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.

Crystal White | W|by Crystal White Founder & Business Advisor

I’ve been interested in fashion since I was young. I always wanted to start my own brand, but I wanted to offer a unique perspective. I was solely focused on filling a void in my wardrobe and in the athleisure market when I launched my brand. I had no idea the growth it would see in the first year, but the response solidified the need. As an active, curvy woman, I didn’t see legacy active brands tailoring their marketing or their products to women who looked like me. I also didn’t see a balance of quality and accessibility, two things that are very important to me as a consumer. I wanted to ensure women no longer had to choose between affordability and quality, so I launched W|by Crystal White with that mission in mind. Read more>>

Ron Guerrero | Realtor® EXP Realty and his transition from Automotive Sales to Real Estate, and his journey to Social & Financial Freedom

My thought process of starting my own business started way back when I was in college at North Carolina A&T State University (Aggie Pride!) where I studied Business Marketing. I have a background in Sports, I played basketball and was known my younger teenage years for being a basketball player and as that didn’t work out due to me moving out of New York City where I was born and raised, I pivoted and said I would be into business and try to be as successful as it would take me to be. I just had to figure out what business I wanted to be in. During and after college I went into working but I always would only take jobs that had to do with client service or sales, and jobs that I had to conduct myself professionally and dress professionally, and as I took my journey through working I had the privilege to work in some great industries that would create the knowledge and experience for me to be effective today. I felt that I could go anywhere and just make money, but I wanted the job opportunities to give me more than just money, I wanted working knowledge and experience that would make me strong later on professionally when I go into business for myself. I have worked in Basic Customer Service, Retail Sales, Mortgage servicing, Insurance sales and Most recently Automotive Sales. This gave me the foundation I needed to now do what was in the back of my mind for a long time, I am now a Realtor with EXP Realty. Read more>>

Vanessa Green | Certified Lash Tech

There was no thought process. I just kept thinking about lashes. I kept seeing it and had dreams about me lashing that’s when I knew God was telling me something. Every time I would log into Instagram, I would keep seeing this ad to take this class with a lash instructor. It was $500 to take the class and I was like dang $500. That’s a lot knowing that I’m a single mother and I’d be taking a lot out to invest into me and what if it doesn’t work out. So I slept on it I prayed on it. Then I read Jeremiah chapter 29:11 where God says “I know the plans that I have for you and plans for you to prosper and not to harm you and I will give you hope in the future.” That’s when I told myself bump it, I’m gonna jump out on faith, take this $500 out my savings and take the class. The Instructor she was so sweet and so nice and very informative she had me leaving out of there feeling like I was already a boss. Lol So I went home started jotting down some names for my brand. I knew I wanted my name to be special, pretty, luxurious & one of a kind. that’s when I came up with limited Valux lash. Limited is because you only gonna get this limited, kind of pretty lashes and Valux came with me just adding the first initial of my name (V) and the first initial of my son name (A) and I added lux at the end which gave me Valux, then lashes at the end. Limited Valux Lash. I started practicing on my friends and family and they were so patient with me. It was taking me like six hours to do one eye but with more practice and consistency, I was able to lower my time down. After that I created my business instagram page, made business cards, loyalty cards. I started posting content & running specials. I started charging $45 a set and then eventually I went up to $85 and now to my regular set prices that I have on my site now When I first started, I was so scared. I was so hesitant to even start to even go live I kept overthinking things like what if no one likes my work, what if I don’t get no clients. How am I going to handle this, my 9-5, plus being a single parent. Then I thought to myself, if God gave me this dream & kept placing it in my face then I know he’s gonna give me the strength to stay strong, keep my faith to keep going, keep my son and I covered, give me clients & help me navigate through it all. It’s tough being an entrepreneur, you have to stay consistent. From working, being a mother, lashing, creating content, posting, ordering supplies, doing research,over thinking and etc sometimes I lose track. It’s gets overwhelming. I know I have to give myself a little grace, & take each day at time and learn as I go! Read more>>

Brenda Domingo | Wedding Planner & Coordinator

My thought process mainly developed from my Mom and her business. My mother developed her own wedding dress business, where her customers wanted a dress that sung to their moment on their wedding day. Her former clients were pleased and always spoke highly of her artistry as well as how it made their wedding such a special day, During that time I started hosting and coordinating wedding showers with the thought in mind to expound on their vision and make their moments memorable. Unfortunately my mother passed away suddenly in 2003 and since then I felt it has been my mission to carry on her legacy of favoring the moments of those who have the vision yet need help with the execution of their special day. Read more>>

