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.

Djemini

Music was always a significant part of my life, but I never made the leap to go all in. After doing my first open mic in April of 2023, I saw how well my original music was received by an audience of talented artists who were complete strangers to me. That gave me the green light to really dive into building the Djemini brand, releasing music, short and long form video content, and doing as many shows as I could. Read more>>

Keith Henderson | Fitness Enthusiast

I have been living a fit lifestyle for now over 30 years, during this time I have been a personal trainer, both at a commercial gym and as a independent. After starting and stopping a few times training clients for various reasons I had giving up on personal training. After the pandemic many of my old clients and new ones were in need to drop pandemic weight gain. I picked up a few clients in hopes of shifting the business into a fitness clothing line. Read more>>

Candice Wright | Holistic Esthetician & Certified Health Coach

To have the flexibility with my schedule and the freedom of work life balance was definitely a priority. More importantly, I wanted to create a space where people felt nourished and that felt nourishing to me when I was working in it. There is a way to live nourished, slow down, and still be successful by taking time to enjoy what’s around us. Taking time for yourself each day before you start work is a must. Read more>>

Pat McBride | Musician

It’s kind of funny, because I never really thought about performing as my own business. I’ve always played music because I love to play. I started playing guitar when I was 12 years old. My Dad was in bands back in the day and had an Alvarez acoustic guitar that I would “make noise” on, that would drive my brothers crazy. Now here I am! Read more>>

Kendra Matthews | Founder and CEO

I’ve started companies before but never “just to start my own business.” Each time, it was born out of a passion or fire that builds up and a feeling that I couldn’t ignore. Hidden Foods was no different. For years I have watched kids make poor eating decisions and their parents don’t know how to overcome it. I feel it’s part of our obligation as parents to teach kids to appreciate good food and understand that nutrients from food fuel our bodies. Read more>> 

Alejandro Camacho | Sports Performance Coach

As humans, we’re filled with ideas with countless ideas. Each holding the potential to change the world. Yet, only a few dare to turn these ideas into a reality. Before my journey even started I was scared, Negative thoughts governed my mind, I only thought about what could go wrong, but I knew I had to make a choice. It was either face the challenges that came my way, while pursuing my passion. Or, face challenges without pursuing my passion. The answer was simple if I’m going to suffer and face obstacles it might as well be doing something I love. Read more>>

Emma Gibb | Owner of The Worldly Whisk

Baking has always been a part of my life. My mom made my very first apron out of a dish towel when I was three. She taught me the basics and when I was an adult, I taught myself the rest. I baked weekly as a hobby and I always brought baked goods to parties and events. Everyone I baked for kept telling me that I should start a business and I just laughed it off. However, the seeds were planted. I was working a retail job and was honestly miserable. Read more>>