Starting a business is a commitment and requires dedication, resources and sacrifice. We asked some of the rising stars in our community how they thought through the idea of starting their own businesses.

Zendry Dare | Cold Culture

Running a band is a lot like running a business. A lot of people tend to think a band is a group of people who are doing something as a hobby. To some degree or for some people it may be just that but for us, it was about taking our passion and turning it into something real. Our thought process behind starting Cold Culture was to take our passion for music to the next level and bringing our own creativity to life. Read more>>

Kirk Moeller | Architect and Developer

I started my firm in 2019. At the time, I have been working for an architecture firm for over 20 years. The company I was working for was going through some internal changes and I felt that it was time for me to make a change. I decided to try starting my own firm instead of pursuing other employment options. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made in my life. That decision has led to many interesting opportunities. Read more>>

Katy Ho | Commercial Model, Creative, & SoCal Real Estate Professional

I wish I had a mentor but because I do not have one, I figured if I wanted to monetize my creativity, lifestyle and hobbies, I’ll just do it. I’m figuring methods, flows, and systems out as I go! I started with documenting my multi-passions and travels on YouTube, then got some social media traction such as becoming a YouTube Partner, then opened up an LLC as a solopreneur taking on UGC client video work and gathering all my media-presence or gigs under my LLC. Shoutout to my CPA accountant friend making solopreneurship smoother. Read more>>

Ana Sofia Leonard | Photographer, Admissions Outreach Coordinator, Military Wife, Mother.

I wanted to start a new hobby that I have been passionate about for a while, with the hope that I also could make it into a business. As a military spouse, it is hard to find a stable job due to moving around or difficulty with schedules. Becoming a photographer allowed me to have a more flexible job, and take my job anywhere I go. It is also a great business that lets me spend more quality time with my daughter since I work in my own schedule. Read more>>

Tom Gaim | Researcher & Retirement Specialist

The thought process behind starting my business was the belief that I have strong social skills as well as knowledge of retirement, insurance and financial world. So, I asked myself, what can I do to share this with the world? I come from an immigrant family, and I have always had interest of sharing any information that I gained to people that do not understand the American system. Read more>>