Jacqui Jones | Model, Actress & Artist

My thought process was I need something that is healthy and all natural and it actually works! The hair and skin products that are available in stores don’t work for my hair and skin. There’s too much alcohol in them. They dry my hair out. What I created adds and seals in moisture. Which allows my hair to grow and retain that growth. Read more>>

Dedaproblem | Recording Artist, entrepreneur & consultant

When I first started out I just wanted to have my own studio to record in. Once I built it I ran across so many artist that need the same thing so I opened up a studio. Read more>>

Jonni Parsons | CEO – Sunday Morning Marketing

It all started back in college when I was interning with Nike. I had the chance to learn from one of the biggest brands out there, and it really opened my eyes to the power of branding, storytelling, and connecting with an audience. What really stood out to me, though, was that while huge brands like Nike had all the resources to tell their story, smaller businesses didn’t always have that luxury — even though they had great products and services that deserved to be noticed. Read more>>

Mandy Smith | Family Nurse Practitioner

I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit, but starting my own business was not on my radar when I went back to school to become a family nurse practitioner (FNP). Those gears started turning when I completed clinical rotations at two different independent practices founded by women. One MD was particularly encouraging in this regard, egging me on when I first started dreaming out loud about starting my own practice. She helped me see beyond some of my fears and self-imposed limitations and begin to believe it really was possible. Read more>>

Blakley Leonard | The MB Market Founder

I’ve always been a gear head since I was a kid. For some of us, the obsession with cars is not something we grow out of. The idea of being able to work with the cars I’m passionate about on a daily basis and work with the people who share that same passion was very attractive. I knew there was a need for an online platform that exclusively was dedicated to buying and selling Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Backed by a strong community of MB enthusiasts who felt the same, I was able to create The MB Market alongside some fellow enthusiasts who shared the same knowledge and passion for the brand. The MB Market is the only online-auction platform specialized exclusively in Mercedes-Benz vehicles and parts. Read more>>

Tajuana Seals | Sugar Cookie Baker and Artist

I have always been a baker. I feel that this gift was passed on to me by both my Maternal and Paternal Grandmothers. I only baked for family until my youngest son wanted a Roblox party for his 8th birthday. I ordered Roblox sugar cookies from a personal baker in my hometown. She agreed to make my order however, days before the birthday party she notified me of a larger order she received and cancelled my order. Read more>>

Kevett Chanell | Entrepreneur

My thought process behind starting my own business was very challenging. I knew what I wanted I knew how I wanted it, I just had lack of knowledge on getting started. I studied and took classes from wonderful entrepreneurs to get the knowledge I need to be the best that I am today. Read more>>

Shelley Sewell | Owner/Designer Baker Street Hat Co

I believe that entrepreneurial spirit was passed down to me. I have been business minded from a young age and I’m always thinking of what is something that I like to use or do that is not currently over saturated in my area. I think that mindset came from My grandfather who started a furniture store when my dad and his siblings were young and is still a thriving business to this day. On my mom’s side, her mom, who I called Nanny had a ceramic shop and my grandfather had a woodworking shop in the small middle Georgia town I grew up in. My mom had a love of interior design and that is what I have always loved. I remember being a kid and constantly redecorating my room and even made myself a guest room out of my tiny closet . Read more>>

Gina Kieslich | Personal Style Enthusiasts, Pro-Age advocate, Model, Content Creator, Publisher

It really began with a personal need. A need to find a place where I could express myself creatively. To fulfill that part of me that my 9-5 job was not accomplishing. It made sense to tap into areas where I knew I already had talents and pair it with something new. I had been a marketer, a copywriter, a web designer, a content strategist, a photographer, a speaker, and the list goes on. The unknown was the “what”. What was the product. It quickly became apparent that it was “me” or more specifically “my style”. My original plan was to have a website/blog and have a social presence. However, the blog was too heavy of a lift while working full time, so I continued with the social account. It honestly felt more like a hobby at the start, not a business even though I had written a mission statement, objective and tactics. I was kinda going with the flow – but over the next almost-6 years, I would solidify my vision, my direction and play an active role in its success. Driving toward what I now know I can accomplish. Read more>>

