Deciding to start a business is an unusual decision. It’s often considered irrational and yet for many it’s the best decision they’ve ever made. So we asked folks to think back to when they were starting their businesses and to tell us about their decision making process.

Kevin Ekdahl

When I started my mobile car repair service in 2009, my thought process was driven by a mix of passion, opportunity, and a desire for independence. I had always loved working on cars, and fixing friends’ vehicles for free gave me a sense of purpose and showed me a real need for convenient, reliable repair services. Read More>>

Anna Crowe

I started my career in finance, following the Big 4 CPA path, but quickly realized I craved something more creative: work that blended strategy, storytelling and genuine human connection. I’ve always loved bringing ideas to life and solving marketing challenges in fresh, meaningful ways, and that passion became the foundation for Crowe PR. Read More>>

Doris Fill

I wanted the autonomy and freedom to make my own decisions and to build the kind of environment I wanted to be surrounded by. In the beginning, my reasons fluctuated — but over time, I realized that what truly motivated me was the positive feedback from patients and all the meaningful relationships I’ve built along the way. Read More>>

Nancy Ciullo

I have worked with children since 2000, in various capacities, and found that this work feeds my soul. I know I am doing the work I am meant to do in both my early intervention work, and in my advocacy business. Read More>>

Jesse Tsao

I saw a growing need for people to stay healthy and reduce their dependence on medical services. In the U.S., healthcare costs are extremely high, and much of that cost comes from preventable conditions. I strongly believe that prevention is the best medicine — we shouldn’t wait until we get sick to see a doctor. Read More>>

Andrea Nanigian

For me, it really started during a time of transition. Our kids were getting older, didn’t need me as much and I was ready for a new challenge, something that combined my business background with my passion for people and meaningful connection. Read More>>

Dr Zach Beatty DC

When I started San Diego Auto Injury Center, my goal wasn’t just to open another chiropractic clinic. I wanted to create a place that truly understood what people go through after an accident. I’d seen too many patients stuck in pain, overwhelmed by the recovery process, and unsure who to trust. Read More>>

Yulia Zheltkova

When I first moved to America, I remember thinking — I wonder if I could ever open a real company here. I didn’t really have a big dream or deep meaning behind it; I just liked working and wanted to see if I could do it. Read More>>

Abba Gray

Being an artist has always been part of who I am. Throughout my childhood, my parents encouraged creativity from the start, there were always paints, scraps, tools, and random projects lying around. I loved working with my hands, bringing old things back to life, experimenting with new materials, and getting lost in the process. Read More>>

Bryan Palacios

I felt lead to start Palacios Design Co. in 2017 as inquiries increased. Like many creatives, I explore opportunities that leave me feeling inspired. Starting a LLC created a sense of new opportunity, almost like opening up an unexplored wing in my home. Since 2017, it has become a place of professional refuge. Read More>>

James Day

Creative outlet. Fortunately, this is not my first venture starting a small business, so I was already aware and prepped for the work ahead. In 2009, I started a small streetwear brand called Broken Bank Clothing. Read More>>

Baxter Colburn

When it came to starting my own business, I knew that I had to focus on a few very simple but important factors. How can I make money to provide for my family? What would I enjoy doing on a consistent basis and what was the best use of the skills that God had provided me. Read More>>

Lindsey Unger

My decision to start Converse With Confidence, Inc. was born out of both professional and personal reflection during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, I was working in a large medical facility, where the outpatient rehabilitation clinic was forced to close due to the shutdowns. Read More>>

Niobe Alexandra

Honestly, there wasn’t much of a thought-out plan, it sort of just happened. At the time, I was working for the NHS and started doing a bit of graphic design on the side, mainly as a creative outlet. Before I knew it, what began as a small passion project started gaining momentum, and I found myself running a design studio almost by accident. Read More>>