Starting a business is a commitment and requires dedication, resources and sacrifice. We asked some of the rising stars in our community how they thought through the idea of starting their own businesses.

John Gearries | I’m a SAG-AFTRA Actor, licensed realtor, and mortgage loan officer. I also am a producer and screenwriter.

I started my own business for a few reasons. First reason was for tax purposes and getting paid 1099 instead of W2. Second reason was for legal protection. I have two business. I use Gearries Inc for my acting, real estate and mortgage business. For my entertainment IP, movie production, and screenwriting I use Stronger Entertainment. This protects my real estate and acting business from anything that would happen on my creative production side. Read more>>

Darlene Perkins | Servant Leader & CEO of Mobile Laundry Detroit

During COVID, like a lot of us, I was quarantined at home reimagining what normal living would be for me and my family. Creating and keeping peace in my life became one of my biggest priorities. I started to embrace the art of delegation and found ways to delegate tasks that I wasn’t either fond of or strong in doing. Read more>>

Blake McDaniel | Co-Owner | Rooted + Grounded

We were moving to Georgia from Florida, and my husband was selling his business in Florida. We wanted to work together, and he thought we could turn my sign-making hobby into a business. It has been great to work together and combine both our interest into something we both love and enjoy! Read more>>

Nakeitra Burse | Maternal Health Expert

I have always desired to be an entrepreneur. I believe it is in my blood, my father is a serial entrepreneur and I’ve always watched his hustle. But, on the other hand, I had the desire to help people in a way that is less restrictive. I wanted the creative ability to develop strategies and solutions to problems our communities face, but I didn’t want our people to have to pay for those services…because we’re up against enough, right? I wanted my clients to be the organizations and agencies that had the power to 1) create sustainable change and 2) offer services that would make healthy decision making easier for people who look like me. So, I structured my business in a way that we challenge the system to invest in strategies and solutions that will improve health outcomes for Black women. Read more>>

Brian and Erin Mooney | Catering Business Owner and Restaurant Owner

We wanted to take the chance to have freedom of creating something for ourselves. We had a determination and a dream of what the business could potentially be. We are both dreamers and trust God with our lives. We wanted to create a work environment for others that would be positive and inviting. Read more>>

Author C. Orville McLeish | Copyeditor, Writer and Self-Publishing Specialist

Well, to be honest, I was in the 9-5 environment for over a decade, but I realize that I was building someone else’s empire and not my own. So, recognizing that I had something to offer to the world, I started to establish myself as a freelancer/entrepreneur while working for someone. I did this for years before I realize that, expenses aside, I was making more money from my side hustle, so I decided to go full time running my own business. Read more>>

Janiqua Stines | Chef and Owner

Growing up always reading articles how entrepreneurs are some of the most successful and richest people in the world is why I chose to start my own business. Also being able to create things to leave behind for my children and family. Read more>>

Terri Nicole | Actor, Voice Talent, Educator and Speaker

It wasn’t instant for me. I had been wanted to make a switch to the arts for years. I had always been in plays and commercials on the side of my teaching and educational consulting work. Luckily, I was working with a life coach and she truly helped to empower me to create a life I would love. This was a new concept for me but I found it intoxicating. The only problem was, I wanted to do so many things! Act, write, do voice over, dance, speak. Read more>>

Chante Woods, LCSW, MFT | Psychotherapist and Founder of Phoenix Rising Counseling & Guidance

At the time of starting my business, I had been a social worker for about 9 years. I worked in several varying capacities and understood the role that I wanted to play in sparking change in the lives of others. I left what we call the public sector and began working in mental health private practices. Each time I found myself the only black clinical provider and I started feeling more like I was being used to reach my people. The missions, goals, and what was important for the white owned spaces I found myself in were not aligned with my own. From there I decided it was time to start my own mental health private practice. Read more>>

D’Anna Brown-Locklear | Owner/Founder of Earth & Envy®

Earth & Envy was started after what I would like to call a “discovery transition,” in my life. I began using natural salts during my bath to destress while in an abusive marriage. I was balancing trying to make an angry man happy, being a mother, and my job so I had a lot to deal with. Soaking while listening to Yolanda Adams (When You Believe) and Eric Thomas (etthehiphoppreacher) on repeat was my way of escaping from the pain that I was dealing with at the time. It was my first act of self-care. Read more>>

Alicia Long | Laura’s Biggest Cheerleader!

