It takes a lot more than an idea to build a business, but there can’t be a business without the idea. So we asked folks who’ve built wonderful businesses to tell us about how they came up with the idea in the first place.

Shashaanka Ashili, Ph.D. | CEO, CureScience

The current operating thesis has been an evolutionary experience. The organization was formed with a tremendous support of patients, who believed in personalized precision medicine. The initial focus was on brain cancer. However, over the years our approach and focus had been expanded. To reflect this, we have renamed the organization and expanded the mission and vision to better reflect our efforts to promote the advancements being made in mitigating immunological and neurodegenerative disorders. Read more>>

Courtney Wilson | Professional Organizer

I came up with the idea for my business because I wanted to do something I loved to do while also helping people on their own journey to getting organized. My 3 kids are now young adults so I had so much wisdom to share from handling the many details of a busy household. While my kids were growing up I was constantly trying different ways to make our house run more efficiently so I have experience along with the passion to organize. I got my BFA in graphic design at Arizona State University & worked as a graphic designer so I also enjoy the styling & design aspect of being a professional organizer. Read more>>

Blake Smedley | Holistic chemist and healer

I was studying chemistry and physics in school and making cannabis products as my real world chemistry experiments, and my roommate suggested I try making topical products. I immediately dismissed it since it sounded like too much work, but the next day my father gave me a call to let me know he had been struggling with shingles for the last few days. I decided I would make a lotion and send it to him to see what it would do. Read more>>

Nicole Macklem | Child care provider and yoga enthusiast

As cliche as it may sound, the concept for my children’s book My Shiny Chakras came to me in a dream. As a child care provider and yoga enthusiast, I’ve always encouraged mindfulness and positive affirmations with children. I believe that the chakra system needs more general public attention so simplifying the ideas for children seemed like an obvious first step. So one morning I awoke and the book was clear as day in my mind. I went to my computer and wrote the entire thing, including the format and visual concept. Read more>>

Brittany Camerer-Jiannino | Boudoir Photographer & Advocate for Self-Love

I came up with the idea for my business because I saw a major flaw in the market. When I looked at photographers portfolios and mainstream advertisements, I saw TONS of images of models with the typical model figures. There was not much love for all body types, truly. I knew this needed to change! I wanted to create a brand that actually “walks the walk” and showcases all bodies, because all bodies are beautiful! Read more>>

Alexandra Sanches | Ale The Professional Organizer

As an Event Planner since 2017, the Pandemic came and all my events were delayed and later canceled. I am a family of 5 and I had to do something to have an income because bills wont’s stop coming. At the same time I had to be flexible with time, because my kids were all online and I had to be home at certain times. As an Event planner, I have a lot of skills and one of them is to be organized. Read more>>