Deciding to start a business is an unusual decision. It’s often considered irrational and yet for many it’s the best decision they’ve ever made. So we asked folks to think back to when they were starting their businesses and to tell us about their decision making process.

Keyva Clark | Politico & Entrepreneur

It was simple. I come from a family of entrepreneurs! When I was born, my grandparents had, at that point, owned their real estate business for over 15 years. Read more>>

Jennifer Love | Fashion Designer

The though process behind starting y own business was freedom. The freedom to make my own schedule, be my own boss, and be able to answer to myself. I figured if I could work for someone and help their dream work, I could do that for myself. It is knowing that I am also leaving a legacy to pass on to my future children and build something for my family to have for generations to come. Read more>>

Amoye Henry | Investor, Strategist and Author

As a business strategist, investor, and author, my thought process behind starting my own business was multifaceted. First and foremost, I wanted to create something that had a positive impact on the world and helped to break down barriers for underrepresented founders. This desire was what led me to co-found Pitch Better Inc., a market-research firm that supports underrepresented founders in scaling their businesses. Read more>>

Issac Cruz | Contractor & Chef

My thought behind the process was more of giving myself a challenge, was working for companies doing all the work and knowing I can provide better service and quality is when I decided to start my own home renovation company. Like everything it was a roller coaster to start and get to know things on your own was the biggest challenge. Thinking about it and going through is the biggest step you have to commit to your self first before doing anything. Read more>>

Amareya Davis | Master Cosmetologist

My thought process behind starting my business was to build upon my passion. I put myself in my clients shoes and asked myself what type of experience would I want to receive? I wanted to provide an experience where Women, Men and Children could just BE. To educate clients about healthy hair care while supporting them with reaching their hair goals. Read more>>

Samarra Torrence | Record Producer & Owner of Sage Studios

Well, it all came to a point where as a musician we should take bigger risks to be successful. So I felt start a recording studio would be both beneficial to my music and financially. Also, having a studio space to collaborate with other musicians and just having a studio to call your own is so much better! Read more>>

William Jardell & James Wallington | LGBTQ+ Travel Content Creators & TV Personalities

When we started our business, our initial thought process was centered around creating a video journal that would allow us to capture and share our travel experiences with our future children. However, after a few trips, we began to realize that our videos had the potential to reach a wider audience beyond just ourselves and our family. Read more>>

Quinterious Copeland | Photographer & Graphic Designer

As I considered starting Quin Ricardo Photography, I knew that I wanted to pursue my passion for capturing moments and creating beautiful images. I had always loved photography and found that I had a natural talent for it, and I wanted to turn that passion into a career. I knew that starting a photography business would be challenging, but I was excited by the prospect of building something from the ground up and creating a business that was both fulfilling and profitable. Read more>>

Kaylan Simmons | Model/ Model Coach

I’ve been modeling for some years now and it has brought me great opportunities. Throughout my journey I’ve seen others wanting to break into modeling, but they didn’t know where to start. I have a true passion for helping others especially when it comes to pushing people towards their dreams. I did go to college and I received my master’s degree in social work, but I figured I could use it towards something I really love to do which is my passion for modeling. Read more>>

Michael Kreiser | Digital Artist

I’ve always wanted to make a living off of my artistic abilities. And my business has gone through several transformations over the years until reaching the form that it’s in now. I did oil painting commissions for quite a while, but that business model wasn’t very lucrative. I knew that I wanted to make Art that was good enough to be replicated and sold over different mediums, so I began to work digitally creating touristy prints, sports designs, fun patterns. I was just trying to get something to stick with an audience. And that didn’t happen until I made my first comic design in 2017 for Kendrick Lamar’s “DAMN” Read more>>

Sta’Cie Brooks | The Shea Butter Ladi | Reiki Master & Massage Therapist

When starting my own business I wanted it to be something that I truly enjoy. Working for someone else you are dedicating your time and energy into someone’s else’s operation. Which leaves you depleted, you don’t have the time or energy to put into yourself. A job is can be a distraction that will block you from your creative ideas. It wasn’t until I was able to step away from a 9-5 is when I began to see my creative energy flourish. Taking back my time allowed me to rediscover my passions and invest my time back into myself. Read more>>

Michael & Debra West | French Bulldog Breeders

The thought process behind starting our own business is providing families with a family member to add love to their lives. The love we have for the Frenchie breed also plays a big part as well. Our Frenches are like our kids, they provide us with plenty of love and affection. Read more>>

Aisha Wilkes | Principal Owner/Operator

Entrepreneurship and side hustles run in my family. My father worked as a DJ while also holding a sales manager position. My grandfather kept busy collecting and recycling cardboard, doing work for the church, and providing cleaning services for an office building after he retired. To find a creative outlet from my daily Public Health job, I ventured into event planning and eventually started my own photobooth rental business. Read more>>

Renata Johnson | Travel Agent & CEO

My mother was a serial entrepreneur. So it was embedded in me to be a business owner. I’ve been a LPN for 10 years, so covid was rough for me. After constant stress and worrying, I decided to start my business as a side gig. Making people’s magical vacations helped with the stress. After covid, I decided to make business ownership my primary commitment. It’s been a hard road but an enjoyable one! Read more>>

Imani Prince | Music Blogger and Ethusiast

My thought behind starting my Youtube channel was for people to see my face. I was also asked by a lot of supporters who read my music blog. “koolinthegang.blog.” I have had the blog for a while, about 4 years before I started my Youtube journey in 2020. I think people wanted to create a more personal relationship with me. I am glad that I created my Youtube channel to execute this. I have found it a lot easier to do when creating content in a timely manner. Read more>>

Kristen Stewart | Customized Gifts & Event Décor

At a very young age, I was gifted with creativity and a passion to give back to mankind. Providing a service that is tailor-made to the customer’s needs is always my goal and pleasure. Nothing is more satisfying than creating memorable gifts for individuals that cannot be store-bought. Read more>>