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.

Lola Quinn | Artist | Performance Painter | Muralist

I have been hustling art since I was in high school, yet it never occurred to me until I was in my late 20s to pursue it as a career. After spending many years incarcerated (for attacking against my rapist), I got out at 25. The first year out completely wrecked me. The depression nearly took my life. I got to a point where I was empty of any joy. Lifeless and hopeless. And I decided if I had to be “stuck” here, I needed a life I could tolerate. I started weeding out every toxic person in my life. I was completely alone, yet a bit happier. Read more>>

Claire West | Farm Manager & Yoga Instructor

More than anything, Whistling Squirrel Farm came about from necessity. In 2017 my parents bought a small farm. The existing alfalfa fields were going to waste—and wasting too much water—so they began to slowly transition it to lavender. Lavender plants take about three years to establish and bloom, so it wasn’t until this past year that they were overwhelmed with the crop. That’s when we decided to start Whistling Squirrel Farm. Read more>>

Puma Swede | Psychonaut

I discovered psychedelics at Burning Man a few years back. I’ve just been amazed how they enhance my life in various ways and don’t want to stop exploring the possibilities. Since I’ve always loved being creative and colorful clothes, I thought of combining those two into my brand Psychonaut Explorer. Read more>>

Adam & Abbie Russell | Candle makers & Parents

We’ve had the idea of opening a coffee shop for years! In our opinion, northern NJ has always lacked fun, clean, trendy coffee spots that make you want to stay awhile. Our design and aesthetic is inspired by the hundreds of coffee shops we have traveled to over the years. We’ve been vegan for almost 7 years, and for 7 years, it’s been so hard finding a sweet treat. We knew that any vegan would travel to find a tasty dessert, so we just kept marching on with that idea in mind. We hope that we’re filling a hole in the market – vegan baked goods and really good coffee! Read more>>