Coming up with an idea for a business or creative project can feel exhilarating. Inspiration for a new idea can come from so many places and we’ve asked some great folks from the community to share their stories of how they came up with their ideas.
Jaime Patton
It all began on a rainy afternoon in my small, cluttered office, filled with books, papers, and a few framed photos of my family and students. As I stared out the window, I reflected on my journey as a special education teacher. I had spent years in the classroom, working with incredible students who faced various challenges. While I loved teaching, I often felt limited by the system and the resources available. One day, after a particularly emotional parent-teacher meeting, I realized something crucial: parents were desperate for support and guidance. They loved their children fiercely and wanted the best for them, but they were often overwhelmed by the complexity of the special education system. They were navigating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), evaluations, and various therapies, all while managing their child’s daily needs. Read more>>
Nashira Lynton
The idea for my business really began with my first venture in personal finance. I focused on foundational topics like debt management, cash flow, and saving. The business was called “Breaking Cycles,” and it was born from my own experiences of identifying and breaking patterns—habits and financial behaviors that weren’t helping me achieve my goals. I recognized these patterns weren’t just mine; they were cycles passed down through generations, even from family members I had never met. I wanted to end those cycles, get rid of my debt, and ultimately improve my financial health. As I succeeded, I started helping others do the same. Read more>>
Atiyyah Radford
I wanted to create something everyone could network and gain opportunity like no other. being that support pillar that many is missing in their journey because life has been hell for me and now I just want to show that we can come together and everything will be easier . so I started cases a basement year and a half ago Read more>>
Jackie Reinking
The idea for our business really grew out of a deep love for New York City and the shared passion Sascha and I have for orchestrating pivotal, intimate moments in people’s lives. We’ve lived in NYC for 25 years, and over time, we fell in love with the idea of the city as the perfect backdrop for love stories. It’s a place where anything feels possible, and eloping here really embodies that feeling of something truly personalized with a new feeling of freedom and excitement. Jackie & Sascha, the New York City Elopement Team, was born from a combination of our talents—Jackie’s award-winning experience as an officiant and planner, and Sascha’s as a renowned wedding photographer. The idea struck us when we saw how many couples were looking for something personal, something that could take the stress out of planning their elopement in NYC. We realized we could offer them more than just services—we could offer an entire experience. Read more>>
Brenda Burke
My sister and I, both dedicated teachers, embarked on a venture together one summer nearly a decade ago—launching Riddle Routes. She was nestled in Bend, while I was soaking up the sun in San Diego. Whenever I visited her, she would transform into a master tour guide, leading me through the town’s lesser-known gems, informing me of its rich history, and pointing out its quirky and spooky features. Between visits, I stumbled upon a fascinating concept: mobile city hunt games. However, I soon realized Bend was missing out on this delightful experience. I knew instantly that the town was tailor-made for such an adventure and it didn’t take much to convince my sister too. With its walkable downtown, vibrant history, eclectic art, charming local shops, and breathtaking views, Bend was perfect for our vision. Armed with her intimate local knowledge, our mutual passion for making learning fun, and our shared love for the game Clue, we set out to create Riddle Routes. Read more>>
Elizabeth Hahn
I always loved the music and entertainment industry and throwing parties with friends, so coming up with this business idea wasn’t difficult. We’ve been in the party planning industry for over 30 years. We started by supplying talent to Bach party groups and local events in San Diego. Back then, people were happy with throwing parties with great music, booze, and beautiful atmosphere models. However, we started to see a trend where bachelorette party groups wanted more than just a night in the club. They were looking to have weekend getaways with fun activities such as winery tours, pontoon boat parties, pool parties with eye candy bartenders, and luxury party buses to take them from one party venue to another. Read more>>
Katie Cobbs
Our business began with a dream—my incredible mom’s vision of owning her own marketing company. She hit the ground running, and just as things were picking up, the world changed with COVID. Surprisingly, the virtual aspect of our business took off! But shortly after, life threw us another curveball: my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she couldn’t keep up the same workload during her chemo treatments. That’s when I decided to step in. I left my job and moved in with my parents to help take care of her and take on some of her clients. Soon enough, I started bringing in clients of my own and launched the social media side of our business—and it all just blossomed from there! Now, I get to work alongside my amazing mom every single day! Read more>>
Katie Fleming
Every since I can remember I have loved fresh flowers. I love being in nature and the romantic idea behind flowers. I grew up in Grove City and also imagined somehow owning something in the city that people would want to go too. Last year my husband surprised me by talking to Rebecca who owned the framing shop in Grove City for over 30 years. After a lot of talking she decided she would like to have me open up in the front of the shop. So for Christmas he surprised me with a store I could call my own. While Grove City has other flower shops we like to think we are different. We offer build your own bouquet classes and drop bys along with lots of other classes for women. We also have many locally owned women owned vendors in our shop. We are a flower experience. I want you to walk in and feel like you are somewhere soft and welcoming. What gets me most excited is when someone comes in looking for something special for their loved ones. I love being creative and putting their ideas together. Read more>>
Aliza Stanton
