Melanie Perkins of Canva
In 2007 was teaching students how to use a computer aided design software, while she was studying in Perth, Australia. The software was expensive, complex and the teaching was lasting a semester, prompting her to explore simpler alternatives. She aimed to create an online, cheaper, and simpler software solution.
Her idea was turned down by over 100 investors. However, three years later an investor embraced her concept. Today, 60 million of users exploit the capabilities of Canva across 190 countries.
Adi Dassler of Adidas
Dassler began his shoemaking career in his mother's washroom in Bavaria, Germany, with a goal to fabricate the best possible athletic shoes. His effort was based on the feedback that he was receiving from the athletes regarding their opinion about the shoes, pain points that could be improved and their feeling about his early shoes.