Each business has a story. No matter if the business is a Goliath like Wal-Mart or a local business owned by a couple or family, the business has roots in an idea. For each business owner, the story of their journey can range from monetary needs to the passion for a unique project. Each story is different though the reasons may remain the same. No matter the tale, the background behind each and every business is what fuels each and every brand.
We asked entrepreneurs and business owners why they started their own businesses and here are their responses.
#1- To use my passion for better health and connection
My ‘WHY' is personal. After a successful 17-year career as a top-performing Financial Adviser, in 2021 I hit burnout and joined the ‘Great Resignation'. Experiencing that stress, exhaustion, and overwhelm can take on health, relationships, and overall well-being, I made it my mission to use my passion for health and connection to support other high-achieving women (and men) to reclaim their energy, confidence, and zest for life without the burnout. At 48, I founded Still Wellness, a purpose-driven business. Through evidence-based lifestyle medicine, positive psychology tools, and my own lived experience, I help clients achieve balance and vitality in their fast-paced lives.
Thanks to Amanda Balcombe, Still Wellness!
#2- For a life purpose that aligns with my values
I have been running a successful fashion startup for eight years and loved it, but my values and priorities have changed. After suffering from burnout and other health issues, I have realized I need to look after my body and mind and have started prioritizing my well-being. I wanted to create something more meaningful, something that could help other people change their lives. That’s when Barefoot Basil was born. It is just the beginning of the journey, but for the first time, I have a clear vision and a life purpose that aligns with my values.
Thanks to Silvija Meilunaite, Barefoot Basil!
#3- For flexibility and growth
It could no longer be avoided! When I took my career break, I desired flexibility, meaning, and growth that was not so limited by corporate culture. I also had a growing passion for using mindfulness to improve wellbeing. At first, I started writing more, connecting with others in the space, and eventually training to teach people to utilize practical mindfulness tools in their lives. After a stint of volunteering with my new training, I said “Well, I might as well not turn back now!” There was this slow admission that I was going to have a proper crack at it – but once I was there, I was ready to give it some direction and push things forward with intention.
Thanks to Nicole Howard, The Awareness Advantage!
#4- To create opportunities for digitization
OysterLink is a restaurant and hospitality industry. We feature top-paying jobs by position, location & experience; & real-time data to help businesses and candidates stay ahead. We decided to dive into the hospitality industry because we saw that about 90% of job opportunities come through personal connections. It has been slow to catch up with this shift, and we’re here to change that. The real opportunity here is to digitize and modernize an industry that hasn’t fully embraced these changes yet. While other players haven’t fully taken over yet, we see our challenge & chance to lead the way.
Thanks to Milos Eric, OysterLink!
#5- To do something meaningful
I started my business because I saw a gap in the market that aligned with my passion. I wanted to create something that solved a real problem and brought value to customers in a way that no one else was offering. Beyond that, the idea of having the freedom to build something from the ground up, make my own decisions, and shape the direction of the company was incredibly appealing. It wasn’t just about making money; it was about having the opportunity to do something meaningful, take control of my career, and leave a lasting impact.
Thanks to William Hogsett, Seota!
#6- Because of my passion for stripping
I started my business The XOTIQ Stripper Company because I was much more passionate about stripping than I was when I was working on Wall Street. I was moonlighting as a male stripper to help pay off some of my MBA tuition and I enjoyed the work and environment so much that I continued to do it after I graduated business school. I realized that I had a lot more passion for stripping than I did for finance so I started quietly quitting my day job and began building my side hustle.
Thanks to Andrew Chan, The XOTIQ Stripper Company!
#7- To provide natural products and services
I started this business because experience, especially after having children, had taught me that the bulk of the products within the supermarket were not items that I wanted to eat, feed my family, or put on our skin. I was aware that I didn’t have all the answers so the current version of Natural Surrender is a Directory that brings many natural products and services together in one place, capturing the knowledge of many for the health of many, for the good of all.
Thanks to Megan Knight, Natural Surrender!
