We reached out to some of our favorite entrepreneurs and asked them to think back and tell us about how they decided to start a business. Check out their responses below.

Joselyn Santo

I started my business during a really transitional time in my life. I had lost my banking job, was reevaluating what I actually wanted for my future, and realized I wanted more freedom, flexibility, and purpose in my work.
A big part of it was also my kids. As a single mom, I felt like my banking career kept me constantly busy and pulled away from being as present as I wanted to be. I wanted to build something that allowed me to create my own schedule and be there for my daughters more while still building a successful career. Read More>>

Deepika Haldankar

Naturely Goods is the brainchild of my husband.  Our decision to start selling eco-friendly and sustainable goods was rooted in a strong desire to make eco-conscious living feel both attainable and thoughtfully integrated into everyday life.
It started with my experince in looking for eco-friendly items for everyday use. While looking for kitchen cleaning brushes, I wanted to replace plastic brushes. But during that time, there were not many options.  Read More>>

 Eric Greer

It started pretty naturally for us. We saw a gap between what photo booths were and what they could be. Most felt like an afterthought, and we knew it could be something people actually value and remember.

We didn’t just want to start a business, we wanted to create an experience. Something that felt high-end but still fun and easy. Photos people would actually keep, and a process that felt smooth from start to finish. We wanted our clients to feel taken care of without having to follow up or manage anything.  Read More>>

Kelly Riddle

My minor in college was business with a criminal justice major. I was in law enforcement and then was hired by a private investigation company with 26 offices throughout the world. They had financial trouble and I had to have a job so I created my company. I never envisioned myself as an entrepreneur or an author but I have been in business 37 years and have 14 published books! Life presents opportunities and you have to be willing to take a risk and move forward when their is a true opportunity. Read More>>

Alicia Nicole

I have always wanted to run businesses. For as long as I can remember, I never saw myself well suited in a typical ‘corporate’ style job. I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs so I have seen and experienced first-hand what it means to own a business. Majoring in Entrepreneurship & Corporate Innovation at Baylor University, I went into school knowing that if I could understand the foundations, Read More>>

Courtney Hunter

Honey Haven Academy was founded in 2024 with one simple belief: Children deserve an education that truly meets them where they are.

After years of working in traditional school settings, I consistently saw a gap between what children need to thrive and what many classrooms are able to provide. I knew there had to be a way I could prioritize connection, hands on learning and individual support. Read More>>