Starting and growing a business is hard, but often deciding to start the business in the first place is even harder. We asked some successful entrepreneurs from around the community to open up to us about how they thought about starting a business.

Jorge Contreras | Entrepreneur, Real estate investor and Airbnb Coach

While I was in community college, I started taking Salsa lessons, and after that, I was introduced to Bachata, which eventually became my first business venture. I taught myself how to improve my moves, and I eventually started teaching people how to dance in my friend’s backyard. Read more>>

Tony Howe | Vegan Cheese Maker and Chef.

I’ve always wanted to start my own business, although the type of business and the reasoning behind it have changed more times than I can count. Fresh out of culinary school it was opening a fine dining restaurant for the prestige, which came from a place of adolescent arrogance. Read more>>

Victoria Warren | Content Creator & Model

After moving to San Diego in 2021, I immediately fell in love with everything there is to do and see here. Whether that be the top-notch restaurants and cafes, spectacular views, exciting events, etc, I wanted to fully immerse myself in So Cal culture. Read more>>

Lyn Williams | Small Alternative Jewelry Business Owner

I’ve always had this need to create and express myself unapologetically. I’ve had so many creative outlets through the years and right before opening my shop I was in ceramics classes. I fell in love with creating a physical version of an idea and being able to manipulate clay into my thoughts and feelings. Read more>>

Claudia Torres | Children’s Mindfulness Teacher & Podcaster

My business idea arrived in the midst of the pandemic. Like most people I lost my job and stayed at home. I started to realize how much I was enjoying staying home because I’ve had a life long practice in mindfulness, meditation and yoga. Those tools prepared me mentally for the lock down and not allowing media fear to seduce me. Read more>>

Stephen Grischuk | Horror Film Director

First and foremost Box Creep Films is a total love letter to horror and explotation cinema that is made with the intention of having a fun time with my friends. We have a blast making low budget horror films, and wouldnt have it any other way. I love being able to show off my town Oceanside and all the tallented people in my life that I can call my friends. Read more>>

Stacy Krafczyk | Animal Communicator Specialist, Intuitive, Medium and Reiki Master Teacher

I don’t feel that it was me that nudged me forward into this field or business. It was something I never even thought or dreamed of before but that’s when the universe has a big surprise for you. I didn’t know I had this gift or skill set to communicate with animals much less start an actual business talking with animals all over the world. Read more>>