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.

Catherine Lee

My sister and I started Semaine Health because we both suffer from endometriosis and PCOS (poly cystic ovary syndrome). While these are common conditions for women, it can take over a decade to get diagnosed and treated for them. It took me 15 years of debilitating periods, countless rounds of birth control, dozens of sick days off of work and major surgery to get diagnosed with endometriosis. Period pain, whether caused by endometriosis or another condition, is incredibly common and usually treated ineffectively with birth control and painkillers. My sister and I wanted to create a solution that could be taken long term and didn’t involve pharmaceuticals. Read more>>

Diamond Morehead

The idea for Syncing Syllabi was born during my time as a peer mentor at my alma mater. I was working at the Office of Black Student Success. A program I and a few other activists petitioned for. The population of Black students at the time was less than 3%. I work with incoming freshmen and transfer students. As I connected with those incoming college students, I noticed a recurring challenge: the overwhelming task of managing assignments. Witnessing their frustration and stress firsthand ignited a spark within me to create a solution that would alleviate this burden and help students succeed. Read more>>

Tina Rocca

I grew up in a poor Italian family with my grandparents who were ill lived with us. I realized food is medicine and exercise is a prescription for better health. At 10 years old I became vegetarian, I became a professional fitness trainer and wellness expert at 17. I taught people how to change their lives by making healthier choices and through exercise daily. In 1994, I started the first natural aromatherapy candle company with my ex husband. We divorced, I was incredibly disappointed, sad and was taking care of my 2 daughters and I was diagnosed with RA which affects the immune system. In 2012 I created a spa bath and body brand working out of my garage. In 2015 I began Pure Plant Home aromatherapy wellness coconut wax candles with real essential oil aromas. I am passionate about having good health and enhanced longevity through the use of healthier, non toxic products. Read more>>

Hope Whitworth

Our family has always had a shared love for entertainment and a knack for creating unforgettable moments. Our journey has been a whirlwind of joy, laughter, and the sheer thrill of turning ordinary gatherings into extraordinary experiences, not just for our family but friends as well! You see, our roots go deep in the world of celebrations, where weddings became fairy tales and family get-togethers transformed into cherished memories. But it was more than just an event for us. We were the ones who’d show up way before anyone else to others’ events, excitedly helping set up and to make sure every detail was just right. Read more>>

Amylah Charles

CurlyCrownz Haircare was created to nourish, embrace and enhance your opulent Crownz. CurlyCrownz was founded when covid and injustice were on the rise in 2020 when I was 16 years. I wanted to find a way to not only nourish your crown but your soul. I formulate and handicraft naturally based oils, butters, shampoo bars, and more for the Black and Brown community. We provide products for various states of hair such as curls, locs, beards, waves, and scalps. Read more>>

Tanisha Smith

To enhance our communication, my husband and I utilized a couples app. This application operated in a manner where both individuals would answer questions, and the responses would only be revealed once both parties had provided their answers. Using this app proved to be a valuable revelation for us. It reminded us that as we grow, our preferences and interests may evolve, and we need to revisit those discussions from time to time. Read more>>

Carissa Gray

In August of 2016, a good friend of mine asked me if I would take family pictures for her. She said she liked the pictures that I would post of my family, nature, and more and that she would love it if I would take family pictures for her and her family. That led to her asking me if I ever considered running a photography business. I said I had, but that my work wasn’t good enough. To which she replied, stop that nonsense and quit being so hard on yourself. We talked for a long time and in the end, I decided I would give it a try. If nothing came of it, at least I would know I gave it my all and that I tried. Read more>>

Phelicia Dell

Having journeyed to Haiti, one cannot help but observe the abundance of skilled artisans who line the streets, particularly near hotels, with an array of meticulously crafted handmade goods, hoping to secure sales at any given moment. Among the array of souvenirs they offer, voodoo flags stand out as particularly prevalent. Their allure had always captivated me, yet I noticed they weren’t being sold as briskly as they deserved. Read more>>

