<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Learning the origin stories of our favorite businesses is always fascinating. We hear amazing tales of overcoming, facing tough odds, and creating something out of nothing. Many stories go down in the history books as great feats of human accomplishment.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the 21</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">st</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> century, the stakes are still high. We learn about the power of mindset, having a mission, and working with others to make unlikely dreams a reality.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We spoke with a handful of business founders about why they started their business and the spark that drove them in an entrepreneurial direction. This is what they had to say.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Childhood Dreams</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Astronaut? Rockstar? Celebrity chef? Kids have wild ideas of what they want to be when they grow up, but many people find real inspiration from their childhood that turns into a real, sustainable business.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These ideas may often be rooted in emotion or feeling, but the result is something concrete that helps thousands of people and creates a legacy for future generations.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I began my journey with skincare when I was a child,” said </span><b>Olamide Olowe, CEO</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of</span><a href="https://mytopicals.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Topicals</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “I was diagnosed with post-barbae folliculitis and struggled seeing flawless skin on my screen constantly. I was also blatantly aware of the lack of black representation in the skincare industry. Since then, I have set out to shake up the beauty industry, creating a brand that states you make your skin look good, not the other way around. We now have a dedicated following of men and women who celebrate mental health and their own feeling good in their skin.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Connecting with like-minded communities of people is one of the greatest rewards for young business leaders who took a chance and pursued a dream.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Passion for Culture</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The melting-pot of the United States is a perfect environment to start a business based on cultural pride. So many entrepreneurs have found success by bringing a unique cultural flair to this market in the form of a passionate small business.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not only does this bring great new products to market, but it shows people from all over the world that it can be done again in the future.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Coming from Sichuan, I was born into a community that took great pride in their mesmerizing flavors and cooking,” said </span><b>Jing Gao, CEO </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">of</span><a href="https://flybyjing.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Fly by Jing</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “I had a love and passion for the food from my home throughout my entire adolescent life. I eventually began my blog,</span><a href="https://www.jingtheory.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Jing Theory</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, where I began to share my stories and experiences with the culture surrounding Sichuan foods and dishes. I went on to create Fly by Jing as a way to share these incredible flavors with people across the world. Combining ‘work’ with my love for my hometown and culture has been such a treat, and it brings new and exciting challenges every single day.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some products truly are portals to other cultures and atmospheres, which goes to show the power of a small business in the modern world.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Creative Expression</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Many business founders were dedicated to their creative careers long before they ever had the idea to venture out on their own.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The years spent grinding away in studios, salons, agencies, and restaurants – they all add up into a unique experience that can’t be replicated by anyone else.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These are the conditions in which amazing new companies are born.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I started my business because of the sheer enthusiasm I have for my industry,” said </span><b>Kaz Amor, Founder</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of</span><a href="https://www.vocehaircare.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">VoCe Haircare</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “The most exciting part of the beauty industry is being able to express yourself creatively. As a hairdresser, it is fun to see how trends evolve from previous trends, for example, how we see the 90s making a comeback in today&#8217;s hairstyles. I love to use my business as an outlet to express my creativity and love for all things beauty.”</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Finding Life Purpose</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are so many entrepreneurs that started companies out of sheer necessity – they simply could not imagine themselves doing anything else.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Maybe it takes years of working for someone else, or just one pivotal experience that ignites a hidden passion within. No matter what, there needs to be a connection with a greater purpose that drives these individuals to create something much greater than themselves.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">&#8220;Work takes on new meaning when you feel you are pointed in the right direction. Otherwise, it&#8217;s just a job, and life is too short for that,&#8221; said</span><a href="https://www.apple.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Apple</span></a> <b>CEO Tim Cook</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. &#8220;You don’t have to choose between doing good and doing well. It&#8217;s a false choice, today more than ever.&#8221;</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Helping Others Succeed</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There’s no doubt that society has its fair share of problems. Economics, education, health – the list is endless. Many great entrepreneurs acknowledge these issues and strive to come up with a solution that benefits everyone without alienating or dividing people from one another.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I have a huge passion for helping people get healthy and the need to make a change in the world,” said </span><b>William Schumacher, CEO</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of</span><a href="https://www.uprisingfood.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Uprising Food</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “Consequently, I began to combine my personal, health, and fitness experience in biohacking. I realized that there is a completely different way of eating that is not accessible to most people. My father also had a huge impact on my business. He was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. I realized that it’s people exactly like him who face these types of health conditions. Many people like my father are what eventually inspired me to start my business.”