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.

Kearah Demercado

I came with this idea by it coming to me and by that I’m saying god put me in a setting tof guidance to conquer and achieve to starting my production company based on fashion and events. I started my company from a mindset of I’m going to achieve everything I been wanting to achieve i had a whole list from learning how to swim to taking a dance class to experiencing my first concert to starting my modeling carrier. The journey of my modeling career starting in the very beginning of 2021 had been amazing and a worthwhile experience that helped grow my confidence and insecurities made new friends support systems and connections brought me to a point of happiness and joy. Read more>>

David ‘lee’ Smith

Back in 2012, as I was setting the dinner table for the meal my wife was preparing, my cell phone rang. It was a call from a friend, inquiring whether or not I would be interested in catering a meal. Having spent many years around BBQ, in either competitions or helping out the community, catering was not an idea I was unfamiliar with. The conversation quickly turned when it was discovered that the meal would be served at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, on Oahu, HI. We would be serving the crew and family of the USS TEXAS (SSN 775). Read more>>

Chandler Rossi

My mom was around as I was growing up, but not functional. For most of my childhood – it was just David and me figuring it out as we went. It really did feel like it was the two of us against the world. We were a unit. We fought, we made up, we laughed, we cried. We cooked dinner together, did our chores together. We loved to gossip! There is something very sweet and very special about a single-dad-single-daughter relationship. Read more>>

Benjamin And Rachel Hathaway

Both of us worked in drive through coffee shops during school. We were accustomed to accessible coffee, however there was still one catch – you had to drive there. We began to think of ways to make specialty coffee more accessible, to bring the flavor and experience we made at home with our own equipment, to other people. Read more>>

Xavier Anglin

In 2017, I began a holiday event called Black Christmas, an annual gala curated to celebrate our community of Black millennials and allies during the holiday season. The way this brand came to fruition stems from several factors. For me, Christmas has always been my favorite time of year – a festive moment in my life filled with family, friends, and celebration. But back in 2016, when I was living in Miami for grad school, I realized just how limited my time was when I went home to NY for the holiday break. I would only be home for a little over two weeks, and with a large family and a wide circle of friends, there just wasn’t enough time to see everyone I wanted to. So, when I went back to Florida for the Spring semester, I vowed to myself that I would find a way to make the next Christmas season better, where I could truly spend quality time with all my loved ones. Read more>>

Kristine Viray Lai

After college, I became a high school Chemistry and Physics teacher in Louisiana through Teach for America. Teaching was a rewarding challenge, but after long days in the classroom, wine became my go-to for unwinding (paired perfectly with endless seasons of The Bachelor). On a teacher’s salary, I realized I needed to be more thoughtful about the wines I chose. My curiosity grew as I searched for better quality on a budget, and when I moved back to Virginia after two years, I decided to take my first wine course at the Capital Wine School in DC. Read more>>

Misha Herrera

I started Local Adventure Mama shortly after having my twins. The idea grew to fruition when I was looking for things to do with my children and friends kept coming to me for the information for themselves. We love to adventure. We love all things for children. We love sharing what we find. I created Local Adventure Mama to share family friendly activities in Nevada County and the surrounding areas. I feature places and things to do. I create content so families know what to expect when going to an event or place. I share a weekly schedule of free events and classes. I create a weekend what’s happening so families can plan ahead for their weekend, where they want to go, what activities are available and when. Read more>>

Chelsea Fishman

I’ve been fan of women’s sports my entire life. I grew up with posters of the USWNT 99ers on my wall. I’ve also just always played sports, so I’ve always loved supporting and celebrating female athletes. Today, there are so many incredible teams and athletes out there, but society has been slow to fully recognize, highlight, and invest in them. Read more>>

Samantha Davila

The story of Moon Child Counseling began with my own journey. During my teenage and college years, I was what I like to call a “moon child.” I loaded up my schedule to the brim, constantly juggling responsibilities while trying to achieve a sense of control. When the overwhelm hit, I’d retreat into binge-watching shows or staying up all night, desperately searching for some kind of escape. My friends even nicknamed me “moon child” because I seemed to come alive at night when I’d finally give myself a moment to just breathe. Read more>>

Dharmi Shah

I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because I noticed a significant gap in support for women who were facing specific life challenges. Many women, whether they were going through personal struggles, transitions, or particular hardships, felt isolated and often didn’t have access to the kind of specialized community or resources they needed. While there are a lot of general resources for women, there wasn’t a tailored, focused space for those going through specific experiences—whether it was infertility challenges,, career transitions, divorce, or other challenges. I felt that creating a space where women could not only receive support but also connect with others in similar situations would be incredibly powerful. Read more>>

Sam Eisenberg

Jack Zerby, my now partner, approached me for help turning one his many skills, pitch deck design, into a course so he can reach many founders. Jack was a founder who had raised capital for various companies, exited one (at the time), and later built decks for Box Group and portfolio companies- before deciding to stop offering this service. Read more>>