Rachel Benkowski

Women’s presence in the beer industry in North America is ever-expanding, and with this growth we are witnessing women-owned beer businesses pushing boundaries for change and equality. For me, it is this expanding presence of women in the beer industry that inspired a unique business opportunity. What ultimately blossomed into the now international nonprofit organization called the Beer Babes Family, began with a mutual interest in beer between two women. Read more>>

Marie-Axelle Anoman

My name is Marie-Axelle Anoman, Graduate Student at Yeshiva University at the Katz School of Science & Health. I’m originally from the Ivory Coast and I’ll tell you my story. How I became the owner the ” @shylahair ” on Instagram. When I was younger, I was always attracted to long hair, (straight, curly) and extensions. I thought it was nice to change from the natural hair that African women have. I don’t mean that I want to camouflage my natural hair, or I don’t like my natural hair, but I’m a person who really likes to change hairstyles. Being a new person every time depending on my clothing style. As I grew up, I was more and more attracted to it, but I couldn’t afford it. Read more>>

Raine Clark

The concept for Lorraine and Friends first began to form when I was in my last semester of graduate school. I was a history student primed for entering into the world of museums and national historic sites, but I was in a personal slump. And what do you do when you’re in a slump? You go out and buy things. So I bought a fuzzy pink cropped sweater that I thought was pretty cute, even though it was out of my usual comfort zone. That’s when things started to change. All of the sudden, my old identity as the serious student, who wore seriously striped shirts, had become uncomfortable and ill-fitting, but I couldn’t figure out why. Read more>>

LaVetta Bruce

I have had a love for traveling since I can remember, it definitely takes my mind away from everyday things and gives me a sense of what’s going on in other parts of the world.. I am definitely a people person, I love to meet new people from other cultures and see different things that I have not yet experienced. I have traveled for years and have always wanted others to experience the joy of traveling. I felt as if a lot of people don’t travel because they think it’s too expensive. They don’t really understand how reasonable traveling can be made to fit within your budget. Time is definitely a factor that will help, planning ahead leaves plenty of room for payments and an iteniary for activities can make travel arrangements worry free. Read more>>

Gianna Mancuso

The day of my 17th birthday I had a small party with my Mom and sisters who are also my bestfriends. Them knowing I had a love for herbalism and the craft, one of my sisters had an epiphany! “Why don’t you sell these services and products!” From then on I felt a fire in my belly.. an inspiration like I’d never felt before. Immediately I began my own research and created my website with all the services I love. Learning and growing along the way. No one prepares you for running a business at 17 being self taught, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Read more>>

Jaden Teixeira-Reyes

The year is 2021, I had just had my first baby and although this being the most beautiful and life changing event, it was an absolutely horrendous journey. I had an extremely tough pregnancy and postpartum. After having my daughter via emergency c-section, due to complications, I wound up with 2 infections, extreme loss of blood and an onslaught of other health issues. I almost died. Grateful and blessed to have made it through, the next 9 months after having my baby I was extremely anxiety ridden and depressed. Postpartum was honestly more difficult than childbirth. I wasn’t sure what to do so I turned to what always has made me happy in the past. Read more>>

Kendall Lawson

We went to High Point University and majored in Entrepreneurship. Starting college back in 2008, we always knew we wanted to have our own business but wasn’t sure what type of business we would decide in the future. Three Scooops Fashion House was started our senior year as a our senior class project. We were assigned to create our own business plan, marketing, financials etc and present it to our class. After a year of work, research, and presenting (we got a B on the overall project), we realized this was the most fun we had in school outside of being a Division 1 soccer player and partying. From there… Three Scooops was born, without a fashion background, just hunger and an eagerness to create a sustainable business so we can provide opportunities to our family and community. Read more>>

Jessica Washington

The journey of how I came up with the idea for my businesses, I Am Enough and More LLC and Louvetine Cosmetics, is one filled with inspiration, determination, and a desire to make a positive impact. It all began with my small novelty company, I Am Enough and More LLC. I noticed a lack of empowering and uplifting products in the market, and I felt a strong personal connection to the concept of self-worth and self-acceptance. I wanted to create a brand that would not only offer beautiful products but also inspire individuals to embrace their uniqueness and believe in themselves. Read more>>

