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.

Miranda Collier

Since the beginning, I’ve always loved interior design and decorating; I grew up in a family with a very creative father who designed and built almost every home we lived in. We used to watch HDTV and dream of having our own flipping/renovating show. As a kid, I would spend all my allowance money on new decor items for my bedrooms and couldn’t wait to have my own home to decorate. Read more>>

Joey A Breiannis

My journey began with the birth of my first son. My son had a rough start and the Dr.s wanted to put him on so many medications which all had so many side effects. I knew there had to be a better way, a way to heal my son and help him, not just make him vegetative for a few hours. Read more>>

Jacob Poag

As a 15-year-old filmmaker, the opportunities to get involved in the film industry were few and far between. When I could finally create a script of my own, I could not find a single studio that could help me make it. This is when I had the idea of a student-run studio. This studio would be completely run by students, and help other students create their own films by providing organization, budgets, and distribution. Read more>>

Nicole Lewis

The idea for my businesses started from a need to improve my health naturally. In 2005 I was diagnosed with a mixed form of Lupus. During this time I experienced; 2 organ shut downs, my skin was constantly breaking out in rashes, and my joints became riddled with pain. In 2011, not liking to take the cocktail of meds they gave me, I decided to take measures into my own hands, naturally. Read more>>

Bryan Dixon

The idea of streaming was a long shot at first. I was told by so many people that it wasn’t a legit way to make money or I’ll just be wasting my time. I was just having a baby at the time so people really thought I had no chance whatsoever. I was determined to make a name for myself in this content creation community. Read more>>

Nicole Turner

My organizational consulting company focuses on creating people-centered workplaces and “detoxing” toxic work environments. Honestly, the idea found me. With every job I had, since starting my professional career, people would come to me to vent, seeking guidance for a work situation that was not only impacting their work life, but was also impacting their personal life and overall wellbeing. Read more>>

Lorraine Richie

When I first set out to decorate sugar cookies, I had no idea what it would turn into. I’ve always preferred baking over cooking so baking has always been a part of my life in one way or the other. I can remember in middle school a friend and I would make brownies and talk about having a brownie shop in the future. Baking Christmas cookies was always an anticipated event when I was a child as well as when I had children. Read more>>

Keli Spanier

15 years ago, I was working a corporate 9-5 job, and my mother became terminally ill. It’s a sad story – but I like to think that she had a pretty integral part in creating a career for me that would lead to so much more creativity, freedom, and confidence. I probably wouldn’t have had the guts to leave that corporate job for any other reason than to be by her side, but it was the perfect escape plan. Read more>>

Destiny Murray

I came up with the idea for Señorita Boñita Cosmetics after experiencing some personal breakthroughs and reaching some personal goals through waist beads and self-care. It was 2020; I was working from home, dealing with some personal issues, and figuring out who I was as a woman. My sister gifted me some traditional African waist beads. Read more>>

Pablo Groves

Cuts for Christ began years ago by providing free haircuts to the homeless in Downtown Austin, Texas. As a licensed Cosmetologist, it began to be more than that. Sharing the Gospel in my own shop to those that came in for a haircut was how it all began. Many relationships formed, scriptures discussed, and souls saved to Jesus Christ, right in my own SHOP! Read more>>

Erin Morris

The goal to have the best CBD business in Colorado formed while I was recovering from a major traumatic accident. I fell while slot canyoneering off grid in Utah, breaking my leg and crushing my back. I downclimbed, crawled, scooted, and piggyback rode the remaining 7 miles to an exit point that I could not exit from. I was stuck. My partner made a rope bed, we put a water bottle between us to keep it from freezing, Read more>>

Kenneth Gilliard

Sparked by a conversation between some of Wilmington’s Top Black Planners, What would it look like to be in a place that showcased our talents? We discussed the idea of creating a space for us and by us and I picked up the charge, planned, curated, and executed the vision. A one-stop-shop wedding experience that highlighted ethnically minority-owned businesses. Anxious and nervous would be some emotions that were felt as there are many moving pieces in executing an event of this caliber. Read more>>

Shemeca Cooper

About a year ago I was going through an entrepreneurship program at the Joseph Business School in Forest Park, IL. I really desired to know and understand God’s direction for my businesses. I had created my businesses with one idea in mind; however, I wasn’t convinced that the visions I had for my companies were adequate. While going through the program, my vision and desires shifted. Read more>>

Ashley Cocchi-Miller

Intentional Minds was born from the idea that all people, including kids, need yoga. When most people think of yoga, they think of asana, the poses. Yoga is much more than that. Yoga means to yoke, or unite. It’s the union of your mind, body, and spirit. Yoga is not only a practice you do on a mat, it’s what you carry off the mat with you as well. It’s how you interact with others, it’s how you choose to deal with your frustration, it’s how you react to challenges. In a way, yoga is life’s balancing act. Read more>>

