Starting a business or creative project is scary for many reasons, but one that is often overlooked is the anxiety related to whether this is really “the one.” To some, this isn’t a valid consideration while to others this is the only consideration. Some argue that what you work on, along with who you work with are the two most pivotal decisions you’ll make and so we’ve asked folks to tell us about how they came up with their ideas and how they knew this idea was the one.

Michael Joy

Marketing Macabre was born out of necessity. When I was working for the Philadelphia based distribution company, Artsploitation Films, I was dealing with multiple PR agencies and it was my belief that these companies were all over charging for the services that they provided. This gave me the idea to create my own marketing company, specific for the needs of the independent filmmaker. I knew indie filmmakers didn’t have the money for what they were being charged. I knew I could provide marketing services the same level of service at a more affordable rate. There was a void that needed to be filled for marketing no budget to low budget films. I felt an obligation to fill that void. Since my background had always been in horror and I had many connections in the horror industry, it just made the most sense that this marketing company that I would create, cater to the horror genre professional. The pieces all fit together rather easily and I started Marketing Macabre. The rest is horror history. Read more>>

Angela & Alicia Vervaet

We both have auto immune issues that cause dry skin. We shopped around and could not find products that would help. So we decided to do our own body products. Alicia came up with our secret recipe that you will find no where else. Our products have been a game changer for us and our customers. Read more>>

Tadzia Lee

The idea for Well-Lived stems from my childhood and a personal journey with mental health and self-expression. When I was in middle school, life felt overwhelming. After a significant move, being one of the few minorities in my classes, and navigating challenging family events, I struggled to understand and communicate my emotions. One day, my mom and I started something that was so simple but made a big impact; writing notes to each other on torn notebook paper. We would slip the notes under the door or drop it off on each other’s beds and it created a safe space for me to share what was on my mind. This small act of connection became the foundation for my journaling journey and opened the door to understanding the importance of mental health. Read more>>

Erika Radis

The idea for Working Moms of San Antonio came to me during one of those beautifully chaotic moments that only working moms can truly appreciate. I was sitting at my dining room table, juggling emails, taking care of my daughters, and sipping my already cold cup of coffee. I couldn’t help but feel this tug—a longing for something more, not just for myself, but for moms like me who were trying to do it all: run a business, nurture a family, and still chase their own dreams. Read more>>

Kenyatta Alexander Reed

I submitted my music catalog to music reports inc. as a music songwriter, Im also a BMI writer member as well. I started distribution with music distributors, I am now with GT Digital distribution and Empire distribution. Read more>>

Melissa Alvarez-zabriskie

I began the Tennessee Hispanic Action Network out of a need to advocate for my community. With the challenges we face, such as broken promises by leaders and the ability to be informed about harmful legislation, we tend to trust each other over outsiders. This is a concept I truly understood, and I wanted to give Hispanics a chance at leadership and making meaningful change. I wanted to create something that would be built by Latinos and support Latinos, so I finally made the leap and decided to lay the groundwork needed to springboard the organization into existence. Read more>>

Asia Lee

Why I Created HarmonizeandGrow.com The story of Harmonize and Grow is deeply intertwined with my life’s journey—my experiences, challenges, and moments of transcendence. Growing up, I felt like an outsider, someone who didn’t quite fit into the world around me. I was stolen from my birthplace, Jeju Island, and sold into an environment that lacked love, trust, and safety. Yet, those experiences shaped me into someone who could deeply empathize with others, particularly those who feel unseen or disconnected. Read more>>

Ishitha Arekapudi

Sky Riders: Breaking Barriers for Youth in Aviation. According to Boeing’s 2024 projections, the global aviation industry will need over 790,000 new pilots by 2037 to meet the soaring demand for air travel. In just over a decade, aviation will face one of its greatest challenges yet—a shortage of pilots who can keep our skies moving. At the same time, the space industry is transforming in ways once unimaginable. Some experts predict that by 2050, thousands of people could be living and working in space, paving the way for humanity’s next chapter in the cosmos. This generation, our generation, has the chance to mark milestones in human history. Read more>>