Jake Warrilow

I formed Gold Step Design on the basis of designing for bands and brands that I love. I have blended my passions, music, design, food, travel, beer and more into one collective. Read more>>

Luis Correa

I Have ALWAYS BEEN INTEREST AND INVOLVRD N THE MUSIC BUSINESS, in Junior high i discovered what later would be hip hop. with the help of my friend Eddie we bought a turntable a ealistic radio shack mixer and a cassette deck, we djd small house parties with that setup the summer of 83, We started a small dj crew, thena promotional crew, then we started doing biggr back yard parties and even ventiring into halls and clubs. by 1990, the music started changing and we grew out of our dj phase and 2 years later met Ray perez who wanted to do ska shows in back yards with live bands, i was ompletely ready to go. Read more>>

 J. Christopher Johnson

Mobilizing Millennials: The social state of the United States is currently at an all-time high, with daily attacks against marginalized groups of people1. The need for a fierce and robust response is evident, as black people are being viciously executed at the hands of police officers who took an oath to protect and serve all people2. Political and legislative weaponry has advanced all over the nation, with constant attacks on people’s health and bodily autonomy, LGB and trans people, voting rights, equitable housing, livable wages, healthcare, and more1. Read more>>

Tessa Farley

I started cooking when I was 9 years old. My mom got sick and I wanted to make her feel better by cooking her a meal. She was so surprised that I cooked a full course meal all from watching her cook over the years. I sold plates out of my college apartment… people were amazed that at 18 I was cooking cornbread dressing and collard greens like they came out of a grandmother’s kitchen. When I was 30, I went to Culinary School and learned the art of cooking, I’d worked in restaurants from 18-38 working my way up from a server to Operations Manager in multi-million dollar companies… But Culinary School was different, it taught me how to break down recipes & how to create food art. Read more>>

Melissa Clouser-Missett

My professional background is in Education (my degree is in Art Education) and after teaching for a few years (English in the Philippines then Visual Arts in Baltimore and Boston) I ended up being a stay-at-home mama to my newborn twins throughout the pandemic. When it was time for me to work outside our home again, I wanted to continue teaching & creating but not necessarily in a school setting. Read more>>

Wade Bennett

I originally started YouTube under a different channel name back in 2010 when Apple’s first iPad was introduced. I was always into tech – and especially Apple – and even had the very first iPhone in 2007 as a middle school kid. When the iPad was introduced, I was already watching YouTube videos about smartphones, computers, product unboxing, etc., and thought to myself, “well I could do that!” And so my very first YouTube video was an unboxing of Apple’s iPad. Read more>>

BETHANIE JONES

When I moved to Los Angeles it was the start of COVID-19. It was a risk to move to the city at such a time- but to be quite honest I was anticipating this new season more and more as the days went on. When I moved the entertainment industry, especially photoshoots were on a lock-down of their own. Work was on pause, creativity was not. So during this time of waiting of styling on set, I started to style on the roof of our LA home, early in the morning (digitally.) It was a time where sun up to sun down I had the chance to be creative… I look back on that season and laugh a bit. During the time I was so ready for work to start up and to go somewhere other than my roof or taking a coffee to go nearby. Read more>>

Scot Clayton

When I ‘retired’ from my Regular Gov Job, I needed something to keep my Creative Juices Flowing. I had been in Bar Bands, and Recorded in Studios, etc. so initially I thought I would simply build a small Recording Studio for myself, then Friends ask, and their friends, etc. Over 20 years later, I’m on SMC Studio #5, and Busier than EVER! Read more>>

