Thinking through whether to start a business – whether to take the risk, whether to go out on your own – isn’t easy. So we asked some entrepreneurs we admire to tell us about how they thought through the process of starting a business.

Amanda Alba-Ferguson

I’ve been in the field of aesthetic dermatology for about 15 years and have had the opportunity to work with some truly brilliant practitioners. That’s where my passion for skincare was first sparked—especially as I was also navigating my own personal skin challenges. Over time, though, I started to feel limited in traditional clinical settings. The structure of larger practices often means less time with each client, and I found myself wanting more: more connection, more intention, and more impact. Read More>>

Kaitlyn G. & Sheri K.

EARTH WIND AND PHOTO BOOTH grew out of our shared passion for photography and the joy of creating unforgettable moments—something that really came into focus after planning Kaitlyn’s wedding. Kaitlyn’s love for capturing authentic, heartfelt moments combined perfectly with Sheri’s passion for bringing people together and making celebrations truly special. Read More>>

Katrina Oprisko

My thought process was I didn’t want to work in an office that was sealed up all day and I wanted to contribute to my neighborhood. We had just returned to San Diego and were thinking about what our next steps would be. I knew what I didn’t want, but wasn’t quite sure what I did want to do. We thought about opening an ice cream store but ,I wanted to do something that would have a positive affect on San Diegans. Read More>>

Zhifei Xu

Before starting my own practice, I worked at a range of firms — from large international offices to smaller, more experimental ateliers. Those experiences were invaluable, but I often felt that I was spending too much time exploring design options that didn’t truly resonate with me. It made me realize how important it is to create work that I genuinely believe in — work that feels appropriate to its context, that is interesting and sensitive, and that can contribute something meaningful to the world. Read More>>

Lisa Gravelle

After 25+ years in corporate event planning, I realized I had this unique skill set that could serve people during their most meaningful moments, but I was constrained by corporate structures and traditional approaches. The turning point came when I started officiating weddings in 2017 and saw how much impact I could have by being authentically present for couples on their biggest day. Read More>>

Kristi Colby

After 25 years working as a professional makeup artist here in San Diego — from weddings and corporate clients to commercial and e-commerce shoots — I realized I had something deeper to offer beyond just makeup application. Over the years, I worked with hundreds of faces, but I was also listening to stories, building confidence, and creating moments of transformation. The spark to start my own business came from a desire to combine my expertise with my heart — to build something that could empower others through beauty. Read More>>