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.
Tamara Johnson
After saying “I do” in July 2013, I began my journey in the world of step-parenting. Juggling the exhausting struggles of being a step mommy with the pressures of blended family life, I was so ready to step away from my marriage. Read more>>
Heidi Bee
In 2015, I woke up day after my divorce was final and I was devastated. Sitting in my tiny studio apartment, feeling lost, lonely and more confused than ever about myself and my life, I was at an all-time low. I call this place, “the divorce ditch”. Read more>>
Kim Hills
Allora organically grew from my hobby of making my own clean products for my family and my love of gift giving. A year or so before I decided to make a business if it I made my first small batch of candles and gave them as gifts to my family, friends and neighbors. Read more>>
Vonne Woodrick
For me…Life changed. I don’t want anyone to go through what I went through, and if they do, I want them to have compassion, hope, and understanding on a topic that has been judged, stigmatized, and swept under the rug for too long. Read more>>
Evan Farrell
After witnessing his friends failing after high school due to lack of opportunity, Evan Farrell knew that something needed to be done. Funding cuts for in-school art and lack of access to creative outlets were wasting talent. Read more>>
Rebekah Spencer
The idea for Rebekah’s Health and Nutrition Store was born from my personal struggle with health problems. For over 30 years, I battled debilitating conditions like bladder and kidney issues, thyroid problems, migraines, and Lyme disease. Read more>>
Micah Turnbough
Our family has discussed various business ideas in the past, but we never felt like we knew exactly what we wanted to do. After discussing and going over ideas, we knew ice cream was the best choice! Read more>>
Mimi Chau
I am dedicated to empowering women to embrace their feminine power, step into leadership, and thrive in every aspect of life by nurturing a cohesive, authentic foundation of mind, body, and spirit. Read more>>
Steven Puri
Remote work has HUGE advantages – flexibility, no commutes, a global talent pool – all the things. I love it, but I learned something important was missing & that inspired me to create The Sukha Company. Read more>>
Latoya James Torrance
Human Over Perfect, my “joy hustle” as I like to call it, was birthed from a personal experience. I was having a moment of vulnerability with my husband, and I remember going into my room, looking in the mirror, and seeing the shame and embarrassment all over my face — all because I was experiencing a human emotion or response. Read more>>
Qianqian Zhang
The inspiration for my creative services business came from a special project where I created an entirely new world. I often record interesting events and dreams from my daily life, which fuel my creativity. Read more>>
Marcela Martinez-McNett
Starting Mas Art Co was a mutual idea of my son and I. He always showed an interest in the art world. When we relocated to Kansas, it was an opportunity for me to get him started showcasing his talents through local events. Read more>>
Vivi Lee
Made in Hmong was born out of my deep desire to not only rediscover my roots but also to share the richness and beauty of Hmong culture with the world. Growing up, I was unaware of my heritage and the significance it held. Read more>>
Noam Bilitzer
I’ve cooked ever since I could stand. I had my first taste of a professional kitchen freshman year of high school and never looked back. Moving to the states from Israel, food was always the center of every occasion. Read more>>
Beth Compton
I have always played with the idea of being a business owner. I didn’t know what form that would take, but my imagination was always wandering to concepts that included personal touches and unique finds. Read more>>
Willande Unelus
I started my business, I.C. Nutrition And Wellness because I like to cook and talk about nutrition with a cultural food preservation lens. Being my own boss was another reason I decided to go in the private practice route. Read more>>
Emilie Berkman
From the time I was a little girl, I had one dream: to be a mom. I envisioned a life filled with love, laughter, and the joys of nurturing a family. My path seemed clear, and I followed it with determination, working with young children for nearly two decades as an educator and nanny. Read more>>
Rachel Kmecheck
As a multi-passionate entrepreneur, I’ve always felt the pull to explore various creative avenues. This innate drive led me to establish two distinct businesses that allow me to fully embrace my diverse interests and talents. Read more>>
Rachel Knight
I never imagined opening up my own business. But I’ve always been someone to push boundaries, to stick up for those I love, and to follow my passions. Read more>>
Lora Pegola
I’ve always love to cook and be creative in the kitchen, it came very natural to me. I came to realize that it wasn’t always as easy for other people. Read more>>
Gina DeFord
After lots of feedback and careful planning, I hosted our very first member event in January of 2018. We had 30 Founding Members, all women based in Tampa and St. Petersburg, FL who owned unique businesses. Read more>>
Faith Roberts-Graham
The inspiration for The Very Hungry Little Girl came after reading Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Dr. Roberts-Graham wanted to introduce healthy foods to students through their literacy. Read more>>
Jiayue Wang
I am an artist and a designer, and I enjoy bringing my aesthetics and understanding of art to commercial design projects, and I think it’s a must. Read more>>
Cameron Sabin
The idea for National Park Diaries actually percolated in my head long before it became a reality. The earliest “idea” that I can trace directly to what National Park Diaries would become actually came to me when I was in college. Read more>>
David Cooke
The idea for starting my business wasn’t really a well thought out plan. A little over twenty years ago, I predicted to my wife over breakfast that my boss was going to fire me at the meeting we had scheduled that day. Read more>>
Dr. Ashley Gaddy Robbins
Social Justice has always been embedded in my everyday life. I received a NAACP Lifetime Membership card for my 11th birthday, so that should give an idea of how my parents really believed in the fight for justice. Read more>>
Kiara Johnson
A few years ago, I was laid off from my job. At the time, I did not have any income coming in. I remember worrying about how I was going to pay my bills, buy groceries, etc. Read more>>
Trung Do
My journey to becoming a videographer began with a spark of love and inspiration from my wife. She was the one who encouraged me to pick up a camera and capture the beauty of our outdoor adventures. Read more>>
Dana Strang
It evolved, it started on the Big Island in Hawaii after my Masters Degree and wanted to bring health and wellness to the masses. Opened a Yoga/Wellness studio after being the director of a super exclusive golf and beach club serving billionaires. Read more>>
Mariam Shapera
I came up with the idea for my first book, ‘Up Up You Go Jo!’ from observing the passion my autistic son, Jo, showed when it came to music and outer space. I wrote the book from my heart and was published in 2021. Read more>>
Hailey Aitkins
The story of how I knew I wanted to be a women’s empowerment photographer begins with me being in a really toxic and abusive relationship. Read more>>
Erin Murphy
My 3 sisters and I were searching for a fun gift to send to our sister Molly, for her birthday because we couldn’t be with her to celebrate. Read more>>