Karley Henderson

I grew up in Missouri, knowing that I wanted to make a difference in the world but not sure how. I now reside in Illinois with my husband and two children. Both of my children were born with medical complexities. It was at this time that I truly saw the lack of representation and inclusion there was in the world. I did not want my children growing up this way, wondering why they never saw anyone like them in the world. I knew there needed to be a change and I knew that I was going to be a part of it. I had to do something, but what? This is the feeling that pushed me to begin writing for representation and education through articles and children’s books. I believe that every child and adult should feel represented and proud of who they are. I strive to end the stigma on mental health and disabilities. I write to help others feel seen and educate society on how diverse we truly are. Read more>>

Georgandez Morrison

The inception of Virtual Media Hive stems from a deeply personal journey that intertwines challenges, resilience, and an unwavering determination to create something impactful. The idea for my business emerged as a result of a culmination of experiences, circumstances, and a profound desire to make a difference in the lives of busy professionals and entrepreneurs. This story begins with my background in administration, which constituted around 90% of my professional career. As a human resource officer and assistant to government officials in Kingston, Jamaica, I meticulously honed my administrative skills. Through this journey, I encountered mentors who recognized my potential and diligently nurtured my talents, guiding me through a rigorous process of improvement. Read more>>

Jocelyn Brown

The idea of this all actually found me. I was in a really dark, lost place working with no opportunity of advancement. I then decided to revisit my initial dream of working in healthcare. I registered for nursing school in 2018, but soon was faced with the reality that financially I was unable to attend. Instead, I went to esthetician school to master lash extensions and save money for school. I disliked lashes so much, omg. BUT I fell in love with everything else and my idea of being a career esthetician was born. After a little over a year in business, a plastic surgeon, Dr. Amaka, found me. Since building a relationship with her the goal has grown and I aspire to one day transition into a medical spa. Read more>>

Xenia Mateiu

I fell in love with crystals and gemstones a long time ago. At first, I was fascinated by how pretty crystals are and how calm you feel when you stare at them, explore every corner, see how they shine from different angles, and what intriguing textures and shapes stones have. I got more and more into crystals and gems and started to be curious about how these beautiful gifts from the Earth form, how they get mined and polished, how people use them, and what they are believed to do spiritually or metaphysically. Read more>>

Tatiana Tovar

I had always loved baking, ever since I was a little kid. While other kids were watching “That’s so Raven” or “Spongebob”, I would be watching shows like “Cake Boss” and “Ace of Cakes” and dream of one day having my own cake business. During the summer of 2021, I had just failed my first business endeavor, a party planning business called Dream Decors by Tati. I was feeling discouraged and lost, but I knew I still wanted to have a business that I was passionate about. Read more>>

Cesar Pavon

Our passion for photography led us to identify that in the Houston area there is a great demand for photography services for events. Especially weddings and quinceaneras. This is how Quinces and weddings studio was born with the goal of making photography sessions more fun for quinceaneras and out of the ordinary for couples. Read more>>

Brianna Carter

I’ve always had a passion for creating art and gifting personalized items. Over the years, I’ve drawn portraits and written poems for family and friends when I could not find a gift or when I did not have the means to purchase one. Christmas 2019 happened to be one of those instances where I did not have much set aside to buy loved ones gifts, so I decided to personalize mugs for my family instead. A few weeks later, I posted photos online of the mugs that I designed and instantly received an inquiry for three. From there, friends and family started sharing their ideas with me for personalized items that they wanted to gift others. Read more>>

Rose Johnson

The spark for Ozion Publishing Group came from my own experience as an aspiring author trying to navigate the complex world of publishing. After spending years searching for information on crafting a manuscript and getting it published, I realized I could have used that time to simply write. As I reflected on my circuitous path to publishing my first novel, the lightbulb went off – I could help other writers avoid the endless research rabbit-holes by providing customized guidance tailored to their book goals. Read more>>

Douglas Proce

The current film I’m working on is a feature length documentary on the Arizona Foster Care system. With over 13,000 children in Arizona foster care, (over 300,000 children in Foster care nationwide) it is a subject that needs more awareness. The documentary will combine key interviews from the government sector and nonprofit sector with reenactments showing a child gowning through each step of the process: from being picked up by a DCS case worker to placement in a safe and loving home. Read more>>