I decided to start I Am My Sisters Bra Foundation, Inc. because I wanted to keep my sisters legacy alive and help others fighting breast cancer. Read more>>

Tristan Searles | Owner and Operator of TJs Detailing ATL

I wanted to open a carwash; however, to start small and break into the business I decided to begin a mobile detailing service. I really like washing cars and have been doing that my whole life as a past time. I named the business after my son Tristan Searles Jr. (TJ). I plan to leave a legacy for my family by creating this business. Read more>>

Dr. Rashae Barnes | Celebrity Publicist and Branding Expert

When I first started my business I was unknowingly doing public relations . I was always known as the “ dot connector” for people so my business actually began to grow organically . Read more>>

Justin M. Lee Sr., MBA | License General Contractor, and Real Estate Broker

“Build your own dreams, or someone will hire you to build theirs”. This has always been a quote that has stuck with me throughout life. I took an interest to real estate after Hurricane Katrina and experiencing the trauma and loss of all of my personal items, family, memoirs, and my entire home. At the age of 7, I realized the importance of ownership, insurance, and overall business essentials. As soon as I was able to begin working and earning an income, I began to invest in real estate. Read more>>

Rico Sanchez | International DJ & Nightlife Consultant

I wanted to increase my revenue per project and be able to buy insurance to protect all ventures. Read more>>

Marcy White | Entrepreneur

My thought process was generational wealth . Inside and out ! Read more>>

Nathan Borget | Certified Athletic Trainer and Strength Coach

I have worked in athletics for 20 years as an athletic trainer striving to help keep people in the game. Through that time I worked in the college, high school, community outreach and tactical settings. My job and goal was to provide high quality healthcare to those individuals and keep them playing. All the while as the fitness industry was booming I would see those around me dealing with injuries I could treat. Often I would give advice but didn’t get the chance to really exercise. Just over a year ago I had the opportunity to start up a clinic working out of a local gym, Body Evolution, and I jumped at it. Read more>>

Shay Holcy | CEO & FOUNDER OF THE HOOKAH JUNKY

I was terrified to start my own business. I didn’t know where to start or what to do. I would ask people I knew that had a business for some incite and they would say ” Girl don’t do it, its a lot “, but its something about someone telling you NOT TO do something that gives you a rush to do it anyway and I knew starting a business would be hard. It would require some risk to be taken, discipline and commitment, but I was ready for it and I went all in. Read more>>

Antavious TJ Grier | Founding Owner & Operator

To answer this question I have to start at church. I have been in church all my life. I am one of the youth ministers at my church. I believe that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. My life has been full of people telling me I cannot accomplish something and I would not accomplish something. From the doctors telling me I have a learning disorder and I’ll never be equal to my peers at a young age to being 19 and a doctor telling me I wouldn’t live pass 2 more weeks because my heart would explode. Read more>>

Rod Van Blake | Author/Publisher

I wanted to find a way to make money while doing something I enjoyed and had a passion for so that it doesn’t feel like work. It started as a hobby and then when I saw it was viable more resources and time were put in to make it happen. Read more>>

Kyle Wigginton | Creative

There really wasn’t much of a thought process behind it. This is just what I’m supposed to be doing. I tried the 9 to 5 grind at a younger age and that ended in depression. Slowly life pushed me into doing what I do today. Read more>>

