A dad can’t find a bakery to make a birthday cake that can accommodate his daughter’s allergy-related needs. Two freelancers realize they need a way to organize all of their client contracts and can’t find software that adequately handles their use case. Necessity is often hailed as the mother of innovation – but not all ideas come from necessity. Unfortunately, in our experience, often media coverage of the ideas that powered amazing businesses and projects often stops at a very superficial level. The founders noticed a need and boom – idea. Often the ideation process has a much longer, more complex story and so we’ve asked some entrepreneurs and creatives we admire to go into detail about their ideation stories.

Sara kazmer

My connection to hospitality begins in high school: one of my first jobs was hosting and bussing tables at a small-town restaurant on the Chain of Lakes in Illinois. I worked different roles in the industry through high school and started bartending during college. Just before my last year of college in Chicago, I met my husband at a bar in Florence, Italy. Needless to say, my life started to accelerate in a new direction. Read more>>

Ryan Nicholson

The idea of Hashtag Colorado Life was born from an idea to help other newcomers and natives to Colorado have the right resources for living in this awesome state. We were in the process of chronicling our own journey of moving to Colorado and felt there was a lack of resources online. I was born and raised in Colorado, while my business partner Carrie is from TX. Read more>>

Joshua Thurmond

Necessity is truly the mother of this invention. We were on our last raft trip of the year in 2020. Stage II fire bans were in place. Not to mention, it was super cold. Weather in the Colorado high country in the Fall can be unpredictable at best. Anyway, we had one of those big, clunky, round fire pits and we were all huddled around it to try to stay warm. Everyone agreed that it wasn’t very good. Someone was griping about how messy it was and how awkward it was to tie down on the raft. Read more>>

Dre Brown

Before starting my business in August of 2021, I wanted to start my own Marketing and Public Relations Agency right after undergrad studies back in 2015. However, I knew I wasn’t ready due to my lack of experience and ultimately, I was scared to fail. Therefore, I opt to maintain a full-time role in marketing and communications where I could build my skillset and climb the corporate ladder. My first job was at Deloitte right after undergrad and I was geeked; however, little did I know, 10 months down the line I would be facing unemployment. This was devastating and killed all remaining motivation to be an entrepreneur. Read more>>

Jessica Jennings Alex Dobin

The initial jumping off point of POP! Fort Worth began as our world was in chaos. While the Covid pandemic struck down many of our local businesses and had others scrambling, we saw this dire, dark time as a need to not only find, but create light. As moms of three kiddos each, we saw a need to spread joy, happiness and color. Birthday parties, graduations, and baby showers were all coming to a screeching halt indoors, but needed a breath of fresh air — literally – in outdoor spaces”. In a time when most answers were “no-you can’t do that or go there”-we thought, “We can do this. We can help people celebrate in a time when celebrations are needed most!”. Read more>>

Jill McMeekin

About 6 years ago, I was sitting at an airport restaurant on a layover. The restaurant was closed, so there were a lot of empty tables around me. I pulled out my notebook and pen (I always travel with these!) and starting writing down all of the activities required to run a household. Laundry, taxes, space planning, grocery shopping, vacuuming, travel prep, school prep, decluttering, cooking…and so on and so forth. I had a LOT of activities written on the page before me, and I realized that they could be grouped by category. Read more>>

Khamphet Phommahaxay

The idea behind our business started with our passion and love of ice cream. We were inspired by a style of ice cream we had in Japan that focused on fresh, organic and whole ingredients. Since then, it has become our dream to open a unique soft serve ice cream and cafe, offering simple, natural ingredients and high quality products that everyone can enjoy. Our soft serve ice cream is made in small batches, using local organic milk. Read more>>

Albania Rosario

It all started once I figured that my dream of becoming a high fashion model for the amazing runway shows of NYFW was crushed! I didn’t fit the criteria I wasn’t tall enough or skinny enough to make it.. after going to several castings and auditioning for numerous brands I just didn’t fit in their requirements.. so I realized that perhaps the modeling aspect of the industry wasn’t for me… but why quit the industry i was so passionate about? I didn’t want to give up, I didn’t want to walk way from something I love so much,, Read more>>