In 2008, my family and I started Aliza’s bee removal a live bee removal business in San Diego, CA. Through this, we have been able to safely relocate bee colonies from homes and businesses, to our main apiary in Ramona, as well as other locations around San Diego County. Our mission is allow the bees we rescue to pollinate our city’s beautiful local flora and support local agriculture Read more>>
Sheree Marie
The idea for my business was born out of a blend of personal passion, life experiences, and a desire to make a difference. I’ve always been a coffee enthusiast, and my love for supporting small businesses was part of my journey when I ran MeKa Coffee, a coffee cart brand catering to private events. However, the pandemic forced me to pause that chapter and instead, I poured my energy into something even more valuable—creating memories with my daughters, Mena and Kaya. During this time, I also completed my master’s degree in healthcare, which reignited my ambition to dive back into the coffee industry. But this time, I wanted to do it differently. I reflected on how life as a mom often feels like a non-stop race, and how much I relied on caffeine not just for energy, but for a moment of encouragement to keep going. I realized there was a gap—plenty of products offer a caffeine boost, but few truly speak to the emotional and motivational side of what we face daily. Read more>>
Nathan Wildman
Got it—let’s bring back more depth while balancing readability for a magazine format. Here’s a longer, richer version with carefully structured paragraphs to make it engaging yet impactful: Since we last connected in August, the pace of my work—and my mission—has shifted into high gear. It’s been an incredible few months, filled with growth, transformation, and a deeper focus on what truly matters. When I first launched Rising Phoenix Business Services, my goal was to provide businesses with the tools and systems I had spent years searching for myself. At the time, I was helping companies build credit, secure funding, and establish a more stable financial foundation. It was important work, and I saw the immediate impact it made. Read more>>
Amanda Luchetti
The idea for The Skilled Project came from a mix of personal experience and a stark realization: if we don’t address the skilled trades and construction industry labor shortages, we risk derailing essential goals—like decarbonizing our built environment, building urgently needed housing, and upgrading our aging infrastructure, which currently has a C- report card. This shortage is more than just a workforce gap; it’s a potential threat to our future. Our mission is to inspire 1 million people to explore careers in the skilled trades and broader construction industry by 2028. Through impactful storytelling, advocacy for diversity and inclusion, and partnership-driven pathway creation, we’re aiming to make these careers more visible, valued, and accessible. With only 4% of skilled trade jobs held by women, there’s a tremendous opportunity to bring in diverse talent and new perspectives that can drive the industry forward. Read more>>
Devaki Das
Funny story! In 2010, my hubby Shamit, myself, and one of our closest couple friends and family all decided to rent a villa in Tuscany one summer and spend a week together. We had a fabulous time overall, but boy were there some sticky moments. Way too much drama, for one thing! I realized that just because we are friends with someone, no matter how close, that doesn’t always mean we can travel together – because we aren’t all looking for the same things! So the seeds were planted for creating a company to bring like-minded people together who love travel. Not to mention, the culinary aspect of travel is super important to me – I have been cooking since I was eight, while also teaching and publishing and writing since I was a teenager. Knowing amazing people in the food scene, artisans, farms, etc. was a huge plus for me. So I decided to launch the company, Weave of a Thousand Journeys (WATJ), in 2011 and our first group trip to Sicily. After that the rest, as they say, is history. I am a big believer that knowledge is a gift and it’s meant to be shared. So whether it is my love and knowledge for cooking or travel and the people the world over who share this love, it’s compelling for me bring people together! Read more>>
Maree Dee
My ordered world came crashing down when my loved ones developed mental illness. Suddenly, life became a tumultuous maze filled with unexpected twists and turns full of pain and suffering, not just for my loved ones but for me, too. I wasn’t sure if we would survive, but I made a promise to myself that if we did, I would not waste my pain. The truth is unexpected challenges are guaranteed to happen to all of us. It may not be a mental illness, but it could be any number of difficult circumstances like cancer, estrangement, or job loss. No one is immune. That’s why we all need the right tools, faith in Jesus, and encouragement to navigate the mess and come out stronger on the other side. I want anyone facing these challenges to know that they are not alone and that we can persevere together and even find joy along the way. Read more>>
Jahmir Ennett-reel
So I went to Lincoln university and I got my degree in mass communication and for me my dream job was a sport commentator. But I always wanted to do something in front of the camera. And now days instead of working for a company like iheart people are starting their own company with creating podcast. So I had the idea of starting my podcast but didn’t really know what to talk about. So as a start I would go live on instagram at night time and I have a big following on instagram so I would get a lot of people on my live and we would talk about our relationship problems and our views points from a man and women perspective. So while doing this I came up with the name Toxic Thoughts for my podcast and started buying my equipment and once I had everything to record I just record my first episode and put it out there and I got great feedback from everyone and just continue to do it. And now coming up on two years of my podcast we are currently at 425 subscribers on YouTube and we are almost there to be monetize. We already had our first live show and we sold out and had a great turn out. And I’m just dreaming big with my podcast Read more>>
Nikolas Bentel
I run a small 6 person design studio. There are two parts of the studio. One half is launching our own projects that we care about. The other hald is client based work. How the studio runs was really created on trial and error. Trying different formats of working and creating, understanding what was successful, what resonated with our audience, what best methods of organization to help the studio achieve its goals. The studio is about 7 years old at this point and has had many transitions to where it is now. Read more>>
