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.

Shelly Cole

It started with a day dream basically, I was a stay at home mom at the time and was with my daughter (1 or old at the time) and I started thinking of ideas, to be able to start a business from home, then over time got another idea to build forward, I didn’t write it down at all it was just brainstorming then, I actually dont write down or journal any of my business ideas or plans to this day, but it works for me. Read more>>

Cassie Dutton

My dad was my role model as he had started his own small business from the ground up. He started a small machine shop in our garage and as it grew he was able to expand, hire employees and move to a bigger space to finally after 30 years selling. Growing up I have seen the work it takes to run a business but also some of the freedoms. I didn’t know that’s what I wanted for myself until I was mostly thru with my schooling. A few mentors in the Chiropractic field urged me to start out on my own. That was the push I needed to have the confidence to take the plunge. Read more>>

Christy Ouei

We didn’t start Lefty’s with a polished business plan — we started with a feeling. We were standing on the square in Magnolia, looking at a historic building and imagining what it could become. The idea for Lefty’s came from that moment: a restaurant that would deliver an immersive experience, one that made guests feel transported. I could already hear the clink of cocktail glasses and feel the energy of a bustling space that honored the past while pushing hospitality into the future. Read more>>

Miriam Meza

My journey as a photographer goes from behind the chair to behind the lens. Photography, in a beautiful way, found me. After working on Newbury Street for over 15 years and knowing how to make someone look and feel good, I started photographing people, and I loved it! Read more>>

Hana Alizai

When I first started REVERE, the motivation behind launching the business was rooted in a deep-seated passion for bridging the gap between English and Western equine cultures. Coming from a Pakistani background, I was aware of the rich equine traditions within my heritage. However, I noticed a lack of platforms that highlighted these cultures and provided a voice to the diverse individuals within the equestrian world. Read more>>

Marlon

The idea for English 101 Language School didn’t start in a boardroom—it started in a classroom. After years of teaching ESL and working closely with immigrant students in Houston, I kept seeing the same pattern: students eager to learn, but stuck in programs that didn’t meet their needs. Many schools offered flashy promises — “fluent in 3 months” — but lacked structure, consistency, or cultural awareness. I knew there had to be a better way. Read more>>