Natasha McKinney

So my business was started purely from a lifestyle change. One day at the dentist office I was getting a routine cleaning and a few more procedures. As I was leaving the office I passed completely out. When I woke up I was told my blood pressure spiked and my sugar dropped drastically. At the time I was 37yrs old, I did some research on how our diets affect our overall health. I then decided to go vegan. Because of that I was able to control my blood pressure without medication. Read more>>

Ken Underhill

I rubbed my eyes and read the message again. “Sir, I can’t afford the ten dollars for your computer forensic course. Can I please get it for free?” By that point in my life, many people had come with their hand out asking to get free access. But, this guy was different. He was from Bangladesh. You see, up to that point everyone else asking for free access had been located in the U.S. and their social media profiles showed them buying the latest phone and eating at expensive restaurants, but they claimed they could not afford a $10 course that would improve their lives. Read more>>

Jasmine Jonte

I was walking my dog along the Pacific Ocean when I decided to shut it all down. It being my various business pursuits – my coaching programs and my masterminds. It just wasn’t working, and I was tired of hustling to make it work. But this wasn’t just a “give up” moment. I honestly felt like I’d done what I could to reach the magical place where the business is happy and growing. I’d invested in everything from “scale your business” programs to energy work. Read more>>

Brian Travers

Much of the new business that comes into my insurance business is a result of a PowerPoint presentation I give at residency training teaching hospitals. I had numerous seminars lined up when COVID hit causing all business activities to cease. Soon thereafter, schools were closed due to COVID, and virtual learning was instituted. To accommodate students and families, laptop computers would be handed out on a first come-first serve basis to those that needed one and our daughter Rylee was in need. On the scheduled day the computers would be handed out, Read more>>

Laura Madden

I have always made my own art for my own homes- I knew what I liked and how I wanted my homes to feel. Making my own decor was quicker, easier and cheaper than going out and tracking down that look and feel that I so desired. So much of why I started making art though was because I wanted to feel like I was living in a luxury home- and when I tried to figure out what that even meant, it really was living in a home surrounded by meaningful items that I felt were beautiful, especially artwork. Read more>>

Juwan Harris

and not materials. We like to get in an uproar about why we support big name brands that have shown publicly that they are not for our culture, saying that we should spend those dollars on black owned brands. I agree. The question I have is why does it have to stop at clothing, music, and sports? We’re brilliant in many other ways. Read more>>

Carly Kerndt

I always say my business was born out of desperation. In September 2020, I unexpectedly was laid off from my full-time job due to COVID-19. The company I worked for at the time had gone through two prior rounds of layoffs but I didn’t quite squeak through the third round – my entire position was eliminated from the business. I immediately jumped into the job search, which was a total dumpster fire at the time. I applied for anywhere from 20-30 jobs per day for about 6 weeks and rarely got a response. Read more>>

Stephen Paprocki

I just wanted to make Black Garlic for a “Wing It Wednesday” sauce while i was a chef. Once i found out through trial an error how to produce it. I decided to test the market by selling it to local chefs, and farmers markets. Over time we developed other Black Garlic products and are now wholesaled in Multiple states and are in stores like HEB and Central Market in Texas. Read more>>

David Chaney Jr.

One moment involved my good friend and mentor, Folami. She called me while I was in a grocery store one Sunday afternoon and asked why I hadn’t started my business yet. I responded, “What business? I don’t have any business.” (Lol) She challenged me to come up with a concept and get an LLC. Well within in 2 weeks, I had the business name, my LLC and a website. It was only suppose to be a personal blog but I thought that would get boring very quickly so I invited trusted friends and folks that I knew to write and tell stories. Read more>>

Marvin Arts Jr.

