Ms. Rohini Dey went from being a mundane banking professional in Corporate America to an entrepreneur with two restaurants in Chicago, Illinois. She is the founder of Vermillion, a restaurant with two locations and 70 employees in the Second City.

If you have ever thought about a career transition, or breaking away and starting something new, this one is for you.

RD: For the start-up stage, take off the rosy-tinted glasses and really learn your industry and run the numbers before you dive in, unless this is going be a philanthropic effort. Invest in yourself. Passion and optimism don't suffice.