Kathryn Preste
I used to own a coffee trailer in Wisconsin and it was a slow day. I started wondering how I can get coffee out to more service members, especially those deployed or deploying. I consulted with my business coach and friend, Jacquelynn. I mentioned that every time I deployed, I always got good coffee, a French press, and a stainless steel mug. As a cook on the ship, I knew that the mess deck coffee wasn’t that great, which is why I always kept some stocked in my rack. What came up during this conversation was starting a deployment box or coffee crate where all 3 of these items could be offered or customized for what the service member needed. I knew that I wanted those things on my deployment and I thought it would be a nice bundle to offer to others that deployed, or their families to gift them. Read more>>
Sharon Weber
After having Bariatric surgery in 2018, I was left with a fair amount of clothing that no longer fit. I became aware of Poshmark through a few Instagram influencers. It was so easy to take a quick photo and suddenly my XXL t-shirt was available for purchase! This practice slowly gained momentum. Then I became pregnant. We needed to make room for our little girl, so I really started selling faster. The more I posted, the more things sold. I was working in long term healthcare as a Recreation Director, and I stopped working due to me being considered “high risk” and “geriatric” (I was 39, but whatever). Read more>>
Adam Peters
The idea for my business came from a combination of my journey and a powerful realization of the needs of veterans transitioning to civilian life. I read an article on Military.com highlighting the stark difference in veteran-owned business statistics across generations. After World War II, many veterans became business owners, helping to drive economic growth and innovation. But by the time of the Vietnam era and especially post-9/11, those percentages kept shrinking. It struck me deeply because I believe that the path back to purpose is often through entrepreneurship. Veterans possess unique strengths—discipline, resilience, and a mission-driven mindset—and it seemed that fewer and fewer were applying those strengths to create businesses and build something of their own. Read more>>
Fernanda Lento
The idea was actually born out of a discussion with my sister about the fashion industry. At the time, my younger sister was 45 kilos (almost 100 pounds) heavier than now. She would always complain about the lingerie industry, how difficult it was to find bras that fit properly without the breast escaping on the sides, or the straps hurting your shoulders, or even the heavy weight of the breasts not being supported and therefore causing back pain. As a fashion designer, I refused to believe there was no solution for that and decided to study lingerie, initially for fun. What I learned is not only that the massification of bra patterns makes it difficult for you to find something perfect for your body type, but also that most women don’t relate well to their undergarments. By that I mean that lingerie on average causes more issues than happiness to women. Women have a tough time not only finding a good fit, but also feeling sexy and powerful while wearing underwear. Lingerie is more of a necessary hazard than a tool to bring your true self to life. Read more>>
Kay Georges
I went on a weight-loss journey a few years ago. I lost 100 pounds and I wanted to find a way to maintain my weight and satisfy my sweet tooth that I have after dinner. Since I am Caribbean, we drink tea quite often, especially after dinners, so I thought it be a perfect solution to have teas that taste like desserts. Read more>>
Alexis Bedoya
Growing up, I always had a knack and love for art. Whether it was painting, sculpting, or drawing, I always enjoyed the process of creating something. And living in New Jersey and frequently traveling to New York, I found inspiration in the juxtaposition of streetwear culture and urban art with the natural surroundings. Graffiti sprawled across walls, buildings, walls, and bridges. Vibrant colors breaking through the concrete, contrasted beautifully with the greenery around. It was a vivid reminder of how art can thrive in unexpected places, blending the raw energy of the streets with the tranquility of nature. But there wasn’t something like that that was available. So I put my skills to the test, and hand painted and designed jackets, shirts, and of course- hats. Read more>>
Tina Mai
From the time I was little, I’ve always had a soft spot for jewelry. Every weekend, my mom and I would wander through local markets and shops, and she’d give me the freedom to pick out one special thing. Without fail, I’d gravitate toward a piece of jewelry—something sparkling, unique, and mine. Whether it was a simple fashion ring or a sterling silver necklace, I’d spend my little allowance on something I hoped would last. But, as time went by, I’d watch those beloved pieces rust, fade, or even break. As I got older, I began to buy pricier pieces, thinking they’d last. But instead, I found myself hesitant to wear them often, worried they might get lost or damaged. The fear took away some of the joy. That’s when I started researching sustainable metals, exploring every avenue to create jewelry that looked beautiful, lasted, and didn’t cost a fortune. I discovered stainless steel, a material that wasn’t just durable but also sustainable and waterproof. With that spark of inspiration, Mai Desiree was born. Read more>>
Erin Rush
With years of experience in various salon models— from traditional multi-staff salons to owning a blended salon—I saw firsthand how the role of solo salon entrepreneurs was changing. They now have more opportunities but also face the challenge of managing not just their craft, but the business side of things too. Many talented stylists struggle with operations, marketing, and maintaining a profitable, structured business. I saw the need for personalized training to help salon owners navigate these challenges. As the industry evolves, especially with the rise of digital tools and platforms, I noticed a gap in support for solo owners navigating new roles. That’s when I saw the value of offering both 1-on-1 and group training to help salon Pro’s embrace the business side with confidence. Running a successful salon business requires more than just client care—it requires a solid operational foundation and I am thrilled to share this experience with the every day stylist, newly emerging stylist, or even a seasoned stylist that is wanting to evolve with our industry. Read more>>
Rob Miskell
