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.

Cindy Lumpkin | Microschool Founder

I actually started Triumph In Life, Inc., a mentoring program, while I was still working in the public school system. At the time, I was in administration and I really missed working with the students. Read more>> 

Alexis George | Hair Stylist & Business Owner

The purpose for starting “Lex Nicole Collection” was to have control over my schedule and time. Working for someone else meant constantly being on their clock, and I wanted the freedom to set my own hours and priorities. Read more>>

Daniel DeWitt | Instrumentalist, Producer, and Composer

I started The Lifted Index in the fall of 2020 as a way to process my mounting anxiety and unease. My body seemed to crave music that was more sparse and open, that gestured toward emotions rather than explicitly stating them. Read more>> 

Sydnie Wainland | Jewelry Designer

Influenced by my upbringing in our family’s metal fabrication business, I was inspired to create works on a smaller scale. Having the opportunity to work with fine metals at the age of twelve, showed me endless possibilities of what could be created with such a rigid material. Read more>>

Diana Padron | Master Herbalist, Cannabis Connoisseur and Owner of Hemp Haven CBD Dispensary

My thought process was that I was getting older and I needed sustainability for my family. I had four kids and I wanted to figure out how to pay for college for my children and what would happen to me as I grew older. I wanted to live the American dream of living my life on my terms. I was 40 years old and I never lived my life for me. Read more>>

Monet Wright | Creative Digital Designer/ Ideation Facilitator

Working in various capacities within the design industry gave me the know-how and insight to manage projects independently. Also, having the ability to help smaller businesses and non-profits is fulfilling and rewarding. I have a deep passion for art, expression, design and creativity. Read more>> 

Mandy Spence | Owner of BeForeverGlam, Lead Makeup Artist

Honestly I wanted to create a mobile makeup artistry business for all my clients to be able to deliver that VIP experience in the comfort of their private location. It was way for convenient even for me as an artist because I’m always on the go. Read more>>

Sophia Zarate | Founder & Chief Executive Officer

The decision to start Corporate Pero Latinos (CPL) stemmed from a deeply personal and passionate commitment to addressing unmet needs within the Latinx community. Read more>>  

Bahja Rodriguez | Musician & Business Owner

Well, when I first started music I had no idea how interesting it would make business for me. When I started my business I really wanted to give my energy to something else that I’m passionate about. My ultimate goal is to be a mogul. Read more>>

Jai Yoko | Artist Development Specialist, Manager, Mentor

I founded Jai Yoko Entertainment with the vision of bridging the gap between artistic talent and commercial success in the music industry. Witnessing numerous talented artists in Jacksonville, FL struggle to break into the broader market or regret their decisions after signing deals, I identified a critical lack of education about the business side of music. Read more>> 

Ashlea Wyzard | Master Cosmetologist

I started my own business to provide a platform for autonomy, creativity, and financial independence. It was a bold and rewarding venture that allowed me to shape my own professional destiny. Read more>>

A’Drieanna Karlisah | Wealth Strategist, Licensed Insurance Broker & Life Coach

The decision to start my own business came from a deep-seated desire to break free from what’s often referred to as the “rat race.” I found myself questioning the traditional work-life routine, feeling that there surely must be more to life than just working to pay the bills. Read more>>

Chantylle Nathan | Beverage Caterer & Vocalist

To be financially independent, be pandemic proof, live my true life without being someone else’s slave, to move with the wave of the culture. My time is utilized/monetized better working through my own business. Read more>>

Jarrett Session | Chef & Author

Process was simple , I was tired of bring under valued and put in a box. Culinary Industry is like a ” thin line between love & hate” So it was to step out and bet on myself. Read more>>

DJ Vudu Spellz | 2 X Grammy Accredited Multiplatinum producer and Las Vegas Resident Dj

Both my Grandfather’s on both sides of my family were Entrepreneurs and owned their own businesses. They were also both pastors and also had their own churches and being my own boss just ran in my blood. Read more>>  

Thomas Mundy | Client and Community Specialist for The Fountain Fund, Outreach Coordinator for A Better Day Than Yesterday, Owner and Dounder of F.R.E.E. Llc

At some point in a man’s life, he should have something to call his own. It was about legacy, having something tangible to pass to my sons. Read more>> 

Jason Palmer | Videographer and Filmmaker

Growing up videography was one of my first passions. I was gifted a camcorder at the age of 7 and it played a huge role in the development of my craft. I always knew I wanted to have a career in film but as I got older I drifted away from the idea. Read more>>

