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.

Susan Rapaglia

The idea behind Coast Creative was born out of both a market gap and a personal philosophy. We saw so many businesses stuck between two extremes: affordable, one-size-fits-all marketing solutions that lacked strategy and creativity, and large-scale agencies with high price tags and little flexibility. There was a real need for something in between. And it was a marketing partner that could deliver custom, thoughtful strategies without overwhelming budgets. That’s where we came in. Read More>>

JoAnn M. Dickinson

My career in real estate was fulfilling for many years, but as life shifted and I moved to part-time work, I felt a pull toward something more creative. Writing has always been a quiet passion that taps into a different part of who I am. I began writing stories during those transition years, and I found that creating children’s books fed my imagination in a way nothing else did. It was a natural shift, and once I saw how my stories resonated with young readers, especially my grandchildren, I knew I had found something meaningful. Real estate gave me structure, but writing gives me joy. Read More>>

CaLee McManus

I aspire to build something that goes beyond my personal accomplishments. My vision for Monarch Real Estate is to assemble a team of agents dedicated to delivering unparalleled white glove service to our clients. I aim to ensure seamless execution, expert negotiations, and a marketing strategy that yields exceptional results. I firmly believe in providing the highest level of service to every client, minimizing market time and achieving the highest possible sale prices. Read More>>

Jessica Cook

Growing up, my grandpa owned a print shop, and just about everyone in my family worked there. A lot of them have gone on to start their own businesses, and I always loved the idea of creating something for yourself that you can be proud of. I can still remember walking through his print shop, taking in all the different smells and sounds when the shop was in full production. I think that’s where I first realized how much I connect with sensory experiences. Read More>>

Laura P

I’ve always loved travel, but for years I was balancing a full-time job with a tight budget and limited vacation days. When I realized I had built a system for seeing more with less time, and that friends kept asking me for my itineraries, I knew I could turn that into something bigger. The Travel Bug is Real started as a way to share practical, efficient travel tips online. Over time, it evolved into a platform where I could inspire people with a 9–5 schedule to explore the world without sacrificing their careers or financial stability. Read More>>

Tom McClain

I started my careeer in finance in Los Angeles after graduating and initially really loved it. I worked with smart people, saw a lot of different types of businesses and industries, and was constantly being challenged. I was able to meet a lot of business owners in my role and kept coming to the conclusion that while generally very bright and motivated individuals, they weren’t exceptionally smart or uniquely qualified. They were simply willing to take risks and give up financial security in exchange for potentially greater rewards down the line. The gap between myself and them wasn’t as big as I had imagined. As I progressed in my career, I started to reach a point of burnout as was common in my field. The hours were rough, the intensity was high, and I couldn’t help but feel I was trading my soul for the money. I decided that life was too short to be unhappy and I wanted to take a risk by starting my own business. Read More>>

Esther Chase

In 2015, I had been volunteering my web design skills to a nonprofit organization where I was on the board of directors. It seemed like a natural step forward to develop those skills as a viable income stream for myself. That year, ChaseDigitalSolutions.com became my new side business. I met my first client through a co-working referral in 2016, and a year later, two entrepreneurial friends asked me to design a website for their new startup. Read More>>