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.

Ranika Koneru | Digital Nomad Mentor & Retreat Founder

I knew the 9-5 was getting to me and I decided to take an opportunity on an IG ad I saw learning about high ticket affiliate marketing with my now mentor, Alexa. This led me into learning about shifting from an employee to entrepreneur mindset and to stop trading dollars for hours. Flash forward, I’ve been present in the nomad community and attended Bansko Nomad Fest after going to Rio Carnival in 2022. During Carnival, I created a Whatsapp group of people interested in coming out, a lot of them shared they would be interested in coming out for the next one. I loved it so much that I knew I would want to go back. At Bansko, I was surrounded by Entrepreneurs and motivational speakers in the nomad niche. Read more>>

Kortnee Ledezma | Photographer

I really never knew that this thing now known as Kortnee Ledezma Photography would EVER be a business. I just loved taking photos and it was an amazing outlet for me in my darkest struggles with my mental health. The turning point in which I said ‘you know what this can actually become a service I can provide to people’ is when I moved to San Diego and the Navy wasn’t making ends meet for my family so I started taking bookings. Essentially my idea for this business was to feed and clothe my family but my how it has surpassed any expectation I ever had. So many amazing clients have turned in to even more amazing friends while I am also able to continue doing something that has always been a safe space for me through all of my highs and my lows. Read more>>

Elisabeth Mack and Sherri Mack NA | Elisabeth Mack – Chief Executive Officer and Sherri Mack – Chief Nursing Officer

Holistic Caring, founded in 2015 by Elisabeth Mack, RN, BSN, BA, MBA, emerged as a result of her personal journey to heal herself from orthopedic issues that conventional pharmaceuticals failed to address. She built a private practice to guide patients through the complexities of the healthcare system and educate her fellow nurses to develop comprehensive training tools and resources. The Green Nurse, established in 2015 by Sherri Tutkus, RN, BSN, experienced her own transformative healing journey with plant therapeutics. Overcoming a near-death experience, Sherri discovered hope and restoration through cannabinoids, leading her to create a practice dedicated to guiding patients and building a community of advanced nurses. Read more>>

Cindy Wahler | Serial Entrepreuner

I have always enjoyed the freedom and opportunity to innovate and be creative. Very early on in my career I knew that I wanted to have a voice in the type of work that I did and the client base I wanted to target. I began as an independent clinical psychologist and was one of the youngest full time self employed psychologists in my city. After close to a decade and half I pivoted and work as a self employed leadership consultant supporting organisations with talent initiatives and succession planning. At the base of everything I do is the need to push boundaries and assert myself. It is my belief that one of the best ways to experience growth is to try new things. Read more>>

Ginger King | Cosmetic Chemist + Beauty Brand Builder

If you don’t work on your own dreams, you will be working on others’ dreams. If I have to work this hard, it might as well be working for myself to reach unlimited potential. Success is potential that meets reality. Live your life fully without any regrets. Read more>>