Thinking through whether to start a business – whether to take the risk, whether to go out on your own – isn’t easy. So we asked some entrepreneurs we admire to tell us about how they thought through the process of starting a business.

Ana Megrelishvili | CEO & Founder: Guided by Faith, Leading Change and Connecting Communities

THE BIRTH OF CHRISTIAN PROFESSIONALS OF ATLANTA “Why is it so hard to meet other Christians?” “I don’t know, but you’re right.” A best friend and I were sitting at a restaurant table, aggravated at our lack of connection in the community we were part of – Metro Atlanta. Read more>>

Julie Stamm | Mom, Author, MS Warrior, Advocate, Educator

Starting my own business/mission was not really a choice. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2007 and was forced to leave a profession that I had hoped to excel in. Following my diagnosis, I decided that I had to turn my new title of being a patient into a passion. I made it my mission to educate, advocate, and support others battling chronic illnesses. Read more>>

Mikhael Yesyurun | Artist

I chose the field of art and became an artist because this is my passion, like other friends, I have loved drawing since I was a child. Before I really got involved in art major and graduated in 2023, I studied at a vocational high school majoring in electronics. Read more>>

Eric Janeau | Certified Life Coach and Motivational Speaker

My business started out of trauma and heartache. I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma, during July 2021. It was difficult to hear, to understand, and it was painful. However, regardless of what I felt, it was even more heartbreaking to see others during their treatment, give up and ultimately quit life.  Read more>>

Alexis S. Gibson | Brand Strategist & Creative Director

After years of helping friends and family with their businesses and personal projects. Throughout my life, I have always had a creative eye, from choosing colors and textures for my parent’s new house at age seven to creating social content strategies and websites for friends’ brands because they trust my creative vision.  Read more>>

Joy Evans | Filmmaker and Owner of SummerTyme Productions

My thought process behind starting my own business was to be able to make my mark in the independent film industry without anyone telling me “No” you can’t do this. I enjoyed operating under the “My movie, My terms” motto. Complete creative control and distribution rights. Read more>>

Jaylin Sutherland | Curator of the People

Coming home from college was a culture shock, especially coming from a tiny PWI in upstate New York. Of course I was born and raised in Brooklyn, but coming back as an adult there’s a new world to discover. Add the years of gentrification I missed…it was a whole new world. Read more>>

Nichelle Mohammed | Beautician but I’m a Jake of all trades

The idea of starting my own business stemmed from my desire to earn a living doing what I love. I craved the autonomy to choose whom I interact with daily, rather than facing various attitudes at a traditional workplace. During my early adulthood, I held multiple jobs, but none brought me true satisfaction. Read more>>

Richardson Jean | Equipment Rental Services: Owner/Operator

Starting my own business has always been an idea that I entertained but never knew what route to take early on. I always desired to break out from the 9-5 way of living and to take control of my time. The biggest motivating factor for me was to be available for my family and my church whenever needed. Read more>>

Antoinette Wooden | Columbus Archery Owner/ Mental Health Advocate

My thought process behind making this business is that I could make Archery accessible for people who look like me. I started Archery as a way to deal with my mental illness Bipolar type 2 and it felt like an escape which then moved into a tool.  Read more>>

Quintella Rodgers | Stylist/ Salon Owner & Beauty Innovator

My thought process behind starting a business was if I can bring all my attributes, gifts, talents and leadership skills to someone’s company why not take all those things and build my own empire. Read more>>

LaDaesha Elliott | Fashion Designer

My thought process behind starting my own business stemmed from wanting to create that flexibility where I could be more accessible to my family, all while building that financial independence and have that opportunity to do what I love, which is creating. Read more>>

Regina Collins | Graphic Designer

When I graduated from college, applying for jobs was so frustrating. With me being new to the corporate world for design, I never seemed to have the amount of experience time they were looking for & I would apply to so many graphic design positions, just to get turned down. I just kept thinking how can I gain work experience if I can’t even land a job with a company. Read more>>

Alex Williams | Resin Artisan: Crafting Beauty, One Pour at a Time

I started Stuff N Thangz because I had a burning desire to bring to life creations that I hadn’t seen anywhere else. The idea of crafting unique, one-of-a-kind pieces of art using resin and pyrography techniques fascinated me from the moment I was introduced to them in 2004. Read more>>

