Establishing your own firm or practice is an incredibly daunting task. From myriad of legal and regulatory hurdles to the financial and career related risks, professionals who choose to start their own firm have to overcome so much and so we wanted to reach out to those who’ve done it successfully for advice, insight and stories.

Michelle Abeckjerr

In January 2020, I took a leap of faith and left my previous firm, where I had started as a law clerk before becoming an attorney, to start my own practice. With zero clients and no book of business, I was taking a big risk. Just two months later, the world shut down due to the pandemic. Travel to the United States came to a halt, embassies closed, and immigration processes stopped. It was a challenging time to start a new firm, as the only cases we could handle were for individuals already in the U.S., either extending their tourist visas or transitioning from work visas to green card applications. Read more>>

Claude Darmony

Starting Wefund LLC was a journey fueled by both ambition and a strong desire to create something new in the merchant cash advance space. The idea came from identifying a gap in the market—small businesses with prior defaults or financial setbacks that couldn’t secure funding through traditional means. I saw an opportunity to support these businesses with the capital they needed to grow. The first step was understanding the market inside and out. I immersed myself in research, understanding the intricacies of merchant cash advances, regulations, and risk management. I also made sure to network extensively, building relationships with financial institutions, partners, and businesses. It’s important to have a strong foundation before you take the plunge. Read more>>

Patrick Mcintyre

I remember being in Mexico City at the end of January this year. The Federal Reserve announced that they were not going to lower interest rates this year. I was with a lawyer to buy a permit to do business in Mexico and looking a buying some lots with a Ciudad Madera in a community development near Puerto Porgresso and Merida. I had a complete panic attack. The last year I spent learning how to sell commercial insurance, realizing it was going to take two more years to make a living selling insurance. So, I was committing to selling loans, as the commissions ramp up quite a bit quicker, however if the Fed keeps the rates up, the demand for loans will remain low. At that point, I think my subconscious knew I was in for a rough ride this year, and began having relentless paralyzing anxiety. A lot of motivational video and studying up stoicism were going to be required in addition to working seven days a week for the rest of the year. Read more>>

Casey Masalehdani

After graduating from Hofstra University with my Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, I dove right into my Clinical Fellowship year in Queens, NY. During that time, I worked in 12 different clinical settings, which required me to deliver 50 sessions per week. This experience was invaluable—it allowed me to work with a diverse range of clients and disorders, and I gained a tremendous amount of insight into different therapeutic approaches. After two years in Queens, I moved back to Long Island, where I transitioned to a full-time role at a developmental preschool. I also worked at a private practice after school hours. It was in these settings that I began treating oral motor dysfunction, feeding disorders, speech sound disorders and orofacial myofunctional disorders, which sparked a passion that ultimately led me to start my own practice. I loved working closely with parents and building individualized therapy plans for each child. Read more>>

Brittney Sanders

I started my beauty business because I wanted to create a safe space where black women could feel empowered, confident, and beautiful. I noticed a lack of representation and inclusivity in the beauty industry, and I wanted to change that by providing high-quality products and services tailored to the unique needs of black women. Read more>>

Isis Swink

Starting my practice as a holistic wellness practitioner was something I had always dreamed of. I had been a coach for many years but had never taken the leap to business owner and all it entailed. It was daunting and seemed like it would be such a hard journey. It was also a step outside of my comfort zone. I felt safe and in control where I was,but deep down I knew that I needed to be doing something bigger so I could expand my healing reach. To follow my passion and purpose to the fullest was something I was made to do. I sought out classes, books and mentors to help and gained invaluable knowledge, confidence, and growth. For young professionals my advice would be to always follow your dreams, and never give up. Seek out resources, learn all you can and step into the direction of your purpose. Read more>>

Dr. Cece Brooks, Dnp

Prior to starting my own functional medicine practice, I worked as a practitioner in two other offices. Although both were holistic in their approach to healthcare, one was pediatric focused while the other was family centered. After about a year with the first office, I knew it wasn’t my ‘forever’ job. I was overworked, underpaid, and often felt disrespected. I ended up leaving and working for a very well know functional medicine practice. The knowledge and experience I gained was invaluable. However, over time, I felt this constant pressure of a ceiling being placed over my head. And I wanted so desperately to break through that ceiling. The feeling grew as the months went on, but the next move, which would be starting my own practice, was more of a ‘5-Year-Plan’ and not a ‘right then’ plan (in my head!). Until, it was forced to happen. Due to a chain of events, more than half of the staff resigned – myself included. I resigned December 11th and by February 1st, I had my own medical practice fully up and running with a schedule that was booked 6 weeks out. My point is: listen to your instincts and believe in yourself. If you feel those strings tugging at you to leave your job or start your own practice – do it. Do it with confidence and certainty. You will never regret pouring your time and energy into yourself versus building someone else’s empire! Read more>>

Jodi Graves

Jodi Graves’ experience with postpartum depression and anxiety—in a time when no one believed that postpartum depression was a real thing—was the very catalyst for her business and her healing. From not being listened to, to ending up in an ER where the physician wouldn’t come into the room for an exam because he thought her suffering wasn’t real, to waking up in a psych ward with no idea where she was or why. After hiding the shame and embarrassment of that event for years, Jodi Graves thought she was alone and that no one would ever understand. One day she decided she couldn’t hold on to it any longer! So, Jodi began sharing her story in the hopes that it could help other people. That story became a mission and a purpose! Jodi then opened her birth & postpartum doula agency from nothing more than an idea and a bit of rage as fuel and built it into a million dollar agency that’s poised to push for the biggest changes that the birth industry has ever seen. Hers is a story about taking those lemons that life gives you and making a big, giant, glistening vat of lemonade that can be used to hydrate the entire country! Read more>>

Yamilet Molina

I decided to create YM Counseling Services because I wanted to build a space where individuals and athletes could feel safe and supported in addressing body image issues, eating disorders, performance anxiety, and trauma. I take pride in this practice being LGBTQ+ affirming, size inclusive, and anti oppression focused. The beginning was filled with learning curves, particularly in trusting myself and having confidence in my vision. I knew I wanted to create a space for support, but taking that leap involved more than just setting up an office. I had to work through self-doubt, questioning if my expertise and passion were enough to build a successful practice. Believing in the value of what I was offering was a daily challenge, but it was essential to push through the uncertainty. I had to continually remind myself of the impact I aimed to make and the positive changes I hoped to facilitate. Read more>>

Leeann Rodriguez

When I first decided to become an esthetician, I never imagined I’d be where I am today. I initially expected to find a job and work under someone for a while, learning the ropes of the industry along the way. However, after countless interviews and hitting roadblock after roadblock, I found myself facing disappointment after disappointment. I began to feel like I just didn’t fit the mold many high-end spas seemed to expect. That’s when I had a pivotal realization: As a consumer, I often struggled to find inclusive spas where I truly felt welcome. I knew there had to be others who felt the same way. It was then that I decided to create something different — an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of their style, background, or appearance, could feel seen, valued, and cared for. Read more>>