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.
Kiana Diggins
The idea for Kids Inspiration is the brainchild of my son, Sean, who from the age of five, was determined to start his own business. When the pandemic hit, he asked me week after week if he could start his venture. He had a vision: to create mugs with inspirational messages to uplift kids during such uncertain times. I believed in his dream so much that I decided to join him in making it a reality. The premise of our business was twofold: teaching Sean how to turn his ideas into reality and providing a positive, uplifting message for kids who needed it most. Covid was tough on children, it brought fear, isolation, and uncertainty. We wanted to do something to counteract the negativity. While there were plenty of mugs with inspirational messages for adults, we noticed there was nothing out there targeting kids. Nothing that was fun, colorful, and specifically designed to speak to them. Read more>>
Sylva Joye
A dear friend sent me a handwritten letter and it moved me to tears. It was so unexpected and so sweet. They had also included a photo from a trip we had taken together. I wanted to send something special to them in return and that’s when I got inspired to make stationery products. I have a bunch of travel photos just sitting on my phone. Why not make my own gift?! I’m starting with notebooks and will branch out into journals and gift cards. We’re more thoughtful and revealing when we write by hand and I want to encourage that in this text-heavy world. Read more>>
Candace Baier
I came up with the idea for the nonprofit organization Harper’s Warrior Fund during my time as a CASA volunteer for Jackson County. I had a child on my case load that I was advocating for who was nonverbal and has autism. His foster parents felt that he would greatly benefit from a specific type of occupational therapy called MNRI therapy.The foster parents shared this with me and the social worker and after looking into the therapy further, we discovered that it was not covered under Medicaid and required private pay. The social worker asked the judge and the judge made a court order but still no funding was available for this special type of therapy. So in the end, the foster parents elected to pay for it themselves because they felt so strongly that this child would greatly benefit. Read more>>
Aj Martinez
1. The Luxury Outdoors 2. Tiny Homes Sol & Santosha, which translates to “Sun & Contentment” has been designed around Martinez & DeNuccio’s love for the outdoors. After tracking one of the largest growing verticals globally and seeing the real estate market reach a historic inflection point, they began to develop their model around several key data points: 1. One of the largest markets in the world (hospitality), finished at $4.79 billion in 2023 and growing to proj. $12.1 billion by 2030 (source: verified market research) 2. The Short term rental (STR) market that sits within the above finished at $86 billion in 2020 and is growing to a proj. $113 billion by 2028 (source: Grand View Research, 2021) Read more>>
Rebecca Leveille-guay
From my earliest memories, I knew I wanted to be an artist. I lived quite fully in a magical world of my own making – that I drew myself. I wasn’t a kid that fit in well. And this world building became the fabric of me. There was never a question as to IF it would do this.. but how. Coming into the art world at the time I did- the things I wanted make were less sought after- figure based magical reality- Today the art world has a more welcoming view of this kind of work. My biggest skill and the thing I feel I have to offer is that I build very elaborate figurative works largely based upon drawing and painting without specific models or photo reference. I have spend so many years ( first working in graphic novel and comics ) drawing and painting such a vast number of things from my imagination that I have a large internal library. Read more>>
Logan Lowery
The day after I applied to the military, I broke both of my legs. I had graduated college less than a year before my accident. Having been accepted to a top graduate program for film composition, I decided to forgo going to grad school in the spirit of pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors. The trouble was I had yet to come up with a solid idea. Nine months after college graduation I decided to pursue a lifelong desire to join the United States Military. The morning after I emailed my application I fell off a building and ended up in the hospital for ten days, in a wheelchair for eight weeks, with a cane for a month, and in physical therapy for six months. Needless to say, I had plenty of time to come up with an idea. Not only that, but it felt like I was being a clear sign to slow down and take the time that was given to me. I wrote down a slew of ideas I had one day on a nearby pizza box lid and that resulted in starting Pizza Box Media (the pizza box lid is framed on my wall). I also spent a ton of time honing my music composition and music production skills with all of the creative energy I had at the time. Read more>>
Carnita Burnett
I began writing at a very young age—just three years old—when I first mimicked the words in the letters my father sent to my mother when he was in the Air Force and stationed abroad. This early exposure to the written word sparked a lifelong passion for writing. I was inspired to write Ghost Protocol: Dating in the New Millennium based on my own experiences and those of others as we navigated the complexities of attempting to form genuine relationships in a digital age. As online dating became the new norm, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and often awkward moments that come with trying to connect with others in this evolving landscape. This book aims to explore those experiences and offer insight into finding meaningful connections in a world increasingly defined by technology. Read more>>
