obstacles on the side as the show grew in popularity. Read more>>

Tesha Nixon

In Dec. 2019 we registered for our LLC because Kendall (7) came home crying about being teased for being “too tall” and being the only girl playing basketball with all the boys. This had been a reoccurring issue at this point. Although I hugged her and told her she was perfect the way she was, she asked a piercing question which was, “Can I just be normal?”. Being a child of a father who is 6’7″ and a mother who is 6’2″, Read more>>

Carolyn Siden

I have always had a passion for interior design and a consistent aesthetic both in the home and how I dress. In addition, the women in my life (“my tribe”) and my friendships have always been a priority to me and I’ve nurtured these relationships throughout many years. Many of them have turned to me as their go-to resource for home decor, fashion and have been inquisitive about my lifestyle. Read more>>

Matt Staudenmaier and Grace Foley

“I should put that on a shirt”, I said after a particularly challenging day of repeating myself while dog training. The Daily Dog Designs was created on a whim! As full time dog trainers (and Grace is a former veterinary technician of 20 years), we’ve spent a great deal of our lives working with, and living around dogs – their healthcare, their sports, their training and their owners. The bond between people and dogs is amazing – and complex! This sometimes yields some hilarious notions: Read more>>

Robert Myers

Little Foot Foods was conceptualized after Rachael Myers completed her Masters program at the University of Windsor. She already had a teaching degree but realized she didn’t want to spend her life in an office or classroom. She loves working with her hands and has a passion for cooking. When discussing what she wanted pursue now that she had completed her post secondary education, Rachael put out he idea of cooking for a living. Read more>>

Madison Giordano

I have always been an entrepreneurial spirit – from donut stands in my driveway at six years old to bracelet making at 10 to creating photo slideshows for events at 12. I have always loved having a business or a project to work towards. But the most influential business endeavor in my life was when my family bought an adventure resort in Northeastern Wisconsin when I was 12 years old. Read more>>

Christine Cardona

This will be a 2 for 1 special! I’ll start with my Real Estate career. From my first after school job selling trendy shoes at the mall to my first 9 to 5 in the Oil & Gas industry, and on to my last 9 to 5 where I managed a waxing salon and over a dozen employees in total, I’d say I’ve obtained a variety of skills and experience over the last 15 years. Read more>>

Emily Cornelius

I initially started my business as a macro coach for weight loss. Teaching macro counting felt like an unnatural fit for me. I personally hated counting and recording all the numbers and it wasn’t what I personally did to lose weight. I just felt like it was the main thing I was taught in school as a Dietitian for weight loss so I started with it. After about a year into coaching, I was feeling frustrated that there was about 45% of my clients who couldn’t lose weight. Read more>>

Krystle Allen

I came up with the idea on the toilet. Honestly, I was experiencing a break up and I had an epiphany that I was thinking about a person who was not thinking of me and letting time past me by when I could have been doing something that could enhance myself and bring value to my community and now the world. I felt starting my non profit is a worthwhile endeavor and logical because there’s 8.3 billion people in the world and another estimated 259,000 people in NJ that are experiencing different degrees of vision loss. Read more>>

Pamela Henkelman

I’m a Midlife Mindset Coach for Moms where I help Christian moms navigate their changing roles with their children so they can have stronger relationships.I wanted to reach moms with adult children because they’re mostly unsupported once their kids reach adulthood. They struggle to find purpose after motherhood. Many try to control their grown kids. They don’t know boundaries and healthy communication. Read more>>

Carla Louis

I am a breast cancer survivor, and I found myself immunocompromised at the height of the COVID pandemic and couldn’t return to my career as a sales consultant as planned. While I qualified for disability, I could imagine sitting at home doing nothing or solely dependent upon that income. So I decided to google my skillset to see what I could do from home. I stumbled across the virtual assistant role and noticed that many of the tasks they did were tasks that I’d done in previous roles. Read more>>

Torre Willadsen

The idea for Dogs2DogTags (D2DT) came to Torre Willadsen when he was deployed as a civilian contractor working with military dogs in 2012. During his time with the 7th Marines, he developed close bonds with dogs and dog handlers. When dog handler, Chris Van Etten, was wounded, Torre worked hard to help keep Chris and his dog, Harley, together during Chris’ recovery. Read more>>

Shawandie Beale

Coming up with the idea for my business came by mistake. What started as a conversation with a friend regarding Singleness, turned into prayers, then turned into an idea for a blog in 2016. We were so excited about it. Then we talked about merchandise. I said, “Worthy Without a Ring, would be a great idea for a T-shirt brand, without realizing it was the perfect name for the blog. Read more>>