LIA Givenchy | Female Artist / Entrepreneur

I’ve always wanted to be a black woman in business, due to the lack or representation in the industry thus I started BARTICA RECORDS , then ventured into Beauty with Exotic Bliss Atlanta Read more>>

Nae Jackson | Educator & Entrepreneur

I wanted to start my own business because I noticed that I was being underpaid for my contributions, time, and energy. I felt that I had more to offer the world and that the universe had more waiting on me, in reciprocation for my talents, passions, and doings. Read more>>

Marcy Ebangha | Marcy Boutique

I thought starting a business was as easy as ABC. Everyone always said just do it, which I still believe in just do it but have in mind that starting a business needs Alot of sacrifices and consistency. I also thought when I will start it was gonna go viral over night which that should be every new business owner mindset because the Bible say what you think is who you are but it definitely didn’t go that way. it didn’t go viral overnight but over time with prayers and hard-work everything started falling in place . Read more>>

Christopher Blair | Interior Decorator

As I approached the end of my 20’s, I started to think about what I imagined my life looking like in my 30’s. I started to weigh whether I wanted to stay in a career for the money, or if i wanted to do something that didn’t actually feel like work. You know the saying… “if you’re doing something you love every day, it will never feel like work. Thoughts of how I’ve always been a creative person, with a keen eye for decor and design. Read more>>

Valerie Roman | Chiropractor

I’ve always had the desire to make a significant impact in the communities I am part of. I believe one of the best ways to fulfill that desire is to start your own business. I have been preparing myself for years, I gained experience in my field, I created a plan where fear had no place. I trusted my knowledge, skills, experience and family support to run a successful business. I believe the best way to achieve this is to lead by example and to provide unique, one of a kind care to people. Read more>>

Sofie Engström von Alten | Illustrator + rug designer

From a very young age I loved drawing and coloring. In old family photos there’s me clutching a cookie in one hand and a crayon in the other. My love for coloring and storytelling (and cookies) have stuck with me throughout my life. I doodled constantly through school, making comic books about my Barbies’ love lives and designing tattoos for my friends. Eventually I was illustrating books and designing band posters for money. It seemed like a natural progression to make a business out of what I love, and that’s how I started illustrating children’s books. Read more>>

Wynton Rice | Music Manager & Creative Director

When I started HGA, (Homegrown Art) 3 months before the actual idea I was diagnosed with kidney failure, my kidneys were at 90% loss. I could no longer work at my well paying job, due to the effects of dialysis treatment which is a very exhausting experience. I had to turn to what I love which is the arts. Visual art, music, and graphic design was an escape for me out of a dark place, and I was fortunate enough to have people around me who believed in me, and told me I could turn my talents into a lucrative situation. Read more>>

Diana Moye-Mitchell | Transformational Life Coach & Motivational Speaker

My thought process was surrounded around helping people, who have gone through traumatic life changing ordeals, regain hope in life. People often loose hope for the future because of the adversity, which has negatively impacted their mental, physical and financial well being. Through the services of H.O.P.E., my endeavor is to help people maintain desire for life with an optimistic attitude, a positive mindset, and an expectation of what they hope for will come to pass. Read more>>

Tedrian Satterwhite | Healer and herbalist

The process of me starting this business was very simple. I was working 9-5 jobs brainstorming business ideas and ways to become my own boss. My mother ( Adrian ) introduced me into the seamoss smoothies and ever since i tried my first one i fell in love with it and took off from there Read more>>

Diwan Majors | Hair Industry Professional & Hair Industry Educator

My thought process was really simple. I wanted to work for myself. After years of factory work and a several bad life choices. I wanted to do something I was proud of and would provide me with a means to take care of my family. I took a skill that I pick up while in jail and turned it into a business. Major Kutz is the result of a decision I made to stand on my own two feet and make it happen. Read more>>