Cristina Arias | Founder of APC Cleaning Services

Before starting my own business, my thoughts were divided into two fundamental things. On the one hand, I wanted to be an economic support for my parents and leave a legacy for my children, something that would allow them to have a better and more stable life. But on the other hand, I was struggling with my own depression, and I didn’t know how to manage it. Anxiety and uncertainty consumed me, and I didn’t see a clear way out. Read more>>

The Motherhood Healer | Curator of Black Healing Gatherings

Have you ever tried to create something that didn’t exist yet, at least not in the physical realm? I had this vision of being surrounded by vibrant, loving Black women who nurtured me, tended to my needs, and performed ceremonies that honored and prepared me for childbirth. But there was no blueprint for what I imagined. Most doulas I connected with offered the same copy and paste services, sticking to what felt safe and familiar. But there was nothing copy and paste about me, my heart, or the way I saw birth and motherhood. Read more>>

Nancy Badillo | Etsy Coach & Digital Marketing Specialist

Back in 2009, right after the recession, I found myself in a challenging situation. I was searching for ways to make money online to try and save my home from foreclosure. During that search, I discovered digital marketing — and I fell in love with it. Although I ultimately lost my home, that moment became a turning point for me. It sparked my decision to start something new, and I saw an opportunity to build a business in the digital space. What began as a necessity transformed into a passion, and that passion drove me to create and grow my own business. Read more>>

Maddie Eye | Content Creator & Visual Storyteller

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had the desire to own my own business. I’ve been driven, self-motivated, and independent from a young age. In March 2024, I started doing UGC as a side gig, and my ultimate goal was always to transition into freelance video creation full-time and turn it into a business. That’s exactly what I’m doing now, and I’m thrilled to officially launch in January 2025. I’m looking forward to expanding and growing it throughout the year and beyond. Read more>>

Tany B | YouTuber & Marketing Professional

My thought process behind starting my own business was simple yet powerful: “Why not create a business doing what I love?” I have always been passionate about consulting people and marketing, and I saw an opportunity to channel that passion into something impactful. This led me to create not just one, but two ventures: Tany Media and TGR Consulting Group. Read more>>

Kiana & La Vonna Garcia | | Mother Daughter Photography Team

My love for photography and my mom’s vision for a business made starting this journey together feel natural. I focus on capturing the shots behind the camera, while she helps with posing and creating the perfect scene. For my mom, it’s about combining creativity, passion, and the joy of making memories. Together, as a mother-daughter team, we capture the beauty in our clients’ lives, turning moments into treasured keepsakes. It’s not just about photography—it’s about celebrating life, family, and the connections that matter most. Read more>>

Ashley Carpen | CEO of ThaFemaleCypher

My thought process was I had to create a platform for women to be able to be a part of of a real sisterhood and also be able to gain resources from what we can all put in together so just basically a platform where women can feel 100% authentically themselves in this male-dominated industry that were in today and be able to unleash any type of creativity of their own. Read more>>

Latrice Monét | Founder, The Original Cowboy Club

The vision for my business, The Original Cowboy Club (OCC), began when I saw an opportunity to reconnect people to the original essence of the Western Frontier – one filled with people of color, resilient spirits, and a rich cultural heritage. Quite frankly, I didn’t see my people represented in western culture as much as I knew they should be, and unfortunately, I have been treated like an outsider in some of the larger western retail stores. I created the OCC to empower Black and Brown people to move through the world knowing that they’ve always belonged, and with our branded apparel, the OCC family can express their pride and educate others about the original western history of America. Read more>>

Msutfumswati Nkambule | Entrepreneur & Content Creator

Understanding my surroundings and environment was the starting point of my thought process when considering starting my own business. In my home country, Eswatini, unemployment is alarmingly high, with many professionals and skilled individuals unable to secure jobs due to limited opportunities. When I returned to Eswatini from Taiwan after completing my studies, I immediately realized that unless I took the initiative to create opportunities, I too would become part of this statistic. Read more>>

Angela Gorham | Chef Angela

I have a strong love for cooking and service. I recognized a gap in the local dining scene. Quick service restaurants are lacking in fresh quality ingredients and service. Also, very few restaurants offer ground turkey options, so I created a menu offering a variety of options made with ground turkey for health benefits as well. Read more>>