Nick Bugara | Founder – Appsketiers App Development

I’ve always dreamed of starting my own business, one that fosters a work environment where I, and others, would love to be a part of. My journey through the corporate world, especially within billion-dollar companies, taught me a great deal about what I didn’t want in my own venture. I wasn’t a fan of strict dress codes or the unforgiving nature of timekeeping for minor lateness. Read more>>

Monique Roberts | Business Owner

I’ve always been a lover of unique accessories and fashion. I love how simple things can elevate and transform an outfit from basic to luxe. When I thought about opening a business I wanted to do something meaningful and fun. Something that transformed women’s wardrobe without breaking the bank. Read more>>

Teresa Hardin Adams | Certified Aromatherapist

These empowering words capture the essence of my entrepreneurial spirit and drive. Growing up around entrepreneurs in my family has instilled in me a powerful mindset: to be me own person, to carve my own path, and to believe in the limitless potential that lies within me. Read more>>

Willem Kaiser | Designer and Illustrator

I grew up in the small business world. My parents run the restaurant Grant Central Pizza, and seeing them run there own business really inspired my to want run my own some day. Read more>>

Keisha Jacobs | Small Business & Event Planner

The idea behind starting my business is rooted in a simple question: why settle for mediocre when you can create something exceptional? For as long as I can remember, I’ve been passionate about hosting events. Yet, it was a particular Valentine’s Day outing with my husband that sparked the realization. Read more>>

Blake McDaniel | Co- Owner of Rooted + Grounded

Making wall decor became a hobby of mine back when the farmhouse style was trendy. In 2016, we decided to move from Ft. Myers, FL, to Georgia and sell our current business. My husband started talking about helping me turn my hobby into more of a business, and I loved the idea of us doing something together. Read more>>

Gregory Pride | Vice President and IT Consultant

My business partner and I didn’t like what we were seeing in terms of IT solution providers. Especially, when they worked with minority organizations. We saw them oversell and under deliver. We wanted to be different. Knowing that technology was a game changer for small businesses, we wanted to deliver IT solutions that resulted in strategic outcomes and organizational growth for our clients. Read more>>

Andrea Arnold | Handmade Jewelry Designer

The inspiration for launching my business sprang from my profound passion for originality, creativity, and artistry. As a graphic designer, I’m inherently drawn to all aspects of design. I have a particular fondness for color and the transformative power it holds in capturing attention and enhancing projects.  Read more>>

Francois Cunningham | Renaissance

There needed to be a multi media company that specializes in unique content. Also I wanted to have a hand in what inspires people to create and live uniquely. Read more>>

Jini Thornton | CEO & Executive Director

I had children at a very young age (in college) and entered corporate America already with a family. I had my 2nd child during my first year of work. I worked at a public accounting firm and the hours during tax season were CRAZY.  Read more>>

Anastasia Saleem | Bookkeeper for Small Businesses

When I started my business, I was in a very uncomfortable position. I had finally made it to my “dream” corporate job and I had been there almost a year. I was enjoying the actual job responsibilities but quickly learned that the culture of the company and the unethical trends of their management was not something I wanted to be a part of. Read more>>

Stacie A. | Owner of Sparkle & Sass by Stacie & Designer of the Stacie A. Atelier Collection

As the founder of Sparkle & Sass by Stacie, I’ve always been drawn to the world of bridal and evening gowns. Ever since my college days, the idea of owning my own store filled with elegant dresses and making dreams come true has been a dream of mine. Read more>>

Amanda Smith | Chiropractic Sports Physician

I had 6 stress fractures running college xc/ track & the medical model failed me. The coaches, doctors, athletic trainers, physical therapists, massage therapists, dietitians, various Exercise Physiology PhD mentors etc were all well intentioned people but everyone was on a different page I was always relaying information & asking follow up questions.  Read more>>

Kendall Kineard | Senior Care Advisor

My family recently moved to a new place and the demands of my new job as a physical therapist was putting a strain on my mental health as well as my relationship with my family. I began researching how to start my own business, and I came across a podcast about franchises.  Read more>>

Raia – Coach Carey Carey | Life Coach & Motivational Speaker

What was your thought process behind starting your own business? I think probably a few things. Number one. You know, my parents often talked about being your own boss where possible. And I remember them saying that when you’re not your own boss, you’re not that you’re building someone else’s dream rather than your own. Read more>>