I came up with my idea based on my experience as a Human Resources Professional. During the early stages of my HR career in a Talent Acquisition capacity, I saw a need to start offering resume writing services. When I would recruit for various positions, many job seekers submitted resumes that did not stand out or highlight their experience relevant to the jobs they were applying for. Many individuals were not even being considered because of the quality of their resumes. Read more>>

Bridgit Kingsbery Courtney Moseman

With so much ugliness in our world right now, we wanted to create something that would bring more joy & happiness to those around us. Including you & yours. VibeBin started as just an idea in October of 2021 as we were talking about loss and grief, and finding a way to send our loved ones some light during their dark times. Read more>>

Katie Humphrey

My team and I learned how to use power tools, build and renovate by working on projects in my home during COVID. Once it was safe to interact with others during the pandemic, I recruited Kristina, my friend/house cleaner to help construct a basic shiplap wall. She was as new to DIY as I was, but she was fearless and encouraged me to try more projects once the wall was completed. Our second project was a custom built-in breakfast nook and it turned out so well that we decided to renovate every room in my home.  Read more>>

Kiara Pittman

The Labeautory was literally created in my kitchen after researching and learning about different natural and organic ingredients that would help keep my skin moisturized in this Arizona desert heat. I was so frustrated that all the lotions I was using would not last throughout the day and skin as if my skin was just soaking up lotion leaving my skin dry and cracked. During my research I learned more about the different natural butters,oils and vitamins that would not only keep my skin moisturized and healthy! Read more>>

Ashley St. Aubin

The idea of Pinup Desserts came from my love of baking and wanting to offer people something that is fresh baked and customized just for them. I have always loved baking, and after practically everyone I knew told me I should start my own business, I found a way to do it! I got an LLC in May of 2018 and started slowly picking up jobs on the side of my “9-5” where I worked at a nearby Hotel Restaurant. When COVID hit, Read more>>

Ashley Owens

As a kid growing up in the suburbs of North Jersey, I could be defined by one word: timid. All throughout school I was picked on constantly for my stutter and shy, compliant nature. But by the time I got to high school, I decided enough was enough. I forced myself to take public speaking and auditioned for the school play, just to get out of my comfort zone. I ended up getting the lead and from then on, I began to find my voice. Read more>>

Christopher Stewart

I started both Eating Fabulously and The Mise Group by working day to day in the restaurant industry. Eating Fabulously is a food, dining and lifestyle brand that all started when I noticed there were very little food blogs written by black women who also worked in the restaurant industry everyday. There were a lot of recipe focused soul food blogs but none really breaking down food, insider restaurant dynamics and dining experiences from a classically trained Chef’s view point, so that’s where I decided to land my focus. Read more>>

TYLER STELLERN

I have always had a love for nature. But my origin story starts, right after college when I got a job for an organic soap company with some very passionate people dedicated to environmental sustainability. One day I was listening to our charismatic founder talk about all the wasted space on roofs which could capture the sun’s energy with gardens. After thinking through this overnight, my eager excitable younger self told our founder that we should put a garden on the roof of our factory. Read more>>

Marc Hurwitz

It was 2008 and I had just left government so I could stay in Miami. Previously I had worked for the White House National Security Council staff, the Central Intelligence Agency and the U.S. Department of State. I started working for my old bosses, retired CIA Chiefs of Stations who had opened consulting companies. They taught me the commercial tools of the trade for preparing due diligence risk assessments, similar to analysis reports that we did in the CIA. Read more>>

Leander Lacy

The funny thing is that I actually came up with my business idea at the age of 23 during my undergraduate class. I just had no idea the words I spoke would become reality. I was taking a course in Wildlife, Ecology, and Conservation and I was truly enjoying the class. I remember in class one day I asked my professor “After we do all these great studies and understand better wildlife habitat, who goes into the ‘hood and talks to those people about Conservation? Because I don’t remember anyone coming to my ‘hood and talking to me about this sort of stuff.” The professor and the students had a face as if I said the most horrific thing ever. The response I got back was Leander we got into this field to never have to talk to people. Read more>>

kristal defeo

My Name is Kristal DeFeo, and I am so appreciative of the opportunity to submit for a potential spot in Canvas Magazine! I am a 33-year-old Puerto Rican female living in PA. For the past 12 years I have worked in the behavioral health field as a therapist helping struggling and recovering addicts. In 2019 alone 50,000 people in the US died from opioid overdose. You cannot turn on the news or read something that doesn’t mention it. As I sit here and write this, I am thinking just this past month alone I can’t count on less than two hands how many people at my job have been part of this tragic epidemic in itself. Read more>>