Camille Funkhouser | Student & Entrepreneur

I always knew I wanted to start my own business. The only problem is that I have so many dreams and ambitions that it was hard to choose one. Over a few years, I didn’t know whether I wanted to work in fashion, music, makeup, or even sports. While I love all of those I knew that if I was starting my own business I should reach for the one that I would be able to physically work on. I had been struggling with starting and not finishing businesses for a while. until one day I made myself a necklacee. I started to wear it every day and post it everywhere, then my friend Zainab started to say that I should start selling them. The rest is history. Read more>>

Benn Jordan | Recording artist & Fixer

When I was young, I worked in a factory with my brother, Rolf. He and I would work long hours debating over the most respectable way to live life and put food on the table. Rolf would always tell me that starting a business was too risky, and I would argue that the real risk was wasting your best years working for another man’s business. In 1999, Rolf took his first vacation in his adult life and attended Woodstock 99′. He never returned home, but I felt a burning desire to prove him wrong. So here we are. Neither of us are in a factory. Read more>>

Jessica Wise | Life Coach and Podcast Host

I’ve wanted to start my own business for the past 10 years. In fact, I’ve done it before—I launched an online boutique in 2019, which was my first real dive into the entrepreneurial world. In 2020, I even quit my job to dedicate myself to it full-time. Read more>>

Keves Collier | Personal Trainer and Owner of Eternal Fitness

Money is always a thing people go for when deciding to start a business and to be fair that’s understandable. My biggest thing was having control over my life and being able to do something I was passionate about rather than put so much time and energy into something that wouldn’t yield me what I desired. Read more>>

Anthony Robinson | Salon Owner, LEI, LMT, LE, MC

I’ve wanted my own business for years because I’ve always had a passion for the beauty industry. It’s something I’ve loved since I was a child, and after working in the field and building loyal clients for over 33 years, it felt like the right time to take that leap. The name Kevant was inspired by my late partner. It’s a way to honor him and keep his memory alive in something meaningful to me. Starting this business 10 years ago wasn’t just about pursuing my passion—it was about creating a space that feels personal, welcoming, and rooted in love. Read more>>

Jasmine Nesbeth | Chef

My Husband an I come for different cultural backgrounds. Me being American an my husband being Jamaican! Cooking has always been a passion of ours even before we became one! So starting our own Catering Business just came natural!! Jamerican Fusion LLC is a blend of both American and Jamaican cultures! We want people to experience our traditional and non-traditional dishes!! Like our Stew Chicken, Curry Chicken and Rice & Peas. Read more>>

Cade Boling | Photographer

From a young age, I knew I wanted to forge my own path and pursue something beyond a traditional job. During the COVID pandemic, I discovered my passion for photography and saw an opportunity to transform that passion into a career. With my long-standing love for cars, starting Boling.Media allowed me to merge my two greatest interests—photography and automotive content—into a professional business that I could build and grow independently. Read more>>

Jadaiya Mitchell | Real Estate Agent

started with a love of learning and my mom calls me the Jack of all trades. I began in automotive service and sales before moving into realty. My biggest goal is to help people achieve their dreams. I’ve always wanted to give back, starting with making goodie bags for the homeless at age 8. Even though I faced challenges along the way, my motivation is to provide opportunities. I love meeting people and traveling around the US, helping them buy or sell houses while having great conversations. Read more>>

Whitney Stovall

Counseling that aims to create norms, not fit them I have been providing play-based services to children in the mental health field for several years, ranging from clinical to school-based settings. Additionally, I provide multimodal communication support to individuals who are non-speaking, unreliably speaking, or limited speaking. Throughout my work, I have realized that many of the treatments that currently exist for neurodivergent children and their families are outdated, fail to presume competence, support masking and conformity, or are inaccessible. Therefore, it became my mission to work towards filling the current gaps that exist for this population, by creating a business model that addresses the needs at both the individual and community levels. Read more>>

Beatriz Rosas

My whole life I loved hats and when I find out that there is so much you can do to a hat I was in love with the idea of creating and expressing my self through a hat Read more>>

Keandra King

I started K&J Flower Company by being a dreamer as well as trying to process my mental health. I realized that flowers gave me peace and made me realize that everything would be OK. And from that moment I knew I had to share it with others because it was simply pure happiness. Read more>>

Jaclyn Allyn

It started from how my mother used to be a hairstylist and I feel like I got my gift from her so I just wanted to live on her legacy in my own way. But also helping others feel better about themselves through their hair. Read more>>

Deja McCoy

I envisioned a place where I could bring like-minded artist together and create and create a space of peace, beauty and elegance. Ultimately, I didn’t want to keep clocking in and making someone else’s dream come true. Read more>>