Sauce Boy was born during Covid. It began as a passion project during the extra time spent at home. Initially, I only offered two sauces and one fresh hand rolled pasta every week. People would order online and I would prepare their orders and deliver to their homes. It was enormously time consuming but was growing a bit more with each order. I was working 7 days a week at the time with my day job and this now very time consuming side project. The business did not feel sustainable at its current iteration and I wanted to pivot to more of a pop up. The first couple of events were few and far between. The concept was simple, it was a pasta pop up. I typically offered two pastas as well as some other smaller tasty options that fulfilled some other dietary restrictive needs. Read more>>
Theodore Smith
In 2020, I really wanted to do something out of the box! The content that I was creating, was very one dimensional. All the content I was posting wasn’t getting that much recognition or engagement. After a couple of years, I gave up! I felt like I was at the end of my rope and nothing was going to change for me. Until one day, during COVID-19, I came across the app TikTok. I was so inspired by all the different lanes of content as I was scrolling. It pushed me to be myself out loud! When I started to post my videos, I seen that I was getting a lot of engagement and that’s when I knew this endeavor was worthwhile. People expressed that they love my videos and they would come to my page to just laugh. Some of my friends stated that whenever they’re having a bad day, they go to my page! All those words of encouragement made me feel like I could actually be successful at this. Ever since then I haven’t stopped and I never will! Read more>>
Sophie Shoemake
My embroidery journey started during the pandemic, when I was looking for a creative outlet to keep busy at home. I became obsessed with hand embroidery, discovering there were no limits to what I could create or the stories I could tell through my work. As I shared my projects on social media, people started reaching out for custom orders. The more I shared, the more interest I got, and that is how Stitched by Soph was born! Eventually, I invested in an embroidery machine, which allowed me to fulfill orders faster and take on larger projects. It was a game-changer, and the business grew naturally from there. I knew I could succeed because I was offering something unique, and the demand for custom, handmade items was clearly there. What started as a personal creative outlet turned into a real business I’m passionate about, and that drive is what keeps me going. Read more>>
Magdalena Ryczko
The idea for Hairrari came from a desire to create a space that truly transcends the traditional, gendered norms of salons and barbershops. Both spaces, in my experience, felt limiting, and I saw an opportunity to bridge the gap and offer something unique—a welcoming, inclusive environment where people could feel at home, like walking into a friend’s living room, and receive a haircut without any judgment or rigid boundaries. It felt important to me that Hairrari not charge by gender but rather by factors that genuinely impact the service—like the length, creativity, and time spent on a haircut. This approach was designed to be more inclusive, especially for non-binary and gender-diverse individuals who often find themselves forced into uncomfortable boxes in traditional barbershop or salon settings. Charging by gender just didn’t make sense to me; it felt arbitrary and outdated. By shifting the focus to the style and effort involved, I could create an experience that felt fair, respectful, and aligned with the values I wanted the business to represent. Read more>>
Tara Juozitis
I actually came up with the original idea of Less Thorns, More Roses (LTMR) platform on New Year’s Eve 2022. I was getting a massage, because times were very stressful at that point, and I was thinking about how I wanted to help other people that may be struggling with life. I wanted to create a space that was an outlet for people to express how they felt in an anonymous way. Over the next month, I stood up the platform and went live with the website. Over the next year, LTMR became a way for multiple people to write in ‘their diary’ and receive a response of another perspective on their situation. Over the next year, I had a shift in the direction that I wanted to take LTMR. This is when LTMR Designs LLC was created. It wasn’t a sudden decision to start selling my artwork—it was more like a slow unfolding. There was a time in my life when I felt a heavy weight on my shoulders, a kind of tension that I couldn’t shake off. I was going through a tough period personally, struggling with my own mental health. It was one of those moments where everything felt like too much. Read more>>
Abídèmí Ṣọlá
After the birth of my second child, I felt an overwhelming mix of joy and vulnerability. My heart was full, yet my body, which had just endured another incredible journey of pregnancy felt foreign to me. The weight of postpartum changes was compounded by a storm I hadn’t anticipated: domestic violence. In a home that should have been a sanctuary, I faced not only physical threats but also emotional torment, which often manifested as body shaming. As I navigated the turmoil of my situation, I found myself reflecting on how my body had been scrutinised by those who should have uplifted me. Each comment, each judgment, weighed heavily on my self-esteem. I started to realize how many women, like myself, were battling similar struggles—feeling inadequate and ashamed of their bodies, while also yearning for support and empowerment. Read more>>
Marissa Khawaja
This business began like any other, as an idea and a dream. “Texas Sweet Scents” started while I was working my previous career as a sheriff deputy, and in my off time I began looking up fun ideas that I could do to add a little fun and creative craft to do on my days off. I started going down the “rabbit hole” on Youtube, you know the one you start watching a video and then just keep clicking the next video button and that is how I came across a DIY Car Freshies. This really caught my eye from the beginning and the more I watched, the more I thought “This is easy… maybe”. I did more research and purchased what was needed, but just the bare essentials, and away I went. I did not think I would enjoy it as much as I did let alone be something that would open doors to greater opportunities where I could turn my hobby into a small business. Of course it has taken much trial and error to get where I am now, but I am proud to say that I have grown and have been able to bring other products to my business as well. I am now shipping orders across the United States and have continued to grow a small idea into a home-made business from scratch. I am looking forward to pursuing my dream of creating a business that will bring joy to others and to create an ever expanding adventure for myself and my family. Read more>>
