In our view, far too many ideas die at the imagination stage. It’s not because people are lazy, we think the primary reason is because many people don’t know where or how to start. So, we connected with some sharp and generous entrepreneurs who’ve agreed to share their stories of how they went from idea to execution.

Sabrina Hammonds

To understand how I came to be in the podcast booking business, you’d need a little background. The same year I resigned from teaching in an elementary classroom, I felt the Lord calling me to start a business. Now, keep in mind, I had no intention of starting a business, nor did I have a business background. I simply wanted to leave teaching to be more present with my family. Read more>>

Alenka Kyslik

I never planned on becoming an entrepreneur. I had always enjoyed solving problems and being creative, but it wasn’t until my entire life turned upside down that I found a problem I couldn’t leave unsolved. I spent almost two years trying to find answers for my health, and after spending exorbitant amounts of time and money, I was finally able to put the pieces together and begin to heal. Read more>>

Chantal Jabbra

Hi there! I’m Chantal, the founder of c’est dahab, a jewelry brand inspired by my Lebanese heritage and my travels. While my background is in civil engineering, my true passion has always been in design—especially jewelry. From a young age, I wasn’t just drawn to jewelry for its beauty, but for its ability to tell stories, evoke emotions, and hold personal significance. But before I dive into how my c’est dahab journey began, I would love to share the inspiration behind my love for jewelry. Read more>>

Staver Gray

In addition to interior design, Ward + Gray also has a product arm – we have launched 2 rug collections and are excited about a lighting collection launching this spring. With most of our interior design products we design everything from the furniture to the fabrics to the lighting. In creating bespoke products for our clients, we have forged relationships with talented artisans around the globe – glassmasters in Venice, rug weavers in Pakistan and India, metal workers in Upstate New York… we put so much creative energy into custom work for our projects and felt that it was a shame to install them and end the story there. Read more>>

Dexter Humphrey

DJH International LLC, incorporates my apparel (DJH Apparel) and educational resource firm (author and lecturer). DJH Apparel, a subsidiary of DJH International LLC, pioneers a realm where fabric becomes a canvas for inspiration, motivation, and education. Each product tells a story, weaving threads of creativity and purpose. Through innovative designs, it ignites passions, empowers minds, and fosters a community united by style and substance. Read more>>

Leonora Brown

After working in corporate America for over 40 years, I realized that I wanted to do something that made a “real and positive” impact on some of the issues effecting the world. I always had an affinity for creating various forms of art and would often make jewelry as a hobby to relax after work. In 2016, I got laid off from work and decided this was the time for me to start something new (when one door closes another one opens)!!. One year later, Brownhaze Jewelry was established. Read more>>

Antone Hempstock

The idea for Lemon Squad Auto Inspections came to me when I was still working as a mechanic. I knew I didn’t want to be a mechanic forever—I wanted to find something that could not only challenge me in a new way but also provide a comparable or better income. While working, I started doing mechanical inspections for extended warranty companies on the side. Read more>>

Kayla Lyons

Many may not believe in manifestation, but I am both a firm believer and a witness to its power. In 2019, I created the 1,000 Hours Dry Challenge, which evolved into a community of like-minded individuals seeking a healthier relationship with alcohol—known as the Dry Club. With thousands of participants and dedicated volunteer hosts facilitating meetings and discussions, our community grew to over 50,000 members. Read more>>

Mira Uniat

In 2020, a series of profound events sparked a transformation in my perception of reality, expanding my consciousness in ways I could never have imagined. It felt like a quantum leap—a shift that allowed me to see life from a higher perspective. I realized the incredible power of the mind to shape the physical reality we experience. At the time, I was working in IT sales and had no idea that by 2024, I would embrace a completely new identity as a contemporary Yogi, dedicated to helping others unlock their fullest potential and manifest the lives they dream of. Read more>>

Taylor Houston

So do you believe that everything happens for a reason and it all falls into place? Because that is exactly how Alternative Flour Bakeshop came to be. My passion has always been in something artistic and when I decided to pick a college to go to I chose culinary arts. I mean edible art, science and math was right up my alley. So for the last 18 years I have had my career in the Pastry world, whether a Pastry Cook, Baker, Lead Baker, Assistant Pastry Chef and then finally a few spots in a Pastry Chef role. Read more>>

James Wade

There were a lot of reasons on why I started making clothes & started my brand. I originally just wanted to stand out in school. I was inspired a lot by Young thug, Kanye & the A$AP Mob, like A$AP Rocky, Yams, Nast, all of those people inspired me to get into clothes. I would watch their music videos and follow their tweets and outfit pics everyday in the back of my chemistry class. My first piece that I’ve ever sewn was inspired by Kanye’s YEEZY SEASON 1 show, It was a beige sweater with raw hems. I get most of my inspiration and ideas from fashion shows of my favorite brands or movies and tv shows I watch. Read more>>

Monika Webster

As a child, I always knew I wanted to make a difference when I grew up. I dreamed of starting a nonprofit organization, but at the time, I had no idea where to begin or how to fund it. I was completely clueless. What I did know, however, was that I wanted to give back to children facing difficult circumstances and in need of support. Read more>>

Jack Hanson

One of the first steps we took was to make a professional video outlining our idea and build a GoFundMe campaign around that video. We figured that either a) the GoFundMe would be successful, which would both give us the money to get started and also would indicate that this was an idea that could generate excitement and financial support or b) the GoFundMe would fail, indicating that the idea would need to be refined or scrapped. Read more>>

Robert Lederhilger

The story behind launching Kingdom Business Builders starts with what some might call a “download from God.” I vividly remember the moment when the idea was given to me—it felt less like my idea and more like divine intuition. I quickly grabbed a pen and wrote down everything as it came to me, making sure no details were lost. That initial spark was the foundation, and from there, it became about turning this vision into something concrete. Read more>>

Melissa Pavone

Melissa Murphy Pavone’s journey to founding Mindful Financial Partners was born out of a deep desire to serve clients authentically—a sharp departure from her experiences in the traditional financial world. Having spent years in the wirehouse environment, Melissa was no stranger to the relentless focus on quotas, product sales, and the bottom line. While the environment was fast-paced and financially rewarding, it lacked the soulfulness and client-centric ethos she craved. Read more>>

Jermelle F. Pitts

I created Greatwood Underwear to bring unity among men and provide a product that makes them feel confident and comfortable every day. My goal was to be part of my customers’ daily lives. The journey began with a simple idea: I wanted to specialize in male undergarments. However, I knew nothing about the design or manufacturing process. Read more>>