Question of the Week: What motivated you to start your own business?

[Jacqui]

Hey Community!

We are nearly half way through November and that much closer to BFCM. So for this weeks question, lets take it back to when you first got started. 

What motivated you to start your own business, and how has that motivation evolved?

Post your answers below 👇

[Webstablish]

Hi @Jacqui, the biggest reason for me to start my own business was to have more freedom in the way of doing things. I used to work for a larger company but that meant following rigid procedures, a ton of meetings and generally an inflexible way of working. Now that I'm on my own I can approach everything the way I want to. No regrets so far.

[Jacqui]

That's a great reason, and super common! A lot of folks start businesses to be able to increase their life flexibility. I am so glad you are happy with your decision  🔥 😃

[mesmericapparel]

it’s always nice to reflect on the journey, isn't it? When I first started my business, my motivation came from a deep desire to create something of my own and to bring value to others through it. I wanted to build something meaningful, something that people would find genuinely inspiring.
With every challenge and milestone, I feel more committed and passionate about what I’m doing. This journey has been incredibly rewarding 😍, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next. Cheers!

[Jacqui]

Thanks for your input @mesmericapparel! I love that creating was a big part of your reason. The journey can be quite rewarding you're right! I hope it takes you amazing places 🙌

[jennarose]

Hi! Love this question!

Back in 2013 I lost my 48 year old mother to lung cancer. I was just 24 years old at the time and felt so lost. While my mom was battling cancer, I shared her journey on Facebook so all of her friends would be able to see the updates on how she was. She passed away only 10 short months after she was diagnosed. 

When I stood up to read her eulogy I decided that I had two choices.. I could sit around and feel sorry for myself and fall into a deep depression or I can turn my pain into a passion to help others. I started my grief blog, with a few views a day here and there. I then started my facebook page where I shared quotes and poems that I write on grief and loss. After that I went on to right my first book "Life Goes On..?" followed by my second book shortly after. My third book "The Weight Of What's Gone" was just published about a month ago.

I started my grief apparel company in 2020 and combined my social media, my blog/website, books and my apparel store into one. I now have a combined total of over 227,000 followers across social media platforms and it continues to grow daily. Not only is this my small business but it is my passion and my way to honor my mother all while helping others realize they never walk alone on their grief journey.

[Jacqui]

That's an incredible story @jennarose! It is wonderful that you were able to harness your grief at such a young age and I am so happy that you were successful with it. Amazing!!

[jhonson123]

Just to get rid of 9 to 5 things. listening to idiot boss. 

[Jacqui]

[Akohub]

Hey @Jacqui , this is Alexis from Akohub. Your question sparked some nostalgia to me. Back in middle school, I got my first taste of entrepreneurship through dropshipping, starting with chokers and jewelry. My motivation was simply all about curiosity. It was exciting to see people actually buying the items I listed! Eventually, I branched out into selling Polaroid products, which taught me a lot about what works and what doesn’t. Although that initial venture eventually came to an end, the experience inspired me to keep exploring and trying new things. Now, I’m still motivated by that early spark, and I love the idea of seeing where new business ideas can take me. Now, being at Akohub, I hope that merchants who were like me, just trying things out and learning along the way, can have the tools and support they need to turn their ideas into something amazing. I’m motivated by the thought that we’re helping other entrepreneurs take that first step, experiment, and growIt’s all about experimenting and learning along the way!

[Jacqui]

That's a great way to start @Akohub! Dropshipping is a really popular way to get a taste of ecommerce. I appreciate the choice of product as well 💃

[santosh-kori]

I started my journey to tackle common e-commerce challenges head-on. As I’ve grown, that motivation has evolved into a drive to continuously adapt, improve experiences, and create a platform that genuinely makes a difference in how people shop online.

[Jacqui]

Oh I love the idea of your business being meant to solve challenges for others @santosh-kori!

[devcoders]

Hello @Jacqui 

When I started, I was motivated by a passion to create something meaningful and make an impact. Over time, it’s become more about serving others, adding value, and building something lasting.

[Jacqui]

Thanks for your reply @devcoders!

I can appreciate wanting to make an impacting. I think serving others is an incredible way to put that. Almost like it was a calling!

[devcoders]

Hello @Jacqui 

Absolutely! Serving others truly feels like a higher purpose. When you align with such a calling, it not only impacts others but also brings immense fulfillment to your own journey. It's a beautiful way to leave a lasting legacy.

[lorypez]

hi jacqui, that's an interesting question and I'd be glad to answer. in my case, I've always been working for the family business. so I didn't really start anything. I've always had an interest for the field (garments industry) and I decided to join thd business. what I've been working on lately: the social/web part. it was my father who created the brand back in 1977. he's not very tech savvy, so I started working on a website (www.vittoriacashmere.it - which is still a wip). I'd say my motivation is given by me wanting to keep this business alive, providing new products to our affectionate clients and giving it a fresh look without compromising our values. 

[Jacqui]

Joining the family business is an amazing opportunity for you AND the business @lorypez, and I love that! Your site looks excellent too. Keep up the amazing work!

[Henork218]

The reason I want to start is because I was broke and as a student, I wanted to do something to be able to help myself and my family. I know this is also the right path 

[Jacqui]

Sometimes you just have to go for it @Henork218 to get that money!

[Jacqui]

@DexterHale I love that! 'Something that truly felt like me.' < I really appreciate this bit. That is something that people can spend years wanting but never doing. I think it's amazing that you took the leap to do it. 

[Jacqui · Accepted solution]

Thank you all for your replies! I loved learning about what brought you all to commerce and how that has changed over time. 

Make sure you check out this weeks QOTW here or by clicking on the sidebar image on the homepage. 

[gulfam42]

I started my business because I saw an opportunity to solve a problem I was passionate about. Initially, it was about making an impact and building something meaningful. Over time, that motivation has evolved into a drive to create value, grow sustainably, and empower others along the way.