“I discovered that, as a first-generation immigrant, I could fill a niche in the market. “
1000 Personal Services
Recalling a Christmas Spent with a Start-Up
Becky O’Neil of Arlington, Va., remembers her first Christmas as an entrepreneur: She worked the entire day.
Kathy Cheng: Thankful Registry–Personalizing Wedding Registries
“We have a point of view that’s really rare in the wedding registry space. Whenever I have a customer tell me they’ve been searching for something like Thankful, that’s how I know I’m working on something special.”
Irina Berdisa: Hairdresser BATISTA — Creatively Finding the Right Approach for Customers
The top challenge for me was to find the right approach for the customer and to hire the right people. Each customer is an individual…
Tania Sterl: Sterl on Style – Dressing Women for Success
Success is doing work that you love and inspiring others to follow their passions and live their lives to the fullest.
Alexandra Diaz: Niña Bonilla Lavanderia — Mom Needed a Job & She Needed to do Laundry
[Success is] being in a space where you can smile from your heart, knowing you’re following your passion.
Jill Kushner Bishop: Multilingual Connections– Being Fired Allowed Her To Pursue Her Dream
Doing good work for my clients and creating a work environment that allows my employees to be fulfilled.
Laura Garrett: Ondecision– Complicated Decision Making, Simplified
I had learned about a consumer preference measurement technique back in business school and thought, “I sure wish I could use that tool for myself right now.”
Carol Willems: Royal Match– Boutique Matchmaking Service
After spending many years researching the matchmaking industry, I discovered a need for a boutique matchmaking service that could meet the various needs of the Christian singles community.
Victoria Oldridge: MoxTree– The Place For Moms To Socialize Online
Moms need other moms to share their range of emotions with and experiences. As a mom to two children under 2 years of age, I noticed a gap in the way moms were connecting.
Shirley Moulton: The ACADEMi of Life– Practicing The Art Of Living
After 22 years in business, I sold my information technology firm, Universal Solutions Inc., and found myself in a position where my entire identity and goals had to change.
Stacy Rybchin: My Secret Luxury– Launching A Business In The Sex Toy Industry
After one fateful night in New York City, I founded My Secret Luxury™ to celebrate the unique passions of every person.
Diana Mercer: Peace Talks Mediation Services– Marriages May End But Families Endure
My vision was to take everything people hate about the family law system and do the opposite. Marriages may end, but families endure.
Hilary Rushford: Dean Street Society– From Musical Theatre to Stylish Entrepreneur
I asked some friends if they had any ideas of what I should be when I grew up. They all replied something having to do with styling and it was an ah-hah moment where everything clicked.
Amina Harry: Pretty Platinum LLC — Salon Service that Always Puts the Customer First
My biggest success was ceasing to think my business was just a good idea and taking the steps to make my idea a reality.