Are you thinking about starting a business? If so, we think you’ll enjoy reading about how these seasoned entrepreneurs thought about the question when they were in your shoes.

Izayah Grace | Fashion Designer | Stylist | Creative Director

Starting my own business was mainly about me finding personal happiness. I never wanted to waste my time just not being happy in life. My own business strictly means that if i fail everything is on me and nobody else. Read more>>

Uncle T | Uncle T is a singer, rapper, and entrepreneur living in Philadelphia.

Years ago, I took a Hip Hop Production course at a music school called Slam Academy in Minneapolis. My teacher, Greg Grease, is a full time musician who also does leather work and clothing design. His lifestyle inspired me to get creative in developing an additional source of income to support my music. I asked myself the question, “What is something other than music that I enjoy and could monetize?” Funnily enough, the first thing that came to mind was seasoning salt. Since I was a kid, I’ve been a huge flavor enthusiast. Read more>>

Destiny Lockett | Business Owner

My thought process behind Eye Decore was to embody fashion with something that we would always need like eyewear. Style is everywhere, but is unique to its wearer. Read more>>

Alexander Pollock | Online Marketing Agency

To provide better services and customer relations in a market that is oversaturated. Being My Own Boss and excelling with my skill set showcasing my talents and to build generational wealth. Read more>>

Andrew Glass | Founder & CEO of Non Gender Specific

Non Gender Specific is a revolutionary skincare brand that defies conventional norms and embraces the concept of inclusivity and sustainability. I really wanted to create a brand that broke the segregation I was seeing within the beauty space, and offer products that anyone could buy without feeling uncomfortable or out of place. Read more>>

Sunny Love | Holistic Health

I wanted to help people with pain as well as anxiety I wanted to educate people on holistic health Read more>>

August Wolfe | Floral Preservation Artist

I got married in October of 2020 and knew I wanted to save my own wedding flowers. I started playing around with epoxy and had done a few of my friend’s wedding flowers. However, had no intentions of making floral preservation a business. During the pandemic, I was caring for the sickest patients in Covid intensive care units. I was so mentally drained and physically worn out from the rollercoaster of emotions I was battling daily as an ICU nurse. Read more>>

Lea Davis | Candle Consultant & Intentional Candle Brand Owner

I started my business as a junior in college, and it began as a deep yearning to be financially free and build generational wealth after graduating. I didn’t want to “struggle” or keep chasing the next job that paid more money all while not being able to live in my purpose, give value to those around me or be in a place to afford my children to do exactly what they want in life without money or mindset being a barrier. I wanted to create a natural body care line because growing up my family and I were always buying natural products and using them in our natural remedies to combat and overcome various health and wellness issues. Read more>>

DORESSA | Recording & Touring Artist

Starting my own business in the music industry was a decision driven by several key factors that converged to create a compelling vision for my future. First and foremost, I wanted to champion my own music. As an artist, I’ve always believed in the importance of having creative control over my work. I wanted to be the one making the final decisions about the direction of my music and the message I wanted to convey through it. Read more>>

Terry Sartor | Music Label Founder and Music Producer

I started DJing as a college student while attending Emory University here in Atlanta. I had a show on Emory’s radio station WMRE. From there, I started DJing professionally in Atlanta’s trendy Buckhead area. After graduating from Emory, I decided to move down to South Florida. I landed in South Beach where I lived for around six years. At that time, South Beach was an epicenter of the global dance music scene. I had DJ residences at venues down there including Amnesia International and Lue in South Beach. Read more>>

Kim Weldy | Style Encore owner

I had been an educator for 28 years and never really thought about doing anything else. Then covid hit and closed the schools. One of my best friends owned a Plato’s Closet and had to close it as well. She was trying to upload product to an online store and sell it that way. I would go in and help her. We would work in that store 10-12 hours a day uploading product to an online platform. When things began to open back up, many of her workers did not come back, so I stayed on and helped her. I have always been a people person and enjoyed the retail atmosphere. Read more>>