Ilana Green | CEO & Founder of Pawsitively Delicious

I founded Pawsitively Delicious because of my love for cooking and my love for dogs. I wanted them to enjoy my dogs to enjoy my cooking but in a safe way. Everyone loves their dogs, they aren’t called man’s best friend for nothing. Many dog owners treat their dogs like their children. Sure there are many dog treats out I the world, even many organic dog treats. However, there aren’t many treats that look like human food. Just like parents, dog owners only want the best for their fur babies. Read more>>

Ariana Sullivan | Artist & Maker

For years I dreamt of making a living as an artist, but I wanted to focus on a common theme to build a business based on something I’m passionate about. From a very young age, I have always been inspired to create from the beauty found in nature. I find purpose in absorbing beautiful natural elements that I appreciate and translate it in my own way to create something meaningful and memorable. I want my business to reflect who I am and what I love so that I can share it with others. Read more>>

Antonia Lawrence | Quantum Healer, Wealth Circulator & Business Services Expert

Honestly, there wasn’t much thought put into starting my business because it all made sense for me at the time I was in at the moment. I am coming from having over 10 years of experience in the financial industry and when the idea came to my mind I simply asked myself “Why not?” I didn’t have any solid reason on why I shouldn’t pursue this in a greater capacity so I said “This is what I am going to do”. Once I made the decision to do it, all the doors, resources and connections aligned for me at the right moment. At that point, I knew I had to go all in and make it happen. Read more>>

Terry, Erica Nelson, Lamarr | Co-CEOs

Erica-My business idea was born 13 years ago when I was successful on weight watchers and seeking healthier options when dining out. I wanted to pursue creating a restaurant that catered to points and made it easier for members to stay on their paths. I thought by designing a menu in points and creating a system that linked to their membership that would automatically track what they ordered, thus freeing them from the dreaded worry of what will I order and will I track it. Read more>>

Jerrica Islam | Travel Agent

I love to travel. I’ve always planned all of my girls trips and other vacations. My friends even reach out to me to help with for their trips, so I said to myself I might as well do this on the side and make money from it. Read more>>

L.O.R.D. | Author/entrepreneur

I was in prison with 29 years to serve. Providing for my family was imperative! So I did what I could given the circumstances. Read more>>

Charlotte Swann | Founder/CEO/Chief Storyteller

The main reason for founding this production company was driven by my son, Derrek who recently passed away in 2021 at the age of 30. Derrek was an exuberant, adventurous, animated young man who chased after challenges. His mental disorders had plagued him for years without being diagnosed. Ultimately, he succumbed to them. I am an advocate for mental health and will create short films, tv series, and films based on the many mental disorders that my son suffered from. This is my why! This is for him! Read more>>

Kay Jenkins | Skincare Product Developer

I took a great look at all of the challenges that I faced as an individual with autoimmune diseases and how I could live life with more vitality. During a very difficult season of health trials, I had a conversation with my husband, one of my physicians and a pharmacist and that’s when the light bulb went off to launch my business. Read more>>

Devon Murray | Photographer & videographer

I always wanted my own production studio/company. I’ve been doing photography/videography for 10 years. Moved to Atlanta with a plan to work in tv and radio production Read more>>

Sharlene Bradberry | Chef & Herbalist

Leaving a legacy for my kids…creating jobs for my blood family & mudd family. Read more>>

Teylor Parks | Multi-Hyphenate Artist

2020 was a tough year for me. I was dealing with post-grad depression and anxiety from adulting, work, the pandemic, civil unrest…the list goes on. I needed tools to pull myself out of a dark place, so I created affirmation and journal prompt cards. After using them for a few months, I noticed my mood and confidence increasing. Once I realized how well these cards worked for me, I knew I had to share them with others. That’s how Breathe in Color was born. Read more>>

Stephen Pitts | Artist and visual thinker

In my perspective, my artwork is the very best representation of my highest creative skill and imagination. I decided to try to build an environment for myself in which I could foster my talent and ability and present it with the public. My artwork also offers the most all encompassing way for me to share my thoughts and ideas about our world. Read more>>