You know how it goes. We’re standing at the edge of the leap, heart racing, mind swirling with “What ifs?” But the business risk entrepreneurs take today are the fire-starter stories that light up tomorrow. I’ve rounded up the real-deal, unfiltered stories from ten badass founders who took those scariest leaps and came out stronger, smarter, and fiercely unstoppable.
So pour that cup of whatever fuels your hustle, and let’s dive into these lessons from the boldest of risk-taking.
Innovate or Stagnate: Growing Beyond What Feels “Safe”
Dionne Ellison, the fearless brain behind Vuliwear, took a risk many of us shy away from—launching a brand-new product category during a slow sales period. She says:
“Growth requires vision and forward motion… I chose to launch the Beba Crossbody bag to meet our audience where their needs are evolving. Yes, it was a huge risk, but staying stagnant would limit our reach and stifle momentum. I’m investing in the future I believe in.”
Dionne Ellison
Dionne’s story is a straight-up reminder that momentum is queen, and sometimes we have to push through the quiet seasons with fresh ideas, even if the spotlight hasn’t hit yet.
Walking Away from Toxic Comfort Zones to Find Your True North
Lauren McCullough from Birth Center Consulting LLC blew the dust off her fears and stepped into freedom—even when the odds tried to intimidate her:
“I faced legal pressure that shook my confidence, but I didn’t back down. Choosing to stand my ground reminded me that integrity matters more than comfort. Now I’m on the other side of fear and building something rooted in transparency and purpose.”
Lauren’s leap teaches us that sometimes, the scariest thing is standing up for what feels right—and sister, that courage compounds faster than you’d expect.
Lauren McCullough
Saying “Yes” to Vision, Even When It’s Uncharted Territory
Hallie Bulkin, founder of Hallie Bulkin Holdings, wrestled with doubt over launching an AI mentorship platform for clinicians. She confesses:
“I kept wondering who I was to bring AI into a space still warming up to digital tools… But if not me, who? Fear pointed me toward the next level I was meant to create.”
That’s the kind of soul-deep gut-check we all face—when fear isn’t the stop sign, but the flickering neon sign blinking, “Your future is this way.”
Investing in Your Brand Means Investing in Yourself
Stephenie Zamora of Choose Your Calling took a leap of faith when she hired an illustrator to bring her brand story alive:
“Business was slow; using free stock images was easier, but I trusted my gut. That investment set us apart in a sea of sameness and gave us a powerful tool to stand out.”
Stephanie Zamora
This is the magic message every founder needs: Sometimes, the thing you’re avoiding because it feels ‘extra’ is actually the game-changer.
Burning Down “Success” to Rebuild Freedom and Joy
Christina Kokologiannakis, the powerhouse behind Christina Kokologiannakis Coaching, chose to torch her so-called “successful” business because it wasn’t feeding her soul:
“I had what I now call Shadow Success—money and growth but no joy or freedom. Walking away was terrifying but the most freeing move I’ve ever made.”
Let Christina remind you: Success on paper means nothing if your heart is bankrupt. Sometimes the boldest power move is quitting.
Christina Kokologiannakis
Creating Something Out of Nothing When the Odds Say No
Destiny Dingle of The Match Lab started a networking platform for women with zero funds and a whole lot of grit:
“I was drowning financially but my faith in this idea was louder than my fear. The support and excitement I get from women keep me going — their validation is everything.”
Destiny Dringle
If you’re tempted to wait for the “right” financial moment, Destiny is waving a big, bold NOPE flag. Sometimes, faith and hustle are the fuel you need.
Shoving Fear Into the Corner and Publishing Your Dream
Tammy Zelez, founder of The mUse Magazine, was stuck in “what if” paralysis for two years, then flipped the switch to launch her magazine:
“I said, ‘f%$# it, just do it.’ Publishing made me part of a vibrant community of women who believe in this mission to amplify inspiring voices.”
The takeaway? Your dream is calling, and no amount of “not ready” or “not smart enough” should keep you from answering.
Saying Yes to a Little Visionary’s Big Idea
Osayi Lasisi of Pocketlings almost talked herself out of launching a kid-inspired doll brand:
“My daughter wanted dolls that looked like her. Saying yes to her vision brought us closer, sparked joy for families, and reminded me how powerful reflection is for our children.”
Osayi Lasisi
This one? It’s a love letter to the magic of listening to the next generation—and to your heart—even if it seems like a detour from the plan.
Leaving Stability to Build a Leadership Movement That Matches Your Values
Lori Lalonde, CEO of Her Executive Ascent Inc., walked away from a cushy corporate gig to create leadership development that actually changes the game:
“I refused to uphold a status quo I didn’t believe in. The jump was scary, the early days rough, but the feedback? Women finally have the tools they deserve.”
Lori Lalonde
Lori’s message: The real risk is never stepping into your full power because it feels uncomfortable.
Investing in the Visual You to Ignite Your Brand Spark
Svenja Lyon of Lyon Creatives LLC finally invested in branding photos—a move that was both scary and soul-healing:
“These images finally show who I am and what my brand stands for. They gave me the missing piece for my website and social media—and reignited my excitement.”
Sometimes, the boost we need isn’t another strategy or tool—it’s the bold decision to show up unapologetically as ourselves.
Svenja Lyon
Summary: Let’s Flip Fear into Fuel
What we see in these stories is no accident—it’s the common thread of unstoppable sisterhood. These founders didn’t just take business risks—they took life risks. And every one of those leaps carried them closer to who they were meant to be.
Here’s what we’re stealing for our own journeys:
Keep moving forward. Momentum matters more than perfect timing. (Dionne Ellison)
Stand for your truth, even if it shakes your world. (Lauren McCullough, Lori Lalonde)
Fear often means you’re exactly where you need to be. (Hallie Bulkin)
Invest in what makes you stand out and feel alive. (Stephenie Zamora, Svenja Lyon)
Sometimes quitting is winning. (Christina Kokologiannakis)
Faith and grit make the impossible possible. (Destiny Dingle)
Say yes to your dreams—no matter who doubts them. (Tammy Zelez, Osayi Lasisi)
We are capable of extraordinary things, and OUR stories—the messy middle, the big scares, the triumphant yes—are our superpowers. So lean into the risk. We’ve got your back.
Feeling fired up or need an extra hand? You know where to find your Gal Project sisterhood—because this climb is ours, together.
The Gal Project is where bold, ambitious, and fierce (BAF) women in NJ & NY come to raise their voices and build a (BAF) community—one story at a time.
Want to contribute an article or be featured? We’re always looking for fresh perspectives, real experiences, and inspiring journeys from women just like you. Check out our submission guidelines and share your story—because what you’ve lived can lift another woman up. Submit your story or feature idea here!
Ready to be seen—for real? I’m Angela Acosta, founder of Angela Atelier. Through powerful personal branding and portrait sessions, I help women in Perth Amboy, throughout New Jersey, and the greater New York area own their legacy—on camera. Whether you’re a business owner, a creative, or simply stepping into your next big chapter, let’s create images that capture your boldest energy.
Feeling inspired? Share it forward. If today’s article made you think, “Wow, I needed this,” pass it on to a friend who could use a little reminder that she’s BAF too. We’re all in this together.
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