</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The trend of social entrepreneurship is a relatively recent phenomenon, but will surely play a more central role in the business world as startups seek creative solutions to problems.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Personal Transformations</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There’s no better feeling than accomplishing a big personal goal and wanting to share it with the world. This is why social media loves stories about overcoming hardships and things like before-and-after photos.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the business world, these transformation stories can form the foundation of a viable company. Many startups help people accomplish their own transformations with systems, services, or products, and do so successfully.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I launched Love Wellness in 2016 after suffering from severe vitamin deficiencies,” said </span><b>Lauren Bosworth, CEO</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of</span><a href="https://lovewellness.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Love Wellness</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “I was not well and struggled every time I would go to the drug store&#8217;s personal care aisle. The products I saw did not speak to me from a messaging perspective or from an ingredient perspective and I realized there had to be a better option. Working with my doctors, we began to create formulas and products that were made with clean ingredients and were body-positive in their messaging. Love Wellness was created to offer women personal care and wellness products that would better serve their wellness needs.”</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Self-improvement is a huge industry in the modern world, and there is money to be made for founders willing to share their experience and capitalize.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Inspired by Role Models</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A business doesn’t need to reinvent the wheel to find success. Founders often seek inspiration from their own lives and learn from role models to gain insights that launch their companies into the stratosphere.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This might mean an everyday customer thinks of a superior business model, or an industry insider discovers a better way of doing things.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Growing up with my father as a veterinarian allowed me to see the concern pet owners have when it comes to their pet’s health,” said </span><b>Brandon Werber, CEO</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of</span><a href="https://airvet.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Airvet</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “My father, one of Los Angeles’ most respected veterinarians, Dr. Jeff Werber, and I partnered together to create a platform called Airvet where pet parents have 24/7 access to quality veterinary care with the most trusted veterinarians anywhere in the country within seconds.”</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some business ideas are so good, you wonder why they didn’t already exist!</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Commitment to the Mission</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">High achievers are mission-oriented and put themselves through intense phases of self-discipline to accomplish the objectives in front of them.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Even when things get derailed due to unpredictable circumstances – 2020 comes to mind – there is always that central mission that brings a business leader back on track for success.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Life comes in phases. We have family issues, divorce, cancer — you name it,” said </span><b>Bedros Keuilian, Founder</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of</span><a href="https://fitbodybootcamp.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Fit Body Boot Camp</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “But if you have a responsibility, it must always come to the forefront. My mission is clear: to open 2,500 Fit Body Boot Camp locations so we can help 5 million people through fitness. I know that no matter the circumstances or phase of life, that responsibility doesn’t change.” </span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This goes to show how much of a mental game business leadership truly is.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pivotal Encounters</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We all have those experiences in life where we make an unexpected connection or encounter someone who totally changes our professional trajectory. Business founders have a special knack for seeking out these interactions and making the most of them, intentionally or not.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“My first business was when I met an inventor that had a patented device, and the first step I took was showing it to everyone to get their opinion,” said </span><b>Sean O’Brien, CMO</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of</span><a href="https://modloft.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Modloft</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “I showed it to 10 people and all 10 said it was brilliant, so I decided to partner with him &; build an e-commerce website &; take it to market. Modloft was built on the core belief that when you surround yourself with beautiful and intentional things, you create a beautiful and intentional life.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Entrepreneurs know how to make these connections work in a way that benefits everyone and creates an instant culture of creativity.</span></p>
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<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Focus on Values</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Business founders often have a strong sense of personal values that pushes them in a certain direction in life. It could be an urgency to spread awareness about social issues, create a better future for the next generation, or just show some pride in who they are.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“4Patriots was created to ensure a better sense of freedom and self-reliance of all of our customers,” said </span><b>Kamron Kunce, Senior Marketing Manager</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of</span><a href="https://4patriots.com"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> 4Patriots</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “We value freedom and it shows in our products. Our outdoor items and survival kits make it easier for anyone to have their family prepared for any situation. We also offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee to ensure that all customers find what they need from us.” </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not all values are universal, but those who connect on that level will definitely be loyal customers to businesses that show their true colors.