Peoria Florist’s story began 24 years ago when Anthem Pleasant took on his first flower delivery job. From the very start, he realized that flowers had a unique ability to bring joy, and that joy became the foundation for his career in floristry. Anthem’s journey led him through various florists across the country, where he honed his skills. Eventually, he had the opportunity to buy Peoria Florist, turning a lifelong passion into his own business. “For me, working with flowers has never felt like work—it’s a passion that continues to bloom every day,” Anthem shared.

The story of It Sprinkles began in the heart of Austin, Texas, with Megha Mehta's passion for baking and her desire to bring the warmth of homemade treats to her community. What started as a small venture in her kitchen quickly grew into a business driven by the belief that the best celebrations are sweetened with love and authenticity. With cakes and desserts crafted with care, Megha set out to share her homemade creations with the world, turning a lifelong dream into a tangible reality.

Belinda Mendoza’s path to becoming a Feng Shui Master was far from conventional. She spent 18 years as a highly successful sales leader in the medical device industry, known for her ability to turn around struggling businesses. However, after reaching a high rank, Belinda became fed up with the unethical practices and discrimination in the corporate world. She yearned for a more balanced and creative life, one where she could truly make a difference.

In 1985, Ken Jordan founded Accent American after struggling to find a decent job after college. He initially took a position with a carpet cleaning company but quickly realized it operated as a bait-and-switch operation. This experience motivated him to start his own honest and transparent carpet cleaning business. With basic equipment packed into the back of his hatchback car, Ken set out to provide quality service with integrity.

Daniel Hood’s journey into the roofing industry was anything but conventional. In 2011, while playing football for the University of Tennessee, he witnessed the damage caused by major hailstorms in Knoxville. Wanting to help residents while earning extra income, he entered the roofing business. What started as a short-term endeavor quickly became a passion, leading him to establish Daniel Hood Roofing, a company built on hard work, teamwork, and a dedication to helping people rebuild after storms.

Gilbert Guzman’s journey to owning Pope Photo Records wasn’t a simple one. Initially working for a competitor, he had a passion for the industry but lacked the financing to make a purchase when the business went up for sale. A conversation with a friend, who had the capital to invest, changed the trajectory of his career. Together, they worked out an agreement where his friend would finance the purchase, and Gilbert would operate the business with the option to buy it at a later date.