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.

Vanessa Campbell

Although I wish that I had started my Business sooner, I’m comfortable saying that I started at time when my mindset was healthier. I launched this business in 2021, but the idea was born in 2016, when I initially wanted to launch a Maternity clothing brand. In 2016, I wasn’t necessarily the best employee, I was and always have been a hard worker, but that can only get you so far. Read more>>

Alyceson-Grace Eke

Even if I could go back in time, I wouldn’t change a thing. I am a firm believer in God’s timing above all else. The ECON Queen started in August of 2021. I was a recent graduate of the University of North Texas with a B.B.A. in Economics, and I was a part-time worker for a community bank. I loved my program and I loved my job, but there was still emptiness in my heart. At the time, my life felt unfulfilled and purposeless. I spent my entire childhood looking forward to college – it was really all I had to hope for – and in my four years of university, my dad died, I had to step up as the head of my family, I spiraled into severely unhealthy coping mechanisms, I mutated into a version of myself I couldn’t recognize, and ultimately lost my final college years to COVID-19. I made the most of my time, but these challenges still are stabs to my spirit and salt in my wounds. Read more>>

Alida Thompson

I wish I started my business sooner. I started Liida’s Shot Creations in 2020, during the lockdown of the pandemic. Back when everyone thought they should have a business or another stream of income. It was started as a way to bring some light or fun to an otherwise uncertain and gloomy time. I always knew I wanted a business but a business in what was always a lingering question. It was a question that held me back for many years. I believe starting sooner would’ve helped me personally and allowed me to break out of my comfort zone. This was during a time when I allowed the opinions of others to dictate my actions. Had I followed my mind, I would’ve started sooner and probably have several businesses by now. Read more>>

JOY W

If I could go back in time, the one thing I would change is being less hesitant. I would also try to build a reliable team. The vision has always been clear, but having a team would have made it come to light more efficiently. If you want to grow, just take note in knowing that your growth is very much so dependent on who is able to excel in areas you may not have full knowledge. It’s perfectly ok not to have all the answers. One KEY POINT is LIFE is not a one man show, so neither should any area of your life nor your business. Perfect example, look at how your favorite retailer or company you shop with daily is set up. Read more>>

Ashley Teel

I opened Rebelle Hair Haus 3 years ago in January 2020. By this time, I had already been a hairstylist for over 10 years. I was currently working at a salon in Hermosa Beach on Pier Ave. It was a cool little joint filled with great talent, good times, and salon family to call my own. As much as I loved the vibe, I was feeling stuck and stifled day in and day out. Being one of the top stylists there for 7 years, I hit the ceiling. I could no longer be the stylist I wanted to be or give my clients the experiences they were craving. If I wanted to keep growing, learning and expanding, I needed to start my own business – MY WAY, ON MY OWN TERMS. Otherwise, nothing would ever change in my life, ever. Personally, I was still this hot mess express on my own healing journey, going through high and lows of bad people, health issues, and navigating through my own stuff. In the middle of chaos, some people cut bangs, or bleach their hair, I’m over here starting my own business. Read more>>

Nicole Hector

I would love to have started my business sooner in life, I think sometimes that I might be further along or more successful than I am now. I opened my 1 room suite back in 2018, on the cusp of a major shift for my family. My husband had just separated from the military, my youngest child had just started school, and we had just purchased our first home. I felt that it was the perfect time for me to finally do something for me, something I truly loved, that was just for and about me. However, I do wonder what life would have been like if I had made the decision sooner in life. Read more>>

Beth Scarano

I was 50 years old when I founded LaunchPM after investing more than 20 years building a career in the corporate world. While my initial thought is I wish I’d started my business sooner, going out on my own when I did was the right time for me personally and professionally. I had worked for large construction companies and learned what I wanted and did not want. Instead of remaining frustrated with the lack of opportunities, I decided to create my own. I am grateful for the time and experience I had working for others because it got me where I am today Read more>>

Scott Marshall-Miller and Brian Miller

“If I could turn back time, If I could find a way…” I remember singing these lyrics at the top of my lungs on a dance floor surrounded by friends, all of us caught up in a captivating moment 20 years ago. Brian and I had talked about starting a business together since 2008, but each of us were active and committed to our existing careers. Brian is in the medical world, and I was in luxury retail and entertainment as a jewelry stylist. Pondering the balance of our existing careers, starting a family, and the amount of time we would have to invest given travel schedules, we decided to sit tight in our careers as our new business ideas percolated. Read more>>

Forest Wilson

I taught for other schools for many years before I branched out and started my on business and teaching studio. That was a great experience, and in the end I’m glad I waited to go solo. I learned a lot during those early years. You really can’t put a price on experience. It takes a while to find your voice as a teacher. I feel like I’ve really come into my own as in recent years, and I am able to approach a wide variety of students with an open heart, and an eye for their personal strengths. I don’t think I would have had as much success had I started teaching independently with less real world experience. Read more>>

Michael Bordenaro

I definitely wish I would have started my Youtube business sooner than later. Like many people I was probably too afraid to do it for a while but then after having gotten fed up enough with being a real estate agent, I knew it was time to go in a different direction. So my only regret is not starting sooner. Read more>>

Liliana Guardado

Hi there. This is a great question and is one I often ponder myself. In all honesty, If I could go back I don’t know that I would do anything differently. I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and that everyone we meet along our journey is there for a reason, a season, or a lesson. Before going into business for myself, I mainly worked in customer service and the non-profit industry. These industries helped me strengthen my personality and to see the value of being a good listener. I don’t think I would have had these strengths or experiences had I not gone through the wringer of working for others before becoming a business owner myself. Read more>>