The first step to starting a business is deciding to start a business. They say the first step is the hardest and in our experience this is especially true when it comes to starting a business. Getting over the mental roadblocks can be tough, often harder to overcome than the challenges you’ll face once you actually start the business. Fellow entrepreneurs share their thoughts below.

Paul Scalone

I want to share the inspiration behind Encore—a specialized service within my real estate offerings designed to support the healthcare community and families navigating the transition to their next phase of homeownership.

Addressing a Growing Market Need – I recognized the impact of the Silver Tsunami, where millions of baby boomers will be selling their homes between 2027 and 2037. With a deep understanding of real estate and healthcare, I saw an opportunity to provide a seamless transition for seniors moving into retirement communities or downsized living spaces. Read More>>

Tejah Monae

The thought process behind starting my own business was to make a change, not just for myself but for like- minded Women like myself. Creating and marketing a safe space for women, directing and leading them towards the correct way on how to handle business efficiently, has made me so proud. Our growth as a group and me as an individual has kept me determined in my Faith and walk in my story. Read More>>

Sherry Citron

For the last 15 years, I worked for social media marketing agencies as a Director, running client accounts and helping grow their business. What I truly loved most about my job was the relationships I got to build with my clients. I was driven by helping clients achieve their goals and watching their brands grow. While doing this made me happy for them, I knew something was missing for me.  Read More>>

Dr. Aseile Bazzi

Starting GLOW was not just a business decision. It was something I deeply felt needed to exist. I have my Doctorate in Pharmacy from UCSD and spent years working as a pharmacy manager and compounding pharmacist. But despite my success, I often found myself wondering if this was it. I have always loved bringing people together, and after experiencing multiple losses, career shifts, and even a major car crash, I realized the biggest thing missing in my life was true community. Read More>>

Melody Odell

Starting a business is exciting and living life in the truest sense.
In a world where so many things are out of our control, starting a business is creating a living thing that can evolve into what the market wants.
Every sale a triumph, it is exhilarating and real!

At 27 years old, I had just quit my job as an event planner for UC Irvine and was starting a family with my husband. I was inspired by EVERYTHING my 1 year old son did. I saw time slipping too fast and wanted to document him and the best days of my life. Read More>>

Jaleesa Mason-al Kassem

After a scary incident with my son pooping red for 2 days after consuming red velvet cake for his first birthday, I knew I wanted to make clean, feel-good desserts. Something that I would feel comfortable feeding my child. It was from that exact moment that I decided to make a cake business where every baked item was made without any extracts or artificial dyes. Read More>>

Susan Aquila

I am a musician. I am a violinist, electric violinist and vocalist. I spent many years training and honing my craft. I have worked as a sideman/soloist for a lot of artists in the recording studio and on stage..I have enjoyed every minute of it! While I love the process of working with other people and bonding over music, there was an inner longing. This yearning was to create a musical vehicle in which I could express myself completely. A musical project that was my voice. That’s why I began my own business of being an Independent solo artist. Read More>>