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Convenience and Access</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The world is not always fair when it comes to the accessibility of certain goods and services, and business leaders often find themselves starting their own ventures to make a difference.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When more people have access to key goods, they are better suited for success in their own lives, which then helps create a more equitable world overall. It’s a win-win for everyone.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“During the pandemic, it became a necessity that everyone has a facemask ready for them,” said </span><b>Andrew Pires, CEO</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of</span><a href="https://www.themaskie.com"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> The Maskie</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “I’m sure we have been in this same situation. We got to the store, parked our car, and walked to the front door to remember I forgot my mask. With The Maskie, we wanted to ensure that this issue happens far less. Changing from a scrunchie to a face-covering means that the mask is never too far away. We want to make sure that everyone stays safe and continues to have accessible face coverings at all times.” </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a world that still has a long way to go in terms of equality, business leaders are on the frontlines by making real changes for the better.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rebooting a Classic</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some of the best business ideas start from fresh takes on old ideas. Think about how technology advances or the ways in which education has become more streamlined over the years – the fundamentals largely remain the same, but the mechanisms improve by leaps and bounds.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This can apply to many products and services, even something as simple as coffee and tea.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Playing volleyball with my best friend in college, we both realized the importance of energy in everyday life,” said </span><b>Steve O’Dell, CEO and Co-Founder</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of</span><a href="https://tenzotea.co"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Tenzo Tea</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “We were big coffee drinkers that battled our exhaustion from our games with caffeinated beverages. As time went on, however, the crashes became too much. We stumbled upon a drink called Matcha, which at first we were not the biggest fans of, but we knew we could perfect it. We created Tenzo to give everyone a fully organic feel of matcha tea that gives energy all day without the crash. Our customers have found their own niche within our product and have felt the results.” </span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fresh Takes on Current Trends</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There’s nothing wrong with hopping on the bandwagon when it comes to trends in consumer goods, especially if you’ve got something new to offer the world.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The market is already established – it’s up to business innovators to put a new twist on the ideas to make them more appealing, accessible, and effective for everyone to enjoy.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Many Americans have fallen in love with supplements,” said </span><b>Jack Klauber, Founder and CEO</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of</span><a href="https://www.everydaydose.com"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Everyday Dose</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “They promise to give you nutrients that you lack and energy all day, but they never seem to work properly. At Everyday Dose, we wanted to give everyone a different sense of energy. Using a blend of mushrooms we pushed a supplement that gives energy all day, nutrients many people lack such as collagen, and even deeper sleep that produces more vivid dreams. Our product is here to make you feel more awake in the morning after a good night&#8217;s rest.” </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There is no limit to health and happiness, so there will always be room for improvement in industries like fitness, food, and lifestyle optimization.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Moment of Inspiration</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Getting through the daily grind is never easy, even with all the modern conveniences we have at home and in the workplace. If a company can offer a product or service that takes just a little pressure off the average person, they have a huge potential upside for success.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This sometimes requires looking at our own lives and seeing how they can be improved.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The idea for the business was the first time AJ (co-founder) attempted an out-of-home diaper change on his daughter Willow, there was no public changing station in the men’s room,” said </span><b>Artie Baxter, CEO</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of</span><a href="https://papercliplife.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Paperclip</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “He even asked a woman leaving the ladies’ room if there was one in there. After using his t-shirt on the countertop as a changing station, he thought, “there has to be a better way.” Later that day, we sketched out an idea that would bring style, along with enhanced functionality, (all while keeping sustainability in mind) we launched our first parental accessory: the diaper bag. Thus, Paperclip was born (pun intended).” </span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Bold Experimentation</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So many startup stories are rooted in humble beginnings, whether it’s a garage, a workshop, a sports field, or a home kitchen. People have an amazing capacity to innovate when they lean into their experimental side and play scientist in everyday scenarios.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I became a producer of nutrition bars intended to serve a healthy afternoon snack,” said </span><b>Lezlie Karls, CEO </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">of</span><a href="https://www.middaysquares.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Mid-Day Squares</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “My company manufactures a range of protein bars made out of real chocolate and packed with protein, fiber, and real organic sugar which uses raw, vegan, gluten-free, and organic ingredients, enabling consumers to stay fit and satisfy their mid-meal hunger in a healthy way. In 2015, I started to really get into plant-based foods and was always messing around in the kitchen. Nick, who was my roommate and best friend since 14, was always turning to the typical confectionery chocolate, Oh Henry! to be specific. To convince him into my vibe of eating, I whipped up a version of what is known today as Mid-Day Squares. In 2017 Nick and I got married and decided we can make a food brand that resonated with our peoples, our vibe, and our way of living.” </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What starts as a simple snack or makeshift invention can quickly build into something much bigger if you simply embrace the possibility of success and pull the right levers.</span></p>