Luke Eccles
I was working for a company called 1&1 out of Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania doing outside sales. I worked with small businesses to provide them with do it yourself websites for their operation. I ended up doing a lot of web design for the clients just to keep them as clients. I was in a spot where I was sick of having a boss over my shoulder with a quota every week. I had one of my really good clients. Ask if I would run her Facebook and 2014. She was a great fit as a client so I said yes. The name was Later born after I had five or six clients . Read more>>
Gabriel Gomez
Great question. For us, wine has been an incredible journey and the lens through which we’ve traveled the world and have had many memorable experiences. We’ve experienced many adventures in our wine journey – from Eastern Washington to Oregon and California to Europe – and we’ve met so many incredible people who have truly shaped our perception of both the world and of wine. For us, wine helps foster our community through authentic and meaningful connection with strangers and the strengthening of our bonds with our friends and family. Relationships are foundational to our lives and we pride ourselves on cultivating strong bonds built on love and surrounding ourselves with genuinely happy people. Read more>>
Isabella Zisman
Back in 2021, it started with a question. Why weren’t brands prioritizing STRONG digital content? Whether it was a health brand, tech product, or clothing collection, we felt that brands, particularly newer ones, were putting all of their focus into the product itself — not the online presence. Back then, and especially now, we knew that your digital presence is essentially an online resumé – so why didn’t more brands care about the quality of their digital assets? Growing up with a combined photography and videography background, we had the tools and skills to offer a solution to these brands. We began by selling to friends and family, using an easy to understand comparison: Yelp images. When you’re in a new place, selecting a place to eat at, the quality of the photos and videos can make or break your decision… we personally wouldn’t trust a café with blurry, badly lit photos of their menu. Promoting a product or service was no different to us. And this is how it began: with two cameras, editing software, creative ideas, and a solid pitch. Having recently graduated from college (without marketing or business degrees, I should add), we weren’t sure where this journey would take us. But we started, and we didn’t look back. Sometimes that’s all it takes. Read more>>
Janelle Murray
I grew up taking dance and acting classes and absolutely loved learning and performing. As a teen, I would volunteer as an assistant teacher with different dance studios and theatre organizations sharing my passions with their youth and soaking up knowledge from talented educators. However, the one thing I was missing from these studios was a sense of community and belonging. I stayed because I loved the performing arts but I didn’t always feel comfortable or supported by my teachers and peers. As I got older and began teaching my own performing arts classes it was important to me that myself and the JEM STARS teaching artists create a warm and welcoming environment for all. We are not only educators but mentors and role models to the next generation and we take great pride in that. What makes my teaching methodology different from other arts educators is that I use the performing arts as a tool to support positive individual development, confidence and character building. I want my students to leave my classes feeling empowered, happy and inspired. It is my favorite thing to give someone a positive performing arts experience and thus JEM STARS Performing Arts Company came to be. Read more>>
Mari Baker
Intro & how it started My name is Mari Baker. I’m a proud mother of 2 amazing Sons, Berto and Devon. Also, married to my wonderful Husband Brock of 17 years. I’m a mother, Wife, Creator and Entrepreneur. How it all started! It was Berto’s 12th birthday month back in 2014. He had told us he really wanted a dinosaur cake and had this whole vision of how he wanted it to look. So, we started our search to find a store or someone who could make this cake. After days of running and calling, we couldn’t find anywhere to get this cake made. After some discussion with my husband and mother-in-law, the idea was planted for myself to try and make Berts vision a reality. I was a little reluctant at first but after the encouragement from my family, I decided to give it a shot. After a couple of attempts, the cake came out exactly as envisioned. We had his birthday party that weekend. After the party was over, I received multiple texts and calls asking about the cake and where we bought it from. There were a couple parents asking if I could make their child’s cakes and that’s when it hit me, this could become something great! That’s when the journey of YB Cake Designs began, and 9 years later, he we are! Read more>>
Tjs Dwellings
My partner and I met back in 2018 at an advertising agency we worked at in San Francisco. We’d both worked in advertising since we’d graduated college and I’m not sure either of us had thought about a different career path until covid hit. It was sort of a perfect storm of meeting the person you are supposed to spend your life with, while life as you know it was drastically changing. For how hard we were both working and how devoted we were to our careers, during lockdown we wondered if there was a better way to dedicate our time professionally. While neither of us knew exactly what that meant, both of us had a lot of heart for our planet, our changing climate and the inequalities created through blind consumption. Realizing a stark contrast to our 9 – 5’s, we decided it was time to quit our jobs, leave San Francisco, buy a van, live in said van for a little while, and figure out what we could invest ourselves into next. It wasn’t really a glamorous “road trip across America” – it was filled with a lot of tears, confusion, soul searching, Walmart parking lots… but it was also beautiful and deeply impactful to disconnect and spend time figuring out where we may be able to be the most helpful. Read more>>
