Starting a business is a commitment and requires dedication, resources and sacrifice. We asked some of the rising stars in our community how they thought through the idea of starting their own businesses.

David | YouTube.com/BlueLineGarage

This has been my second business as I had one other business in communications from 2003 to 2006 in NYC that was successful but sold it when I knew my true calling was in law enforcement. I started with the NYPD and then relocated to Arizona where I continued being a police officer. In March of 2019 I was struck by a vehicle while on duty which caused life altering changes including losing part of my leg. Sadly I had to medically retire a year later and being limited in what I can do. I did notice while working on my wife’s car all my sorrow and sadness weren’t even a thought like it has been after choosing to retire before my time. The more I worked on cars the more I wanted to show others how easy which led me to posting my repairs on YouTube. Read more>>

Maritza Higuera | Bilingual Children’s Book Author

My thought process about starting to write bilingual books was when I was a teacher working for a preschool program. I noticed the struggle of children and families when they were learning a second language and couldn’t understand the story or parts of it. When it was time to go home, each child would pick a book to take home. Sometimes, children wanted to pick a book that was not in the language the parents spoke, and the parents asked the children to pick a book in their language because it was hard to read. The same happened with English speakers learning Spanish from some of his class friends. They wanted to take the Spanish book off the shelf, but their parents were English speakers and couldn’t read Spanish. Read more>>

Tyler Rodgers | International Investigator

Excellent question! This really takes me back to where it all began. Working for someone else had become incredibly routine – too routine, in fact. I found myself in a bare office in the early hours, and just as bare in the evening. My drive was fueled by an intense motivation, a yearning for something more than just commissions or acknowledgments. There was a moment when I realized that what I was truly seeking couldn’t be found in my then-current role. I craved the freedom to innovate, to make decisions that could have a broader impact, and to create something that was distinctly mine. This realization was the catalyst for my journey into entrepreneurship. Read more>>

Zarinah Hendrix | Handz by Hendrix personal hairdresser

I created Handz by Hendrix with a passion for making people feel beautiful. I wanted to create a space where people could feel comfortable and pampered, and I knew that the best way to do that was to make my business mobile. This allows me to come to my clients’ homes or offices, so they can enjoy a luxurious hair treatment without having to leave the comfort of their own space. Read more>>

Pam Kattouf | c0-founder

In 2016, my business partner and I were the parents of teenaged sons with profound autism. We were concerned for their future upon graduation from school. Statistically 85% of adults with autism are unemployed or under employed. The 15% who are employed tend to have more skills that our sons who have very limited language.. We knew we wanted to create a business for our sons and others in the community. We turned a fun activity into a business. Our sons enjoyed lavender bath salts. Instead of buying the salts, we made our own together as part of a get together. We made a lot of bath salts which lead to gifting family and friends. The feedback was positive, so we built a business around this one product. We expanded into other bath products and candles. Read more>>

Donnie Win | Hip Hop artist & Songwriter

Honestly I just got tired of working for other people. Specially after realizing they make more off me than I ever would working for them. I felt like as long as I’m working for someone else I’ll never have the financial freedom to live the way I want. Starting my own business means I don’t have to answer to anyone i control my schedule, work when I want to and not because i have to. I decide what to do when to do it and how to do it Read more>>