Randall Jordan

I traveled for the first time internationally to Accra Ghana in 1999 on a cultural/educational tour. I was immediately drawn to the people and the culture, I felt a sense of belonging as if I’ve been there many times before. During my time spent there, I experienced my first conscious introduction into the visual arts space. Visiting monuments, touring through the cities, supermarkets, cultural art centers, and carving villages, I was immediately intrigued by the uniqueness and creativity of various artworks displayed through paintings and wood sculptures/carvings. Read more>>

Casey Steele

My 18 year old self decided I wanted to be an architect so I moved to Fargo, North Dakota immediately after high school to pursue my Masters of Architecture degree at North Dakota State University. In 2008 I had an internship that made me rethink things a little but I was so close to graduating that I decided to complete my degree and graduated in 2009. Read more>>

Kim McKee

Everything I make stemmed from a place of need I noticed within my own home. When my youngest was about 2 years old, she really struggled to open the snack containers that have snap lids or a lid that twists on and off. But she’s second born – so she’s fiercely independent and would watch her big sister open her own snacks, so she would refuse to accept help and would just be hungry. And I think we can all agree a hangry toddler isn’t great for anyone. Read more>>

Joanna Bucaro

My name is Joanna and I am originally from Guatemala. I am a teacher and I have been living in Florida for 20 years. When I came to the US my children were young. They started going to school, they learned English and little by little we started speaking more English at home than Spanish. It was convenient it was comfortable. My youngest was 2 years old when we came to the US; so, by the time he was 12, English was his “native” language. Read more>>

Courtney Dunlop

My business partner and I had a successful spa/facial studio and skincare boutique called Good Skin Day that became known for a holistic approach to skin and wellness. We both love wine and served it at the spa, during Friday happy hours for clients and special shopping events. We quickly noticed two things. One: Wine we served at the spa would sell out at our local wine shop, with clients of ours going in and asking for the “good skin day wine”. Read more>>

Dez Johnson

The game of football has always been a huge part of my life. Since I was 5 years old, I can’t remember missing a single season on the field. I’ve had a lot of teammates that became like brothers to me. As time passed, we began to work more and more on our craft. There were many early morning workouts, hills to run, position meetings, and late night film sessions. In college, I got a chance cross paths with athletes from all over the country. Read more>>

Dennis Loren

Just so people understand that we are talking about my freelance graphic design & illustration career and NOT a product – ha!!! Read more>>

ADRIANO IBIAPINA

Hello, my name is Adriano Ibiapina and I am CEO of Agib Distribution Brazilian Nail Cosmetics. It all started 2 years ago, when my wife started working as a manicurist with Brazilian techniques here in Florida, she asked me to buy professional products to replenish her stock. That’s when I realized that I couldn’t find it easily and when I found some items, the price was absurd! When talking with other girls who work in the same profession, I understood a difficulty they always faced and it made working in this area more difficult here in America. Read more>>

Mike Ecker

Ever since I started taking Graphic Design courses I was always intrigued about going out on my own. I eventually developed an interest to paint murals too. There aren’t many full-time jobs painting murals so I leveraged my skills in design and the drive to paint murals to start my own business. Read more>>

Megan Hoy

I started my cookie journey at the start of 2020 and never in my wildest dreams imagined I would have come this far! Finding cookies was my saving grace. I started playing around with the idea of decorating cookies shortly after my mother lost her battle with Ovarian Cancer as a form of therapy. Read more>>

Brieanna Lightfoot Smith

I originally started Brands by Brie in 2014 after a family member requested my assistance in building a website for her nonprofit and asked if I could help with their social media management. Through this experience, I recognized my love for marketing because I realized at its core marketing is just a form of storytelling. After recognizing there were many other nonprofits and small businesses struggling in this space, I decided to take my side hustle and turn it into a full-fledged company. Read more>>\

Skye Vaillancourt

Over the last several years I have worked to harness my yoga skills. Yoga is a passion especially Kundalini. My mother and I both love cats and have rescued many in our home. We had an opportunity to start a business and decided to combine our passions, as well as adding a small little store with unique and fun items. It is truly a combination of our loves coming together to create this amazing space! Read more>>

Rajan Chavhan

Hey Guys, Rajan Chavhan here, Thank you CanvasRebel for giving me this opportunity to be a part of this wonderful community!, appreciate a lot, About four years ago, I began my journey as an educational content writer, crafting small blogs about intriguing facts. Inspired by my passion for research, I started sharing short posts on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, providing valuable information and uncovering the truth behind viral videos. Read more>>

Melissa Marshall

I began Accentuate the Positive for many reasons but the ones that stand out and are my whys is simply to make a positive change for girls and women so that they realize how truly amazing and beautiful they are. I have three beautiful daughters, and as a mom you are very aware of the pressure to guide your children on the right path. Read more>>

Trilisa Collier

I started mentoring young girls years ago by starting a mentoring while working in a school setting, making sure that my girls in the group succeeded in graduating high school. Having tough conversations with them on life issues. All of my girls have graduated and are now young adults. Read more>>