Kim Crickard

I moved to Eldorado in 2015, and by 2020 was the President of the local Eldorado Arts and Crafts Association (EACA). It’s a non profit, volunteer organization that creates the Eldorado Studio Tour, Spring and Winter shows, and gives the many talented artists in this area the chance to show and sell their work. I was offered a unit in the Agora Shopping Center for a “pop-up show” in December of 2021. It went well even tho it was only open for a couple weeks. It was at that point that I decided that location would be perfect for an Artists’ Co-op. Eldorado NEEDED a venue for its terrific artists, and I thought that artists from outside our “borders” could also be included. As long as they could get there for a couple shifts a month, they were within a close enough distance to join us. We started Artistic License Gallery on Jan 1st of 2022. Read more>>

Danni Sinclait

I created this business because I know what it feels like to be stuck. To be in a situation where, on paper, everything looks great, but inside, you’re in a constant state of discomfort, anxiety, and frustration. I was there. I had climbed the corporate ladder, checked all the boxes: fulfilling partnership, great shape, healthy routines. I even brought yoga and mindfulness practices to my corporate job, teaching others how to care for themselves. But the truth was, I was completely depleted. My cup was empty, and I had nothing left to pour. I was running on fumes, numbing myself on weekends with coffee, alcohol, and distractions. I was dealing with unresolved trauma, overwhelming work demands, and an environment that left me energetically drained. Eventually, it all caught up to me, and I reached a breaking point.  Read more>>

Iyanu Adegbite

In January 2020, I launched the brand ToTsFrishion™️. I began by selling African wax print hats, and soon after, I expanded my collection to include bags. My niche audience loved the bags, and I quickly sold out after launching. However, as time passed, I sought to create a more meaningful brand that not only sells products but also serves as an inspiration with a positive impact. Before starting the brand in 2020, I had always wanted to share cancer stories following my mother’s battle with leukemia, which tragically took her life on November 26, 2008. Her death led me through a long journey of grief, one I struggled with deeply until God helped me transform that pain into purpose and also have empathy for those with similar challenges. Through this transformation, I found the strength to create a platform dedicated to sharing stories of hope, resilience, and healing. By turning my loss into a mission to uplift others, I discovered a way to honor my mother’s legacy while supporting those navigating their own battles with cancer. This journey not only gave my pain meaning but also allowed me to connect with a community of individuals who inspire and encourage one another every day. Read more>>

Brian Xicotencatl

How I Came Up with “Water Polo Strong” and Created My Job Out of Thin Air I remember that day so vividly. Coach Black had called me into his office to talk about colleges. It was my freshman year at American River Junior College. He said, “X, I’m going to break it to you straight: Your body cannot keep up with your mind when it comes to this game. You’re smart enough, but you’re out of shape and overweight.” Who would have thought that those words would propel me toward the future I have today? I grew up in Sacramento, California, where I started playing water polo in my freshman year of high school. I had always wanted to swim, but my original plan was to play football. My father, however, said no. At freshman orientation, I made a friend who encouraged me to try out for the water polo team. So, I did. In our first game, I scored my first goal—and I was hooked. From that moment on, I knew one thing for sure: I loved this sport. Read more>>

Nikolai Puchlov

My wife and I owned Seattle Kettlebell Club, a Kettlebell class based gym. Adoption of kettlebells for new members was challenging because the current kettlebell options were uncomfortable and awkward. When covid closed our gym for lockdowns I vowed to reopen with a better kettlebell. We used our free time to design and patent our dream kettlebell. A kettlebell that was comfortable, safe, could be used in multiple ways, performed better than anything else and was made in the USA. Read more>>

Kirsten Zeigler

I started my business because I couldn’t find my fit in corporate. Over the years, I held several HR roles across different industries, but I kept running into the same issue: my ethics and values were being compromised. Time and again, I was directed to make decisions or take actions that didn’t align with my morals or what I believed HR should stand for. The breaking point came at my last job when I was let go—not because of my performance, but because the business owner didn’t like my personality. A few weeks prior, I had shared a conflicting opinion, standing firm that it wasn’t appropriate to terminate someone simply because they didn’t “click” with leadership. That experience made it clear to me: HR can’t do its job effectively if leaders aren’t open to listening and acting on ethical recommendations. Read more>>

