Ideas aren’t everything, execution matters greatly, but starting often requires an idea and so we asked folks to think back and tell us the story of how they came up with the idea for their businesses. We’ve highlighted some of our favorite stories below.

Marta Miner | Short Term Rental Consultant

I travel a lot and for the most part, I stay at Airbnbs and VRBOs. I am also an owner and host of several short-term rentals. So naturally, as a guest and a host, I started to notice more and more gaps in the market. Vacation rental hosts need support and direction to grow their business. There are so many unmet needs and opportunities in this sector, especially around improving guest experience. Read more>>

Greg Gerber | Writer, mentor and entrepreneur

I started Forward From 50 after going through a very dark period in my life between 2017 and 2021. A publication I started many years earlier had been forced to close after something I wrote irritated some powerful power brokers in the recreation vehicle industry. When I lost my business, I lost my sense of purpose as well. Read more>>

Sydney Carstens | Online Boutique Owner

I have always loved everything involving fashion. I knew this was a route I wanted to take after I graduated from college along with continuing on with my other career path with psychology. I would always get so many compliments on what I would wear and that truly motivated me to make my brand. Golden Coast Kouture is a place I can put my style and ideas out there. A vision board of clothing pieces I truly love. When I first started out, I had no idea that I would make the sales I did. Read more>>

Alexa Ray | Founder of Stage IX Secrets

The idea for my business originated from my own experience both as an independent artist/singer and online shopper. I was finding it increasingly difficult to style looks for events, photo shoots and performances that were both quality, affordable and made a statement that fit my branding needs. Read more>>

Lori Feist | Executive LifeStyle Concierge – Personal Assistant | Personal Private Driver | Confidential Errands

I came up with the idea of my business, Executive LifeStyle Concierge, LLC, after helping take care of my father, along side other family members, however, my brother and sister-in-law, were his primary live-in angels, going above and beyond to make sure he was living his best life. When they would travel, I would fly in from SoCal to NorCal to “take my turn” helping with the day-to-day living needs. Although my father was still very independent, he no longer drove, and secretly, I think he loved being “chauffeured” around and being doted on . Read more>>