We reached out to some of our favorite entrepreneurs and asked them to think back and tell us about how they decided to start a business. Check out their responses below.

Justin Frank | Restauranteur with multiple brands

Like most people, I thought I could do it better myself. I had some bad boss and work experiences in the past, so I wanted to do my own thing and not have to answer to “the man.” Read more>>

Randy Sykes | Solo Musician

Covid really was the start of something different for me. Read more>>

Nichelle Kolokithias | Chix&Waffs Co-Owner/Military Active Duty

Well I would say it was the fact that I am passionate about helping people and cooking so why not serve my community with cooking for them. Read more>>

Ashleigh Ha | Wedding Planner & Event Coordinator

Believing in love and my lifelong dream of owning a business finally came into fruition in my late 40’s. The two ideas interlocked and I came up with the establishment of Together Ever After Events. Wedding planning requires high amounts of dedication and patience, something that I think is important to remember as perfection does not come at the blink of an eye. Thus, my business is one that is built on my sincerity, honesty, and directiveness. The planning process is not simply one where I aim to check off boxes with the couple, but one where the couple and I are working together. This ensures that we are on the same page, and is what aids in the creation of the picture perfect day, in all ways. Read more>>

Michelle Treske | Wire Wrap Jewelry Designer

Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to create art with the goal of sharing and selling to people. I studied and worked in the commercial arts for many years. From wood sign
production to making POS sales displays, I sought out jobs that had some creativity into it. At one point I found myself in the IT world as Director of Admin services here in San Diego. To keep the story short while it paid well it was costing me my sanity and creativity. When I was laid off from my last full time job IT job I knew in my heart that I wasn’t going back into that profession. Read more>>

Sabrina Avants And Mariam El-kalay | Co-Founders/Executive Directors

When we started Explorer Development Center nearly nine years ago, our decision was deeply rooted in our shared commitment to providing high-quality services for children with developmental delays. We saw a need in the community for an organization that prioritized quality over quantity—focused on individualized care and meaningful progress rather than simply trying to serve as many families as possible. Read more>>

Shannon Yeager | Founder of Expand Beyond, Wellness Coach & Facilitator

I remember asking as a child what my purpose is in life — a question I would continue to reflect on during my yoga teacher training and as a business owner.

I was first drawn to yoga and meditation as a way to manage stress and relieve anxiety in college. Through these practices, I was able to regulate my nervous system, connect to my breath and slow down my thoughts. I knew from that moment I wanted to dive deeper and eventually share these techniques with others. Read more>>

Mary Fain Brandt | Certified AI Consultant | LinkedIn Profile Writer & Strategist | Speaker | Trainer

I never set out to become an entrepreneur. In fact, if you had told me a decade ago that I’d be running my own business, I would’ve laughed and said, “Not me!” My journey began out of necessity rather than ambition. My mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and as her primary caregiver, I quickly realized the traditional 9-to-5 wasn’t going to allow me the flexibility I needed to be there for her.
At the time, I was navigating the demands of a challenging work environment while trying to care for my mom, and after she went missing on a rainy night I knew something had to give. I made the decision to step away from the corporate world and create a career that allowed me to prioritize what mattered most—my family. Read more>>

Soleiman Bolour | Mens Transformational Coach

This is how I was raised. My father passed away when I was 9 years old. My uncles took over our finances and they were very successful business men. They always talked about business and how to make sure you move toward things that you can grow into and make your successful. I always new that owning my own business was the way to go, so I can make my own time and also make as much money as possible with the exchange of time for money. Read more>>