It takes a lot more than an idea to build a business, but there can’t be a business without the idea. So we asked folks who’ve built wonderful businesses to tell us about how they came up with the idea in the first place.

Ollie Rose | Designer & Content Creator

I wanted to create something I’ve always wanted, but couldn’t find on the market. I designed my first sling bag to be my perfect rollerskating bag. It’s not too big or small, held the important things I needed when I would skate on trailers, it’s comfortable, it’s so cute, but it also ended up working as a perfect bag to take out when I went out with my kids. Read more>>

Anna Flores | Veterinary Assistant & Former Barista

My inspiration for starting Ash’s Place came after working at Starbucks for some time combined with my life-long love for cats. I worked for Starbucks for a total of seven years and genuinely enjoyed most things about the job. I then ended up becoming an emergency veterinary technician as well in 2020 and worked both jobs for two years. Read more>>

Carlos Mayorga | Certified Locksmith tech and owner of C.A.M Locksmith

The idea of starting my own business was inspired by my father, who has been running a successful auto mechanic shop. Watching him achieve his dreams fueled my passion to do the same. Along this journey, I have faced ups and downs, starting with a mobile truck/car wash business that unfortunately had to close due to personal circumstances.