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.

Jacob Guthrie | Creative Director & CEO

I’ve always been business-minded and wanted to be an entrepreneur. However, I never knew what type of business I wanted to start. I tried to think of cheesy product ideas, talked to my friends about all the different product ideas we had that week – all of which changed the following week. Nothing ever came to fruition and nothing was ever really close. Read more>>

Carrie Bromer | FURtastic Pet Care

I started FURtastic Pet Care a few years ago, while I was finishing my under-grad program because I needed income but also flexibility. As an animal lover and being experienced with working and training animals my entire life, it was a great way to earn income while a student. Read more>>

Jelena Anaya | Hair Artist

When I decided to go my own way, I realized that I just didn’t find any joy or fulfillment in working under someone else. It actually made me work harder to make it on my own. I wanted to be in control of my business and I wanted the power to say whether or not I wanted to take on a project or client. Read more>>

Chanda Halpin | Yoga instuctor

I wanted to offer yoga at an affordable cost, allowing everyone to participate. Read more>>

Malu Maestri | Entrepreneur

Living in Florida, I delved into the Natural Stone Business, which seamlessly led me into the kitchen and bath industry. Meanwhile, Rafael found himself in the heart of the Kissimmee area, working with an Interior Design firm focused on vacation homes. This was his introduction to the world of painting. Read more>>

Todd Clark | The VW DJ Guy

I have long loved VW buses and had about 6 of them over the years. About 6 months ago while DJing at a restaurant on Main Street in Huntington Beach I had an epiphany. Why not combine the vintage VW bus with my DJ passion. The rest is history and the last 3-4 months have been bust and full of unique opportunity. Read more>>

John Marsaglia | Owner, Operator and Host for Good Question Trivia Co.

Ever since I turned 21, I’ve been an avid bar trivia player. My teammates and I would play upwards of three times a week. We went to different cities, a couple tournaments and everything in between. When the pandemic hit in early 2020, we took a break from playing. Read more>>

James Marfleet | Musician, Composer, Songwriter, Photographer and Fine Artist

I have always enjoyed the freedom of being my own boss, even though it comes with its own trouble, like being the only one you can rely on and not having much of a fallback position. But that also creates the drive to push forward. It has thus become familiar to me. Read more>>

Zima Vogel-Kipre | Life Coach & Film Editor

I had been a film editor in New York City for 13 years when I had a child. I had always imagined being a mother and a professional and quite honestly assumed that the two roles would work together seamlessly, since, look at all the people on earth, everyone is doing it! Naive, I know! Read more>>