Lindsey Gill
In 2022 I discovered a new way to connect with the artistic community I had lost after my college years and Covid 19. Something called “open mics” where poets gathered to share their stories. I became entranced by the way these people would share their whole hearts and dreams, their pain, and their raw experiences on stage to a group of strangers through notes from their phone or journals. It brought me back to my humanity after a year of lockdown. It lit a fire in me to do something that brought people together again through art and poetry. I felt inspired again, but I needed to find a way to connect the two that was a collaborative effort across disciplines. That is how Collide Zine was born. I didn’t think I was doing anything more than pursuing a hobby by starting this little “side project,”–soon enough, it became its own thriving anomaly and I rolled with the momentum I was being given from the community. Read more>>
Carolyn Henry
The roots of my creative services business trace back to 2015 in Memphis, Tennessee, during a meeting that forever altered my path. At the time, I was working as the Manager of FP&A, with over 30 years of experience in finance and accounting—a path I’d chosen with intention. Growing up in Clarksdale, Mississippi, in a family with limited means, I knew early on that a stable career in finance could provide the security I was seeking. From 1985 onward, I dedicated myself to building that career, navigating corporate America, and rising across Fortune 500 companies. Yet, despite the success, a certain spark was missing. Then, I met Brittney Butler—a young, ambitious filmmaker with a vision to create stories rooted in Memphis. Brittney’s passion for storytelling and her dream to direct films resonated with me. She shared her ideas, hopes, and deep desire to put Memphis on the map through film. I could feel the fire in her words, the belief that this creative path was not only meaningful but could uplift the local community. Read more>>
Samuel Skaggs
The Initial plan for Kraken Pro-Wrestling was due to a need of a wrestling production in this area of south Georgia. In Tifton, GA The prowrestling scene is uncultivated and could prove to be an area to be hungry for live entertainment. So with using my resources and friends to bring this project together, over time we have gained not only a following, but a community of friends and fans who want this project to grow. Read more>>
Dinah Grossman
I founded the predecessor to Spinning J in 2010, a pie business that I operated from my apartment in Chicago. It was the height of the cupcake craze, and, well, I’ve always hated cupcakes. They take almost zero skill to create, and total sugar bombs, and usually contain cheap ingredients. By contrast pie, my favorite dessert, requires skill, passion, and finesse to pull off well. I felt pie, as a product, was the perfect antidote to the cupcake mania that was sweeping the country. I started selling whole pies and tarts online, driving all over the city to deliver to people’s homes. After a. years long search for a brick and mortar location, our currently space became available, and happened to be in my neighborhood on the West Side. I felt I could make the best pie you’d ever had, and I hoped that people in Chicago would agree that it was the best, and make Spinning J a destination. Read more>>
Yuliya Semenovych
I started dreaming up a place where wellness, kindness, and true foundational health were the norm when I was in my teens. I was born in Ukraine and had a strong early influence of Eastern medicine from my grandparents – plants, movement, and habits were created during my early years. When I moved to the United States for my teen years and university education that view expanded to include Western medicine – prescriptions, regular doctor visits, and allergies were the standard. Once I graduate university (I majored in International Business), I moved overseas – to New Zealand to be exact. And then to Singapore. Then Spain, Thailand, and Australia. My foundation was becoming deeper rooted in the integration between East meets West. My desire to learn and experience new cultures continued to inspire me to focus on preventative health care habits and practices. Read more>>
Donia Mannino
I embarked on this side hustle seven years ago, initially viewing it as a hobby. My aspiration has always been to become a stylist, as fashion has been a long-standing passion of mine. Inspired by my mother, who modeled in her teenage years, I would watch her on the runway, dreaming of following in her footsteps. As I transitioned into my teenage years, I discovered joy in expressing myself through fashion, a love that persists to this day. Having grown up in modest circumstances, I vividly remember purchasing my first outfit with my own money, which ignited my passion for fashion. I worked diligently and saved to acquire items I loved, developing a particular fondness for high-quality shoes. I firmly believe that a great pair of shoes can elevate any outfit, old or new, prompting me to invest in them. Read more>>
Desiree Garcia
My husband and I have been together for 17 years and 15 before we decided to get married. We searched long and hard to find a sweet indoor elopement Vegas white chapel with out the corny Vegas vibe but couldn’t find anything! My husband was not a fan of the idea of going to Vegas and neither of us are outdoor people to go on a hike to get married in a beautiful setting We ended up getting married at a little office with an ordain. 20 min in and out with only our kids and one best friend each. As soon as we walked out I said ” I would have paid triple the price if they offered hair and make up and at least a little photo session or SOMETHING.” From that day we planned a wedding in our backyard to have for the rest of my family celebrate with us but the more I talked to my clients and other people about my idea the more I realized it is something that is lacking in the wedding industry. With that, I Deux was created. Read more>>
Sarah McVickar
I made jewelry when I was younger-bless my mom’s heart, she would help me set up tables at craft fairs and farmer’s markets to sell my jewelry. A few years ago I felt that my creativity was stifled in corporate America. I wanted to make beautiful jewelry and pair it with encouraging, intuitive notes to my clients. This business idea spoke to my love for beauty, creativity, and intuition. Read more>>
Casey Latiolais