Carolina Bliman
Traveling has been a passion of mine since childhood. My parents, a young and idealistic couple, moved our family of five from South America to the Mediterranean and eventually to North America. They reveled in exploring new places, meeting diverse people, and immersing themselves in different cultures. Their enthusiasm for travel became my own, and I have continued to traverse the globe ever since. One memory from my childhood has always stood out: my mother, frantically searching for our passports amidst the chaos of our packing preparations. “Why can’t we be more organized and have everything we need ready?!” she would exclaim, exasperated. Years later, I found myself echoing her words as I rummaged through my bag at the airport, realizing I had left my phone charger at home. It happened again on the plane when I needed a band-aid, and yet again when I arrived at my destination with parched lips and no Chapstick in sight! These might seem like minor details, but I firmly believe that it is the simple things that make a big difference. Read more>>
Rycardo “ryk” Goodwin
The idea for ReiRaz Craft LLC came from a very personal place—a love for storytelling through art and a desire to challenge the notion that creativity is just a hobby. Growing up, I saw how often aspiring artists, especially those within my community, were told that art couldn’t be a viable career. That narrative stuck with me, and I wanted to create something that not only showcased the potential of art as a profession but also inspired others to see it as a pathway to self-expression, empowerment, and financial independence. ReiRaz Craft LLC was named after my children, Reina and Raziel, because family and legacy are central to everything I do. It started with my passion for pixel art—a medium that merges nostalgia with precision and creativity. What began as a hobby quickly transformed into something more when I saw the impact my work had on others. People didn’t just see art; they saw themselves in it. This connection motivated me to make art accessible to everyone, regardless of income level, and to create opportunities for children and families to explore their creative sides. Read more>>
Destiny Warner
The idea of Miracle 8 Foundation came from one of the most deeply personal and heartbreaking experiences of my life. It was born out of love for my daughter, Miracle Malaya, one of my twin daughters who was born prematurely at 31 weeks and lived for only eight days. Her brief yet powerful life changed me forever, and I wanted to honor her by creating something meaningful that would help others walking a similar path of grief and loss. In the days following her passing, I was overwhelmed with emotions—grief, confusion, and a longing for connection with others who understood this pain. I realized there weren’t enough spaces dedicated to supporting families who experience pregnancy and infant loss. While there were some resources, I felt that there was room for a community-centered approach—a space where people could come together, share their stories, and find comfort in knowing they weren’t alone. Read more>>
Adeola Fadumiye
The idea for Inherit Haus started to form over a decade ago, a few years after I stepped into the world of entrepreneurship. Back then, it was a different landscape—one where walking into a room often meant being the only woman, or more specifically, the only Black woman. It was an isolating and delicate time for me. I was driven, but I often felt like I had no idea what I was doing, navigating unfamiliar spaces without a clear guide. While I was there to find clients and opportunities, I yearned for more than just professional contacts; I wanted a space where I could feel genuinely cared for and supported as I walked this new road. After transitioning out of my third business in 2023, the vision for Inherit Haus wouldn’t let go. Those early experiences shaped my vision for it. I knew that women didn’t just need a place to network; we needed a place where we could connect in ways that went beyond the transactional and embraced the transformative. I wanted to build a space where women could walk into the room feeling seen and valued, where we could openly share our journeys, our vulnerabilities, and our aspirations. Read more>>
Malika Ulmasova
I didn’t set out to start this business—I was simply helping people. It started with high-performing entrepreneurs and professionals coming to me with the same struggles: feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and stressed. They’d built success on the outside, but inside, they were wrestling with doubts, fears, and recurring challenges they couldn’t seem to break through. They felt the pressure of maintaining their success but were secretly battling insecurities, burnout, and patterns that kept showing up no matter how much action they took. Many of them were trapped in a cycle: taking massive action, pushing harder, but never addressing the deeper issues. They didn’t realize their personal struggles—emotional wounds, limiting beliefs, or subconscious fears—were showing up in their business. Read more>>
Amelia Houde