Ram Prasad

The transformative chapter of my life started unexpectedly when a distinctive opportunity presented itself—an invitation to assume the roles of fractional CTO and CPO for a well-established tech enterprise. While already engaged as a tech executive, the CEO approached me, requesting my assistance for a few hours each week. Little did I anticipate the profound impact this seemingly small commitment would have on my journey, altering its course irrevocably. Read more>>

Thomas Curry

The inception of my production company was born out of a deep-seated desire to make a significant mark in the film industry. At that juncture in my life, I was working a regular 9-5 job, constrained by limited finances but fueled by boundless ambition. The ticking clock reminded me daily of the need to pivot from my conventional job and gravitate towards my passion – storytelling. It was during this period of introspection that I crossed paths with several like-minded enthusiasts, one of whom has remained a stalwart ally till today. Together, we envisioned a future where we wouldn’t be confined to desk jobs, but instead, be the bearers of narratives that could influence and inspire. Read more>>

Bebe Singleton

Sofrito is a seasoning base I grew up watching my mom cook with and make. I’ve always cooked with it and made the recipe my own, and decided to let friends try it. In fact, that is how Raquel Niles, founder of Nutmeg Nostalgia began using my product. It started out as a barter of sorts. One day Raquel was in the city and she was making Tuna Puffs and we did an exchange of goods, and that’s how we began really exchanging products and recipes. I always prided myself on making things from scratch and giving people an optimal experience when they cook. Read more>>

Arlan Fonseca

At the age of 19, I struggled to discover what career I wanted to pursue. After trying different career paths I found my way to studying videography in Media and Communications. When seeking better video equipment, I fell upon being introduced to a camera in downtown Boston where I discovered my interest in developing my skills in photography since I only used cheap cameras. I remember I was very indecisive whether to buy that camera knowing I had very little money. But then after a total of 4 hours on that day going back and fourth to that store, I came back one last time hand held that camera in my hand, took a deep breath, and said to myself, “what if this camera changes my life?” and it sure did. Read more>>

Marsha Durfee

I’ve always believed to treat others exactly the way I wanted to be treated. This is also my philosophy when it comes to training dogs and their owners. My passion for dog behavior and training started over 18 years ago when I adopted a shelter puppy that included a free training. The trainer at the shelter opened my eyes of what not to do as I saw her dragging and yanking my little puppy around by her leash. It was at this moment I knew there had to be a better, safer and humane way to train a dog. This was the beginning of my journey into dog behavior and training. Read more>>

Rachel Manning

My husband and I had just gotten married. We were driving back from South Carolina and had hangovers, lol. As we were riding in the car we talked about how we were going to be serious about having a business and decided that doing something around healthcare would be best. My Husband had a trucking business, that due to Covid, declined.I had a photography business that I did not take serious. I had decided that I enjoyed it better as pleasure and not for work. My background was being an ICU Registered Nurse. I was working in ICU and Trauma and when covid came, they dynamics of the hospital shifted in a major way. Read more>>

Mike Brancaccio

The idea for our business was born from several conversations between my business partners and myself and my wife about doing something on our own outside of and different from our normal day jobs. We all work full time jobs. My business partners (Betsy and Lenny Smith) owning another business that was featured here previously, Atomic Beauty and Barber Lounge, as a hairstylist and barber, my wife (Dawn Brancaccio) has been an elementary school teacher for 20 years and I work for Harley-Davidson and have been in the motorcycle industry for the past 15 plus years. Read more>>

Janet Nevel

I have been involved in dance since I was 3 years old. I loved taking classes. I loved learning about the different art forms that dance could offer. It was a safe space for me to express myself without judgement. When I started teaching in 2011, this is what I wanted for my students as well. To share my passion. In 2014, 2 out of the 3 studios I was teaching at decided to close their doors. I wasn’t sure I could handle the idea of owning my own business or running my own studio, but I decided to give it a try. Each studio I taught at ran their businesses a little differently so I took all of the ideas I thought would work best and created my own studio, Live Love Dance Studio, LLC. This year is our 10-year anniversary. I am so proud of what my business has become, and I hope to continue to spread the love for dance to students young and old for many years to come. Read more>>