Allie Lisiecki

Great question! So, picture it; it’s July of 2020 – we’re all bored and scrolling instagram like crazy. My brother’s girlfriend had been at a bridal shower and they had a Prosecco tap truck – she posted a picture on instagram and I immediately texted her with “oh my god, tell me more about that little tap trailer you just posted”. So, she sent me the businesses website, after going down a rabbit hole of my own; I set out on a quest to do some additional research. Read more>>

Alondra Ridenour

Being a busy mom of 3-5 kids at all times didn’t leave much room for me to be me. I tend to bounce around hobbies and interested because usually the hobby doesn’t stick or I get frustrated and give up. I was becoming really bored. I was bored with myself and I was bored with my lack of motivation and drive. Read more>>

Juliana Mary Nahas

Ten years ago, I found myself trapped in a soul-sucking 9-to-5 job in a windowless office, donning a stuffy suit and heels every day. It wasn’t me, and I yearned for the freedom to live life on my own terms – to take my dog for a walk, enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee, and pursue my passion for creativity. But I had no idea how to make it happen. Read more>>

Terra Swinderman

We had only lived in Florida for about a year when we started our business. I had taken on a few jobs here and there that weren’t for me, or that I thought was a good fit. While working as a Media Clerk at a local Orange County Public Elementary School (and pursuing my bachelor’s in early childhood education), my sister-in-law, Lori Swinderman, Travel Agent/ Owner, asked us to deliver a gift to one of her clients. Read more>>

Stephanie Villavicencio

My best friend Nadine was diagnosed with Stage 3 Triple Negative Breast Cancer at the age of 31 during the height of the pandemic. When I first found out I made a promise to myself that I would do whatever I could to help her. So, for the next few months, I was brainstorming ideas of how I could help fundraise for her. Read more>>

Ariel Celeste Johnson

I developed the idea for the CCC Tiny Book of Affirmations from an exercise originating from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute! Now, that’s not the response readers would predict, but it’s true. In 2021, I began ascension coaching and hypnotherapy with an amazing guide (@zhannazen). That year, she and I agreed I would practice “The Mental Bank” ledger. A practice developed by Dr. John G. Kappas of the Nationally Accredited College of Hypnotherapy. Read more>>

Nicole Richardson

The idea for my business sort of started by accident. My son, who is big on crafting himself, wanted to make a hat for a friend of his. His friends father has passed away and he wanted to make a hat for his friend to bring him comfort. I didn’t know where to begin with even attempting to make a hat. We went to our local craft store to see what children’s products they may have so he could do it on his own. We came across a loom knitting kit which seemed easy enough for him to do with minimal supervision and help. Read more>>

Latoya Jackson

In February of 2020, Chicago was the host city for the NBA All Star Weekend. I attended the Boss Network #LaunchSummit: All-Star Weekend Edition to support a friend that was presenting that day. At the event I networked with other business professionals, and met AC Green, radio host for 106.3FM and 1390AM. He asked me about my entrepreneurial endeavors, and I told him that I teach business owners how to get business credit and funding. Read more>>

Ana Tootle

I’m a foodie at heart, and my favorite philanthropic endeavor is to help end hunger. I don’t think anyone should go hungry so I decided to “bake a difference” in our community by uniting passion with purpose. I came up with the idea that for every homemade pumpkin bread sold I would donate a portion of the sale to Feeding South Florida, an organization that efficiently helps our neighbors in need. That is how Feel Goods Foods, Inc. Read more>>

Mimi Kamara

Before becoming a celeb. makeup artist, I worked in beauty retail for quite some time. 2 key things that these years taught me were: 1. all women really just want to feel acknowledged and included. 2. no brand had a Nude Lip gloss that catered to women of all races or complexions. There was so much beauty segregation in finding the perfect Nude Lip. Read more>>

Chris and Sandra Elrod

Chris and I (Sandra) are high school sweethearts, graduates of The University of Texas at Austin (Hook ’em Horns) and are the proud parents of Austin (20) and Allison (17). Chris worked in college athletics for about 15 years before returning to teaching. He currently teaches Economics at Wayzata High School in Minnesota. I taught elementary school, mostly special education, for more than 20 years, before taking over the operations of our small business. Read more>>

