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.

Christopher Kelson | Hip Hop Artist, Serial Entrepreneur and Motivational Speaker

My thought process behind starting my own business was one hundred percent motivated by wanting the freedom to pursue my music career at the highest level possible. I always had an entrepreneur spirit growing up from selling cds in high school and trading and bartering Pokémon cards and basketball cards. As I started to pursue music and build a career for myself, I begin to see that my freedom was limited to how many concerts and gigs I could do because I would have to work my 9-5 job.. The job eventually started to get in the way of me expanding my fan base and I started to turn down paying and promo gigs just to be at my job because I didn’t want to get fired. I met a mentor that showed me how to go into business for myself selling life insurance and teaching financial literacy. He showed me how to leave my job and be a full time entrepreneur to have the freedom to build my music career. In 90 days of him training me, what I was making in 40 hours in one week I begin to make in one hour working for myself. That’s when I knew, running a business was definitely for me!!! Read more>>

jahn beadle | Cinematographer

I worked professionally in the Music Industry for many years for major record labels and artist management companies. After several years of earning a salary with no share of the profits when I ran successful projects, I came to the realization that I needed to have a share of the ownership in order to really see anything other than just a salary. With that in mind I quit my job and started my own businesses. No doubt it was a daunting task and scary to know there was no security blanket of a consistent paycheck each week, but I knew I had to take the leap of faith and take the risk. Read more>>

Robert Jackson | Community Activist

My company is called Blue and it stands for build,learn,unite and educate the youth. it for self empowerment and providing resources for the youth. Read more>>

Josh Blanaru | introducing GUNS R BLAZIN

Pick a phrase + get it on a shirt! GUNS R BLAZIN launched in 2021 with a clear intention to inspire others while looking good in the process. The idea of putting a custom phrase on a t-shirt once ruled the 80’s shopping mall scene, and GRB upgrades this vibe by pairing an extra sexy t-shirt template with a phrase of your choice from volumes of album art menus. There are over 200 phrase options to choose from, ranging from uplifting to borderline bonkers, so get ready to laugh while being inspired at the same time. Choosing a phrase is a lot of fun and these tees make great gifts! You can also request a personalized phrase by reaching out via email (gunsrblazin@outlook.com) or sending a direct message on Instagram (@gunsrblazin). I recently added some SICK logo tees to the online store, as well as distressed hats and two-sided drawstring bags – they look awesome and get noticed! For a limited time, get 10% off your entire order at GUNSRBLAZIN.com by using discount code “GRB10” at checkout. Read more>>

Arjita Sethi | Founder of New Founder School

I started my journey as an entrepreneur at 16 in India, where I co-built a vocational school that reached 100,000 people and partnered with organizations like the United Nations. Read more>>

MADELINE ARENAS | Founder of a 501c3 nonprofit org JollyBox Philippines and a portrait photographer for Cubrix Photography

The lack of education in remote villages in Philippines drives me to collect more educational materials such as children books, learning toys and school supplies. Read more>>

James Blackburn | Saxophone Player

I’ve always wanted to play my saxophone for the public. After seeing and working with so many influential individuals who also play the saxophone, I finally felt ready to begin investing in this opportunity. Read more>>

Chris Jones | CEO and Founder of the Young And Prosperous Foundation & Police Officer with the San Diego Police Department

The idea for founding the Young And Prosperous Foundation stemmed from a desire to maintain a deep connection with the community while pursuing a career in law enforcement. Recognizing the importance of giving back and supporting youth, I wanted to continue making a positive impact on children’s lives despite the demands of my profession. By establishing the foundation, I aimed to bridge my passion for helping children with my responsibilities as a police officer, creating a platform to provide support, guidance, and opportunities for young people to thrive. This initiative was driven by a commitment to fostering a safer, stronger, and more prosperous community. Read more>>

Preet Kaur | Event Designer and Stylist

Growing up, I believed myself to be inclined a lot towards the look and presentation of things. I always had a flair for art and an eye for all things imaginative. I would casually stroll through art museums, home design stores feeling bewildered and fascinated at the same moment by the vision and ingenuity applied in each piece. During high school, I thoroughly enjoyed the summer school I attended, that focused on interior styling. Being quite naïve to think of designing as just a hobby, I pursued a degree in accounting followed by an MBA which later led to attaining a CPA license in the state of Washington. Although it came with a feeling of great achievement and financial stability, the creative urge had gotten stronger over the years. Read more>>

Jean Vavra | Entrepreneur, Actress, Proud mother of two fine young men

I’ve always worked like I owned the business and I wanted my efforts to be directly impact my life. I always knew I wanted to run a business and I enjoy being involved in all aspects of it, especially being creative. I also knew I wanted to have a family and I wanted to have the flexibility to be with them when I was needed. Read more>>

Juan M. Ayerza | Entrepreneur

Starting Wipeout Coffee was a combination of my lifelong dream and a desire to merge my passions. I’ve always envisioned creating a globally recognized brand that resonates with my values and beliefs. The decision to dive into the world of coffee, particularly with a focus on organic quality, and linking it to my love for surfing, felt like the perfect way to bring my vision to life. Read more>>

Kevin Perlmutter | Chief Strategist & Founder, Limbic Brand Evolution

I’ve always sought out the edge of the frontier, at each phase of my career. Staring Limbic Brand Evolution, a brand strategy and neuromarketing consultancy, as a first time entrepreneur, put me on the edge of yet another frontier to help business and brand leaders have more effective approaches to attracting and retaining customers and driving business growth. Read more>>