#8- Share my knowledge to help others travel smarter
A key motivation for starting Committed to Collect was my passion for educating others on mastering the loyalty game. Once you get it right, the rewards can be huge! Through my online course, I share this knowledge to help others travel smarter. It aligns perfectly with my core values of sharing & caring and draws on my 30 years of experience in the travel industry. From my experience, most people aren’t fully maximizing the potential of Australia’s big four rewards programs: Flybuys, Everyday Rewards, Qantas, & Velocity. While marketing makes loyalty programs look easy, most members are barely scratching the surface when it comes to everyday points collection.
Thanks to Deena Shanahan, Committed to Collect!
#9- To combine my passion for innovation with freedom
I started my business because I wanted more control over my career and the work I was doing. I wanted to create something where I could fully explore those ideas and build something that was uniquely mine. Another driving factor was the challenge & starting my own business seemed like the ultimate test of that. I wanted to take on building something from the ground up. I knew there were businesses out there that needed a more tailored, thoughtful approach to marketing, and I wanted to be the one to provide it. It combines my passion for innovation with freedom.
Thanks to Josh Bluman, Hoppy Copy!
#10- To be at the forefront of a transformative shift
I started working with Pelicoin because I saw a huge opportunity to be part of something transformative in the financial industry. Cryptocurrency is rapidly changing how people think about and use money, and I wanted to be at the forefront of that shift. Helping to build and market the most secure cryptocurrency ATM network in the Gulf South has been incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about business growth; it’s about empowering people to access financial tools that were previously out of reach. Being part of a company that’s making such a significant impact is what drives me every day.
Thanks to Jordan Figueredo, Pelicoin!
#11- To help people struggling with depression
I started Mid City TMS because I’ve always been driven by a deep desire to help people who are struggling with depression, especially those who haven’t found relief through traditional treatments. Seeing patients improve and regain their quality of life keeps me motivated every day. Knowing that we’re providing a service that truly makes a difference in people’s lives is incredibly fulfilling. It’s this impact on my patients’ well-being that fuels my passion and dedication to the work we do at Mid City TMS.
Thanks to Dr. Bryan Bruno, Mid City TMS!
#12- To turn the feeling of dread into satisfaction
The main reason I started my company was the feeling of dread I'd get each morning at my old job on the way to work. I decided to try creating my own company where I, and eventually our employees, could at least come to work met with opportunities to enrich ourselves and find satisfaction in what we do. One of our company values is “Work is Work, not Life,” indicating that while work might not be the ultimate thing you're looking forward to in life, it should not be something you dread. I am proud that Online Optimism is actively representing that value.
Thanks to Flynn Zaiger, Online Optimism!
#13- To celebrate cultures and artworks
I initiated my entertainment portal because I wanted to write, create art, and explore culture. Storytelling has been my fascination for as long as I can remember whether in words, images, or cultural activities. This indeed was the reason why I wish to build something that will combine and allow these passions to flourish – a place of stories as well as creativity. This portal is not purely an entrepreneurial venture; it is also a celebration of cultures and artworks – a space for people like me who want to design, encourage, and get encouraged through these forms of creative artistry.
Thanks to Soubhik Chakrabarti, Icy Tales!
#14- To support both companies and freelancers
I started my business to address a critical gap in the market: the need for a comprehensive, global workforce management platform that supports both companies and freelancers. My passion for creating equal opportunities for all, regardless of location, drove me to develop a solution that not only streamlines operations for businesses but also empowers individuals in remote and underserved areas to access meaningful work. The vision of transforming lives through innovation and technology continues to inspire everything we do.
Thanks to Disha Jain, TFY by Transformify!
#15- Inspired by many entrepreneurial success stories
I launched my business fueled by inspiration from numerous entrepreneurial success stories and online articles. These stories motivated me to embark on my own venture, with a recurring theme: “There will never be a perfect time” and “The hardest part is starting.” Embracing this advice, I decided to take the plunge and start my journey. Now, six weeks in, the experience has been an exhilarating rollercoaster, filled with highs, lows & invaluable lessons. While I’m optimistic about future success, currently focused on celebrating the small victories & each step towards my long-term goals.