Chris Turk

After struggling with body issues my entire life, I wanted to create a brand that is made not just for everybody but for every body. I got so tired of trying on swim and it not fitting right or the swim being way too expensive. Every business person will tell you that you have to pick one demographic but I got tired of living in that world. I started by creating my swim on real bodies, because there was a complete gap in the market for that. We always have this idea that we have to fit into this perfect body box, I wanted all my customers to know their bodies are perfect and beautiful just the way they are. Self love is so important and I want everyone to feel their best when they put on my swim.  Read more>>

John Magill

The idea for Zaprite came about from a desire to solve a personal problem. I was scratching my own itch. While doing contract UI/UX work for a Canadian bitcoin exchange, I needed to send an invoice that could allow me to get paid directly in bitcoin. Something that would automatically connect to my own wallet of choice and abstract away all of the exchange rate calculations and client communications. The bitcoin industry was something I had been passionate about for years, but had never found a way to get involved or contribute. This was it. This was a way to get my foot in the door. I could finally build something that at least had the potential to contribute and build upon the efforts of others I had followed and admired. Read more>>

Chrissy Lawler

When I had my first baby, I vividly remember the overwhelming exhaustion and confusion that came with new motherhood. I was sleep-deprived, anxious, and drowning in a sea of contradictory advice—especially when it came to baby sleep. I wanted to be the best mom I could be, but I felt lost and unsupported. At the same time, I knew deep down there had to be a better way—one that empowered parents rather than making them feel ashamed or inadequate. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I had already dedicated years of study to what it takes for women to thrive in motherhood. I began to see how deeply connected sleep, emotional well-being, and thriving as a mom really were. I also realized that much of the advice out there about baby sleep was missing the mark—it was either too rigid, too dismissive of parents’ instincts, or too guilt-laden. Read more>>

Allie Williams

I was out for drinks one night with work (my full time job is in Project Management). I’d had alot of comments over the years about always being away in a new country, how do I afford it along with the crazy rental market or find the time away from work on only 25 days leave per year? But my colleagues were genuinely shocked that I was due to visit my 12th country of the year! I had so many questions asking exactly how do I do it, and the idea for my creative platforms on TikTok and Instagram was born! Read more>>

Dc Miller

During the pandemic, mid 2020, I was stuck at home with my only human interaction being with my family and coworkers on a computer screen. I spent a lot of time on social media trying to keep busy and one day came across a video about candle making. A light bulb went off! I bought my first little kit from the local craft store & the rest is history. Read more>>

Kewounie Bennett

From Roots to Remedies: The Story of The Healing Gardyn Born into an Indigenous lineage, where herbs, roots, and the art of conjuring have always been central to our way of life, I was raised with a deep connection to the spiritual realm. My gift of clairvoyance, which I’ve carried with me from childhood, has allowed me to feel attuned to the unseen forces of nature. My fascination with all things nature—plants, herbs, and the quiet magic they hold—has been the heartbeat of my life. As a child, I watched my grandmother, Dovie Anna, serve our community by crafting homemade tinctures and remedies that healed the body and soul. Her hands were never still—whether she was gathering herbs from the backyard, carefully washing and preparing them, or bottling them with care and intention. The way her creations helped others left a lasting impression on me. I knew then that I, too, wanted to be a “Medicine Woman,” using nature’s gifts to bring healing to the world. But how? How could I also heal those in need? I knew that using natural ingredients has its purpose, but would people listen to what I had to say? Read more>>

Chelseann Brooks

I started my hair business out of necessity and passion. Growing up with my single dad, I had to learn how to style my own hair from an early age, which turned into something I genuinely enjoyed. Over time, I realized that I had a talent for it and it was more than just a skill—it was a passion. At 16, I wanted to find a way to make money, so I decided to turn my love for hair styling into a business. Combining my skills with my entrepreneurial spirit, I began offering services and eventually built my hair business as a way to earn income while doing something I truly loved. Read more>>

