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.

Elyse Johnson | Wardrobe Stylist

Now or Never, baby. This was my motto that pushed me to start my own business. I had been styling for a couple years without pay. I had done my time as they say, perfecting my craft. Time served, meant it was time to leave the nest. Of course, in this case it didn’t actually involve leaving my parents home, it meant leaving my salaried 9-5 job to start as a 1099er. It meant no guaranteed paycheck every week, no health insurance, no paid time off, no sick pay…it meant becoming a full time hustler. Read more>>

Jayd Hernandez | Camouflage Tattoo Artist

I really gravitated towards the magic of tattooing and being able to camouflage hair loss, which then translated to stretch marks and scars. Now as an Artist, I’m constantly looking at other things I can camouflage with permanent ink. My art is compassion and my canvas is skin. I’d say my greatest strength has always been the ability to see and hear people, and its from that space that I create. Like most entrepreneurs and creatives, I’ve had to overcome my doubts on whether or not I could be successful and make money doing what I loved? I’ve also struggled with staying passionate and committed to a project for the long-haul. Read more>>

Robert Reder | Managing Partner of Blythe Grace PLLC

One of the most important things my mentor taught we was to be myself, authentic. Unfortunately that meant I was not well suited to work for a large law firm. After preparations, my paralegal and I formed Blythe Grace, a boutique law firm in Phoenix, Arizona. Of course it hasn’t always been easy – there have been challenging times. But it was the best decision I ever made. A word of warning. Being an entrepreneur is not for everyone. It takes a certain type of personality because you must live and breath your business. Read more>>

Ali B | Streetwear Designer

I can spend my whole life saying what if or I can take a risk and make something happen for myself. Rowdy Kids is my life. I’ve been dedicated to this journey the last 3 years and love every part of it, the good and the bad. Everything I release may not always get the reaction or sales numbers I want but I continue to keep going and become more appreciative of my organically growing fan/customer base. Of course the journey isn’t easy but history shows success rarely is. Read more>>

Dr. SABETI | Anti-aging/Hormone/Stem cell

The thought process behind starting my own business is very simple. I have wanted to have my own practice for as long as I can remember. I studied traditional medicine along with Naturopathic medicine in order to help my patients receive a holistic treatment. After many years of study,research and clinical hours dedicated to the science of prevention and treatment of diseases and the human body, I am content in being able to help heal the patients that come to see me. Read more>>