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<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Response to Crisis</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We learned first-hand that there is opportunity in crisis, however morbid that idea may be. People need extra help in tough times and are willing to put their money down to protect themselves and their families.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The result can be great products that result in a widespread improvement in health or preparation for future events. Everyone benefits, and navigating crises can even help bring people together.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The team at Caligenix created our Immunotype supplement in direct response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said </span><b>Dr. Tzur Gabi, Co-Founder</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of</span><a href="http://www.caligenix.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Caligenix</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “Now more than ever, it’s crucial that we protect and supplement our immune systems. Formulated in an FDA-regulated lab, our supplement is designed to achieve maximum and universal nutrient absorption with DNA-based and evidence-based science. Immunotype works in tandem with your body’s innate ability to heal—because you deserve a vitamin as intelligent as your immune system.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Businesses must be ethical with how they present their products in these contexts, but the market rewards those who maintain transparency and goodwill in tough times.</span></p>
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<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">One-Up the Competition</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Competitors can often be a source of inspiration, sparking the notion of “I can do better than that!” This is what drives innovation and pushes society forward on a macro level.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This is the case for everything from energy production to semiconductors and snack foods. One-upping the competition is a healthy part of market dynamics and a key driver of better business that improves our lives.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I started a business to bring a product that the market needed,” said </span><b>Grant Hosking, Co-Founder</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of</span><a href="https://totalhydration.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Total Hydration</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “Today’s water isn’t cutting it. We’ll even say that sports and electrolyte drinks around the market don’t cut it either. That’s why we created Total Hydration. Because we take our health seriously. Using premium and natural ingredients, our products are made right here in the U.S.A. and meet or exceed the strict manufacturing standards set by the FDA.” </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It&#8217;s not always about competition for market share – there’s plenty of opportunities to create brand new segments that appeal to untapped audiences.</span></p>
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<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Overcoming Challenges</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It sometimes takes reaching a low point to bounce back and build something from scratch. This is how many business leaders turned their own lives around and end up helping millions of other people in the process</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Because I experienced side effects of medications and felt helpless,” said </span><b>Sarah Morgan, CEO</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of</span><a href="https://www.vitaminiq.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Even</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “After my education and during clinical practice, I had a light bulb moment that this problem was fixable and I could be the catalyst to uniting medication and nutrition.” </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These stories might not be so bright or cheery at the beginning, but the ending is worth celebrating.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Long Term Vision</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A handful of entrepreneurs knew exactly what they wanted to do from a young age. They admired people in their field from afar and knew they could make an impact if they simply stuck with it for the long haul.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With this kind of vision and commitment, there’s nothing that could get in their way.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Ever since I was 16 years old, I wanted to become a plastic surgeon and start my own practice,” said </span><b>Dr. Robert Applebaum, CEO</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> of</span><a href="https://www.applebaummd.com/"> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Applebaum MD</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “It is rare in my industry to be so sure of the career path at such a young age, but I have always looked at plastic surgery as a form of art that I admired. Being able to help people feel their best and diminish any insecurities they carry within themselves provides me with an immense drive to continue with my business and to further my knowledge and skills within my industry.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Not everyone has that sense of certainty from a young age, but as soon as passion is found, it should be pursued in full.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Positive Impact</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Very few startup stories are just about the money. Sports cars and fancy clothes cannot be the ultimate goal. If anything, they’re a distraction from the mission. The people who get into this for the wrong reasons will not stick around for very long.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The best entrepreneurs understand this well and remind themselves to maintain a higher purpose as they go after their dreams. Helping people, being creative, building a great life for their families – these are the things that matter most.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I started my business because I wanted to help people and do it on my own terms,” said </span><b>Dr. Livingood, CEO &; Founder </b><span style="font-weight: 400;">of</span><a href="https://drlivingood.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Drlivingood.com</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. “To me, being an entrepreneur is the ultimate expression of business, creativity, and creating something special that leaves an impact on the world and helps people be better people. It is not only achieved by creating a product that impacts customers but also creating a business that employs and empowers people and allows them to make a living and be a part of something special along with it. My passion and sense of responsibility to help and impact people is what drives me to work hard every day.” </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Every business was started for a different reason, and they all have a unique kernel of wisdom to be harvested from within. Whether you’re toying with the idea of entrepreneurship or you’re currently all-in on a startup of your own, these are stories to keep close to the heart.</span></p>

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