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.

Stuart Lampert

My first jobs after college were in the hospitality industry, but my artistic flair allowed me to segue quickly and easily into the design and conceptualization of restaurants as trend-setting nightspots. In fact, I soon became involved with a diverse array of New York projects, including contributing to the design of the iconic Studio 54. Such experience encouraged me to pursue an active career in interior design. Read more>>

DeAndra Jalisa

I conceived the concept of becoming a creative business expert and mentor in response to repeated inquiries on launching a creative business. This inspiration arose from my personal journey, having initiated my luxury balloon company in 2017 and elevating it to a six-figure enterprise subsequent to being laid off from my corporate position. This transformation prompted me to recognize a deeper calling and desire to be self-employed. Read more>>

Andeana Stewart

I’d be thrilled to provide you with more details about the origins of TINY’S BLESSING and why I believed it was an amazing venture. Read more>>

Haley Cottey

I’m Haley and my husband is CJ. We met in college and quickly bonded over our love and shared experiences in the outdoors. We had both been on extended backpacking trips (I did 40 days in Wyoming with Solid Rock Outdoor Ministries and CJ did 23 days in Colorado with Outward Bound) Read more>>

Amanda Hofman

As a two-time Entrepreneur, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to create branded merchandise. The process is expensive and challenging, and businesses end up with too many items but not a lot of quality pieces. Read more>>

Sarah Karp

My interest in healing started early in life. As a child, the common narrative of those around me was that illness, disease, and suffering were inevitable parts of aging. Even so young, I remember feeling confused as to why people just accepted this disempowerment as truth. Read more>>

Katie Withers

My mother, Carol Withers, owns A Perfect Face Day Spa in Ocean City, MD. Growing up, the spa was like my second home. I spent a lot of days there after school, on the weekends, and it was my first job ever when I became of legal age to work. My first interest in the spa was hair. Read more>>

ASHLEY GREENWOOD

In 2018 I was working as a childcare director in Seattle, Wa with 1-5 year olds. With my desk at the front of the school I got the privilege of hearing all the funny, adorable, and insightful things all the toddlers and preschoolers had to say throughout the day. While working one morning, a two year old student was walking back from the bathroom with a teacher ready to pick out a new change of clothes from her cubby. Read more>>

Joy Taitt

So during the pandemic, I noticed a lot of people starting businesses and decided to take the leap and become an entrepreneur. I wanted to do something that did not feel like work and something that I knew I would not get tired of doing. I am always stopped in the streets and complimented on my jewelry and accessories. I have always had an eye for fashionable and unique pieces. So initially I said, I can sell ‘gems’. Read more>>

Zachary Lamothe

Backyard Road Trips was an idea that initially came to me upon entering fatherhood. As an avid explorer, my travel-centric lifestyle was curbed upon the birth of my first son. After succumbing to the fact that plane travel would become a rarity, I decided to turn to my own backyard for adventure. Read more>>

Ellina Volianski

I had the idea of ​​making lampshades years ago. But something very special was missing, which didn’t give me the impetus to start. Read more>>

Gabrina Middleton

The Spark of Inspiration: The journey began during a visit to a local anime convention. Surrounded by vibrant cosplayers, manga collections, and fervent discussions, I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging. The passion and creativity of the community left a lasting impression. As an avid anime and manga enthusiast, my heart swelled with excitement. Read more>>

Jeremiah Fleta

Nashville’s own MIRAT rum was created by years of entrepreneurial dreams as well as many nights of mixing rum formulas in Chris Brannon’s kitchen. It’s hard work blending trial formulas and drinking them all night, but somebody’s gotta do it! Chris, my cofounder and childhood best friend, has a background in fermentation science – and I have one in sales and logistics. Read more>>

Angelo Banks

I was really tired of senior attorneys not sharing knowledge. When you leave school, you hope for an opportunity to be placed with a mentor figure or someone who can teach you the ins and outs of your profession. Unfortunately, in the legal field, that rarely happens because the more the firm can have you research and figure things out on your own, the higher the billable hours. Read more>>

Rapunzel Parcon

The germination of my enterpreneurial aspirations can be traced back to 2018 ,although initially my intentions were rather nonchalant. I vividly remember crafting a birthday cake -making,culinary artistry ,and pastry planning.Gradually with each passing event ,i was able to build a rapport with my clientele, steadily earning their trust. Read more>>

Ty Fulcher

Since I was a kid I had always wanted my own restaurant. I played restaurant as a child and had a menu which I used to sell my parents food out of the pantry back to them. It has always been an industry that looked like fun, high energy and social engaging. And I could not have been more right. Read more>>