Jorge Vina

The story began a few years ago when I dedicated myself to web design and development for medium and small-sized businesses. Our goal was to create a business model that would simplify website creation for both ourselves and our clients. To achieve this, we began selling simple websites as small packages with corresponding templates. This approach allowed our clients to have a website without incurring high costs, while also allowing us to save time. Read more>>

Mary McDonough

How did I come up with the idea: In March 2020, I was in the last two months of sprinting to my Bachelor’s degree in Writing from Northern Michigan University (NMU). Post-it notes with small pieces of a plan were lined up on my apartment wall, step one: graduate, step two: get a job at a Midwestern newspaper and continue in an industry that I love. Read more>>

Tracey Wei

One sunny afternoon during the Covid pandemic, I was on the phone with my friend, geeking out on the topics of designing with circularity in mind and building purpose-driven businesses. We both felt so tiny and exhausted trying to do what we love in this giant world of unchecked consumption. In a moment of frustration, I blurted out “We are like salmons swimming against the current! I’m so tired…” Luckily, my frustration has turned into a source of inspiration, and this is how Little Salmon was born. Read more>>

Nikki Crum

I have always been a lover of old things, candlelight being no exception. Candles produce more than just light and aroma. Candles are a lifestyle. Among many things, they are poetic, responsible, sexy, mature, hopeful and timeless. Much like a well-fueled flame, candle-making is an evolutionary spirit that will never drown. It is a spirt that lives inside of a chandler, reserved to become the light in the dark. Read more>>

Chichi “Jasmine” Perez

It’s really easy to become, overwhelmed and overstimulated by so many things in life like work, expanding my business, learning, making time for friends and family, and also my own self development and nurture. There are days that I forget or struggle to make that time for myself, to really be grounded, so I can show up for myself and those around me. Read more>>

Janell Kremer

In 2020, we decided to begin the homeschooling journey. If I am honest, I was a little disappointed because that was the year I would have been free to jump into my writing career. However, homeschooling my 2 kids became a blessing and it opened up a whole realm of writing opportunities. I began to recognize the need for good resources for parents of faith. In 2021, I created a website and started sharing some of what I had learned. Read more>>

Michelle Peysakhovich

It’s no secret that getting a Brazilian wax can be quite a vulnerable experience, but it doesn’t always have to be. I was waxing for a corporate chain where us team members were told “this place is a revolving door, we want people in and out”, performing services in a maximum of 15 minutes. It was impossible to provide anyone with a quality experience, let alone make someone feel comfortable in a vulnerable position when all you can think about is getting them off your table so the next person can get on. Read more>>

Chandra Harvey

My small business, Joyful, started during the pandemic, at a time when, let’s be honest – there was not much JOY. During the extra time at home, it became clear that my career experience in leading large businesses for well over 15 years, would serve well as an entrepreneur. I have been successful for years as a minority leading complex businesses and my husband and I both want to create a lasting legacy for our kids. Read more>>

Victoria Mack

I’m a foodie from Chicago, IL. I love to cook and bake but unfortunately in 2019 I was diagnosed as pre-diabetic just as the Thanksgiving/Christmas holiday season was approaching, I absolutely love cranberry sauce but could no longer enjoy the famous store brands, I took it upon myself to create a tasty sugar free cranberry sauce right away in 2019 just to have at dinner, in 2020 my pre-diabetic status was revised (yay) but I still live a sugar free healthy lifestyle, my sugar free cranberry sauce is vegan & keto friendly, good source of vitamin c, gluten-free, fat free, low carb, 100% all natural. Read more>>

Diony Marte

It first started off when I got locked up for domestic violence in 2013. Once I came home from jail, after everything I still wanted to try and work things out with my daughter’s mother. Unfortunately we tried, but it was too much going on in the both of our lives that we just called it quits. As time went on, we tried again but once again I got arrested. This time it was for violating the order of protections against my daughter’s mother. Read more>>

Kristine Beese

Someone gifted me the book, Invisible Women, which talks about the importance of disaggregating data by gender when it comes to design. It was fascinating and as an engineer, I was devastated to know that car design was so dangerous for women because male crash test dummies that are used for safety testing, do not replicate women’s bodies at all. Because of this women are 75% more likely to be injured in a car accident!! Read more>>

Voncille Chaney

I came up with the idea to become a Career Coach in early 2016 because I wanted to officially share with the world the skills that I crafted over the years (as a Recruiter, and Director of Budget, Operations, and Human Resources for the Department of Education). I have always had a passion for helping others. Word of mouth has always been my greatest marketing tool. I stared helping family and friends enhance their resumes, Read more>>