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.

Jun / Jonathan Bae / Baek | Entrepreneur

Jonathan: It all started when I visited Japan. I was in Tokyo and I was looking for something new that wasn’t available here. I was walking through the streets of Harajuku district and that’s when I came across Japanese style crepes being sold. I thought to myself, ‘what an amazing product that I could bring here from Japan because all their customers were tourists speaking English’. Read more>>

Destiny Findley | Creator of The Comedy Convention

In past convention work I saw the lack of inclusion for some areas of entertainment. Specifically comedians, some comedians it will be their first time ever doing an event like this meeting fans, and I loved the idea of this and giving fans this opportunity. Read more>>

Madison Dailey | Founder & Owner

Memento art gallery has a fairly organic origin story. Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up painting with my grandmother in her Smyrna home and quickly realized it was a great way for me to meet people as a super shy kid. I drew portraits because I was able to have meaningful conversations with anyone willing to sit and model for me. Read more>>

LaTrece Shy | Custom cake/Treat artist & Licensed Bartender

Well for starters my nickname as a baby was and still is “Sweetbaby” I’m told I was a sweet baby. Growing up I’d help my grandma and granny in the kitchen, that’s where I developed my love to bake! Id bake cakes just for fun, so much to the point people begin ordering and paying me to make cakes for them. Read more>>