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.

Rojhen Karim

I started my journey in high school and thought lashes would be a fun skill to have. When I got out of high school I jumped right into esthetician school and fell in love with skin care. I knew I needed to make my image grow and create something incredible. Read More>>

Anthony Sarmiento

“For me, starting a business wasn’t just about being independent — it was about having control over the direction of my life. I didn’t grow up with structure or a clear roadmap. I had to figure out how to survive early on, and eventually that evolved into wanting more than just survival. Read More>>

Alisha Freeman

I’ve been passionate about visual storytelling for as long as I can remember. My journey began in front of the camera as a model for over a decade, but I soon realized my true calling was behind the lens.

I studied Photography and Film at Fullerton College, eventually earning my Art degree in 2020. I also hold degrees in Art & Human Expression and Social Science, and I’m currently completing two certificates at NYU while finishing my BFA in Film at William Woods University. Read More>>

Sara Astudillo

Taking the Trash Out began as a need for more people to get involved in their community, the accountability behind our plastic consumption and the lack of education toward where our waste actually ended up. The motive was more about spreading knowledge and awareness through action and observation. It feels natural to teach with “hands on” education, so it was a no brainer that clean ups would allow the community to feel accomplished of their work, proud of their community and a sense of understanding how daily waste contributes to this worldwide issue. Read More>>

Carlton Hill

Honestly, it wasn’t a glamorous leap. I didn’t wake up one day dreaming of being an entrepreneur. I spent 20 years in banking, working my way from teller to vice president, and genuinely loved helping thousands of clients navigate their financial lives. The team leadership, the coaching, the mentorship, the problem-solving for both my team members and clients alike; that was what I was passionate about. Read More>>

Denessa | Jennifer Appleton

Denessa: I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset—it’s been a consistent thread throughout my career, from running a successful media, branding, and advertising agency with my husband in Dubai, to helping multiple startups launch and thrive in various industries. Read More>>

Eduardo Santos Valdez

I’m a Mexican chef who fell in love with Peruvian gastronomy. When I moved to San Diego, I felt inspired to share the bold and vibrant flavors I had discovered, but I also wanted to honor the local culture and my own Mexican roots. That’s how the idea was born—to create a concept that blends the essence of Peruvian cuisine with a Mexican/Baja twist, reflecting both my personal journey and the community around me. Read More>>

Jeffrey Leeper

I always wanted the freedom and flexibility that comes with owning my own business. I have worked for plenty of other people along the way, but I always had my sights set on going it alone. Read More>>

Jessica Nielsen

After over two decades in the industry, 13 of those years managing venues. I found myself constantly drawn to the client experience. I loved design, logistics, and all the moving pieces, but what truly inspired me was the opportunity to walk alongside people during such an important season in their lives. Read More>>

Gar Borras

I’m a musician that had a regular job and wanted to make some extra money while doing something that I love. In the 80’s I was chasing a recording contract like every other musician in Los Angeles. Then In the 90’s I had to get a job to pay the bills. At that time I had seen the success of a very popular Van Halen tribute and decided to form a tribute band instead of playing in a cover band. A tribute band is focused on recreating the experience of a single Iconic bands show. Cover bands play an array of songs by an array of artists and don’t focus on recreating the experience of any of the bands or songs that they cover.  Read More>>

Ryen Toft

Starting Simply Luxe came from both a deep passion and a practical need – but the seeds were planted much earlier. My grandparents were the most organized people I’ve ever met. They moved countless times – often with babies in tow – and even lived abroad while serving in the Navy. Through all of that, they kept a home that was calm, orderly, and intentional. They showed me how much daily life can improve when your environment is peaceful and purposeful. Read More>>

William Peetoom

Thank you for the opportunity to share this.

Starting my own business wasn’t just a professional decision—it was a lifeline. After surviving cancer, I came to a sobering realization: the traditional 9-to-5 structure wasn’t built for people navigating complex health challenges. I needed the flexibility to honor my healing, manage my energy, and still create meaningful impact in the world. That level of autonomy simply didn’t exist in conventional systems. Read More>>