Starting a business can be terrifying. Weighing the pros and cons, the risks, and other considerations can be so overwhelming that often promising entrepreneurs stop before they even start. We asked some phenomenal entrepreneurs about their thought process behind starting their own businesses. Our hope is that by making the thought-process less intimidating we can help more folks think through whether they should take an entrepreneurial leap.

Naudia Yvette Guerrero | LGBTQ Travel Content Creator I Luxury Hotel Photographer/Videogra

I started my business in 2020 to help international LGBTQ couples. I was dating someone at the time and being a queer international couple brought up many issues. We didn’t know where we could get married or how. We didn’t know where we could travel and feel safe. We started posting our story online and people resonated with that. Read more>>

Elizabeth Hinton | Captain & Owner of Sterling Sails

They say if you do what you love then you’ll never have to work a day in your life. When I found my passion for sailing, I thought that maybe I could live and work by doing what I love. I wanted to share that experience with others because I knew if it made me happy, then it would bring joy to other people as well. When I am sailing, I feel at peace. Read more>>

John Rawlins III | Artist, Producer, & Educator

The thought behind my brand and what I do was really in response to extremely positive feedback and reception of me, my talent, and who I am. People would ask me to perform in certain spaces and to share insights and lessons learned. So that’s where my on my brand and sharing my voice was developed. Read more>>

Ashley Dawn | Good Intentions Wellness

My decision to start my own business was driven by a desire to break a cycle that I recognized in my career and personal life. Although I worked with various companies that sometimes offered flexibility in my schedule, I noticed a significant gap in my long-term planning. This lack of a future-oriented strategy is a habit I now understand I had inherited. Read more>>

Kylie Keltner | Small Business Owner

After being laid-off from my job as a Human Resources Executive, I needed something to keep me busy while applying for other jobs. I’ve always been a creative person but wanted to try something new maybe a little out of the ordinary. I looked into a couple of other ideas but when I came across polymer clay and the MANY ways you can use it, I decided to give it a go! Read more>>

Portia Murphy | Actress & College Student

I knew I wanted to follow in my parents’ footsteps and be self-employed, so I looked into the best business for me (I am pursuing acting so it made sense), and started my own LLC! Read more>>

Ashley Christman | Owner of Blonden Salon

After being a hairstylist for almost 20 years and working in 6 San Diego salons I wanted to create the perfect space in my own community, Serra Mesa. Something that was all mine that I could create the ideal, professional vibe, an amazing team, and specialize in blonding which is such a popular hair service in California! Read more>>