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.

Abolaji Alabi | Founder, FlexAago wristwatch brand

As a young boy in Nigeria, I had a classmate “Obinna” in Kindergarten who wore a wristwatch to school every day. One afternoon on the playground, I accidentally broke the watch. Sadly, my parents could not replace the watch due to financial hardships. However, Obinna’s parents were kind enough to let it go, and as a result, Obinna and I became good friends. Read more>>

Josh and Rachael

In reality we didn’t start our YouTube channel with the thought of it being a business. During the COVID shutdowns we found travel channels on YouTube that we really enjoyed watching as we prepared for our trips. It was September 2020 when we made the decision to start vlogging our trip to Las Vegas, with no intention of even being monetized for a couple years. We got lucky and people found us leading to us being monetized in less than 4 months, and it took off from there. Read more>>

Tima K. | Artist Painter

My thought process behind starting my own business as an artist painter revolves around my passion for art, my desire for creative freedom, and the opportunity to share my vision with others. From a young age, painting has been an integral part of my identity. Turning this passion into a profession allows me to do what I love daily. Working for myself provides the autonomy to explore different styles and themes, keeping my work authentic. The ability to connect with broader audience and influence others through my art is profoundly fulfilling. Read more>>

Brianna Colette Chevery | Relationship Coach & Intuitive Healer

When I was single and out there trying to navigate the dating world, I felt so frustrated because I felt like I was such a catch. I had a a great career and was successful in pretty much every area of my life… except when it came to love. It left me feeling so beyond frustrated because it seemed like everyone around me was getting engaged and having babies, and here I was waiting for a text back. Read more>>

Jacqueline Hinton | Pilates Studio Owner & Instructor

As the owner of Good Body Pilates Studio in Santa Monica, my thought process behind starting my own business was multifaceted and deeply personal. Here’s a glimpse into my journey and the motivations that fueled my decision: Passion for Pilates and Wellness First and foremost, my passion for Pilates and overall wellness played a significant role. I have always been enthusiastic about fitness and health, recognizing the profound impact it has on one’s quality of life. Pilates, in particular, stood out to me due to its holistic approach, emphasizing core strength, flexibility, and mental well-being. I wanted to create a space where people could experience these benefits in a supportive and empowering environment. Read more>>

Paula Handel | Paula Handel | SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REALTOR®

Starting my own business was driven by a desire to blend my passion for real estate with my entrepreneurial spirit. Coming from Brazil, I was inspired by the opportunities in the United States and wanted to bring a unique perspective to the Southern California real estate market. Additionally, I wanted to create a business that not only serves clients with excellence but also gives back to the community. Read more>>

Christopher Tomassian | Board Certified Dermatologist & Founder of The Dermatology Collective

I always loved the business side of medicine and I wanted to create my own vision of what a doctor’s office should be. I wanted my dermatology practice to be inviting and a safe space for my patients. At The Dermatology Collective, we have changed the stigma of “going to the doctor” from a negative connotation to a positive experience.. On the other hand I hated having a boss who told me what I can’t and can do so having the autonomy to make the business my own was very satisfying. Though many people nowadays don’t want to start their own practice, for me it was all I ever knew. Read more>>

Casey Poole | Casey Abstract Artist

I wanted to follow my own passions and ignite my inner spark, rather than chasing someone else’s dream. I believe I have a strong mission to inspire others through abstract artwork. Office work never felt meaningful or fulfilling to me. Often, I would find myself at my 8-5 job thinking, “What am I doing with my life? I feel like I’m wasting it away.” The truth is, I have a lot of creativity within me. Instead of pushing it down, I decided to focus on what truly called me and start my own business. My goal is to inspire others and teach the community that we are all unique, different, and beautiful—just like abstract art. Read more>>

Gonzalo Quintero, Ed.D. | Doctor of Education & Restauranteur

I was a career educator and administrator at the collegiate level in San Diego. Perpendicular to this I started a marketing company with a focus on hospitality. At the peak of the craft beer boom I was working with some of the best brewery, bars and restaurants in San Diego. After a success stint of event production and menu development at my family’s restaurant (La Bella Pizza Garden est.1955) I was given an opportunity to lead the well established business as The General Manager. Read more>>

Elizabeth Duhig | Student & Founder of The Ground Up Project

The Ground Up Project is not a business, but rather a humanitarian project that focuses on aiding others with the high living costs of San Diego along with other humanitarian crises around the world. My thought process of starting The Ground Up Project started when I was a child. Whenever I went out with my mother, I would often see people on the streets begging for money or people who were living in tents. I would always wonder what I could do to help them, and over the years I would think of ideas on how to do so. Read more>>