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.
Queen Yiskah Hussain-bey
Queen Yiskah Hussain-Bey, is a beacon of hope and empowerment in Baltimore City through her legal consulting firm, GOODMAN BUSINESS PLUS. Established in 2017, the firm has become a vital resource for local entrepreneurs and small business owners, offering extensive legal and business support tailored to their unique needs. Yiskah’s journey began with a deep-seated passion for justice and community upliftment. Growing up in Baltimore, she witnessed firsthand the struggles small business owners face, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. Inspired to make a difference, she pursued a career in law, determined to provide the guidance and resources that could help others navigate the complexities of the business world. Read more>>
Phil Kendro
On April 14, 2016 at the University Club in downtown San Diego, the Veterans Beer Club (VBC) was created from the collaboration between VBC Founders Kevin Cortes, Brian Grana, and Phil Kendro. The concept of keeping in contact with fellow veterans and bringing veteran-friendly civilian workforce members together was a recurring topic of conversation between them. The first “official” VBC was held at Second Chance Brewing Company in Rancho Bernardo, with six ex officio members in June 2016. Read more>>
Amal Najjar
There is no linear path. The most challenging part of blazing your own trail, being a maverick of sorts, is that there is very little consistency in the support and direction you will receive, nor is there any guarantee that you will have one or the other. There is no road map. Sure, a business plan is an essential tool, but you have to be okay with standing on your own; that way, the people and things meant for you can find you. That way, you have the footing to stay grounded, come what may. Read more>>
Chelsea Peralta
Early Days: I was newly married and wanting to have kids. After finishing serving in the Peace Corps, immediately prior to marriage, my husband and I didn’t have much to start out with! I was working full-time at University of Phoenix and getting my MBA while he was going to school full-time. Every quarter we were threatened with layoffs at work (2009). I was dreaming of a job where I continue to serve others around me but would have stability. I looked into going to school to become an SLP but at that time there were not hybrid programs that would allow me to continue to work so it did not seem feasible. So, I stayed at my job. Read more>>
Gabriela Trejo-watkins
Starting Oya Matamba was both thrilling and challenging. Before founding the organization, I spent years as a middle school math teacher. My passion for education shaped my approach in profound ways and taught me the value of patience, resilience, and connection—all of which became foundational when I embarked on building something of my own. I wanted Oya Matamba to be more than just a community organization; it needed to be a place where Black women and youth could find empowerment, healing, and cultural connection through Capoeira, yoga, and educational programming. This vision was my guiding force from day one. Read more>>
April Soto
Changing my mindset from employee to entrepreneur is how I opened my own practice. I often like to say that I have stretch marks on my brain from all the changes I have made to be where I am today! Opening my medical practice was not the safe route and was definitely a leap of faith. I worked for corporate medicine for many years and while I am grateful for my time there, I learned that I enjoyed spending time listening to patients rather than doing paperwork. I found that opening a direct primary care practice allows me to listen without rushing. I am able to use patient insurance for labs, medicines and imaging in most cases but there is no insurance between myself and my patients. I offer this as a monthly membership and it allows greater access to high quality care. Read more>>