Going from idea to execution isn’t easy. Part of the difficulty is that often there is no playbook to follow and while we can’t offer a playbook either, we wanted to create a space where aspiring entrepreneurs could read the stories of how some very smart, very thoughtful entrepreneurs form the community got started.

Cynthia Ramirez

Almost three years before launching The Sacred Flame Charcuterie Bar, I was in a season of deep transition. I had just stepped away from teaching after experiencing complete burnout, and I was battling crippling anxiety and depression. Teaching had been such a big part of my identity. For a long time, I focused on my mental health and caring for my family, but eventually I knew I needed more—I needed not only a second income but also a creative outlet that would bring me back to life. Read more>>

Rehman Siddiq

I started my journey pretty early when I was just 12 years old. I built my first website for a family friend and earned $100. That moment lit a spark. It wasn’t just about the money it was the realization that I could create real value with a computer and some knowledge.

Back then, YouTube didn’t even exist, so I turned to books. I’d spend hours reading thick manuals on HTML, PHP, and web development. I was completely self-taught, and every project became a way to practice and learn. My curiosity turned into a passion, and that passion slowly started turning into income.  Read more>>

Katie Fisher

Since childhood, I’ve been drawn to two things: helping people and expressing myself through art in all its forms.

At school, I struggled with undiagnosed learning challenges. Though teachers often said I was smart but unfocused, I now understand I live with ADHD, dysgraphia and dyscalculia. I was fortunate to be placed with a kind tutor who recognised my strengths. Rather than pushing rote learning, she encouraged me through creativity- helping me write and illustrate simple books for other students. Each week, I’d take the story home to draw the pictures, and she would bind them and share when others enjoyed reading them. Read more>>

Mark Davis

I started my photography business after paying someone to take family photos of our first child. I was heavily interested in photography and looking for a side hustle. I realized that I could put my camera to work and make some extra money on nights and weekends. All I had was a cheap camera and a facebook page. I started taking pictures of friends and family for cheap whenever they would let me. I invested all of the money I made into gear and editing software. I made a lot of mistakes, but those early sessions were critical for building a portfolio and learning the craft. I spent most of my spare time watching instructional videos on youtube. Those videos helped me get from basic family photography to using strobes and more sophisticated setups and techniques. Read more>>

Camryn Gaulden

As a kid, I always knew the typical office job wasn’t for me. I was way too creative to spend my days behind a desk staring at a screen. When I discovered makeup as a hobby, I had a wild thought: Could this actually become a career?

I decided to find out. Still in high school with no formal training, I dove into YouTube tutorials, teaching myself how to recreate different looks. At just 15, I started a small makeup business with a friend. We booked clients through word-of-mouth and basic Google listings—and that’s how it all began. Read more>>

Mojgan Styner

From the very start, I was certain that I wanted to establish my own path as a business owner. It wasn’t something that happened overnight—it was a natural progression. I began my career in international business in my early twenties and worked across a range of sectors. That experience gave me a global perspective and a strong foundation in cross-border services, which I knew I wanted to continue building on. Read more>>

Allison Craig

From Wedding to Welcome: The Story Behind San Antonio in a Box
In 2014, while planning our wedding, I wasn’t just focused on the dress, the flowers, or the guest list. I was thinking about the experience — not just for us, but for everyone coming to celebrate. Friends and family were flying into San Antonio from all over, and I wanted them to feel the real San Antonio. Not just the postcard version — the Riverwalk and the Alamo — but the city we know and love, full of grit, flavor, warmth, and creativity. Read more>>

Ale Wood

The conception of Foothill Arthouse starts one year ago in June 2024. I founded the organization with my dear friend Mercedes Del Castillo, who unfortunately passed away December 2024. Mercedes’ dream was to show the artwork of local artists in a restaurant called The Back Door Bakery and Cafe; we would exhibit the artwork for locals by locals. She really wanted to give lesser known, but still phenomenal, artists in and around Los Angeles a place to shine! Read more>>

Barakya Rawchaa

In 2021 My brother started his locs and he needed a retwist. I offered to do it. He wanted a style as well. This was my first time doing a retwist, I started twisting his hair and the twist was unraveling. I figured it out and finished the entire process. My brother liked how his hair looked and suggested I started to take doing hair seriously. I laughed and told him I’ll think about and it wasn’t a bad idea. As time went on I gave it lots of thought and started researching schools. I landed a school called Hogan institute of Cosmetology and Esthetics. It an experience I will never forget and enjoyed. I was also working full time, so now I would be adding on going to school part time. That was quite the challenge but with God anything is possible. Read more>>

Jeff Wilson

I was born & raised in Scotland & trained as a structural geologist. I worked in mineral exploration around the world, settling in Vancouver in 2004. I took evening art classes at Emily Carr University, which kick-started art as a hobby. When I was laid-off during an industry slump in 2013, I thought “if not now, then when?” & transitioned to a full-time art practice. Read more>>