Are you thinking about starting a business? If so, we think you’ll enjoy reading about how these seasoned entrepreneurs thought about the question when they were in your shoes.

Claire Stein | Content Creator

For me, this opportunity of social media was handed to me. I mean I always dreamed of being a “influencer” but never thought anything would come of it. But then when I started posting on TikTok I kept growing in followers and views and decided why not to just go with it. Because all of this could be gone tomorrow so I always try and take all the opportunities I can. I am super fortunate to be able to do social media and very grateful for everyone who has supported me and continues to follow me on this journey. Read more>>

Mike Phalan | Music lover, audio expert, and turntable specialist.

Sharing my passion for music and reliving the concert experience in the comfort of your own living room with others. Read more>>

Lisset Cuevas | Bridal Makeup Artist & Educator

Becoming a makeup artist wasn’t something I’d imagine myself doing growing up, let alone to start educating newer artists in the industry. Now 9 years later, it’s something I can’t imagine my life without. Growing up Latina and plus size, the beauty industry was geared towards women who looked opposite of me. Even as a bride myself in 2014, there weren’t many makeup artists who were skilled to work with textured, imperfect, round faces. Read more>>

Melanie Brumble | Arizona Documentary Photographer & Digital creator

I started my business when I first didn’t actually know a thing about the business side of photography. Because I wanted to be successful like all the other online creators/well-known photographers at the time. That really struck a cord with me and my inspiration. Essentially I’ve always wanted to create an opportunity for myself using my creativity and knowledge. Starting a business and believing in it. Helped build my own confidence in my skills and myself. Read more>>

Shawn Gibbs | Founder and Creative Director of Noir Atelier

My thought process in starting my own business is pretty simple, we all work hard for the next company or the next person. We all have responsibilities that needs to be taken care you know so why not figure out a solution on a product that’s needed and that people will always need no matter the race, the age or gender. I’ve always had an entrepreneur mindset and having multiple streams of income but with this company I took my time and thought about all the details that the bigger brands do, why recreate the wheel? Read more>>

Rasheda Weaver | Founder and CEO, Weaver’s Social Enterprise Directory, Inc.

I want to create products, services, and opportunities that advance the work of social entrepreneurs doing work in communities. Social entrepreneurs need knowledge, resources, and training that increases revenue generation, their assessment of community needs, and the well-being of social entrepreneurs themselves. Over time, my goal is engage them in developing and using these services. Read more>>

Trevor Ditson | Custom Motorcycle Builder and Restorer

Transitioning from a 20-year tenure in the food industry, I recognized that my creative potential and sense of autonomy were stifled within the confines of a corporate structure. Driven by a desire to rekindle my passion for a more challenging and creative pursuit, I embarked on a profound personal journey. This journey led me to rediscover a childhood fascination—rebuilding and restoring custom motorcycles, with a specific focus on the iconic BMW K-series. Read more>>

Eleanor DeMore | Photographer

As a creative, my work is deeply personal and my style, though inspired by others at times, is unique to me. I think the only way for me to freely make photographs and be satisfied with the whole process from inquiry to gallery delivery was for me to start my own business. I did it as a hobby for a long time and realized that people are not only willing, but excited to pay for what I do. It’s an honor to be trusted with task of telling people’s stories visually. I can’t think of anything I’d rather do. Read more>>

Aish Gupta | Business Owner & Sustainability Enthusiast

I was just 6 years old, when I met with a terrible burn accident. It left me with scars all over my body, extremely sensitive skin, and self-confidence issues that lasted well into my adulthood. Growing up, I always felt like I had to conform to societal beauty standards. As a young girl, I was constantly told what was considered beautiful and what wasn’t. I remember flipping through magazines and feeling like I didn’t measure up to the models with their perfect skin and flawless features. Read more>>