Natalia Campos

The candle making came up when I wanted to switch up my fundraising to collect money for the children at Morristown Medical Center. I wanted a way to keep the fundraising fresh and updated. It has since evolved and I’ve added Reiki Infused candles. Most recently I collaborated with a foundation to make candles for the care packages. Loving Light Candles is rooted in giving back, To see a child smile when they pick their gift card or a Mother lighting a candle for some peace and comfort. Read more>>

Wesley Simpson

i was in the automotive industry for over 40 years, worked in almost every department from Parts to service and sales primarily doing finance for the past 30. i found i spent a lot of time with clients ensuring they could afford there new vehicle. i would go over there budget to ensure they would be as successful as possible, some clients i would recommend they wait to buy. we would lose some to other stores but the majority appreciated my approach and as a result we would get more referrals so the majority of my sales team appreciated my style but as the dealer groups took over my style became less welcomed by the upper management. as a result i found it hard to find a home so decided to start a business as a credit coach and then over time swam up stream to help people understand their spending habits and work at changing those. the transformation was incredible. Read more>>

Vanessa Dean

I was bored—a familiar feeling for someone with ADHD. I had completed the Dave Ramsey Master Coach training and loved all things budgeting, so I decided to help people like me, people with ADHD. When I started digging into the stats about ADHD and finances, I realized how much of a challenge it really is. Individuals with ADHD face grim financial realities: up to a million dollars less in net worth compared to our peers, higher suicide rates among men with financial struggles, and over 38% of us dealing with debt. Sure, many people struggle with debt and saving for retirement, but for those with ADHD, the challenge isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about action. We know what to do, but implementing it? That’s where the struggle lies.  Read more>>

Raven Barnes

The idea to start writing children’s character books came from a deeply personal place. When my children, all under the age of 9, began struggling with challenges like low self-esteem, not sharing, and dishonesty, I realized these were more than fleeting behaviors—they were opportunities to teach deeper life lessons. I wanted to address these issues early, helping them build character and resilience before they faced the greater complexities of their teenage years and adulthood. As I reflected on how best to guide them, I turned to prayer. I felt God leading me toward a unique solution—creating relatable, engaging stories with kids who looked like them and faced similar challenges. I wanted these stories to resonate deeply, showing real-life situations and parents offering thoughtful advice to help them navigate their struggles. Instead of using animals or whimsical characters, I focused on real boys and girls so my children could see themselves in the lessons. Read more>>

Shelly Steele

Rise Yaupon started with a passion for a native treasure: Yaupon Holly, the only caffeinated plant indigenous to North America. The journey began when my father introduced me to Yaupon, recounting its rich history as a medicinal plant used by the Timucua people thousands of years ago. The plant’s natural health benefits and light, smooth flavor immediately resonated with me. Learning about Yaupon’s potential sparked an idea: why not reintroduce this remarkable, sustainable plant to modern tea drinkers while supporting local communities? Yaupon is naturally abundant in antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and theobromine (also found in chocolate), which promotes alertness and happiness without jitters. It’s tannin-free, meaning no bitterness and no sugar required—a perfect fit for health-conscious consumers. Read more>>

Kiel Long

My business partner and I began Cherry Hill Wedding Films in March of 2023. We discovered our passion for film while both attending the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. It was my business partner Cobe, who first began shooting weddings on the side for extra income. He needed an additional videographer for one of his shoots so he invited me. We drove to Palm Springs and despite the 95 degree weather, shot one of the most beautiful weddings ever. When the day was over and while we were driving home, I began reflecting on the day and wedding. I had realized how much fun we had. It didn’t feel like work. Fast forward a few weeks later – I called Cobe and said I wanted to start a wedding videography business with him. He was down. Because we were both working other jobs within the film industry, we didn’t feel pressure to get the business going quickly. This allowed us to take our time building out our website, marketing strategy and relationships with other vendors. We were confident that we would be able to book weddings with the proper marketing and relationships. Although it’s a somewhat crowded space, that didn’t scare us away from launching. We ended up securing 20 weddings in 2024 and had a great wedding season! Read more>>

