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.

Luke Lintott | Author, Lifestyle Consultant & Public Figure

In 2019, I had the honor of co-leading a retreat with Katie Burke in Ensenada, Mexico. Before this life transformational experience, I had dreamt of launching a wellness business, but gave up before I even began. I had previously gone through a dark time in my life where I had dropped out of medical school, been dumped by my partner of nearly 9 years, and my job ended. At that time when my world came crashing down, I promised myself that I would never pursue a life just because others deemed it successful, but clashed with who I am at my core. Read more>>

Loretta Scott | Proprietress

After retiring from a 30 year teaching career, I needed something to do. So why not combine all my crazy passions into a business? As a practicing Buddhist, I’ve always had a keen interest in spirituality and enlightenment. I meditate, make mala necklaces, and learn about different spiritual practices. My great-uncle Roy McAndrews owned a circus: The Cole Brothers Circus. I’ve always loved the circus, freakshows, carnival acts, and oddities. It’s in my blood. I’m also a rock hound. In another life I would’ve been a miner or geologist. I’m fascinated by rocks and crystals. I love a good dig! Read more>>

Melissa Rosenthal | Co-founder, Outlever

My journey to building Outlever was truly the culmination of my entire career. From being one of the earliest employees at BuzzFeed to building Cheddar, my goal has always been to create compelling content that brands want to align with and that gives them a distinct voice. Read more>>

Katherine Rivera | Photographer

I always envisioned myself being an entrepreneur and have had many business ideas like being a cake baker, painter, yoga instructor, selling eggs, making & selling cheese, designing dresses and so much more! I gave many of these passions a try during the years but since I did photography for my adventures and travels since I was 17 it stuck with me the longest and the passion seemed to grow more and more. What motivated me to start my own photography business was that I was tired of working for others and I wanted to work my own schedule, be available for my family & friends, and that trying it out would not hurt me! Read more>>

Kristin Dungee | Pilates Instructor and Creative Director/Founder at La Jolla Pilates

The vision and thought process was to create a space where I was free to just be. No code switching. No toxic positivity or self righteous spiritual fluff. Just genuine connections built on the basis of authentic human connections and community development. If I could create such a space where I felt safe, surely there were others who would benefit from this space as well. I also envisioned the studio being a wellness hub for the community–where members could take classes, become an instructor, or access wellness and health services. Read more>>

Chanda Daly | Founder of Enriched Escapes

The thought process behind starting my own business was rooted in a long-standing passion for travel. Even before the internet became mainstream, I was the go-to person for friends and family when they needed help planning their vacations. They knew I had a knack for finding the best flight routes, discovering unique activities, and creating memorable itineraries. For years, I heard, “You should become a travel agent!” but instead, I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and spent two decades working in IT and Program Management. Read more>>

Jea Delos Santos | Party Designer

My kids are my biggest inspiration for starting this business. Each time I plan their birthday parties, I love making them beautiful and memorable. Growing up, I didn’t get to experience those kinds of celebrations, so seeing their happiness fills me with joy. It feels like my own dream party comes true through them. That’s what drives me to create those same unforgettable moments for other families and make their celebrations just as special. Read more>>

Christine And Kody Boger | Owner/Winemaker and Owner/Government Contractor

The idea came about during the pandemic. Christine had lost her job and was home caring for her elderly parents. Kody was overseas in Japan. What started out as a hobby became the business spark for us. Initially, we had no idea how consumers would respond to our country wine and mead. We just knew that this was a niche market and that we had high hopes. Our goal was to get the brand and product out in front of as many people as we could get feedback, as well as, brand recognition. We participated in many events throughout the county, and still do. We knew that if the customers were willing to try, then they would definitely buy. Read more>>

Savannah Morales | Professional Private/Mobile Bartender

I have been a professional bartender for over 20 years, and I absolutely love what I do. During covid times, my family and I moved from the Bay Area to Hawaii and lived on the Big Island for about six months. Unfortunately, it did not work out for us living on Hawaii as we were having difficulties finding the right place to live. We collectively decided to move back to California. When we discussed where in California, we decided to try a new place and moved to San Diego. Read more>>

Kathleen (kat) Witten | Founder: Music 4 Life Blues 4 the Soul

When my husband passed away in 2021, I had an overwhelming desire to honor his memory in a way that reflected his values. He was an avid guitar player who found solace in music, especially during challenging times. He always said that music had a unique way of healing the soul, a belief he carried with him throughout his military service. In those dark days and months after losing him, I kept thinking about the importance of that healing power—not just for me, but for the many men and women who serve, their families, and especially their children. That was when the idea for the foundation took root. Read more>>

Kristin Jankel | Business Owner & Entrepreneur

A dear friend, who already held a USCG captain’s license, proposed the idea to me. He had been actively working as a captain for private vessels in San Diego Bay for several years and shared how his schedule had become increasingly busy, often leading him to decline job offers due to his full calendar. The thought of spending time on the water and possibly turning a passion into a career was enticing. I have consistently sought new opportunities to generate supplementary income, whether through buying and reselling vintage items or managing an Airbnb, which prepared me to embrace a more substantial challenge. As a result, I began to investigate the requirements for starting a licensed charter yacht business. Read more>>

Christina Bombay | Registered Nurse | Mama | Newborn, Feeding & Sleep Coach

I started my Mama Coach business because I wanted to have the flexibility in my schedule and to be present and available for my kids. I also realized that there is such a gap in education and lack of support once families leave the hospital. You’re kind of just expected to take care of your baby and keep this tiny human alive, but you have no idea what you’re doing. I want to be able to support families feel confident in caring for their baby. As a former NICU Nurse and mother of three, I know the struggles and uncertainty that comes along with having a new baby. Read more>> 

Rawan El Hariri | Layers & Tiers, LLC

Starting Layers & Tiers was the culmination of a journey that began over a decade ago. It all began with creating cakes for my kids’ birthdays, which quickly became a family tradition. As I saw the joy these cakes brought to them, I realized this was something I wanted to share with more people. About 10 years ago, I took a basic cake decorating class at a local craft store. It was a simple course that taught me the fundamentals like how to level and fill a cake with basic frosting but it sparked something in me. From there, I became self-taught, watching endless YouTube tutorials and practicing new techniques every chance I got. As my skills developed, so did the requests from family and friends to make cakes for their special occasions. Read more>>