It takes a lot more than an idea to build a business, but there can’t be a business without the idea. So we asked folks who’ve built wonderful businesses to tell us about how they came up with the idea in the first place.

Haley Varano | Wedding and Lifestyle Videographer

If you were to tell me five years ago that I would have a professional videography business, I would be shocked. Videography was always a hobby that I enjoyed. I have always loved capturing raw motion on film! I have also loved pouring into other organizations through filming different events. Truly capturing those important moments always has brought me immense joy. This has led me to create a business. I never thought I would truly bring my passion to reality, but here we are. I believe that it is important to absolutely love what you do. Read more>>

Lanre Studio | Pop Artist/Sculptor & Product Designer

From my teenage years, I knew I wanted to tow the creativity path, but this remained a dream until I turned 14. Everything changed with a visit to an internationally recognized Nigerian experimentalist artist, David H Dale. It was during this visit that I derived inspiration from his numerous Fine Arts including bead work, stained-glass, wrought iron, etchings, mosaic, and lino print. Read more>>

Keren Cajes-Ame | Certified Dubsado Specialist & Workflow Strategist

I have been in the Process Management field for quite some time and decided to offer this as a service to coaches and business owners. I would work on creating their business structure and SOPs, and even train their team to learn their new systems. I loved what I was doing. One client hired me to look for the best automation tool that would work for her and that’s how I found Dubsado. After exhausting hours of self-studying and trial & error, Read more>>

Tanya Calvillo | Owner- Celebrar Events

I started Celebrar Events in 2021 during the Pandemic. I honestly didn’t think I’d ever own a business much less an event business but I had many people around me stating that I was in the wrong industry. My 9-5 is in pediatric dentistry and I was in charge of event planning for my office so, my co-workers knew first hand how much I enjoyed putting things together for parties etc. They really encouraged me to start my own event company so that I could share my creativity with others. I then took the leap and Celebrar Events was created. Read more>>

Laura Terry | Cookier and Small Business Owner

Over the years I often would volunteer or look for an excuse to bake or cook for others. I once even made a crock pot of cheese grits for my 6th graders because a few had never had the pleasure! Hearing the delight of others enjoying my warm cinnamon rolls fresh from the oven, a homemade cheesecake, or a pound cake just because always fills my heart. Read more>>