Good Secrets came out of one of those “oh shit” moments where you realize you’ve just jumped off the cliff, and now you’ve gotta build the plane on the way down. It was late 2021, and I was freelancing as a director. A friend at an ad agency asked if I could throw together some numbers for a client. So, I tossed out what I thought was a pretty ballsy, high estimate for a broadcast spot, fully expecting them to balk at it. But instead, they said, “Sure, that works.” And I was like, “OH FUCK, now we actually have to do this.” At that point, it wasn’t just a matter of getting the job done, it was about doing it right, which meant bringing in some of the best people I’ve worked with over the years. My accountant told me I’d have to start a company for this gig, and that’s how Good Secrets was born. It wasn’t some long, drawn-out master plan—just an opportunity that snowballed. Read more>>
La Terra Stevenson
Well, I always thought of myself as more of a creative. I was feeling stuck in between what brought me joy and well….what pays the bills! I wanted something to do outside my healthcare job that really filled my cup of passion. I have always been into hair and with a background and license in hair I fell in love with products. I made alot of my own products when I stopped chemically straightening my hair over a decade ago and figured I would make small batches and sell it at saturday market. I began to deep dive into research of my absolute favorite ingredients that really had helped me on my transition from relaxed hair to natural. It was within this timeframe that my sister began to experience hairloss. It seemed so bizarre because nothing that we could put our finger on would have caused it and the doctor only responded with “I’m not quite sure but it could be the stop of your birth control”. Read more>>
Justin Casey
The company’s roots date back to around 2011 or so. A friend and I began making custom buttons for a band I was playing in at the time, as well as for other local musicians. After some modest equipment upgrades, it sort of just became something I do. My friends knew that I could provide them with high quality buttons, and they would refer their friends to me by word-of-mouth. It wasn’t until 2023 that things started to ramp up. The company I had been employed at for 10 years unexpectedly ceased operations on my 40th birthday, leaving me unemployed. At the same time, my brother’s income was becoming less and less reliable. So we decided to invest a few thousand dollars to turning my garage into a custom merch shop. With the contacts I made over the years, alongside some grassroots marketing – which I also enjoy – the idea seemed like a viable way to take control of a bad situation. Read more>>
Amaya Gray
Godly Intentions Real Life Ministries began as a vision God placed in my heart—a call to create a space where people could find connection, healing, and strength rooted in His love. It was my junior year of high school, and life felt both exhilarating and overwhelming. I was thriving academically, managing a job, and holding leadership roles in several extracurriculars. At the same time, I was active in my church community. But amidst all this, my world was shaken when I lost my great-grandfather, PawPaw, who had been a father figure to me since my biological father was no longer present in my life after age five. PawPaw’s passing left a profound void, and I struggled with deep mental and emotional pain. I faced challenges in close relationships and felt the weight of grief pressing on my heart. During this difficult season, I began meeting consistently with a wise, compassionate woman of God, RaShonda Jamerson. Her kindness, understanding, and unwavering faith lifted me in ways I hadn’t known I needed. Read more>>
LaTricia Morris
In 2022, I was working in real estate and really feeling the strain of the market. I was incredibly stressed and feeling like I just couldn’t keep up. To be sure, I was internally panicked and over-the-top with anxiety over how far the lack of income was setting me back. I started thinking about what skills I could leverage to help my family while maintaining the time freedom I needed to handle my real estate clients as things would pick back up. I found myself combing through listings on indeed only to stumble across a posting by a local company looking for a freelance graphic designer. I thought “I can totally do that. I’ve been running Adobe Creative Cloud since they launched it in 2013. I can do design all day long.” So, I crafted this beautifully customized resume tailored specifically to that company’s niche. I don’t believe in bragging but that thing was ON POINT. I packaged it with a nice letter and sent it on its way but then I got to thinking – “you know what, I don’t need their darn permission.” After the last traditional job I’d had, I promised myself I was never working for another person again. Recognizing that they were only going to give me a small cut of whatever the clients were paying them for me to do the work, I decided to go a different route and do it on my own. I figured I would offer graphic design as a side-gig while I waited for the real estate market to rebound. Read more>>
Claire Thomas
The idea for my business began to take shape during my time as a full-time educator in the classroom. After a few years of teaching, I started noticing some inconsistencies within the curriculum. On top of that, many of my students needed additional support that extended beyond what I could realistically provide during our limited time together each day. I knew that if we were going to address those needs effectively, the support couldn’t stop when the school day ended. That’s when I began offering families personalized strategies and activities they could do at home with their children. I sent home things that aligned with what we were working on in class but went far beyond just another worksheet for homework. These were practical, engaging approaches like games, hands-on activities, and routines that fit naturally into their everyday lives. Read more>>
Todd Moultrie
After my father passed in 2009 I became immersed in jazz, the music he tried so hard to get me to love as a child. At the time I was a “former” music producer now about 8 years removed from production (this will be an important detail later). I started searching for new artist and immediately fell in love with artist like Robert Glasper, Gretchen Parlato, Terrace Martin, Gregory Porter and many others. That following year I was transferred by my job from Houston, Texas to Omaha, Nebraska and going through a divorce and saw first hand how music can truly heal. The pivotal moment through this was seeing a Robert Glasper performance in nearby St Louis. I was so mesmerized by the performance I bought tickets for the next nights show and was even able to chat with Glasper after the show. From that day on, every chance I was able to travel to a jazz show I was there. I found myself traveling to Seattle, Chicago, New Orleans, New York and beyond for a weekend of jazz. It started with me traveling to see a Glasper show then turned into full weeks in New York binging on the jazz scene. From this I started to think I felt like a groupie which is where I coined the term jazzgroupiez. Read more>>
