It takes a lot more than an idea to build a business, but there can’t be a business without the idea. So we asked folks who’ve built wonderful businesses to tell us about how they came up with the idea in the first place.

Crystal Robbins Raquel Gonzalez | Fitness Trainers

Rarrity Fitness came about in the Spring of 2022 when a friend of Crystal’s planted the seed of us entering the fitness industry as personal trainers. At the time, he was growing his personal training business, and we came up with the idea to exchange free workouts for social media content for his page. Raquel, who has an eye for imagery and all things creative, offered to do the filming and editing, with Crystal as the model/” client” in the videos. During the sessions, he would constantly encourage us to become trainers. He noted that we didn’t need any direction, our passion shone through every time we stepped into the gym, and our focus differed from anyone he’s worked with. He said we’d be unstoppable with our fitness background, Raquel’s creativity, and the unique dynamic that comes alive when we’re together. On our drive home, we mulled over the idea, agreed that we both have a true passion for fitness and talked about what it meant to us individually. Read more>>

Paulina Castro | Architect & illustrator

Well, I think it’s a bit short story and not impressive at all. During the 2020 pandemic lockdown, I was studying architecture in Guadalajara, and since my family was in Culiacán I had to return for a period of time. By this time I already had experience working as an editorial illustrator for infographics, magazines, and children’s books, but when I entered the architecture career, due to its academic demands, it was something that I gradually put aside. Read more>>

Symone Swain | Chef, Entrepreneur

Fed by Grace idea came from me knowing that my purpose is so much bigger than me. So when I left for college in 2008 I was a social work major, fast forward to 2012 I found my way of helping people but through my food. So I embarked on a journey with Johnson and Wales Charlotte and came out with my Culinary Arts degree. I found my way of helping people, which was through my food. Life happened as it does sometimes shortly after that and Social Work went to the back burner and I went full speed into chef life. In 2021, I relocated to California and the homeless population brought social work and how I can help through my food back to my life. 2022 life returned me to the east coast but my mission was clear. Find a way to make people feel cared about again through your food, YOUR WAY. In that moment Fed by Grace was born. Read more>>