Battiste and Patrick Broadus

BGT was started to expose the pioneers in the black golf community. Those pioneers are several individuals in Atlanta including the Broadus family. In 1985, the Broadus children were introduced to golf at John A. White golf course on Cascade Road in Atlanta, Georgia, by a professional golfer and Hall of Famer named Mr. Elijah Walker. Since then, the Broadus family has thrived in the Atlanta golf community by winning Atlanta Junior Golf Association tournaments, other local golf tournaments, and expanding to winning State and National Championships. At 10 years old, Battiste Broadus, National Champ BJ, was ranked number 2 in the State, he went on to be Captain of the golf team at Holy Innocents High School and win State while attending IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida where he graduated from high school. After high school, Battiste Broadus attended and played golf at Florida A&M University where he was a member of the National Championship winning team in 2000. Battiste won 2 North Florida PGA tournaments while in the professional golf management program after college. Battiste has worked for the First Tee of Jacksonville while living there after college and went on to be the Spelm College Head Golf Coach and the Operations Manager for the City of Atlanta golf courses once he moved home. Patrick Broadus, Sir Patrick the Golf God, won 2 State Championships before graduating from Marist High School. Patrick is a visionary for the game of golf. He is a Science major that studies and understands the golf swing. Patrick has won several golf tournaments after graduating college while creating golf cartoons, providing quality golf lessons, and being featured in magazines such as the African American Golfer’s Digest. Brothers, Battiste and Patrick, have given back to the community by providing endless golf lessons to underserved youth. After years of watching others dive into the golf scene with no prior golf history, Battiste and Patrick decided to start Black Golf Television to expose and give credit to current and past golf initiatives. We believe that knowledge of history will help further push current golf initiatives. Read more>>

Alishia Winters

My thought process behind starting Events by Winnie was inspired by my mother and the legacy she left with me. Growing up, I watched her and my Aunt Shirley turn every family gathering and community event into something special, showing me the power of planning with purpose and love. Read more>>

DeAndra Colbert

When I first considered starting Your Kreative Junkie, LLC, I didn’t believe I could actually do it. I spent countless days and nights wondering, How can I even make this happen? Do I really want this? What does God see in me that I’m not seeing myself? Eventually, I moved beyond that phase and started pushing myself forward. Read more>>

Michael Bowden

I’ve always dreamed of having something of my own. My dad was an entrepreneur so it was always in my blood. Read more>>

Toya K

I was passionate about starting my own business because I wanted to create something innovative and impactful. My vision was to solve problems and fill gaps in the market by introducing a concept that’s unique and unheard of. Specifically, I aimed to build a solution-based hair company that goes beyond simply selling products—one that addresses real needs and delivers meaningful results for its customers. Read more>>

Suzanne Minarcine | Business Professor, Storyteller, Writer, & Coach

As a business professor, I’m embarrassed to say that my flight school was a spontaneous decision with little forethought. I was going through a divorce, and my job as an executive with a managed care company was highly stressful. I was disillusioned with the business and concluded that “managed care” no longer cared about anything besides money. I was earning a six-figure salary, had what should have been a dream job, but I was struggling personally and professionally. What did I really want to do? I already had my convertible. Was this my midlife crisis? I’ve been a licensed pilot since I was 17, and one day I decided to go flying. I called the local flight school to schedule an aircraft, and the owner told me he was closing. I went over to see him and made an offer on the four aircraft. By the end of the week, I had a flight school. I never looked back, and I quickly grew the flight school to two locations with 129 aircraft. We trained hundreds of pilots, many now flying for commercial carriers. I like to say that I decided one major life change wasn’t enough. Read more>>

Reesa Shayne | Author & Publisher

I started my own publishing company to self-publish my children’s books. I wanted to create a space where I had complete control of the entire publishing process for my books. And I also have the opportunity to expand my business into whatever I want it to be in the future. I own the rights to my work and my writing. Read more>>

Zeba Pall | Passionate Gifting Enthusiast & Founder of Go Gaga Gifts

Starting Go Gaga Gifts came from a deeply personal place in my life. During a time when everyone close to me seemed to be celebrating milestones, weddings, promotions, and other significant events, I found myself in constant need of the perfect gift. I wanted each present to be as special and unique as the occasion itself, but often ended up feeling overwhelmed by the options available. The stress of last-minute shopping and the disappointment of sending something impersonal and generic became all too familiar. Read more>>