Erica Warner
How I came up with the name for my business is that a real close friend of mine helped me. I was doing my paperwork to start my business and one of the questions was what’s your business name? So my friend said name it after my great grandmother. Her name is Mildred, so my business name is Mildred’s Bar and Grill. Which was brilliant since she’s the reason why I like to cook and bake. Read more>>
Herman Laimone
It was a fun, long, and collaborative process. At first, we decided on the name “5 Points Media” for our growing videography/photography company. After a bit of research, we realized how common that name was — so we continued to brainstorm. After a many rough name drafts, we were confident on “Glass Sanctuary”, with the ‘glass’ referring to lens glass. People mentioned how it kinda sounded like a bong store name though, so we continued brainstorming. After a year or so, we finally were confident with the name of our company being “Evil Layer”. It stuck well with everyone, gave a bit of atmosphere. Read more>>
Claire Wessels
My brand is named PRATUM, which is Latin for prairie. My story begins in the prairies of central Iowa. I was raised on a small farm just outside of town, but I still grew up running barefoot on a dirt road. My home sits in the middle of a great expanse of cornfields, slightly up on a hill. Two acres of tallgrass prairie surround the house. It is beautiful native grassland filled with big-stem bluegrass and native wildflowers such as bergamot. I have such a distinct recollection of home smelling like turned earth, bergamot, rain, and garden tomatoes. My father is our county’s soil and water conservation commissioner, so taking care of the land is very important to my family. A majority of my inspiration comes from the textures and colors of the land I grew up on. There is such a deep sense of belonging when you are standing out in the prairie and can look out to the horizon as far as the eye can see, especially when there is a storm rolling in. I want to bring this feeling and emotion to people through my brand. I feel like it is hard to find your sense of belonging in this day and age, and a lot of that is confidence in who you are. I hope to dress people into that confidence. Read more>>
Sara Williams
I came up with Queens Who Empower Queens in 2022 when I represented Georgia in Ms. USA Prime at Nationals in Florida. Queens Who Empower Queens came from women form all diverse backgrounds that has a story, some are scared to tell their story and with that come more trauma. We are helping young girls and women to share their story, to stand in their truth, and to reach their full potential ! Our model is She too has been through it, you too can get through it! Read more>>
Amareliz Rivera-burgos
In the heart of the Caribbean lies a hidden crisis: Puerto Rico, “la isla del encanto” (the island of enchantment) but as we, the locals call it “la isla del abandono” (the island of abandonment). With over 650,000 Satos (puerto rican stray dogs) and more than a 1,000,000 stray cats roaming its streets, on an island the size of Connecticut. The island of Puerto Rico faces a great monumental challenge in animal welfare. However, amid this adversity, one initiative is shining a beacon of hope – FlyDogzPR. FlyDogz-Puerto Rico is a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing stray and abused dogs from Puerto Rico, known as “Satos.” Our organization works closely with local rescues and independent rescuers to rehabilitate these dogs and prepare them for adoption. One of the key ways FlyDogz-Puerto Rico connects dogs with their new homes in the United States is through our unique volunteer program. Read more>>
Isvel Rodriguez-nerey
The idea for my creative services business, Isvel Creative, is rooted in my story—a journey of resilience, determination, and a profound appreciation for freedom and creativity. I escaped Cuba on a raft at a young age, fleeing communism and seeking a new life in the United States. That experience of leaving everything behind and reinventing myself fueled my belief in the power of new beginnings. Every milestone since then has been marked by a desire to tell meaningful stories and connect with people through authentic, impactful, creative work. As I built my career, working with global brands and renowned agencies like TBWA, Publicis, and Arteza, I began to see the value of my voice in marketing and branding. My projects ranged from iconic campaigns with Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing to shaping Arteza’s brand in the competitive e-commerce space. Along the way, I learned that the best creative solutions come from a mix of cultural understanding, strategic precision, and genuine empathy. Read more>>
Scott Kindred
I sat around and decided to come up with a new type of comedy about pot and I wanted it to be PG-Rated and funny without a bunch of stoners sitting around smoking. That’s been done. I met with Scott and pitched the idea, and he was on board, so we agreed to work together. We both worked at Warner Brothers at the time. Read more>>
Trina Horton
I came up with the idea for I Care 4 Teachers during one of the most challenging times in my life – the pandemic. Like so many others, I was overwhelmed by the uncertainty, but something really stood out to me: female educators, in particular, were drowning in it. I saw it up close– the sleepless nights, the anxiety of trying to juggle virtual classrooms, family life, and somehow still take care of themselves. It was a mess, and I couldn’t help but feel this tug in my heart to do something about it. Talking with my fellow educators, it became clear: we were all struggling, trying to keep everything together for everyone else, but no one was keeping us together. No one was really talking about self-care for us, the ones holding it all together. It hit me like a ton of bricks — we needed to start taking care of ourselves in a real way, not just as an afterthought. Read more>>
Carlos Sanchez
