Ideas aren’t everything, execution matters greatly, but starting often requires an idea and so we asked folks to think back and tell us the story of how they came up with the idea for their businesses. We’ve highlighted some of our favorite stories below.

Alexis Martinez

Healthy Brown Girl started in 2018 as an Instagram page where I documented my personal weight loss journey. While sharing my journey, I gained a small following of women who were inspired by my progress and began asking questions about how I achieved my success. Answering their questions and sharing tips with them led me to expand Healthy Brown Girl into a blog, where I focused on topics like intermittent fasting and nutrition. Read More>>

Emily Nuckols

The Possibility Bag Collection was born in 2014, inspired by Emily’s deep appreciation for traditional Native American “Possibles Bags.” Historically used to carry essential supplies, medicines, and objects of healing, these bags serve as a powerful symbol of resilience and potential. Emily reinterprets this tradition with a modern touch, infusing her designs with meaning and connection. Read More>>

Kim Carlos

The idea for The Plus SideZ Podcast came from my experience as one of the first creators on TikTok to discuss GLP-1 medications. When I started sharing my journey, I went viral, and in the process, I built a supportive and engaged community around the conversation. However, as the conversation grew, I realized that we needed to elevate it to a higher level. Read More>>

Patrick Cheng

The idea for our business came from observing a gap in the Chinese restaurant industry, particularly the challenges faced by owners trying to balance traditional values with the demands of modern operations. Many restaurant owners were struggling with inefficient systems, high third-party fees, and limited community engagement. Read More>>