Are you thinking about starting a business? If so, we think you’ll enjoy reading about how these seasoned entrepreneurs thought about the question when they were in your shoes.

Loren Burton | Pipeliner & Business Owner

I wanted to be the change, I wanted people to feel seen when they wear our clothing. Read more>>

Megan & Barbara | Blogger/Writer

B: I’ve spent 5 years in the Event Management industry, coordinating tech startup participation in over 50 events, ranging from small events to large conferences. Witnessing firsthand how in-person and company-hosted events significantly impact the sales pipeline, I recognized the potential to support more solution providers on a larger scale. By starting my own business (or partnering), I aim to leverage my experience to enhance offerings while taking control of my future and success. Read more>>

Araceli Lopez Lamb | Versatile Lady: Teacher, Mentor, Health & Beauty Specialist, Handmade Uniqueness, and Wedding Planner

I believe that whatever skills/talents God has given you, you can use it to help others, make an impact (your mark) in this world and provide income. Read more>>

Ana White | Digital Marketer and Instagram Growth Specialist

My digital marketing business started as a way to fill the void I was feeling at that time. After suffering the long-term effects of the pandemic, my 9-5 job had reached its limits. I was tired, demotivated, and depressed. I knew that just changing jobs was not the answer. I needed something much more significant: an opportunity to find myself again. I remember the day I registered my business. It was a mixture of emotions, terrifying, fascinating and everything in between. Now, been jgnable to look back on it, I’m so glad I took that chance. Read more>>

Jules Muck | Artist

As an artist I was already working for myself when I sat on the street and sold bits of cardboard paintings for pennies, or hung off freeways and got arrested for my trouble. Now decades later I find myself in a position of power over my work and my income. No one controls my flow but myself and god. Doing murals for pay on residential and commercial properties afforded me the ability to get my own space in a hot spot and use my own studio to sell my work. I am able to employ my own sales team and pay them instead of waiting for a gallery to pay me a cut. Read more>>

Karen Tarlton | Artist

I have always been artistic and hoped to paint as a career. In the beginning I started selling my works out of my home to friends and neighbors and then local shops and art markets. The business grew as the internet became the doorway to reaching the world. Read more>>

Mercygrace Hamilton | Social Media Content Creator

I had been creating social media content personally and professionally for over 2 years before jumping into my own business. I loved creating content but was hesitant about starting my own company. I had a lot of doubt about being able to handle being a business owner, if I was the right type of person to be able to sustain a clientele, so much so, that I sat on the idea for a year before deciding to jump into it. I just decided one day it was now or never, and that there would never be a good time to start working for myself. I had to go all in and worry less about the ‘what if’s’. Read more>>

Desiree Parker | Lavonne’s The Agency, Owner

I started off modeling and acting myself. I have been in over 20 commercials and signed to many different agencies. I noticed that I was very good at booking myself and always admired my agents. I wanted to give up and coming modeling and actors the knowledge and guidance that I wished I had received when I first started out. Read more>>

Riley Golden | Digital Media Specialist

My decision to start my own business was driven by a blend of passion and practicality. As a photographer with 8 years of experience, I had developed a deep love for capturing moments, whether it was real estate photography, portraiture, or even lifestyle shots. I recognized the potential to take that passion and turn it into something that not only allowed me to express my creativity but also serve clients in a meaningful way. Read more>>

Babay L. Angles / Bomba Brown Angelica Janabajal Tolentino | Artist, Dj, Rest Practitioner, Educator, Community Organizer, and Cultural Strategist

I wanted to be able to dream and create spaces in the world that I didn’t see. I wanted to be able to honor my artistic gifts in the most joyful and impactful ways for myself, my ancestors, and my community. Starting my own business was an affirmation and belief in my own agency. I didn’t know the ins and outs of business. I just knew I wanted to be able to synthesize my gifts as a dancer, educator, community organizer, Dj, and artist. There had to be able to be a way for me to do what I love, sustain myself, and help bring positivity to my community. I wanted rest. Read more>>

Rich Koeberlein | Action / Event Photographer

I have always been the photographer of the family. Big family parties, birthdays, quinceañeras, or youth sports. I was the one that kept the digital record of the family happenings. When my son started playing high school football, being the dad that I was I had to get on the sidelines to record those memories. This lead to me photographing other players, then the team and requests from parents to capture their students, football players and cheerleaders alike. Read more>>

Stephanie Aleman | MedSpa Owner & Author

As a Business Owner, I have been staying focused and working daily to improve all aspects. From Customer Service Experience to the quality assurance process, plus more.. There is moments where I need to remind myself, “if it were easy, everyone would do it!” This keeps me grounded, because having a business is a HUGE responsibility. A Commitment! Read more>>

Brooklyn Valdez | Local Foodie & Future Pharmacist

What initially inspired me to start @sdfoodinsiders was my friend, @hangryhungryhippo_. Her videos highlight so many diverse restaurants and motivated me to create this page to document unique spots around San Diego. It was initially just for fun, but the pivotal moment came with my first collaboration with @shwarmashacksd. Connecting with this business was so fulfilling in learning about their backstory, their goals, and what makes their business special. Read more>> 

Jiri Tomanek | Tattoo artist

My thought process behind starting my own business was rooted in a desire to create something unique that reflected my personal artistic vision and values. I wanted to build a space where art, individuality, and client experience took center stage. Tattooing had always been about more than just the art itself—it’s about connection, self-expression, and trust. I felt that by having my own shop, I could cultivate an environment where these elements were fully integrated. Read more>>

Pamela Williams | Advanced Crystal Master, Reiki II, Wicca III

When I first got started, I was incredibly nervous about taking this step. I didn’t realize when I was taking my first course that I was going to learn how to start a business. But…I completed the course, received energy healing (through Reiki) for the first time, and thought to myself, “I could probably do this”. As many do, I went down the rabbit hole on energy healing, paranormal, crystals, divination and many other topics. After getting a better understanding on this topic and what it means to be an energy healer, I decided to take the step toward starting this business. Read more>>

Nina Burke | Candle Retailer

There really wasn’t much of a thought process behind starting Chayil. In 2007, my eldest sister passed away from colon cancer. She loved candles and then I had a health issue arise after she passed away. I needed a distraction from life. Years earlier, I’d worked for a spa in The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel in New York City. I remembered that they carried a candle brand. The combination of the research of that brand + my own birth Chayil. A pure organic candle that burns clean and completely. I launched Chayil Candles in 2008 and then a year later its sister brand via a trunk show, ccBlaQ & Co. Read more>>