The first step to starting a business is deciding to start a business. They say the first step is the hardest and in our experience this is especially true when it comes to starting a business. Getting over the mental roadblocks can be tough, often harder to overcome than the challenges you’ll face once you actually start the business. Fellow entrepreneurs share their thoughts below.

Kristen O’neall | CEO & Founder

Coming from a four-generation entrepreneurial family, starting my own business has always been a natural aspiration. From a young age, I knew I wanted to create something of my own. Mirage Media is actually the ninth business I’ve started, beginning with selling rocks in my backyard at age six and extending to ventures like doing nails in college and running an assistant business. I’m a serial entrepreneur, driven by a relentless desire to find better ways to do things. Read more>>

Irayda Flores | Business owner and civic leader

During the years I have been in the United States looking for my American dream contributing to the economy and community of this country, I always wanted to create a project that would connect me with my roots of which I will always be proud and I will never forget the roots I grew up with. Read more>>

Alexsoy Music | Artist, Producer, Songwriter, & Entrepreneur.

Starting my own business was never just about creating a brand or making money—it was about building a platform that represents who I am and what I stand for. From the very beginning, I knew that my music was more than just a collection of songs; it was a voice for my community, a reflection of my culture, and a way to inspire others who might be facing similar challenges. Read more>>

Mike Mcdonald | Mind-Body Coach

My thought process behind starting my own business was rooted in a deep passion for helping others grow, both mentally and physically. My journey began with personal training, where I found real purpose in guiding people through their fitness goals, helping them build confidence, and watching them transform not just their bodies, but their entire outlook on life. That experience showed me how much I value making meaningful connections with people and supporting them on a deeper level.Read more>>