Many books on startups and business talk about how there are right and wrong reasons for starting a business. So, we asked a handful of successful founders about their reasons and the thought-process behind starting their business.

Alondra Varela

Starting my own business was driven by a mix of passion, independence, and the desire for financial freedom. I wanted to create something of my own that aligned with my skills and interests while also giving me control over my time and income. Read More>>

Dr. Andrena Phillips

Starting my own business wasn’t just a decision it was a calling. I reached a point in my life where I knew I was built for more than just clocking in and out. I wanted to create something meaningful, something that reflected my values, my passion, and my purpose. Read More>>

Gamma Lambda Epsilon Sorority Inc.

Gamma Lambda Epsilon: Rooted in Sisterhood, Grounded in Love

The creation of Gamma Lambda Epsilon was born from a deeply held belief in the power of genuine sisterhood and unwavering support among women. Read More>>

Jamar Robinson

Honestly, it started with me just being that friend—the one everybody came to for workout tips or mindset advice when life felt heavy. I’ve always had a passion for helping people feel stronger, inside and out. Read More>>

Rebecca Fazzio

I have always been a reader. As soon as I learned how to read I devoured everything I could get my hands on from books to shampoo bottles. Becoming a writer was just a natural progression for me, a way to immerse myself even further into the words I love so much. Read More>>

Aline Katz

For me, it wasn’t a sudden business decision — it was something that had been quietly building over time. I’ve always had a deep connection to food, particularly to the artistry and precision of high gastronomy. Working with chocolate and refined pastry techniques gave me a creative outlet that blended discipline, design, and emotion. Read More>>

Zele Avradopoulos

I confess, it was an accident! I was working on my marketing materials (I’m an actor). A friend was impressed with what I did with my materials and asked me to review hers. I was a Marketing Manager for 14 years and I instinctively transferred those skills to my marketing as an actor. What came naturally to me, I realized didn’t come naturally to others. Read More>>

PUR Bliss

My business highlights the global influence of Black people on culinary culture, a legacy that has often been erased from history. This erasure extends to the food industry, where our contributions have gone unrecognized for generations. Read More>>

Ashley Lance

I always knew I wanted to start my own business. Growing up, I watched my parents retire early due to entrepreneurship, so it’s in my blood. I just wasn’t exactly sure what business it would be for me. Read More>>

Rick Knight

I was motivated by the idea of service, Dr. Martin Luther King was said everybody can be great because everybody can serve. I found that the largest minority group in the world was also one of the most underserved and marginalized communities and the need transcended race or socio economic status. Read More>>