We reached out to some of our favorite entrepreneurs and asked them to think back and tell us about how they decided to start a business. Check out their responses below.

Josef Brandenburg

Strong women lift each other up. Women are (generally) better listeners and clients, so we thought we could make a greater positive difference by focusing on serving women.

Additionally we wanted to push back against the de-conditioning and “frailty mindset” in our society. Our environment rarely requires effort from our bodies anymore, and the resulting decline in fitness is a drag on health, longevity, joy and quality of life.  Read More>>

Anna Pupo

The idea of starting Plus Digital came from a combination of passion and necessity. I’ve always been fascinated by the power of storytelling and how strategic communication can influence behavior and build brands. At the same time, I noticed that so many small businesses—especially in local and underrepresented communities—had amazing products or services but were struggling to be seen online. Read More>>

Chandi Agee

I had wanted to start my own business from a young age. I grew up watching my family members start and run businesses and it seemed like the best option for my life.

I love the concept of owning one’s own business. It gives you a sense of accomplishment, freedom and self-expression. You do have quite a bit of responsibility on your shoulders, especially once you hire a team, but it’s a good feeling. I love bringing like-minded souls together for a common cause. Read More>>

Jhonny Delgado

I never set out to be an entrepreneur or “my own boss.” It all unfolded organically. After years in corporate jobs, I realized I was just a replaceable number, no matter how high I climbed. That lack of fulfillment pushed me to explore roles and activities I genuinely enjoyed or wanted to learn more about.
The spark for Delgado’s Fuego came from my father’s hot sauce, a crowd favorite at family gatherings like his July 4th birthday parties and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Read More>>

Shelley Ward

For me, starting my own business was about more than setting my own hours. I wanted the freedom to create something that felt true to who I am and how I believe this work should be done. I kept feeling a strong pull to move in a direction that aligned with my values, and I knew I needed the space to follow that. Read More>>

Cory Lehman

Honestly, it all started with a deep love for animals and a moment of clarity. I’d always enjoyed photography, but it wasn’t until I fostered a playful little puppy named PJ that something clicked. I found myself grabbing my camera constantly to capture his personality, his quirks, and the bond we were building. Those photos meant something—they told a story, and they made people feel something. Read More>>