Antoine Thomas | Founder + Creative Director, West 7th Design Studio

I launched West 7th Design Studio in 2009 while at Howard University. I had just changed my major from Business Administration to Graphic Design during my junior year and refused to feel like I wasted my time up to that point. But I think even more, I didn’t want to be the only person in the room who didn’t have any technical design experience. I was in the middle of some growing pains and really disillusioned with whatever path I felt I was expected to follow, so I said “eff it” and jumped in. Read more>>

Denise Ivey – Wiggins | Business Owner | International Speaker } Philanthropist | Logistics Owner | Cosmetics Owner

Starting a business is an exciting yet daunting task. It requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, but the rewards are worth it. For me, the decision to start my own business was driven by several factors, with my family and building a legacy, My family has always been my biggest motivation in life. As a mother of three adult children and 5 grandkids, I wanted to create a better future for my family. I wanted the flexibility to spend more time with them, be there for important moments, and provide them with a comfortable life. Read more>>

Lauren Heusner | Yoga Instructor & Owner of Lotus Yoga

My yoga journey began almost 7 years ago when I was pregnant with my first child, Maddox. In an effort to maintain my physical and mental health throughout my pregnancy as well as prepare my body for what was to come, I took up yoga, and have been in love with it ever since. As I continued my practice, I felt that a yoga studio would be a perfect fit for the Watkinsville community as I have found that our community is very health conscious and I wanted to contribute to that by creating an environment where people from all walks of life and different stages of fitness felt welcome and comfortable. Read more>>

Porter Alexander Tynes, III | Georgia & Tennessee Real Estate Agent

When I think of the process behind starting my real estate business, I instantly think of a quote from my high school secretary, Ms. Avery Lewis. She told me that “Dreams can take you places you have never been before”. In high school, becoming a real estate agent was a dream for me. My journey towards establishing my real estate business was deeply rooted in my belief that everyone deserved the opportunity to live the dream of obtaining a home and experiencing the pride of homeownership. Read more>>

Latarsha Ellis | Master Cosmetologist/Instructor

I have been in the hair industry for over 27 years. In these 27 years, I’ve had some great experiences. Starting Evolutions Beauty Bar in October of 2018, however, was different for me. I have come so far, EVOLVED so much, gained so much knowledge, learned in the process, meet some amazing educators and fellow entrepreneurs, as well as have the absolute pleasure of working with some. Great hairstylists. Because of all the above mentioned, it has made me the Hairstylist I am today. Read more>>

grant wallace | glass recycling enthusiast

I wanted to help give customers a peace of mind on where their glass recycling is going. Parts of atlanta do not accept glass in their recycling and that’s for good reason. The only way to properly recycle glass 100% is to do it separately and that’s what I’m offering! Read more>>

Cassandra Montgomery | Realtor, Owner/Broker & Author

“I decided to start my own real estate brokerage because real estate is not just a career for me; it’s my purpose and the essence of my life. I don’t view the opportunity to help people as work, it’s more of a fulfillment. Since getting my real estate license in 2005 and eventually becoming a broker, I realized early on the profound passion I have for connecting people with their dream homes, helping them make sound investments, and guiding them through important life transitions. This journey is more than just a job; it’s the fulfillment of my life’s purpose. Read more>>

Nastassja Magee | Mixologist

In today’s fast-paced world, where the demands of work and technology often pull families apart, I find myself reflecting on the importance of preserving cherished moments of togetherness, laughter, and creating lasting memories. It is within this context that I have embarked on the journey of starting my own mobile bartending service that is uniquely geared towards facilitating these precious moments and experiences together. Read more>>

Hasan Green | Artist & Singer

I was called. I was chosen. I was given a gift from God above to bless the world through music. I believe it is my assignment and obligation to uplift, empower and encourage through melody and lyric. I started publicly singing at the age of 5. As a child prodigy I watched the hand of God bring elevation and great opportunities so I decided I would be obedient to the will of the father and follow his order concerning my life and my career. i have learned through the course of years that it is better to get it right the first time by hearing the voice of God instead of having it your way and then needing a Redo. Read more>>

Emery Giles | Dart Wars 2U teenage Owner

Well, I was 12 years old when I ask my mom to start the company. We had a Nerf party for my 11th birthday and all of my friends and I had so much fun there parents were asking what company we hired. So I asked my Mom could we actually start a company to help other kids have epic Nerf Parties like mine. She said yes it was a great idea and she started it right away. Read more>>