Thanks to Katie Lander, Peopleink!
#16- To set a standard of responsiveness to the industry
We started NDT Group to bring a new standard of responsiveness to the non-destructive testing industry. Traditionally the NDT industry is characterised by an unnecessarily slow project turnaround. As young NDT technicians, we saw how frustrated clients would get because of this trend. we recognized a need for a service provider that could respond quickly to client requests. We also wanted to utilize modern technology to offer more cost-effective solutions. We now offer digital and traditional inspection solutions that prioritize safety and accuracy. we also wanted to put back into our community by supporting the young people coming up behind us.
Thanks to Matthew Conway, NDT Group!
#17- To change thinking about money & wealth creation
Zanda Wealth came to life because I wanted to change how people think about money and wealth creation. I come from a family where money was always a bit of a mystery. We weren’t poor, but we didn’t have a lot either, and there were always conversations around the dinner table about how to make it stretch further. I realized there was a gap. people needed advice that was straightforward, relatable, and actionable. I wanted to create a business that didn’t just focus on the wealthy or the high-net-worth clients but also catered to everyday Australians who want to secure their financial future.
Thanks to Austin Rulfs, Zanda Wealth!
#18- To support wellness and a healthy lifestyle
I wanted to create a brand that genuinely supports wellness and healthy living. After seeing the impact that lifestyle and nutrition can have on overall well-being, I felt there was a real need for natural, high-quality products that could help people live their best lives. I wanted to offer something different—products that are not only effective but also backed by honest, straightforward information. Starting Teami Blends allowed me to combine my interest in natural wellness with my entrepreneurial spirit. I wanted to build a brand that people could trust, offering products of quality and integrity.
Thanks to Daisy Cabral, Teami Blends!
#19- To arm women with the knowledge of health
As a cancer survivor myself, I learned 6 proven principles followed daily can help prevent a health crisis of our own – in fact, they saved my life! I don't want women to feel confused like I did. Like most women, I thought I was doing all the right things to be healthy, but was living in ways that made me sick. I founded Own Your Health because capable women deserve to feel capable about their health. I'm on a mission to arm women with the knowledge & introduce the diet & lifestyle habits that prevent one, and ultimately, change the way they see and do health forever.
Thanks to Elle Sproll, Own Your Health!
#20- To fill the gap in the prosthetic community
We actually founded our company out of our own needs and the struggles we saw others facing in the prosthetic community. Having experienced first-hand the complexities and the lack of clear information about prosthetics, we realized many people were missing out on the latest advancements that could improve their lives. Every day, we encountered a significant gap in easily understandable and detailed information about prosthetic options. This gap does more than slow progress— it prevents individuals from fully regaining their mobility and independence.
Thanks to Jonas Torrang, Isbrave.com!
#21- To educate and support women
Starting my business was born out of a deep desire to turn my experiences & passion into a source of empowerment for others. After years of struggling with hypothalamic amenorrhea & realizing how common it is for women to be misdiagnosed or dismissed, I knew I had to do something. My background in public health & nutrition, combined with my personal journey, drove me to create a business focused on educating and supporting women in their health journeys. I wanted to provide guidance & resources, helping others avoid the same pitfalls & reclaim their health.
Thanks to Kristy Alexandra
#22- To blend my interior and floral design expertise
Starting Kate Hill Flowers was a transformative journey fueled by my lifelong love for flowers and design. I saw an opportunity to blend my interior and floral design expertise. My goal was to create beautiful floral designs and foster a connection between people and nature, infusing joy into their lives and events. I’ve learned that success in entrepreneurship hinges on a balance of creativity, quality, and unwavering dedication to client satisfaction. Ultimately, the joy of seeing my designs bring happiness and beauty into people's lives motivates me every day.
Thanks to Kate Hill, Kate Hill Flowers!
#23- To share my knowledge with others
Although more people and healthcare professionals are getting interested in yoga’s potential as a healthcare modality, there is still more room for greater awareness and education about yoga therapy. This is something I’ve seen firsthand working as a yoga therapist, and I wanted to be part of the solution. Starting a company that trains other yoga therapists allowed me to share my years of knowledge and experience, contributing in a meaningful way to the field of yoga therapy.
