Many books on startups and business talk about how there are right and wrong reasons for starting a business. So, we asked a handful of successful founders about their reasons and the thought-process behind starting their business.

Jessica Renee’ | Licensed Cosmetologist, Celebrity Hairstylist & Salon Owner

The primary reason I wanted to start my own business stems from my lifelong desire for independence and self-reliance. From a young age, I recognized that I thrived when taking ownership of my goals and decisions. With a strong and determined mindset, I’ve always believed that by putting my best foot forward and maintaining confidence in my abilities, I could achieve success on my own terms. Additionally, I’ve always been passionate about creating a legacy for my family and serving as a blueprint for younger girls like myself who aspire to become successful entrepreneurs. Read more>>

Shwayze Smith | Entrepreneur

Well when i was serving my time in prison. I used to see people get released and come back. Alot of them would say it was because they couldnt get a job so knew right then that i would start a business, didnt matter what just didnt want to go back. Read more>>

Karen Swamy | Master Certified Life Coach

My business is called Real Mind Shift. It’s a professional life coaching business. My thought process behind starting it was rooted in the desire to own something, to build something meaningful, and to create lasting value. I believe there’s something incredibly empowering about shaping your own vision and seeing it come to life. For me, starting a business was also a way to define myself—not just by the work I do, but by the impact I make. It’s been a journey of self-discovery, creativity, problem solving, and personal growth, allowing me to channel my passions into something that reflects my unique contribution to the world. Read more>>

Morgane | Logo & Brand Designer

After finishing my photography course in 2018, I felt lost. Photography didn’t fulfil me anymore, so I decided to take my mum’s advice and pursue an apprenticeship instead of going to university. I ended up working in a school finance office, which didn’t seem to be the right fit for my creative side.

My manager noticed my Adobe skills on my CV and asked me to design the school prospectus. The feedback I received was positive and I was approached by other staff to create marketing materials and resources for classrooms. At that point I became passionate about graphic design. Read more>>

Crystasia Edwards | Makeup Artist & Beauty Influencer

My thought process behind starting my own business stemmed from my passion for beauty and helping people. As a makeup artist and beauty influencer, I’ve always believed in the power of self-expression and how makeup can boost confidence. For me, it’s not just about the surface—it’s about making people feel good about themselves inside and out. Read more>>

Tamara Dworetz | Orchestral Conductor

I enjoy working with professional, community and youth orchestras.
Conductors are often pigeonholed as either professional OR educational OR community OR pops conductors, but I believe in versatility and have worked really hard to gain different skill sets to be effective in different areas. Recently I conducted my first Nutcracker with the Atlanta Ballet and will be conducting Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring for one performance coming up, and this is another new arena I’m excited to explore. Working with different kinds of groups gives different kinds of gratifications, and I think also makes me more well-rounded as an artist and leader. Read more>>

Miink Miller | Salon Owner/ Cosmetologist

The day I realized I wanted to work for myself was during my time managing high-end retail. While I was grateful for the experience, I found myself feeling burnt out, craving more freedom and control over my career. Deep down, I always knew I wanted to be a cosmetologist—it’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid. Read more>>

Alyssa Evans | Founder/CEO, Grounded Marketing

Grounded Marketing is a marketing agency focused on building and refining brands from the ground up. We specialize in providing strategic marketing through social media, email campaigns, and events to help businesses connect deeply with their target audiences. At Grounded Marketing, our mission is to ensure that every brand we work with is authentic, relatable, and impactful. Read more>>

Ashley Bell | Creative at itsbellmade

I’ve always loved hosting, the art of homemaking, cooking, and capturing life’s moments. I still remember the first time I made a full dinner for my mom when I was 11—it was a recipe from the side of a Campbell’s soup can. These passions, along with my love for life in general, inspired me to take a leap and share my journey. Read more>>

Sabrina Patton | Caterer/Entrepreneur

I have been in the catering business for over 20 years & I specialize in BBQ. From that I decided to manufacture my own BBQ Sauce called Jazzy BBQ Sauce. Read more>>

Zion Mcthomas | Creative and Small Business Owner

I started this art career and my businesses to have more control of my life. I just don’t like the rat race and the idea of grinding. I choose freedom and creativity over the grind every time. Read more>>

Patrice Hudson | Owner & Photographer

Starting my own photography business was truly a journey that has been shaped by both my lifelong passion for photography and a deeper sense of purpose that I believe was guided by something greater than myself. From the time I was a little girl, I’ve always had an intense love for capturing moments. Whether I was the one in the photo or holding the camera, I found so much joy in preserving memories through pictures. I remember taking photos of anything and everything family gatherings, my pets, nature, even the smallest details that many people might not notice but that spoke volumes to me. It wasn’t just about taking a picture for the sake of it; it was about telling a story, capturing emotion, and creating something timeless. I’ve always believed that every photograph has a story to tell and a memory to preserve. Read more>>