Andra Campos

Well, I came up with the idea of a car ride. I had just begun working at my internship at Scripps Research, and I was fascinated by the way that I felt like I could accomplish anything just because I had become engaged in this one particular extracurricular. Making change made me feel like I could accomplish anything and so I wanted to create a place where others could do that same thing. Coming from a very large public school, I felt like I couldn’t connect with others who had the same interests as me, so I liked accomplishing more or working on a project. For instance, I wanted to start a nonprofit for outdoor workers (my now-existing organization, Solace for Outdoor Workers), so I decided to sort of put together my technology skills and create a place where people could do that. I honestly didn’t know much about coding or making a website at all when I had the idea, but I sort of just knew that this was something that needed to be done, and if I didn’t do it, I didn’t know who else would so I decided why not take matters into my own hands. That’s the beauty of my website because I want others to feel like they can feel the same way and not have anything that prohibits them from making the change that they want to see. Humans are creative, and we always have a bunch of ideas, but I’m certain that many of them just go unnoticed or unappreciated, and because of that, we lose out on a really large amount of possibilities that could’ve happened. So, I sort of wanted to work to fix that problem, and I decided to study a lot of coding just to understand how I could make that a place for others. Read more>>

Mark Gerlay

During my freshman year of high school in 2018, I had a close friend named Carlos who came up with the idea of designing our own graphics for blank T-shirts and reselling them for a profit. At the time, I didn’t know much about business, but this idea sparked a deep interest in the entrepreneurial world. My school was a military-style institution, so we were required to wear uniforms and follow strict uniform regulations. However, instead of adhering to the rules, I began customizing my own uniforms with my designs and bringing them to school. I thought I might get in trouble, but to my surprise, I received compliments from the school staff and students alike, with many of them asking me to design their uniforms for them. This experience opened my eyes to the potential of business, and from that point forward, my interest in entrepreneurship began to grow. Read more>>

Carla Chiang

The idea for my business was born from my personal journey of healing and self-discovery. For years, I had felt disconnected—from myself, from my purpose, and from the life I was living. It all came to a head during a particularly challenging period when I faced a series of emotional and spiritual trials that left me questioning everything. I turned to various healing modalities, almost out of desperation, and found solace in practices like Angelic healing, Akashic Registry, Channeling, Reiki and meditative work. But it wasn’t just the practices themselves that transformed me; it was how they awakened a deep understanding of my essence as a woman, the power of feminine energy, and the magic of living authentically from a place of love. I knew this wasn’t just a fleeting realization, it was a calling. I started noticing how many women around me were experiencing the same struggles: feeling lost, overwhelmed, and disconnected from their true selves. They craved more but didn’t know how to access it. Read more>>

Jessica Hirst

graduated from University. I was working at a pub as General Manager and while my boss was great and gave me a lot of managerial freedom I knew I didn’t want to wear a kilt and sling pints for the rest of my days. I decided to get certified as a wedding planner. I took a course and had the idea that I would work in the high season and travel in the low. In theory, it was perfect. A friend of mine that also worked at the bar said she wanted to open a bridal store and I thought, PERFECT, we will find a place for your shop, I’ll meet with clients in it and we will have a business that feeds each others. We found a sketchy 700 sq ft storefront and spent 6 weeks with our significant others making it presentable and lots of help from my mother (and now business partner) who was working as an interior designer in my hometown of Markham. We bought 19 dresses from a shop that was shutting down in a neighbouring town, asked her a few questions, mostly about how the heck we were going to pull this off, took one of her carbon copy invoices to model our own and then the journey began. Read more>>

Dom Gervasi

For sixteen years, I was a salesman employed by manufacturers of data communications and networking hardware. My customers were primarily financial institutions in Manhattan and, especially in the ’90s, it was exciting. I was an adventurer scaling the dizzying heights of skyscrapers in search of dragons’ hoards. Their lairs were hidden away in cavernous data centers lined by endless lengths of copper and glass; twinkling with amber, green and red lights. My armor was a woolen suit. My shield, a leather briefcase. My weapons, lightning fast devices. The 21st century was ushered in by the dot-com bubble’s bursting. Then came the 911 tragedy. And as the Great Recession overshadowed the entire economy, the tech hardware industry specifically was rapidly changing. Dragons took flight for cloud computing and by the end of the decade I was laid off and lost. Miserable, I adopted an attitude of curiosity and indulged in some excessive, laser focused navel gazing. I took inventory of what I wanted and what I could do. Read more>>