Tonia Marie | Graphic Designer

Starting my own business was a journey I’ve always dreamed of. I’ve had a passion for visual storytelling ever since I could hold a pencil. It’s been a ride filled with countless sketches, late-night bursts of inspiration, and the joy of bringing ideas to life in a visually captivating way. Read more>>

Yaqutullah Ibraheem | Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

My thought process had to do with my goal and framework. I wanted to bring clarity, resources and support to women around nutrition and wellness. Prevention is key and my goal was to make nutrition services available to women as a key in the prevention of chronic disease. Read more>> 

Christiana Unaeze | Product Designer & Entrepreneur

Ever since I was a little kid, I had this constant whirlwind of creative ideas swirling through my mind. It didn’t matter if I was doodling new designs during class or finding clever new uses for random objects – my brain was an endless hub of vibrant inspiration. Read more>>

Victory Perdomo | Self-Maintenance Creator & Loctician

I always got bored quickly with fast food and retail jobs. When COVID hit, I decided to dedicate my time to something not only long-term, but beneficial to many more than just myself (and of course it doesn’t hurt that I get to live on my own terms). Read more>> 

Real Life Lukazi | Hip Hop Artist

I have not yet started my own business. I currently reside under my brothers label Noxbond Real Life Music LLc. I do however have my own label under the label for which I have not yet started a Llc. Read more>>

Wytesha Binion | Natural Hair Care Specialist and owner of Tesha LeShon Natural Hair Care

Hair has been an interest of mine since I was a young girl. I remember the days I spent at the salon with my aunt, who at that time was a hair stylist. Everything about it was appealing! From the freedom and flexibility of working as much or as little as you want to the uplifting and vibrant atmosphere of women enjoying their self care time and conversation with other women. Read more>>

Shannon Faile | Owner of Image Boutique

For my husband and I, we really wanted a small business that was able to offer convenience and affordability to our community and at the same time, be able to give back and support our community. Read more>>

Kevin Hackworth | Proud Owner

the thought process of me starting my own residential and commercial cleaning service was a natural progression of my entrepreneurial journey. From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of providing valuable services that improve people’s lives. Read more>> 

Renata leao | cleaning services (residential/commercial)

I am Brazilian, living for three and a half years in the Atlanta area. In Brazil, I practiced law for many years. In 2020, I made the decision to leave my country to build a story in pursuit of my better half, who was here. Read more>>

Vuntressa Brown | Event Venue Owner & Certified CPR Instructor

I wanted to create something that I I truly love and could call my own, and in doing so, the business needed to be one that makes others feel happy and gives me a sense of accomplishment and reward. Read more>> 

Chundrayvia Gill | CEO/ Founder of Elegant Echo Cleaning Company

Starting Elegant Echo Cleaning Services was a combination of recognizing a need in the market and wanting to create a business that aligns with my values. I saw that there was a demand for high-quality cleaning services that not only deliver excellent results but also prioritize customer satisfaction and ethical business practices. Read more>>

Julie Turney | HRforHR Coach

I started my business because after spending over a decade in the Human Resources (HR) profession, I asked many times, “Where is the HRforHR?”. Most people think that HR is about hiring and firing but it is much more complex than that. Read more>>

Tanayah Thomas | Creator & Financial Advisor

Blessings, my name is Tanayah Thomas. Thank you for this opportunity; I’m from Staten Island,NY. I created my brand Vyciousminds in high school at the age of 17 and the thought process behind starting my business was to show people that you can do whatever it is you put your mind to. Read more>>

Zachary Jackson | Photographer

My thought process behind starting my own business was so I could express my creativity through photography and share my passion with others. So I learned from others how to jump-start my own business, gain the right audience, and build a strong brand presence. Read more>> 

Jaeson Frederique | Freelance Videographer and Photographer

My initial thought process behind starting my own business started with wanting to help other unrecognized/underrated athletes get the attention and media recognition they deserve so they could get offers and continue chasing after their sports dreams as well as help improve athletes’ confidence by seeing their highlights. Read more>>

Cierra Garner | Hairstylist, Indie Music Artist, Actress

Growing up in a household with sisters to look up to, I’ve watched any and everything dealing with cosmetics from learning how to use the curling iron at age 7 to doing a full face of makeup during middle school. (for practice purposes of course) At the age of 14, doing hair became second nature. Read more>>

Aslynn Earl | Founder and Youth Advocate

Founding Princess and a Pad was born from a deep-seated passion to address period poverty. Witnessing the challenges faced by all females especially those from ages 9-22, I felt a profound sense of responsibility to contribute meaningfully and make a positive impact. Read more>>