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.

Sharita Fulton

Starting later in life would have afforded me the luxury of time to hone my skills, refine my vision, and really understand the industry I was entering. By that time, I would have had better resources at my disposal, established a wider network of support, and possibly even absorbed more knowledge from my academic pursuits. Read more>>

Uzair Iqbal

Going back in time, I wish my family would have started the wedding and events services company sooner. Using my wedding in 2023 as an inspiration, my family decided to use the wedding sofa we bought to rent it out for weddings afterwards. That kickstarted an inspiration for us where we decided to go all in on starting a wedding decorations. Having attended many desi (S. Asian) weddings in San Antonio, we knew we were fulfilling a need for decorators who understand the ceremonies and customs. Thus Indus Occasions was born. Indus refers to the Indus Valley in Pakistan, where my family came from. We wanted to bring cultural authenticity to our work in San Antonio and throughout Texas. Read more>>

Rebecca Dmytryk

I do wish I had started the business sooner—mainly because it would have allowed me to save more animals lives and to have more time as an influence in the industry. But about 13 years ago, I was still running my mobile dog grooming business, Carmel Canines, while also rescuing wildlife through the non-profit Wildlife Emergency Services, which I had founded years earlier. And even though I would get more and more calls for help with wildlife problems, I was hesitant to launch a new business, I mean, what did I know? Read more>>

Shawnicee Gentry

I’m currently 7 years in my bunnies this year so I was 21 when I started. i went right to a university after graduating high school after 2 years a Lincoln university and then 1 semester at the community college I decided what I was taking was not what I wanted todo for the rest of my life. It didn’t take me long to decide to enroll in cosmetology school. During that time I was working small jobs to pay for the apartment I was staying in. If I had started sooner I honestly don’t think I would of been as focused in order excel in my career like I did once graduating when I did. I started my schooling at Pau Mitchell the school st louis. Read more>>

Leena Mendoza

If I could go back in time, I would still choose to start my business at the same time—but with a stronger foundation of established relationships, a robust book of business, and a deeper understanding of business development, sales, and marketing.

I launched Intentional Leadership just one week before the pandemic—a time of immense uncertainty. I had just moved to Silicon Valley six months prior, left my job, and took the leap with full faith in myself and my ability to make it happen. Entrepreneurship requires a deep belief in your vision, and I knew that waiting for the “perfect time” would mean delaying my potential. Read more>>

Brianna Cook

I firmly believe that my business began at the perfect time. Transitioning from a full-time employee to a full-time entrepreneur was not an easy process. Unfortunately, I faced a life-altering situation with a family member, which prompted me to leave my traditional job. Mentally, I doubted my ability to succeed as a full-time entrepreneur, especially given the additional challenges life had just presented. However, the experience taught me that when you feel like you have nothing left to give, you often find that you still do. Read more>>