Daniel Field

As a trained gambling addiction counselor, I began to see a major shift in client inquiries. Increasingly, I was getting calls not from the typical “brick and mortar” casino gambler but from younger, mostly male online sports bettors who accumulated substantial debt in a very short amount of time. These individuals did not resonate in the rooms of Gamblers Anonymous with older problem gamblers who were not raised in the era of smartphones and video games which integrated risk/rewad aspects in design. I also noticed a cultural shift towards the normalization of crypto daytrading and sports betting and the unfounded belief that these risky activities were viable ways of making money or even focusing career aspirations. Read more>>

Alzerina Gomes

When I moved to New York City in 1997, I was stepping into an entirely new world—one that felt both exciting and daunting. I was a new mom to two young children, in a city where I didn’t speak the language, and with very few people to lean on. I found myself craving a way to express the emotions I couldn’t put into words and searching for something to ground me. That’s when I discovered jewelry making. It became my refuge, my creative escape, and my way to find beauty and purpose even during difficult times. At first, I made pieces simply to uplift myself and reclaim a sense of control in my life. But as I created, I felt a spark—I realized that these pieces were more than just jewelry; they held pieces of my story, resilience, and creativity. This discovery was so empowering that I couldn’t keep it to myself. I wanted others to feel this same sense of beauty and healing, so I started Alzerina Jewelry with the idea of helping others reconnect with their own inner strength and express themselves through jewelry. Read more>>

Jasmine Chenell

It wasn’t until my Senior year in college at Parsons where I understood my starting point with my philosophy as a designer; it was the concept of transformation. My senior thesis was based on the concept of Alchemy, I deconstructed menswear suit pieces and transformed it into womenswear clothing. While creating each look, I discovered my creative ability to merge my life experiences & fashion through storytelling that one may find relatable. Fast forward to now, with over the years of figuring out what sets me apart from every other designer is based on my personal relationship with Christ. My philosophy back then was vague and I felt unsure on how to navigate my perspective in the industry. I started leaning towards the Lord for inspiration and guidance. With every collection I’ve produced thus far, I’m in complete in awe of how deeply God is connected to the brand and how much he desires for people to know about him and His kingdom through using me as a vessel.  Read more>>

Rick Hauschild

After moving from Atlanta to Greenville, I realized that my life was lacking purpose and I was internally lost. I finally hit a very low point mentally and decided I needed someone to talk to. After a full year of seeing a mental health professional I gained some clarity. My “don’t take life so serious” mentality, creativity and past apparel experience led to How Are You? Brand. The goal is simple. Encouraging potential life altering conversations and awareness of the need for them. Every purchase gives back to the Greenville, SC community to help others! Read more>>

Michelle Bricio Flores

Since I migrated (5 years a go) I have heard many different stories of migration told to me by people that I came to know in the places I have worked. All of which have had a great impression on me. These people explained to me the reasons why they migrated, what had happened, whom they came with, whom they came to, and how long ago they came. What made a great impression on me were the stories of struggle, desperation, hard work, loneliness, homesickness and missing loved ones. But at the same time these stories are also about overcoming challenges, strength, courage, and adaptability. There are many reasons why people migrate. But no matter the reason, as migrants, we go through a similar and important process of personal growth. And coming to know these inspirational stories is of great value to me. Read more>>

Katia Francesconi

I founded the Katia Francesconi Foundation out of a deep desire to make a lasting impact in communities facing extreme poverty. Growing up in Brazil, I witnessed firsthand the struggles many people face, but it wasn’t until later in life that I saw how much could be done through philanthropy. My inspiration came from my family, especially my aunts and mother, who dedicated their time to volunteering and helping people in need. I wanted to build on that legacy and do something that could transform lives on a larger scale. The initial process of starting the foundation was the most challenging part. The key was finding the right partners and projects to connect with in Brazil—ones that aligned with my vision and made a genuine impact. Thankfully, with the guidance of some incredible people at the Brazil Foundation, I was introduced to projects that truly spoke to my heart. These partnerships allowed me to support causes I could always keep an eye on, ensuring that funds were going exactly where they were needed most. Read more>>