Celeste Dahl

Back after I had my first baby, I was looking for swimsuits and just couldn’t find what I was really searching for. After becoming a mom, swimsuits became more about being functional, if it was cute, even better! When I did find something I liked, it seemed SO expensive to me. I couldn’t afford to spend $100 or more on a single swimsuit. I knew there had to be someone out there who offered cute swimsuits and at an affordable price but I just couldn’t find one I liked. So I decided to start my own business! Read more>>

Derica Baity

As you know when I first begun my entrepreneurship journey I started my journey as an online swimwear boutique. The swimwear idea was me more so of veneering off into my OWN LANE, I am from TAMPA,FL and my community was full of clothing boutiques. so I figured I’d push more what’s not always on hand for the community. Read more>>

Kori Phylow

Have you ever had an “ah ha” moment? A moment in life that would one day become your life-changing event? The start of a good story? Mine happened on a regular Thursday in the salon, taking care of one of my regular clients, pumping her up while she explains her new business adventure. I have an LLC and run my suite salon as if it were a full independent salon, so our hair appointment quickly turned into a business meeting where the two of us brainstormed and got excited for her journey. Read more>>

Nicole & Carlton Ross

The main purpose of owning a functional fitness center is to provide a space where people can engage in training programs that improve their overall health and fitness. Functional training focuses on exercises and movements that mimic everyday activities, such as twisting, bending, lifting, and carrying, which can help individuals to build strength, improve flexibility, coordination, and enhance their ability to perform everyday tasks with greater ease. Read more>>

Kinna Lindahl

I was working as a set dresser and prop stylist, which I loved, but as a mom it became difficult to work long hours, and a lot of times on location. I had taken some interior design courses in the past and always watched home remodeling shows. As I started to think about home staging, I noticed a lot of listings online weren’t staged.and I decided to start my own home staging business. I’m able to set my own hours for the most part and I help sellers get the highest return on investment. Read more>>

Jackie Huebbe

I’ve always loved baking. In middle school and high school, I loved taking food related classes, and experimenting in our kitchen at home. When it came time to pick a career, I wanted to bake, but my parents (who were both blue collar trades workers) talked me into pursuing a desk job instead. I ended up getting a my degree in graphic communications and photography, but never really loved where I landed with it. I spent a lot of time in cubicles being miserable, wishing I was baking in kitchens instead. Read more>>

Trevor Gabbidon

Ive always been a writer throughout my life just off & on, it was something I did for fun or out of boredom after I finished a good book. I would go back and try to recreate the book but in a different way based off how I would have wanted the story to go, but chapter books were so hard to finish. I would always get stuck trying to figure out what to write in each chapter and how I was going to end them. Fast Forward to now, after a weekend of hearing my 5 Year old daughter and niece argue/play with a tablet and not want to do anything without it when they got in their moods, Read more>>

Melanie Evans

Becoming Pediatric Speech Sister Read more>>

Junior Ramsey

I spent June-September 2020 trying to figure out what my next challenge would be. I am a successful IT engineer but wanted to start my own legacy outside of work. Around 2015 I began to dive deeper into my own Spiritual journey studying African history and also began to build a collection of watches. Fast forward back to 2020, one day I was sitting on my couch and noticed I had all my watches on my desk. Read more>>

Tony Rockliff

I’m going to tell the story of how we created the Cybertown online community because it led to such an expansion of my multimedia and AI services, and also because it is coming back online after an 11-year hiatus. After a fair amount of success as a record producer in England and Europe, I moved to the States, and my partner Pascal Baudar and I had a company that was making educational and entertainment DVDs. Read more>>

Lynn Brishae

In 2018, I attended the Womanaire Reciprocity Retreat created by fashion mogul, Milan from Milano Di Rouge. That is where I started to play with the idea of owning my own business. At the retreat I fell in love with the idea of owning my own business. Read more>>

Ami Ekpaji

It was the 1st week of lockdown and Friday was approaching. I requested off because this was my 1st time working from home, home schooling, and it was a pandemic. Later that night I went to my friend’s house for a gathering. We eat, laughed, danced, and TikToked. The next morning I woke to extreme bleeding and pain. I was taken into the hospital by an ambulance.. Read more>>

Zane Buzby

Having directed over 200 episodes of Network television comedies, and appearing in several classic comedy films including, “ This is Spinal Tap” and “Cheech & Chong’s Up in Smoke”, I took a “roots” trip to Lithuania and Belarus to visit the birthplaces of my grandmothers. What I found there was much more than I was looking for. It changed the course of my life. Read more>>

Kelly Alexander

Fashion and Beauty have always been a part of my career and life. However when covid19 hit in 2020 my Product, “Tomboy Wicked” and beauty business came to a grinding halt. Every store that carried my line had closed but I still had an opportunity in the form of a New Reality International Lifestyle and Fashion tv show that would sustain my lifestyle and brand. Read more>>