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.

Shayna Babb | RN, BSN, CPN & Founder of The Medical Mamas

After working as a Pediatric Nurse for the last 6.5 years, I saw a lack of education in the community on managing common pediatric illnesses & parental preparedness for emergent situations outside of the hospital. Having the experience & expertise of caring for ill children in the hospital, I thought why not start a business where I can educate, equip and empower parents and caregivers to be their child’s voice. And that is when it dawned on me… why not start a business to do just that?! The Medical Mamas was born out of a deep desire to prepare families for childhood illnesses & medical emergencies that could arise at any given moment. My thought process was simple… I have the knowledge & a skillset that most parents lack so why not provide the education in a simple & easy to use format & empower parents to be their kiddos best advocate. Read more>>

Kathi Ilker | Leather Artisan

I somehow always knew that I wanted to have my own business, but the actual path to starting my artisanal leather atelier wasn’t a straight line. To answer this question, I have to go a little deeper into my backstory for you to be able to connect the combination of events, timing and interests, that led me here. Read more>> 

Cooper | Mini Wiener of San Diego

We wanted to watch Cooper grow and figured social media was the best place to store all of our favorite pictures of him and share with the world. As we watch Cooper grow, we discover so much of his silly personalities coming out and hope to bring laughter and joy on people’s feeds. With the attention he has been getting from just walking on the streets and posting his selfies, we figured that a doggie influencer could be fun! We have a blast creating content and capturing everything he does on camera/film, so to us, it is very manageable and see it as more of a hobby. Read more>>

Tawd Dorenfeld | Founder

I wanted to give real opportunities to the neurodiverse population to conceptualize, create, and share their own stories and ideas. In order to deliver such, I was prepared after 30 years of independent writing, directing, and animating to give these able individuals the tricks of the trade in order for them to complete a project without the obstacles of not knowing how. Read more>>

JEFFREY VON STETTEN | Founder and Owner of Jeff’s Best! Makers of Jeff’s Best Hemp! and Jeff’s Best Blends!

When I first started my company it was genuinely born out of just a disgust at the lack of innovation that I saw in a handful of the primary hemp offerings in the supplements sections, and simultaneously the absolute belief and knowledge that I could easily do better. I thought that it was a wonderful opportunity to help bundle together things that I felt very passionately about and cared very deeply about, and could provide myself, my clients, customers, with things that hopefully they would see were detailed and significantly purer, and more responsible company ethics that what were currently available. I just decided “I’ve had it. I can absolutely do better than this. I’m going for it” and that was it. I started saving my money, and working on our supplier relationships and saving up my money. About a year and a half or 2 years later, that was when I launched our first products, and in April landed my first account Read more>>

Juanita Fotheringham | Principal Designer and Owner

In 1992, the owner of ISD, Newport Beach wrote letters to his main clients informing them of his retirement and encouraged them to continue working with Juanita Fotheringham. For 31 years, Juanita has been the sole proprietor of Spectrum Space Design, Inc. providing Space Planning, Design Development, Construction Documents and Construction Administration. Read more>>

natalie small | Marriage and Family Therapist & founder of Groundswell Surf Therapy TM

I actually trie everything possible to not start. my own business. As my surf therapy practice was developing, deepening, and enriching and more and more community was asking for it as a resource and support, i was hoping to find an already developed business, surf school, non-profit, clinic that was doing something similar so I could add to, support, and deepen their programs rather than having to start my own. Read more>>

Chaitanya Yellapu | Fengshui and Vasthu consultant

My thought process behind starting my own business was driven by my passion to help others elevate to the next level. I believe that everyone has unique talents and abilities, and by providing the right guidance, resources, and support, I can assist others in realizing their full potential. Starting a business allowed me to create a platform where I could directly impact people’s lives and empower them to achieve their goals and aspirations. It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness the growth and success of those I work with, and that’s what motivates me every day. Read more>>

Christian Romel Corpuz | Founder & Co-Owner of JustOrdinary Studios

In the beginning, I never really intended to start a business, much less a company. In the beginning, it was simply about wanting to tell a good story. A story that carried meaning, substance, and the ability to leave a lasting impression. When I was younger, I remember leaving the old Cinedome theaters in the early 2000’s with this empowering feeling that I could do anything. But in the future, as my university days came to an end, I was pushed to think about the near and far future. I became a film major against my family’s wishes. And I promised them that although it would be hard at first, that in the end, it would all be worth it. Yet, as graduation drew near, I found myself questioning what I was even trying to accomplish. I knew I wanted to tell stories, and I wanted to help people. Now the question was, how? Read more>>

Paco Coronado | Entrepreneur / swimmer

I have always believed in Karma, i had an old idea in the safe of my heart, of having an online store selling tshirt for a long time, but beyond selling tshirts and be part of the e-commerce world wanted to help the elderly people, so the idea of making a business and share with the elderly made a great bond to make it happened, it’s been a month so far and things are doing great, manny people have clicked with the idea of getting a cool karma warrior tshirt, look awesome and knowing that every time you wear it, manny elderly people have a decent meal, care and attention, so for me is a perfect business with a great cause. Read more>>