Thomas, Haley Adams, Lucero

Thomas: I was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer in 2016 and promptly underwent surgery for an orchiectomy. It was scary for sure, but I was encouraged by my family and Haley to turn the experience into something that provides change and good for the world. Haley was vital in the steps moving forward as we created the first Uno event. The Blues Ball was a music festival showcasing local artists and businesses—all completely non-profit. Proceeds from the event went directly to The Testicular Cancer Awareness Foundation where they could be used to give back and educate about Men’s Cancers. We came up with Uno Media & Entertainment because of my condition. I’ve always felt that humor is a great way to communicate, and Uno just seemed right. Read more>>

Lori Oberbroeckling

In 2020, as we all struggled through the unexpected madness of the pandemic, moms arguably struggled most. As I watched moms I knew personally and moms online, I could see that some were managing through while some were at a complete loss for how to balance it all. They were overwhelmed, confused and exhausted. I thought, “What if I wrote a book that could help moms?” And…Secrets of Supermom was born. Read more>>

Ryan Robinson

I was able to start my artistic process by collecting materials we use and/or see in our everyday lives such as bags, boxes, food/beverage/medicine packaging,and speciality items like colored leathers, custom art papers, jewelry, foreign bank notes, firearms and firearm necessities, DVD’s, and designer bags and boxes, just to name a few. Before the pandemic hit, I mostly worked with creating things I liked and enjoyed making, and that sold well. Business during that time was great, but as an artist, I desired more, Read more>>

Michelle Crews

This is a great question. I came up with the idea to create a safe, chemical-free, mineral sunscreen because I was running trails and/or outdoors for hours everyday and the sunscreen options available that I had tried would hurt my eyes during sport, clog my pores, and contained harmful chemicals. I also didn’t find any sunscreen specifically for living an outdoor lifestyle or daily use. I started researching skin care and sun care ingredients and the latest innovations and research and found that in 2019 the FDA published studies proving chemical sunscreens to be hormone disrupters and shown to enter the bloodstream. Read more>>

Joanna Hiatt Kim

I’ve always loved photography. The camera can do things that our eyes can’t — for example, freeze time to show forever what was a fleeting moment, and stack light to see things that our eyes can’t. I took classes in high school and was a photo editor for my college newspaper, but was unsure where to go from there and lost it for a bit. But as my kids started to grow up, I contemplated getting back to it. It took me a while to figure out how, but I settled on landscape photography. Read more>>

Edmund Galabe

I wanted a name that reflected where I originated from. I wanted a name that depicted where I was born and raised. I named the company African Rich. Our rich African culture, values, beliefs, diversity, languages, foods, music, and last but not least, our natural resources. Read more>>

Presley King

I have always wanted my brand to be my name. My name is so uniquely me that it just felt right to name my passion it. This is me. Read more>>

Sonja Elcic

I founded Citrine Research and Consulting with a vision in mind. I chose the word “citrine” because citrines are vibrant. They symbolize joy and abundance, which are components I incorporate in all that I do every day. Citrine also symbolizes creativity and clarity, which I build around my authenticity. At Citrine Research and Consulting, our relationships, ideas, and products are built from the heart. Read more>>

Kelsey Mader

The story on how I came up with the name for my studio is also deeply rooted in our mission of working with and supporting women. In order to graduate from High School in Pennsylvania you’re required to complete a senior project. As someone who has always loved purses and shopping, I decided to collect used and gently used purses and then fill them with feminine products, toiletries, toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair ties, etc and donate them to a women’s shelter that is near my hometown. Read more>>

Antwonéy Terrell

Build a Better You, B.A.B.Y. I remember like it was yesterday trying to come up with a name in my undergrad college apartment in 2014. I knew I wanted a name that would not only fit my mission but kinda explain it. So, I looked at my journey first. I knew that I took BABY steps in my journey and nothing changed overnight. I also wasn’t building from a place of being “broken” I wanted to change to just be the best version of myself. Read more>>