Brit Jasperson

I feel like the idea of Weasel Wear FOUND ME more than I created it. My dad is an entrepreneur, and from a very young age, I envisioned myself owning a business. I think I was inspired by the idea of not answering to anyone besides myself, and I saw there was greater earning potential in business ownership. You’re putting in the hours anyway, so why not maximize your income doing it? Read more>>

Greyson Taylor

African American Reconstruction (AAR) was founded with the idea of developing an action-based organization that would advance the African-American community through public policy, the removal of barriers, the empowerment of future generations, and the promotion of equity. The execution of George Floyd in broad daylight served as the catalyst for our establishment. Together, we were able to transform the event’s anguish into passion. Rather than acting rashly, we searched for genuine, strategic change. Read more>>

Hillary Roy

Fashion has ALWAYS been in my D.N.A.! My mother, Emily, was a fashionista and DIVA! She was ALWAYS well dressed. and image was extremely important to her. Growing-up in NJ my sister and I were often dragged to NY to visit what used to be high-end retail stores like Barney’s, Lord & Taylor, B. Altman and several others. Read more>>

Lydia Matthews

Ever since I was in middle school I have been designing outfits and styles in my head. It is possible I came out the womb with designs already brewing in my mind. I also am an artist, but my style and paintings are all a form of art to me. Read more>>

Taylor Moultrie

I came up with Moultrie Wine Co. + bar while working in Healthcare and came to the end of that career decision. I had worked in healthcare for almost 3 years, went to school for business and healthcare management, and decided that I no longer wanted to work in that field. While creating this business I was working on my masters and taking courses that enhanced my knowledge of marketing and product development. Read more>>

Lauren Jones

Love Yourself Inside Out started with a dream to compete in my first pageant. I manifested it into reality by believing in myself and learning to love everything about me. I’ll let you in on a little secret; self-love takes work, but if you believe you are worth it, the investment always pays off. Read more>>

Anna Maliszewska

The idea of opening the soccer academy came when we both with my husband realized that there is so much potential for under privilage kids in our community. There were not many academies that would offer great soccer service for low or middle class kids. They were all very expensive and most of kids we knew could not afford it. Read more>>

Gustavo Salles

My journey began thanks to the tremendous success of television talent shows like “American Idol” and “America’s Got Talent,” which led many companies to seek me out for an interactive musical act for their corporate events. Then, I had the idea to create a karaoke with a live band. Read more>>

Morgan Swank

I originally started my business focusing on private portrait commissions, but after awhile, I just didn’t love it. I knew there had to be something else that I was more passionate about. I also didn’t like just offering art to people who could afford private commissions. Read more>>

Deborah Davis

In 2013 a young family friend and entrepreneur asked me to join his team for his up and coming estate service company . My young mentor taught me much about the business and in 2015 I was recruited by the premier international auction house in Scottsdale. Read more>>

Dionne Character

NO MEAT, NO SUGAR, NO ALCOHOL, NO DAIRY has been my lifestyle for the past 4-5 years, after making a conscious decision to transition to becoming Alkaline Vegan, living a plant-based lifestyle. I am now choosing food with the intention to approach my life with healthy ingredients, allowing my body to let the food do the work— improving my health and overall wellness. Read more>>

MICHAEL NORIEGA

On June 24, 2021, I received one of those middle-of-the-night phone calls that nobody ever expects to receive, even in their worst nightmares. “Hey Mom, is everything okay?” She was frantic, “Michael, your father just got a phone call from someone in your grandmother’s building! She was hysterically crying and kept telling us that something happened to the building, and we need to get over there now! Read more>>

Renee Bhatti-Klug

I have served as a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and Cultural Intelligence (CI) facilitator and consultant for about ten years at a university. During the initial COVID-19 lockdown—in the midst of both stay-at-home orders and racial tensions—the need for my services grew. In response to this need, my business—Culturally Intelligent Training & Consulting (CITC)—developed serendipitously yet strategically. Read more>>

Tal Garden

BUSINESS DESCRIPTION: Read more>>

Michael Klubock

It all started with a love for the ocean Read more>>

Sevan Minaskanian

Nothing felt right until it did. It was love, romance, a dream, and a heartbreak all in one, for me to finally tell my story. When I would sleep, my mind would go a hundred miles an hour, swirling with so many questions about love and romance, and how I could bring it back to share with the world. It all came together after many years of watching old black and white movies and seeing the innocent love and respect they had for each other back then. Read more>>

Emily Blair

I started working in a regular old hair salon in 2012. Doing cuts, colors, waxing, the usual stuff. I was never interested in doing updos or Occasion hair specifically in facted I started out very insecure about my abilitys in that part of my choosen career. I had the same manager at the salon I was employeed by the entirety of my time working there. Her name is kelsey. Read more>>