Many books on startups and business talk about how there are right and wrong reasons for starting a business. So, we asked a handful of successful founders about their reasons and the thought-process behind starting their business.

Jon Pak | Surfer, Environmentalist & Entrepreneur

Since my early days, I had an entrepreneurial spirit, perhaps influenced by my parents whom owned a small business. I had started a number of businesses since I was a teenager and after a relatively long career in wealth management, while volunteering with a number of nonprofit organizations, I came to the realization that my passion lied with helping others, whether they are people, animals or the environment in general. Read more>>

Faith Ford | Kitchen Garden Consultant

I want to share the joy and beauty of the garden. For most of my life, I struggled with what I was supposed to do career-wise. When I realized I could start a business, helping people create beautiful kitchen gardens and help them feel confident growing their food. It felt right and aligned with my values and what I feel would contribute to a better future.  Read more>>

Paulina Splechta | On-Call Birth Photographer

To understand why I started my own business, I have to explain myself a little bit. I am the 4th and youngest child in my family, and growing up I always observed lots of chaos and moving parts happening in a big family. Read more>> 

Juan & Erica Hernandez | Salsa Dance Instructors

As the owner of a Salsa dance school business, my thought process behind starting my own business was to create a space where people could come and learn the art of salsa dancing in a fun and engaging environment. I have always been passionate about dancing and wanted to share that passion with others, and starting a dance school seemed like the perfect way to do so. Read more>>

Jordan Puhek | Bass Player | Manager

First of all, I think none of us ever thought we would be paid musicians in a touring band. The whole thing got started for fun and snowballed into what it is today. Going to college in Hawai’i, we all studied different subjects that had nothing to do with music. We used to just get our guitars and microphones out during house parties and jam out because it was a good time and everybody always enjoyed live music. Read more>>

Joshlyn Wright | Adventure Photographer

Both of my parents had started their own businesses and I got to see first hand what it was like to be you own boss. I loved that you can create your own schedule and have control over what you are doing. Flexibility has always been one of the most important factors when it comes to my career because of my passion for travel and adventure. After a few years of seasonal work, I decided I wanted something more continuous but still allow for that flexibility to travel. My answer was photography. Read more>>

Ethan Kaminsky | Entrepreneur, Photographer, Videographer and Producer

I knew I wanted control over my work/life balance and did not want to report to anyone or need to ask for time off, etc. Time is the only thing we cannot make more of so it is important to have as much control of how one spends that time. Read more>>

Jennifer Roelands, MD | Integrative Medicine Trained OB/GYN/Speaker/SHEO

I started my business because I recognized a gap in healthcare. Healthcare has become sick care. 80% of chronic disease is preventable with proper nutrition and lifestyle techniques. Doctors focus on giving medications for symptoms or diagnosing disease but not on prevention or reversal of that disease. Read more>>

Erik Isakson | Commercial Sports Lifestyle Photographer

I’ve always had the mind of an entrepreneur and started in door-to-door sales while in college so those summers talking to people really thrust me outside my comfort zone. I’ve always had a love for photography and majored in it at Brigham Young University. Read more>>

Verenice Castillo | Founder & CEO at Military Spouse Advocacy Network

I wanted to create a program that provided peer-to-peer mentorship to military spouses. I wanted to become that mentor I wish I had when I became a military spouse that would provide support and guidance. Read more>>

Sharon Colona | CEO/FOUNDER Avocado Tea Co

This is the 4th business I have started so you might say I am a serial entrepreneur. My first business was at age 21, a Beauty/Nail Salon that I had for 10 years. I started it on all credit cards and at the time had no money, so I did not have a lot to lose. I went on to start an advertising publication that I eventually sold and then opened up a Real Estate Brokerage that was by far the most profitable which I owned for 22 plus years. Read more>>

Tawnee Gomez | Entrepreneur : Wedding & Events Planner/Designer, Venue Owner, Website Builder

Growing up, I always had a dream to be my own boss and run my own company. When I graduated from FIDM in 2009, the economy had taken a hit and I was scooped up by the corporate world. Being the driven person I am, I quickly moved my way up the corporate ladder, but my creative entrepreneur personality was eager to shine through. Read more>>

Eli Azinheira | family man good friend

I don’t mean to sound cliche but the reason my wife and I opened up a Cbd only shop was to help others with whatever ailment that have. Read more>>

Judith Pierce | Designer & Seamstress

It just happened naturally – I was making clothing for fun and selling them online while working a retail job, and eventually I had so many orders that I was able to quit my job and start making clothing full time. I’ve learned as I go, which has its pros and cons. Read more>>

Delaney Kuepper | Social Media Manager and Consultant

Growing up in Encinitas, I always loved supporting local small businesses located along the coast. The community and culture we have in SoCal is so beautiful; and when I got older I realized I wanted to be someone who could contribute to the diversity we have here. After working as a content creator making videos for businesses around the US, I realized I wanted to support the communities that were closer to my heart. Read more>>

Dominic Pacheco | Realtor

I wanted to be my own boss. I worked at chick fil a, and was tired of working for someone else. I wanted to set my own hours and rely on my own self discipline to propel me to success. Read more>>