Our community is comprised of some absolutely brilliant entrepreneurs and so we asked a few of them to tell us the story of how they came up with the ideas for their business.

Brittney Fernandez | Entrepreneur & Home Chef

I have been a longtime passionate home cook and baker. Over the years I experimented with different spice blends to keep our family meals interesting. After getting positive feedback on various dishes I prepared with my spices, and questions about the seasoning blends I use for my meat and vegetables, I decided to hone in on my spice blend formulas and offer them as products. Read more>>

Amanda Sax | Graphic Designer & Visual Marketing Strategist

After I graduated college in 2009, I worked for a corporate company as a graphic designer. I’m grateful for that on-the-job learning experience but I quickly realized going into an office for someone else wasn’t doing it for me. I quit after only 7 months to open an Etsy shop called lovingLeigh Yours with a line of handmade frames. That later evolved into a line of pillows, signs and pouches, and a team of brilliant seamstresses helping to bring my designs to life. Read more>>

SHANIQUA HOPKINS | Founder and Executive Director of 7th Dream Helping Hearts

I was in foster care from the age of 8months until 15, I also became a mom at 15 years old. When I was in foster care as a teen I did not have the greatest experiences. I always said to myself when I get older I was going to change fostercare even if it was just one child at a time. Being a teen mom I did not have alot of support. My business was created based off my experiences, what I wish I had and what helped me to be successful. Read more>>