Thinking through the whether to start something new

Starting a business can be terrifying. Weighing the pros and cons, the risks, and other considerations can be so overwhelming that often promising entrepreneurs stop before they even start. We asked some phenomenal entrepreneurs about their thought process behind starting their own businesses. Our hope is that by making the thought-process less intimidating we can help more folks think through whether they should take an entrepreneurial leap.

Tim Bryson | Black millennial educator-entrepreneur

As an educator, I grew tired of constantly navigating antiquated systems and jumping through hoops to prove a vision that I deeply felt was from God. I knew there had to be a better way to create meaningful impact without being confined by rigid structures. That’s when I decided to start my own business. Becoming an entrepreneur allowed me to fully embrace my purpose, innovate without constraints, and provide the guidance and resources that institutions often struggle to offer and facilitate. Read more>>

Daisy De Anda | | Legal Professional | Professional Development Coach | Speaker

I’ve been fortunate to have mentors throughout my entire professional career, and they’ve been instrumental in my growth. But something was missing. Most of my mentors, from high school to my early career, were of a particular age, race, and gender. They didn’t look like me, they didn’t sound like me, and I didn’t always feel like I belonged in their world. Don’t get me wrong—they were incredible. They taught me so much, took me under their wing, and helped ignite a passion in me and nurtured it and watered it with guidance, leadership and many resources. Read more>>

Crystal Washington | Realtor

Honestly, starting my own business in Real Estate was a no brainer for me. I come from a background in Property Management and I always wanted more for myself and family. I wanted to build something that would create generational wealth. I am originally from the east coast, Baltimore to be exact. So when I first moved to San Diego 7 years ago, I wasn’t aware that you need a licensed to work in Property Management. Read more>>

Dejeuné Harris | Personal Stylist

When I decided to start my own business, it was driven by a deep desire for freedom—both personally and creatively. After escaping a domestic violence relationship, I wanted to reclaim my voice and help other women do the same. I realized that so many women, especially black and brown creative entrepreneurs, weren’t living up to their fullest potential, and I knew I could help them express their power and confidence through their personal style. Read more>>

Jesse Lavorin | Founder, CEO & Motorsports Enthusiast

I wanted to take control of my own future and not be held to the limitations of others. There is inherently more risk involved with taking on the challenge of starting your own business, but in the end the reward is far greater than anything that normal employment can offer. And I’m not just talking about financially. The ability to take something I’m passionate about, in this case motorsports and car culture, and turn it into a business that I can truly enjoy and doing is something most people can only dream of.  Read more>>

Montserrat Mendoza | Nail artist and Salon Owner

The whole thought process behind opening Velvette Nail Studio was to be a sort of transition house. I want nail techs to come learn and grow as nail techs under my wings. I remember what it was like to work at the first salon I worked at, it was a beautiful facility, but the owners weren’t nail artists. I felt like there was always a disconnect between the owners and the staff because they never knew what it was like to sit on the other side of the nail desk. I want to guide future nail techs on their journey and career! Read more>>

Michelle Maclaggan Paul Bortoli | Event Planners for Let’s Glo Ball Entertainment

When we launched Let’s Glo Ball, we were driven by our passion for pickleball and a dream to create something that truly brings people together. We wanted to design an event that was not just fun, but fresh and totally out of the ordinary. Pickleball was already on the rise, but we thought, “How can we make this even more exciting?” So, we set out to blend fitness, socializing, and entertainment into one amazing experience. Read more>>