I have always loved gift giving and shopping and finding unique items the typical big box stores do not carry. Whenever I travel I always make it a point to visit the local coffee shop and check out the downtown area for small boutique shops to see what they have to offer. I’ve always loved these stores and dreamed of having my own some day. My small town of Onset, MA which is actually a small village within the town of Wareham, MA has a great downtown area up the street from Onset Beach however it lacks gift shops. It has restaurants, ice cream shops, a post office, laundromat, pottery painting, barber shop, etc. and is a great area to walk around but only has one retail shop. That’s unheard of in a beach town that draws tourists. I want to make a difference in my town and Tide and True is it. A big part of my store is showcasing local brands and artists. I have over 55 artists and local vendors that I purchase products from. I host pop-up events with my vendors and fundraisers throughout the year to bring people to the shop year round and not just during prime tourist season. I have designed stickers that $1.00 of every one purchased is donated to the local associated that puts on the community events in the area. I love giving back when I can. The inspiration for the name is that I want Tide and True to be people’s tried and true shop for finding unique gifts and items for themselves and of course it had to have a beachy feel to it so Tide came into play. Read more>>
Colette Williams
When I was 16, my journey to launching Colette’s Creations was sparked by a love for baking that had been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Baking wasn’t just a hobby; it was my love language. I started by baking for friends and family, and they were always my biggest fans. Over time, their encouragement grew stronger as they push me to turn my talent and passion into something bigger. It wasn’t my first entrepreneurial venture, though. When I was just 10, I sold homemade pies to my neighbors during the holidays. That experience planted the seed of entrepreneurial spirit, but it wasn’t until I was older that the idea of starting my own business really took root. At 14, I transitioned to a vegan lifestyle, which naturally led me to explore vegan baking. By 16, I noticed a gap in the market—there weren’t many accessible and delicious vegan dessert options, even in the Bay Area, where veganism is widely embraced. Read more>>
Lizeth Lopez
Well I have always wanted to open my own business, more specifically a coffee shop. So I made the decision to make that dream come true and I quit my job and started all the preparations to get my business started. I decided to do a Creperie because my husband told me “there are a lot of coffee shops around you need something that will make you stand out something different”, and when my kids were younger I would always make them crepes when they were younger so I decided to combine the two and created Chez Lizeth Creperie. Read more>>
Raven West
I have been in the modeling industry for over a decade and a teacher and coach close to two decades. When beginners would ask me for help it would always start small but as I continued working with new models I realized this wasn’t something I could really help them with unless I was willing to spend several hours with each of them. It wasn’t just about how to walk or how to pose for a great photo but it was also adapting many different aspects into your lifestyle. I had run many dance camps and I thought why not a model camp. How fun to have people who are just getting started and thinking about getting started come stay with me for a week and leave with all tools necessary to be successful in this industry! Read more>>
Kelley Johnson
In 2004 we were a one car family, I was a stay at home mom of two little ones. I had endless creativity flowing through my veins. I couldn’t stop painting the walls in my home different colors and styles. I also created sterling silver and Swarovski crystal jewelry, I couldn’t buy enough colors, sizes and shapes of crystal beads to satisfy my brain. I got myself in a little bit of debt not realizing jewelry wasn’t going to fly off the shelves, my husband bailed me out of debt and I said I wouldn’t do that again and I didn’t but I never stopped looking at what was out there. One day I was web surfing and came across some large glass beads on eBay. I started reading their description to find out what on earth I was looking at, they said they made them in their home studio…I started to cry, I knew this was it! Remember we had one vehicle and hubby worked so the kids and I were home all day, working from home would be ideal. If I could learn what tools and supplies I’d need I could do this and let my creativity fly. Read more>>
Lindsey Sozio
I believed there could be a different approach to coffee. With life moving at such a fast pace, I was looking to create a shift away from the hectic quick-serve culture of coffee to slowing down and making coffee an integral part of a wellness-inspired daily routine. By focusing on the highest quality standards and clean, healthy coffees roasted for balance, my team developed a luxurious line of wellness-oriented coffees with my own daily routine in mind. I like to wake early (when my household is quiet), make coffee, and set intentions and plans for the day ahead. It’s a daily ritual that puts me in the right mindset to be productive, focused, and feel like I’m making the most of each day. Read more>>
Dawn Michellee Hardy
This year, to celebrate my 50th birthday, I took my second trip to Marrakesh, Morocco. I had visited fo the firs time two years prior and fell in love with the cultural experiences. I was captivated by the beauty in their decor, fashion, and food presentations. Every moment was exciting, from shopping at the souks to riding camels and glamping in the Sahara with hot running water in our tents. However, nothing left a lasting impression more than the traditional bathing ritual of the Moroccan hammam. I find Morocco to be a destination that has stimulated all five of my senses in a way that no other place has done. The idea that I could curate a gift box and introduce American women to this practice and the natural resources in the region was initially just a gift idea for my girlfriends. Read more>>