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.

Laura Palmer | Educator & Color Specialist

After years of working tons of hours, multiple jobs at the same time and really wearing my body down, I decided it was time to get specific on the things I wanted. I craved work life balance, and time to start perusing my other passions- one being education. I decided to make the jump into my own business. Designing my schedule to work with my life, doing the work I loved and leaving time for life balance. Read more>>

Sophie Simone Cortina | Jewelry Designer / Creative Director at Sophie Simone Designs

My business started almost by accident. I’ve always felt inclined to create, ever since I was a child. One day, I dreamed a design, of a cactus bracelet. I followed that instinct and learned how the process of making hand made jewelry in Mexico was all about. what began as a hobby has grown into what is Sophie Simone Designs today. Over the years, SSD has grown organically and naturally. I feel grateful and privileged to have the opportunity to make a living from my passion. Everyday is a new adventure and the learning process keeps me inspired on a daily basis. Read more>>

Neeka Zarei, MA, LPC | Psychedelic Psychotherapist

I’m Neeka Zarei, a dedicated psychotherapist on a mission to empower individuals and facilitate positive change in their lives. Recognizing the limitations and burnout associated with agency work, I made the courageous decision to establish my own practice. My goal was simple: to become a more effective therapist by providing personalized care and support to my clients. Read more>>

Alexandra Wall | Fashion Designer, Pattern Cutter & Creative Consultant

Following a turbulent experience in the fashion industry during my time in London, I saw and experienced things I did not like; so I left. My options at the time were to continue along a damaging, unethical and unsustainable path that never aligned to my values, or return home to South Wales and establish my own business in a more affordable environment. Read more>>

Taylor Montey | MA, LPC, CFL2

I originally never intended to start my own business. Over time, I saw a need to serve others in a way that didn’t exist. Read more>>

Victoria Amesbury | Wedding Planner & Event Coordinator

I planned my own wedding in 2014-2015, and it was literally the longest year of my life. It was hard to balance my education, personal life, and the many hours of research and DIY projects I put into my wedding planning. I believed I didn’t need the assistance of a professional when it came to florals or the planning process, which in the end put a lot of stress on me as well as my family and bridal party who were helping. Read more>>

Erica Abraham | Co-Founder, CEO, and Chiropractor at Axon Health

Initially, we thought that we would start our own chiropractic practice to be able to be our own bosses. But, with it being mid-pandemic, we were afraid to take on the overhead of a clinic with the potential of being shut down again. We decided to start out mobile with the intent that we would someday open up a clinic. As we started out, though, we started to realize a few things. Read more>>

Taylor Cronin | Aesthetic Nurse Injector, Business Owner & Mother

I started my own business to potentially create personal and financial freedom for my family. I decided to just go for it after having my son. I knew towards the end of my maternity leave that I did not want to go back to working in the hospital, it was physical and mentally draining me and I needed something more in my life. Read more>>

Sarah Zupek | Spiritual Life Coach & Astrologer

It was less of a thought process, and more of a higher calling. For years, I’ve known that my purpose is to help others heal, expand, grow beyond limitations, and create ultimate fulfillment and happiness in their lives through a path of self-love and spirituality. I knew I had a unique gift to offer and wanted full autonomy over how I shared that with my clients, so entrepreneurship was the only way to go! Read more>>

Luis Ferrer | Creative Director

Owning my own business seemed like a pipe dream not that long ago. I’ve had a love for the floral industry since my first day in a family owned shop a decade ago. Through the years I committed myself to learning every facet of my craft and pushing my personal boundaries to continue to grow. Read more>>

Maritza (Marz) Snader | Creative Candle Art

I started a small business because at the time I had the product and saw an opportunity. My husband is very encouraging and just said do it and don’t look back. And 2 years later here I am. At the time I was working as a program manager for a behavioral health company. I’ve always wanted to take control of my own career. Read more>>