Ashley McDonough | Founder of Melanin On The Map

I officially became an entrepreneur July 1st 2019, but the journey to it, has been years in the making. An avid traveler my whole life, I always knew that one day I wanted to create a brand and business that connected passionate travel lovers just like me and strategized just what that would look like years before the official launch of Melanin On The Map. I knew I didn’t want to be another beautiful picture-filled Instagram page, with no real substance but I wanted more for the community I envisioned. I wanted to create real life experiences, income opportunities and other beautiful brands in affiliation to ours. Read more>>

Tania Arora | Entrepreneur, Marketer and Communicator

I was an introverted kid. And when I say introvert, I mean in a way that I could barely speak up. Everyone in my family or people in my circle was highly competitive. I remember being in gatherings where elders who were successful with their kids would sit and brag about their achievements. Even though I was academically outstanding, I wasn’t doing anything that would set me apart. Due to a lack of confidence, I couldn’t even share my bare minimum achievements. Read more>>

Summer Brown | Venue. Owner, promoter, and International tour manager

I started Ofela Lounge in the beginning to link AFRICAN American to west African culture through food music and communication. In addition to bridging the gap between west Africans and the Diaspora we also created a space for musicians , event promoters and dancers to be able to perfect their craft.. we are know as the Afrobeats parties, live concert, and show cases in a safe yet affordable event space Read more>>

Tirrick Obadiah Smith | Serial Entrepreneur & Entertainment Industry Professional

I have always had a flame burning deep down inside of me which prompted a sudden urge for me to become the leader of my own creative thoughts and ideas. Something has always been there burning. I had a natural born passion that allowed me to mold visions instantly which I realized one of my gifts. I knew from an early age that I wanted to walk into greatness in my own special way. I wanted to display to the world the ideas that lived on the inside. Read more>>

Sidney Holmes | Realtor

Starting my own real estate business was a carefully considered decision that evolved from a combination of personal passion and professional ambition. Here’s an overview of my thought process: Passion for Real Estate: My love for real estate started at a young age. I’ve always been fascinated by the dynamics of the housing market, architecture, and the emotional connection people have with their homes. This passion served as the foundation for my business. Read more>>

CJ | Professional Photographer

I always wanted to offer my artistic talents to people. With Callisto Captured It, I turned my visions into reality. Read more>>

Leslie Harris | Author | Coach | Speaker

Since I was younger, if there was a need that I had or wanted to escape I would turn to books. As I got older, that hadn’t changed. I started my publishing company because as I was experiencing things in life, I turned to books but there were none that resonated or directly aligned with what I was going through. So, I took it upon myself to create the books and the space for stories that I was looking for to become a reality. Read more>>

Dre’mon Miller | Christian

Street Smartz Over Safety, LLC was created as a way to help fill the gap in educating our community on safety, wellness, and building relationships. Due to the strain on law enforcement and community relationships, the business was created. The lessons, seminars, and other opportunities of learning focus on strengthening trust between police agencies and the communities they serve. In addition, career readiness skills are taught such as professionalism, communication, and collaboration. Read more>>

Quin Gregory | Carpenter & Educator

Starting a business isn’t an easy decision to make. For me, I wanted to have better control over my future. I noticed the companies that I worked for were making millions per month. They would never teach me how to be a millionaire regardless of my skill, talent, and work ethic. I had to put myself in a position to win! Read more>>

Darnell J. Ligon | Entrepreneur

You can’t produce self wealth working for someone else 10 hours a day. I have to start from scratch because I don’t have a startup kit or trust fund. So while working I have to build another house elsewhere for my own business. Regular employment is actually part venture capital for my own business. Read more>>

Monica Renee | Entertainment Page

When I created Monica Renee Tea V in 2018, my thought process was to fill a gap in the market for a dedicated platform celebrating Black pop culture and entertainment. I noticed that mainstream channels often didn’t fully represent or appreciate the richness and diversity of Black culture. My vision was to create a hub that not only highlights but also elevates Black artists, creators, and thought leaders. By focusing on this niche, I aimed to build a community that resonates with the content and finds value in a platform tailor-made for them. Read more>>