Thanks to Anna Passalacqua, Breathing Deeply Yoga Therapy!
#24- To capitalize on the trade show industry
Decades ago, we launched what is now Cardinal Expo to capitalize on change in the trade show industry. Instead of the bulky, hard-wall exhibits popular before the ‘90s, exhibitors were starting to favor lightweight, modular designs that could be customized more easily and affordably. From the start, our goal has been to assist exhibitors in managing their booths throughout the entire process. Recognizing this shift, we saw an opportunity to design and continuously update booth rentals for our customers’ entire show programs.
Thanks to Thomas Samuels, Cardinal Expo!
#25- To do something radically different
Previous to starting my own company I worked in a ‘normal' office job. While I was very good at my job and got paid pretty well, I was really unhappy and my health was deteriorating. I was overweight, I had high blood pressure, I was on antidepressants, and I was pre-diabetic. I knew I had to do something radically different. I always loved dogs, exercise, and being outdoors so I started a business where I could combine my passions; I lead groups of dogs on fitness adventures where we run and hike through different nature parks each day. I've lost a ton of weight and now am as healthy as ever!
Thanks to Sean Prichard, Pant & Wag!
#26- Out of my hunger to bring about a change
I started my business out of frustration and a hunger for change. That was it – things needed to change. I just dreamt up a system whereby chefs could get great seafood online, knowing what they were getting and when. That's how Lobster Order came about. I tapped my restaurant contacts, as well as some tech-savvy friends to get it off the ground. We launched, serving 50 restaurants. Today, we work with over 1,000 and process over 15,000 orders each month. Of course, it shows when you fix a real problem, people respond. It has been a challenging yet exciting business to start.
Thanks to Matt Bellerose, Lobster Order!
#27- To simplify the online cabinet shopping experience
Our journey began from a shared frustration with the limitations of traditional cabinet shopping. The rigid layouts left little room for personalization not giving what they truly wanted. This inspired us to create a platform that prioritizes quality and customization. our mission has always been to simplify the online cabinet shopping experience, making it accessible for homeowners, builders, and remodelers alike. By focusing on delivering high-quality cabinetry at affordable prices, we aim to empower our customers to create spaces that reflect their unique vision and style.
Thanks to Josh Qian, Best Online Cabinets!
#28- To make online gifting affordable
My wife and I started Good Day People an online gift hamper company during the first COVID lockdown in 2020. The idea was sparked when we wanted to send a gift to a male friend. Given it wasn't a significant birthday we just wanted to spend $50 and send a bottle of wine and some chocolate. We were so surprised to find that there was nothing to find that was within our price range and had a great brand or gift experience. There was a huge gap in the market for millennial gifting and felt we had what it takes to fill that gap. Surely this was not just a problem for us we thought.
Thanks to Jacob Leung, Good Day People!
#29- To transform the home lending experience
Craggle was born from a vision to transform the home lending experience for Australians by eliminating the barriers and complexities that often hinder the right financial decisions. Throughout my career in financial services, the gap was clear: home loans are overly complicated, and the process is far from swift or transparent. That’s why I started Craggle, to simplify and streamline the home loan process using cutting-edge Generative AI. We’re committed to helping Australians secure better deals faster and easier than ever before, ensuring that everyone has access to competitive home loan options that best suit their needs, without the hassle.
Thanks to Benjamin Baume, Craggle!
#30- To create something meaningful and personal
Starting SB Marketing was all about creating something meaningful and personal. As a 20-year-old entrepreneur, I saw a gap in the market and how brands connect with their audiences. So much of brand-to-consumer communication feels impersonal and disconnected. I aim to bring a fresh perspective, focusing on personalized marketing that truly resonates with my client’s target audience. Believing in the power of tailored messaging to build real connections is what drives me every day. Choosing to challenge the expected norms and proving that age is just a number when you have passion and a clear vision for the future of marketing.
Thanks to Elizabeth Vines, SB Marketing!