Quyen Phan

The idea for Anchovies & Salt came from a deep longing to bring the vibrancy and authenticity of Vietnamese culture to the community in the United States. I grew up surrounded by the flavors, aromas, and communal spirit of Vietnamese cuisine, and I wanted to recreate that experience for both Vietnamese Americans and locals unfamiliar with our traditions. When I saw the lakefront property in Renton, Washington, I immediately knew it was the perfect location to establish a restaurant that feels like a getaway to Vietnam. The concept evolved around providing not just food but a journey—each room in our restaurant is uniquely designed to represent different regions of Vietnam, blending traditional elements with modern comfort. I was excited by the idea of creating a place where families could gather, share meals, and feel connected to their heritage or experience a piece of Vietnam for the first time. Read more>>

John Busch

It was the height of the 2020 pandemic lockdowns in Chicago and many people, including myself, felt bored, isolated, and wondering how to get the most out of this strange year. I turned to the stack of unread books in my room and decided to get back into reading. 8 months and 45 books later, I was obsessed with reading again. I read everything from business to sci-fi to self-help to philosophy, psychology, history and biographies. The few guests I invited over that year immediately stopped at my bookshelf and would always strike up a conversation about books. Which ones did I recently finish? Which ones did I enjoy? Why? What books do I recommend? What books should I read next? I never trusted the digital ads, trending lists, or anonymous reviews on Amazon or Goodreads for book recommendations, but these word-of-mouth discussions with friends and family always ended up being my best source of new book recommendations. If I could see my friends’ bookshelves of their favorite books at any time and they could see mine, we’d have a lifetime of book recommendations and discussion to share with each other. Does this digital bookshelf exist today? The lightbulb went off. Read more>>

Jalynda Poncin Cervantes

The concept of Wyandotte Angels came to my mind during the 2020 pandemic, when my husband Martin Cervantes and I would go and volunteer at local food distribution sites. I witnessed and realized that there was a huge need lacking in our community for food resources, hygiene & clothing amongst many other basic necessities. Especially since agencies were closing their doors to services during an unpredictable time. I shared the idea of forming a group to help address these needs with my husband, who told me not to just think about it, but to do it. So, I put together a grassroots organization called Wyandotte Angels and formed a group on Facebook. I wanted it to have a special name so Wyandotte was for the community that we reside and call home and Angels was in honor and tribute to both my parents, Bernie & Florence Poncin, who has passed years earlier. I was still in deep grief over their passing and forming Wyandotte Angels gave me a purpose. Read more>>

Greta Bajrami

The idea to open the doors to Golden Group Roofing actually started in a college entrepreneurship class. I was taking a course on entrepreneurship and working on a thesis paper and business plan for a café, Tiramisu Café—or so I thought. At the time, I was struggling to find work, so I decided to take a temporary job in construction. I was hired as a roofer, even though I knew nothing about roofing, nor did I know that roofs typically need to be replaced every 25 to 30 years. Later, I returned to school as a senior and told my professor about Tiramisu Café. I also shared how I saw a huge need for technology and improved processes in the construction industry. My professor looked at me and said, “Why not open the doors to your construction company, instead of a café?” In that moment, I understood what she was saying: every great business starts with the same fundamental principles.  Read more>>

Jonathan Ostroff

In 2020, I decided to pursue an MBA at Loyola University Chicago. During one of my Entrepreneurship courses, we were encouraged to explore business ideas to respond to things that “bugged” us in our everyday lives. The spark came after watching the recent documentary ‘Kiss the Ground’, which dives into our most pressing environmental challenges. One statistic in particular stuck out to me: animal agriculture, especially CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations), is responsible for 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions and consumes 56% of freshwater. In that moment, it hit me that our current way of consuming meat isn’t sustainable long-term. Read more>>