The idea for my photography business took root from a personal place—my daughters and the sports they love. Watching them excel on the field and in the arena was inspiring, yet I noticed a significant gap: female athletic events were often overlooked by photographers, leaving these talented athletes without the recognition they truly deserved. This lack of representation ignited a passion in me to change that. I wanted female athletes, like my daughters, to feel seen, celebrated, and, above all, epic in their moments of triumph. I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because I saw the profound impact that representation can have, especially for young athletes. There was a clear gap in the market and an opportunity to make a genuine difference, not only by capturing action-packed shots but by uplifting these athletes through art that celebrates their dedication and strength. Driven by a mission to shine a spotlight on all athletes, I felt confident that with my passion and vision, I could make a lasting impact in this space. Read more>>
Jo’vohna Hughes
As someone who is passionate about advocacy and believe in the potential for systemic chance, I began to think how could I help those in the community who may be experiencing a difficult time in their life. By providing a safe, supportive environment through a group home, I am able to address the immediate needs of the adolescent population–such as housing, safety, and emotional support–which simultaneously empowering them through mentorship. The intent of the mentorship program was to offer young people the opportunity to guidance they need to navigate lifestyle challenges, build confidence, and set personal and academic goals. This combined approach fosters both immediate relief and long-term transformation. As someone who is passionate about advocacy, it is not just about meeting basic needs; its about creating opportunities for growth, self-determination, and social change, empowering young people to reach their full potential and become advocates for their own futures. Read more>>
Nicholas Hockley
The idea of Love Portal, which is an a nomadic ecstatic dance, sound healing, and community gathering, came to me during a mushroom journey. In this vision, I could see the event from a bird’s eye view, as if I were witnessing it from above. The whole gathering was surrounded by a distinct energetic barrier, almost like a sacred portal, that people entered as they came into the space. It felt as though I was being shown the blueprint for something meaningful, a path to create a unique environment for connection, expression, and transformation. Leading up to this moment, I had spent years immersed in the nightlife scene as a DJ, running a record label and hosting monthly events. However, when COVID hit, my connection to the nightlife culture began to shift. This shift coincided with a period of deep healing work, which ultimately led me to a spiritual awakening. Afterward, I found myself drawn to experiences that aligned more closely with this new chapter of my life. Read more>>
Laura Kalina
I am originally a photographer from right outside DC. I struggled to find work there; my experience was that everyone saw everyone else as competition. There was no community. In 2017, I followed my parents down to Wilmington, NC when they retired. I decided to open my own multimedia business, which became Mossy Fox Studio. My specialty became pyrography, which I had been doing as a hobby for a couple of years at that point. I started doing pyrography on a whim back in 2015. I saw it on tv and thought it looked like fun. I went to my local craft store and bought wood and a basic woodburning unit. I was *immediately* hooked. It was so relaxing and fun! What started as simply a hobby very quickly grew to a love and appreciation of the medium, to the point that when I moved in 2017 I decided to just go all in and open a new business for my art. I had zero idea if I would succeed or not, but chose to risk it. Read more>>
Lexi Breunig
When I was in college, I started an Etsy shop selling waterbottle stickers and art prints that I designed. I operated my business from my dorm room, which was quite the experience! I was able to grow my online presence through social media and creative branding, expanding my reach significantly. Eventually, I wanted to get away from shipping out physical products (if you know, you know!), so I pivoted my business. Now, I work with other small business on various creative goals such as branding, graphic design, website design, marketing, etc. This was something I LOVED getting to do for my Etsy shop, and it’s been so fun getting to do this for other businesses. Read more>>
Cautney Nelson
Science and Sip® formerly (The Drunken Laboratory) began as an after-school program introducing disadvantaged students to the incredible world of science. After quitting her job as a patient coordinator, our founder, Cautney Nelson, started a nonprofit called Millennial Scnce in March of 2019. Millennial Scnce allowed Nelson to teach and inspire underprivileged students through interactive, STEM-focused programming. As she soon discovered, both children and adults loved the fun curricula she curated, which made her wonder how could she continue to engage this older crowd of science lovers in an innovative way. Thus, in October of 2019, “Sicnce & Sip” was born: Nelson created an immersive experience, in which adults could conduct outlandish science experiments, while sipping delicious drinks with their friends. The project evolved into “The Drunken Laboratory,” catching guests’ attention on Groupon and selling out in just two weeks without a set location, any reviews, or even a social media presence. Read more>>
Jorgonne Denazareth
I am interested in expressing my support of helping humanity as a whole because my nonlinear path has been profoundly enriching. I have faced significant personal challenges, including multiple surgeries, a difficult breakup, a job loss, and family struggles, yet I have remained steadfast in my commitment to growth and service. These experiences have shaped my resilience, strengthened my character, and deepened my understanding of the struggles many individuals face. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit of God endorsing me to justify my purpose in the world by knowing that Jesus is living within. I acknowledge that people use the love of God purposefully, but I myself love Jesus with the knowledge of fulfilling his wills and wisdoms of mankind’s tribulations and pains; loving Jesus Christ and recognizing his existence not only prevails but redeems me through the world. This journey has been transformative for me, as I have become increasingly aware that Jesus has plans for us all—plans that often involve serving others and uplifting those in need. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, I have experienced a sense of absolution from many of my past sins, empowering me to pursue a path dedicated to compassion and service. Read more>>