Almost every entrepreneur has had to decide whether to take the leap now or wait– perhaps they wanted to acquire more capital, experience or connections. Given how common this predicament is, we asked some successful business owners to reflect back on whether they wish they had started sooner or waited for a better time.

Rachel Shaffer

I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this exact thing. I began experimenting with dyeing during the pandemic shut-down when my company sent all its employees home to work remotely, and I desperately needed a creative outlet that allowed me to still touch and see textiles and colors right in front of me. Read more>>

Shareva Manning

I always had an dream of being an actress at an early age. As a very young girl in fact I used to play in the mirrors repeating my favorite movie lines. Throughout my life i would consider drama class in grade school but didn’t pursue it thinking of changing my career path. Read more>>

Islam Obeidat

I have always known I wanted to own my own business but could never grasp a concept because I was doing things I never enjoyed or was passionate about. Read more>>

Kim Scott

This is a great question. Ultimately, the timing of starting a business depends on many factors such as market demand, competition, and personal readiness. However, it’s never too late or too soon to start a business if you have a solid plan and the determination to see it through. Read more>>

Kayla Brugger

Before Pilatesbody by Kayla doors opened in 2020 I worked at a well known gym for 10 years and I truly enjoyed it. I had a lot of fun with my co-workers and clients, it was extremely high energy and I had no reason to leave. That was before the pandemic forced doors to close, I was 8 months pregnant, unemployed and soon to be a first time mom! Read more>>

Kelly McCracken

I actually feel like I started my business at the perfect time! I was a second-grade teacher for many years and was working in a new school when Covid hit. My husband (fiance at the time) had just moved in together and the school I was working at was just too far away. I found a new job closer to home, which ended up putting me on the perfect path to start my business. Read more>>

Cheyenne McConnell

I really wish I would have started my business sooner. In the latter part of 2017 to early 2028, I came up with my concept, of what is now my business. I was in the middle of one of the worse times in my life. I was going through my second divorce, and a single mom of two little kids. Read more>>

Anne Robert

Looking back, I do wish that I started my business sooner. Starting sooner would allow time for growth and learning which means more time to gain experience, develop my skills, and learn from my mistakes. It would also allow market advantage, financial benefits, flexibility, and fulfillment & purpose. Read more>>

Shatia Alexander

I started my travel consulting business about a year ago before I begin. I dabbled in other careers I never thought travel Consulting would be it for me until I found this company called Travorium I became a partner and from then on I’ve been traveling. Read more>>

Alejandra Torres

It’s funny you ask that because this is a thought of mine daily. Yes, I do wish I had started my business sooner. Believe it or not, I have had my business idea of a full service writing agency since I was in college. Read more>>

LaKendra Norman

“If I had a time machine I would’ve started Noir Royale Brand in my 20’s!” Read more>>

McKinnell Ferguson

I feel like photography came into my life at such a perfect time. Do I wish I would’ve known I was going to love something so much-yes! I am a true believer in “things happen for a reason”. Read more>>

Timothy and Melanie Griffith

We often wonder how life would be if we started our own business sooner then we did. We have had so many offers come to us, and have thought if we were 10 years younger we would jump at it. Read more>>

Candice Quick

Finding yourself in the work force, even if you have a clear idea of what type of career you want, is often challenging. I always knew I wanted to be a chef, and as a child fulling that dream it seemed so easy. The older I became, and the more schooling and work experience I obtained, that goal became more and more fuzzy. Read more>>