Starting and growing a business is hard, but often deciding to start the business in the first place is even harder. We asked some successful entrepreneurs from around the community to open up to us about how they thought about starting a business.

Inna Pavlichenko

I was searching for something that combined creativity, working with my hands, and sharing warmth with others. After moving to the U.S., I felt a strong desire to create something of my own — something that brings a sense of comfort and home. Making candles became my way of expressing beauty, calm, and a touch of magic. What began as a hobby slowly turned into a true passion project. Read More>>

Macie & Madeline

The inspiration really came from a lifelong passion for food and the joy of discovering new places to eat. I’ve always loved exploring restaurants, and it’s something I’ve genuinely looked forward to for as long as I can remember. When I was younger, my family had a weekly tradition that we called “food fests,” where we would try different restaurants, sample a variety of dishes, and rate our meals. It was a fun and memorable way to bond, and it definitely sparked my interest in food from an early age. Read More>>

Da’Shea Ray

Starting my own business was rooted in purpose and passion. I knew I wanted more than just a job. I wanted to create something meaningful that aligned with who I am at my core. As someone deeply invested in healing and personal growth, that’s when I saw the vision for Healing Heartstrings. I didn’t want to clock in and follow someone else’s script. I wanted to create my own story. One where I could serve people from the heart, on my terms, and to show my children what’s possible when you follow your calling. Opening my business is about creating a legacy, building something that I could be proud of, and waking up every day knowing I was walking in my purpose. Read More>>