C.F. Jackson | Founder & CEO of iDefine TV

In 2013, I learned about Roku. Initially, I was unaware of the possibilities it offered. Once I discovered how I could use it and reach a global television audience, my mind shifted. I immediately thought of how to help fellow entrepreneurs like myself who wanted and needed exposure. As a published author, I understood what it meant to be seen, as much as possible in order to drive book sales. Let’s be honest; television wasn’t part of the budget. Read more>>

Veronica harrell | Business Owner & Podcaster

My thought process for starting 1025 Entertainment, LLC and the Dope Therapy Podcast was to express my talent and the talent of others in media without limitations. I want to blaze a trail while helping like-minded individuals do the same. 1025 Entertainment is able to present opportunities to artists, writers, and producers who do not want to conform to traditional ways that other companies force them to create. Read more>>

Aminah Abdul Saleem | Chef, Graphic Designer, Entrepreneur.

The thought process behind my business was to mainly bring my talent to the front lines by broadcasting my deep passion for food & sharing it with others. When I was 17 I recognized the potential in my passion and knew it could become a business, but not only did I want to just turn it into a business just to profit i wanted to start a business to bring something different to the market. Read more>>

Jillian Williams | Freight dispatcher, Ministry director, and author

My business is bigger than just me. Starting my business was a complete revelation from God as means to help those who need 2nd chances, and to build generational wealth. The goal of my business is to be a part of a reentry program allowing employment opportunities to those who have been criminally convicted. I understand the difficulties of finding decent employment, which allows someone to actually allows someone to meet standard living needs after facing criminal charges. Read more>>

Lyric Anderson | Certified Sexologist

I started Beyond The Shade when I became a mentor to a young lady. She was ending a breakup and the person she was dating made a comment about her intimate parts and PH balance, which in turn started an open conversation with me. To my surprise this young lady, at 21 had never been to a doctor. This started my wheels turning because how many other young black women didn’t know about their bodies. I then did a bit of research and found there was a lane for education in this field. Read more>>

Tina Brown-Jordan | Founder of My Sisters Keeper

Through my journey of having to endure multiple of trails in life became my My need of wanting to a better person. Read more>>

Cherish Perkins | Fashion Designer & Stylist

I started Cherish Perkins LLC a few months after I graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln in June 2022 with a Bachelor’s in Fashion Merchandising and minors in Business, Art, and International Studies. Ever since I was five years old I had a passion for fashion, I always sat at the kitchen counter sketching people in fashionable outfits for hours. I looked forward to getting the latest fashion magazine or watching a runway show, however, growing up I didn’t see many individuals like myself. I wanted to be the change and use my gift and talent to create an environment where everyone felt truly represented. Read more>>

Rhonda Jones | Co-Owner

Our thought process for starting our own business was to created generational wealth and to start a family business that can be passed down for generations to come. Read more>>

Julius Tubbs | Cinematographer and owner of NCJ Digital video production

I worked at a gym for I think 3 to 4 years. Worked my way up to becoming a fitness manager. I felt my work ethic spoke for it self. I was good at it. I got this job when I came home from prison. They never did a back ground check. They hired me as a program design specialist. I sold a lot of personal training to clients. I also worked another personal training job. Once I became fitness manager i felt I didn’t need to hide where I came from. But I was sadly mistaken. Once word got out I was a felon I was fired. Read more>>

Bee Vang | A resilient challenger

I had dreams of doing big things for my community, but i was always afraid that I would fail so I played it safe and stayed at a regular 9 to 5 until my sister passed away. She was a dreamer, an entrepreneur, a free spirited individual. After she passed, I promised myself to never be a 9 to 5 person again. I am still breathing, that means I get to finish the race. I get to live her vision. Read more>>

Paris Williams | Soap Maker, Herbalist & Nutrionist

I began my soap business because I couldn’t find many vegan soap options with the ingredients I wanted at the time. By infusing herbalism and soap making into my brand, I’ve managed to build a strong business that has been thriving for over 7 years. This venture allows me to stay at home with my children and pass down the business to future generations. Read more>>