Brandon Pham

While growing up, my fiancé, Betty Nguyen, and I had a genuine love for reading. As kids, we always eagerly anticipated the bedtime stories shared by our parents and older siblings. As we got older, we came to realize that one of the most enjoyable ways to discover more about the world was through reading. When we started our journey in medical school, we often joked, “This would have been way easier if they taught us this stuff as kids!” Fast forward over twenty years, and that very sentiment has inspired us to pass on our passion for reading and learning to kids by creating our own collection of children’s books. Read more>>

Dana Rubin

I have had a camera in my hand since I was a child. My dad was my first photography teacher. I learned how to handle a camera, how to change the mechanics and I had a trained eye for composition. I have been taking photos for families for over 20 years in the local community. Right before Covid hit I decided it was time to live my passion fully and completely. I decided to jump in with two feet and become a portrait artist. I knew I could make it work because I had the heart behind the camera. I knew it would be a worthwhile endeavor because I was going to capture memories for people that they could cherish for a lifetime. Read more>>

Kris Fedeli

The idea for FORYA® was born out of a personal struggle and a broader observation. I was running a successful fitness business in Virginia, engaging with around 100 clients daily in a personalized group setting. I was fueled by my love for the fitness industry and my degree in exercise science, but my energy was rapidly depleting. I would finish the day with optical migraines and total exhaustion. It was then that I asked myself: “How can I continue helping people improve their health without having to be physically present all the time?” Read more>>

Sam Silverman

In 2017, as I was wandering the vibrant streets of New York, a thought struck me like a bolt of lightning: amidst the diverse tapestry of festivals that celebrate the city’s eclectic food culture, there was a glaring hole. How was it that the humble bagel, an iconic symbol of New York’s culinary landscape, didn’t have its own celebration? It was baffling and, to me, almost sacrilegious. Bagels have always been my favorite food. They represent a nostalgic piece of my childhood, a symbol of family gatherings, and lazy Sunday mornings. The mere aroma can instantly transport me to my happiest memories. The realization that there had been no BagelFest in the history of New York City hit me hard. And I decided that if it didn’t exist, I would create it. Read more>>

Asmodeus

During Covid everything was on hold like everyone knows. One day it just came to mind to create a page where I can upload wrestling and Lucha Libre matches. Also, giving out information about the industry. At first, it was a page of memes and cool videos. A year later, it became a page where I was able to help out local promotions by sharing their wrestling flyers and help out local wrestlers. Read more>>

Carrie Peters

At the time, I was determined to be a rom com writer. I took online classes, won some contests, met a lot of great people. When you enter contests, you only have to have 3 chapters, and boy was I a whiz at writing 3 chapters. Turns out to write an entire book, you also have to have a plot. And I simply cannot plot. I took plotting classes, bought plotting books, watched videos on how to plot. Nothing. I took several intense one-on-one plotting classes, and the teachers mostly just gave up on me. =) Finally, I said Carrie, this is not going to be your new career, better try to find another. Read more>>

Andria Roscart

During a trip to LA in 2020 visiting my sister-in-law, Catherine, the concept of The ABL was born. We spent our time eating, visiting breweries and exploring Joshua Tree. On a rare rainy evening we got take-out and started discussing what would make for a chill but fun brewery atmosphere. I opened my note keeper app and started making lists of what we felt was missing from other breweries we have visited. Read more>>

Lana Fleischli

When I was about to turn 16, it was December 2020 and I was in a creative slump. During my Covid- era alone time, I began listen to more music and and learning more about music than I had before. Needing a creative outlet, I began writing about albums that spoke to me by analyzing them, and gaining a deeper understanding of them. I was initially scared to post my reviews, but then I decided to do it. From that, I have begun doing more things, such as promoting shows and creating a zine for the site. I felt like I could succeed because I had nothing to lose. I am a teenager who is putting myself out there. While judgement is scary, I ignore it as much as I can because I am happy with what I create. Read more>>