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.

Betty Lunde | Wine Educator

I have worked in the hospitality industry in Temecula Wine Country for nearly 16 years. That’s when I rejoined the work force after taking a break to successfully raising my two children. Throughout these 16 years I have worked in almost every department, from being part of the opening crew for a now very successful winery, to server, tasting room, tours, events, wine club and being the general manager for one of them. I feel in love learning everything possible about wine, so I would tag along with the winemakers and of course bombard them with all the questions I could think of wine related. I have to tell you, the knowledge I got was priceless, probably couldn’t get it if you took a class, it was fascinating and that’s when I felt I wanted to dig deeper in the wine business, both the viticulture as well as the viniculture side. Read more>>

Cynthia Delaney Equilibrium by Cynthia | Entrepreneur, Astrologer, Spiritual Healer, Soul Mentor

Equilibrium by Cynthia was borne from my yearning to share the gifts of a daily practice—to help women drop the negative self-talk energy cycles and unlock their inner magic through the joy of balance. Read more>>

Lance Evbuomwan | Owner & CEO of StretchX, Owner and CEO of IEU Basketball, and Varsity Head Coach at ACA

I played Football in College at ASU and at UTEP. One of the main things I missed from my college athlete experience was having an athletic trainer that would stretch be before and after workouts. I used to HATE stretching so they were the reason I was able to keep performing on the field, they would do it for me! Read more>>

Daphne Chen | Designer

I often share that I stumbled into entrepreneurship almost by accident. In fact, I never aspired to be a business owner. Read more>>

Daniela Angulo, Geovanna Vertino | Kitchen & Bath Cabinetry Specialist

Our decision to start our own business was a result of a deep passion for the industry, a desire for autonomy, careful market research, financial considerations, a focus on long-term sustainability, and a commitment to making a positive impact. It was a thoughtfully planned and strategic move to turn our vision into a reality. Read more>>