Starting and growing a business is hard, but often deciding to start the business in the first place is even harder. We asked some successful entrepreneurs from around the community to open up to us about how they thought about starting a business.

Sarah Kersten | Ceramicist & Studio Owner

I wanted to work for myself, I was obsessed with making ceramics, and I was having success selling what I was making, which felt really positive. I was interested in growing it into a business to see where that took things. I was young and wanted a project and a challenge. Read more>>

Snehal Dcunha | Software engineer/Home bartender

I started getting in home bartending around 10 years back, enjoying the creative part of the process and eventually, experimenting with different types of spirits and working on classic cocktails. A couple years later, I started posting my pictures on Instagram and ended up getting features and sponsored content to work on. Read more>>

Casey Handy-Smith | Intellectual Property Attorney

Creative pursuits are encouraged in childhood but usually stifled as we get older. The idea that you can make a living doing the things you love (and that come most naturally to you) is just that: an idea. We’re taught to fit in, conform to the norm, and settle for a safe and stable job. Read more>>

Jamsus | Digital Creative Artist

Ever since I was in my teens getting interested in skating, art, and music, I enjoyed picturing a life of creating things that were unique. I customized everything I had as a kid like painting shoes with zebra stripes, Blending a fender guitar with Gibson electronics, and building go carts out of my dad’s junk to fly down the hills of Anaheim with my friends. Read more>>

 Seawall Prophet | Musician, Singer/Songwriter

I always liked the idea of being professionally independent and thought it would be a fun challenge to see if I could generate any actual income from my music. I began playing a lot of gigs for very little money, but I played often and eventually it added up. The gigs became more lucrative and before you know it I was playing bigger stages and was being offered far mor than I had expected. I finally took the leap.. I left my job as an Albuquerque Firefighter and moved back to San Diego to pursue a full-time music career. Since then there have been ups and downs, but ultimately my music business has payed the bills so far and for that I consider it a great success. I have collaborated with several record labels (Cabeza Records, Wabasa Records, Pacific Records), and have had my original songs featured in documentaries, TV series, and movies. I am still gigging under the name Seawall Prophet solo acoustic, duo acoustic with my long-time friend Jake Franks, and as a full band; with AJ Price, Chris Price, and Steve Cunningham. Right now I am focused on the songwriting and licensing aspect of the music business and am pitching my original song catalogue for placements in film and television. Read more>>

Ontwanet Moran | Financial Professional and Educator of How Money Works

Since forever, I’ve dreamt of creating a legacy of generational wealth for my family. I started out in real estate, but the crowded market left me seeking a new path. I have a fashion production company with two of my best friends call OnLaVe Signature Production. Were we produce and choreograph fashion shows. I love it. I was still looking to find the vehicle that will help me create the life I wanted. That’s when I discovered the allure of the financial industry, a space known for sculpting numerous success stories. Unbeknownst to me, this personal mission would evolve into something greater, touching the lives of families and future generations. My journey in finance has become a testament to the impactful ripple effect of strategic financial decisions, and it’s been incredibly rewarding. Read more>>

Jude Amoako | Founder of Based On A True Story

Based On A True Story (BOATS)” was born from a deep understanding that each person carries a unique narrative. My own story is a testament to this. Born with sickle cell anemia, I always found it hard to open up about my experiences. The fear of being perceived as weak or misunderstood was overwhelming. I hated the idea of others knowing about the struggles I faced, particularly my battles with sickle cell anemia, frequent hospitalizations, and recovering from a stroke; these were parts of my life I was reluctant to acknowledge, much less share with the world. Read more>>

Michael C. Higgins, PhD | Author, Photojournalist & Publisher

I do what I love, and I love what I do. I have never had a job, and always started my own businesses. When you look at my book publishing business, Exploring Wine Regions book series, I love travel, food, wine, people, and cultures. This is exactly how I get to live my life. Traveling the world to wine regions and hanging out with winemakers and chefs is a beautiful way to live life. And then I get to write about it invite other people to experience the most amazing things traveling to wine regions. And I love photography, some photography is a focal point today is beautiful books. Read more>>

Pasha Vorotilin | Founder / Creative Director

When I moved to Los Angeles from Europe, where I’d been immersed in TV and event productions, I was excited but also knew I faced a new beginning. The energy and opportunities in L.A. sparked a lot of ideas in me, especially about how I could merge my past experiences into something fresh and fulfilling. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling and capturing moments, so wedding photography and videography felt like a natural step. It was this sweet spot where I could use my skills in a meaningful way, creating memories for people on one of the most important days of their lives. Read more>>

Natalie Brooks | Small Business Owner & Jewelry Artisan

I started working for a jewelry company at the age of 16 and continued until my mid-20’s. During this time, my boss and mentor really inspired me to pursue my own creativity and explore different possibilities. With her assistance, I established my own business in 2017, crafting and selling crystal and stone necklaces at a local shop in town. Every year, my business experienced gradual growth, and by 2023, I made the decision to devote myself fully to Natalie Clare Collections and prioritize it as my focus. Read more>>

Catherine Mattice | CEO

I received from a senior consultant when I was starting out. He said, “If you have competitors, you’re doing it wrong.” In other words, you should be so niche that no one else compares to you and your offerings. You should be so clear in your ideal client, and messaging to them, that they have no choice but to believe you are the only one they need to help solve their problems. Your point of view should be so unique that it speaks to others in ways no one else’s point of view does. I have followed that advice over the course of Civility Partners’ entire life, and it has served the company well. There are other culture consultants out there, talking about similar topics, but none of them do what we do in the ways we do it. We are unique, and this is something I am very proud of. Read more>>