Leah DeVon

I named my company JaxBoy after my son Jaxon. I chose a company name that will remind me of the love I have for my son, and push me to do the very best I can to make it a successful company. I have an all boy little boy that keeps my husband Kelvin and I very busy. The name for the company is fitting as Jaxon has told me that one day he is going to be famous. Read more>>

Betsy Stergiou and Anastasia Papasideris

We actually spent quite a lot of time brainstorming our name! While it’s pretty simple to change, say, the layout of our website or the font of our logo, our name would have been a constant; the first & lasting impression we give our customers. “Ammos” means sand in Greek, and what is more representative of Greek summers than sand and sea? We wanted our business to reflect the location of our favorite memories, and our favorite place to be. Once we thought of this phrase, it just clicked! Read more>>

Annie Combs

The name of my business, PERK, truly speaks for itself! From the second we came across the name, it immediately started describing the ideas that I had behind the business. Creating perks, perking people up, and celebrating perks in life such as engagements, birthdays, and accomplishments encompass the idea behind the name. Read more>>

Keeley Kennahan

It’s a bit of a lengthy backstory, but here goes my best attempt at sharing it somewhat succinctly. In 2011, I experienced a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to safari in Africa with my grandfather (affectionately known as “Papa”). Papa is my closest family member, my greatest supporter, and the human who inspired my life-long passion for photography and travel- a massive influence in my life. Read more>>

Ivonne Perez

internship was my model, and out of nowhere she said “Ivonne, you have the touch, the hands, you’re set” I thought what? For me it meant, pressure, technique, didn’t hurt her? She wasn’t the only person that had mentioned to me how good my hands where for massage therapy. I was talking to another instructor on how to come up with a business name. I mentioned to her, people have told me I have angelic hands, but I need something that goes with angelic, she said ‘celestial hands’ and so I didn’t give it another thought. Celestials Hands Massage Therapy it is. Read more>>

Selina Barajas

Since I can remember, my nana Erlinda Gallego used to call me and her granddaughters “Mi Reina” or “My Queen.” From an early age, I knew the definition of what it meant to be a real “Reina.” Reina translates to much more than physical beauty, but strength, wisdom, empathy and compassion. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by women who carry these traits and honor them. I decided to name our mobile boutique “Mi Reina” to pay homage to my grandmother (who is no longer alive) and to carry on her legacy to our daughters, Sofia Luna and Mia Sol. Read more>>

Susan Fredericks

The name MuseArte Media is just a simple reference to the fact that my videos are interdisciplinary in nature. I love working collaboratively with other musicians, visual artists, poets, filmmakers and other creatives to complete each video. Finding compelling works and capturing that inspiration in a musical composition and a video is what MuseArte is all about. Read more>>

Kenya Renfroe

Growing up my nickname was kk, so I took that and decided to add some letters to spell out Khay. I was struggling with it for a bit and then had a dream and heard myself explaining to someone about my business and I called it Khay Kolor Beauty. Read more>>

Ruben Cota

The idea came to mind when I got a not so great haircut. I paid, tipped and left, but when I got home I couldn’t stop complaining about the horrible cut I got. My girlfriend at the time, wife now said sarcastically “well if you think you can do a better job why don’t you just do it yourself”!! So I was like I should be a barber! She agreed completely, said my personality was perfect for barbering. Went to a couple barber schools found one that was fitting, and never turned back. Read more>>

Jennifer Ryan

I founded Ajna Designs Jewelry in Miami 16 years ago. We specialize in supplying upscale hotel’s giftshops/spas with unique, hand-crafted jewelry as well as offer our creations on our website. When the pandemic began business basically stopped. Soon my girlfriends began calling and seeking advice as they started their passion projects and side hustles. Noticing that they all had the same questions I decided to form Entrepreneurial Wise Women Gather. We met once a week (on zoom) and dealt with goal setting, accountability, problem solving, brainstorming etc. Read more>>