Deciding to start a business is an unusual decision. It’s often considered irrational and yet for many it’s the best decision they’ve ever made. So we asked folks to think back to when they were starting their businesses and to tell us about their decision making process.

Sharron Ragan

After a 25 year in corporate America as a Marketing Executive – I was ready to become an entrepreneur. I was eager to expand my spiritual and consciousness connection to a more open and self help lifestyle. My calling was to serve others and focus on making the world a better place where there was more peace love and joy.. Read More>>

De’na Marie

I started my business as a safe haven for myself but as I continued my journey I started to noticed more people also needed a safe haven, an experience where they can talk like we are in a therapy session, a peaceful environment to be pampered in, and just the feeling of pure relaxation where all our problems float away. Growing up, I had low self esteem and was not a social butterfly, creating Eye Of De Goddess LLC.  Read More>>

Alex Jante

Jante Productions was born out of a simple but powerful realization: If I wanted to see more compelling, dynamic roles for LGBT talent beyond the usual stereotypes or sidekick roles, I had to create them myself. As someone who’s spent time in front of the camera, I knew firsthand that there was a gap—one that needed more than just surface-level representation. Read More>>

Emma Gilbert

My decision to start my art business wasn’t based on one specific moment or thought—it was a natural progression. I’ve always been a painter; being an artist has been a part of who I am for as long as I can remember. Over time, my passion and dedication organically evolved into a full-time career, and eventually, I turned it into a business where I now paint murals professionally. It felt like the natural next step, and I’m grateful to be doing what I love every day. Read More>>

Kaseem Ladipo

Because I have started a new business multiple times, my thought process has evolved based on my experience and changes in the environment around me. When I launched my consulting practice 6+ years ago, I saw the opportunity build a firm that really focused on who I felt was the most underappreciated and underresourced person within nonprofits – Read More>>

Tracey Chaykin

My decision to pursue an art career stemmed from a personal journey of rediscovering creativity as a means of coping with life’s stresses. What began as an exploration into adult coloring books evolved into a passion for creating art that speaks to conservation and environmentalism. My thought process centered on connecting my art with a purpose—to spark  Read More>>

Kas Gadsden

What was my thought process behind starting my own business?
Starting One Sol Film Company wasn’t just a career move—it was a deeply personal decision driven by a lifelong passion for storytelling and a desire for creative ownership. For years, I had been developing original ideas, writing scripts, and refining concepts, but I realized that true creative freedom only comes when you have control over your own intellectual property (IP). Read More>>

Andrea Vilorio

The concept of Planting Positivity, LLC came about as a way to expand people’s concept of what plants are, what they bring to our lives, and to show that there is a certain artistry to plant care. Society teaches us that artists are those who paint, who build things with their hands like carpenters, those who write lyrics and sing them. Read More>>

Isabelle Moscovitz

In France, I opened my own practice offering reflexology, Indian massage, and nutritional advice. When I moved to the U.S., I wanted to continue my work to help as many people as possible. I explored the possibilities and continued training to better support my clients in reconnecting with their body, mind, and soul.  Read More>>

Kareen Falconer

I am someone who like the idea of starting something from scratch, watch it grow and provide value to people.
This thought process prepared me
to expect the unexpected, understanding that time plays a major role when it comes to growth and reaching your desired goals. Read More>>

Dumars Franklin

My thought process behind starting my own business and launching To Whom It May Concern comes from years of experience, trial, and error. I’ve learned that creativity isn’t just a talent—it’s a tool for building the life you want. I’ve seen firsthand the power of investing in yourself, not just financially but mentally and emotionally. Read More>>

Crystal-marie Mitchell

There was no in-depth thought process when I started my business, IsrylDesigns™, in 2009. I officially launched it because I had a client project worth about $3K and wanted to establish the proper business structure before taking on that project. Going into business without a thorough plan is not something I recommend. This path is more challenging than it needs to be. I strongly advise that people take time to consider their business goals beyond just creating a product or acquiring clients. Read More>>

Keyerra Green

My thought process behind starting my own business was creating generational wealth and financial freedom for my family and I. I’ve always wanted to experience living life to the fullest extent without finances being a heavy burden. Spending time with family, and having the ability to move and do things freely are my biggest motivators. Read More>>

Erin Janessa

Honestly, my thought process was to NOT WORK a 9-5 anymore lol! When i first started my business it was to get me out of corporate america and into becoming my own business/ boss. creating financial independence for myself was a huge push for me to keep going. Read More>>

Randy Randolla

When I first started out shooting photos I never imagined doing that as a profession. I was just shooting my shoe collection and friends.
Eventually things started picking up and it came to a point where i was seeing the potential in where things could go. I took a photo job at a car dealership but eventually had schedule conflicts which initially is what made me decide to start my own business where i had more control over things like that Read More>>

Tammi Terrell Randolph

After more than 30 years as a master cosmetologist, salon owner, and TV/film hairstylist, I’ve tested just about every product on the market, from salon-grade formulas to the staples found in local beauty supply stores. I became an expert in caring for all hair types, but when I fully embraced my gray hair, I realized it had unique needs that weren’t being met. Read More>>

Dionna Thomas

I started my podcast, Choppin It Up with Dionna, because I saw a need for more conversations about mental health and entrepreneurship, especially for teens. Many young people struggle with mental health but don’t always have a space to talk about it. At the same time, entrepreneurship opens doors to financial freedom and opportunities, but not enough teens know where to start. I wanted to create a platform where I could share knowledge, bring on guests to share their experiences, and inspire others to take control of their future.  Read More>>

Dominique Bowden

Growing up, I watched my mom create beautiful floral arrangements, and she learned that same love for flowers from my great-grandmother, who was always planting and nurturing flowers. It became more than just something pretty—it was a tradition, a form of expression, and a way to bring people joy. Seeing that passion passed down through generations inspired me to turn it into something of my own. My business is not just about selling flowers; it’s about continuing that legacy and sharing the love and beauty of flowers with others. Read More>>

Chef V

My thought process behind starting my own business stems from a deep love for food and my 20 years of experience as a chef. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of opening restaurants for celebrities and restauranteurs in over 40 cities and 5 countries. Food has always been my love language, a way I connect with people and the world around me. However, after two decades in the restaurant industry, I wanted to take a step back and create something that could give me more balance in life. Read More>>

Sydney Keller

Honestly? I’ve always loved building something from the ground up—something that truly means something. Photography is so much more than just taking beautiful photos; it’s about creating an experience that makes people feel seen, celebrated, and absolutely radiant. I love connecting with people, serving them wholeheartedly, and delivering a product that makes them relive their most joyful moments every time they look at it. Read More>>

De’andre Ray Barlow

I decided to become a writer to be able to utilize book writing as another way to spread my ways of positivity. With so much negativity being popularized I feel that it is and been time for those with a leader type influence to motivate others to move in the right direction one way or another through the gifts we may have. Read More>>

Magen Wright

I have always truly wanted to help people, but wasn’t sure exactly how. Until I started going within, journaling, meditating, working through my emotions, traumas and insecurities, I found the light in the darkness. By doing so, I knew that was my purpose, to help others find the light as well. Providing them with the safe space and tools to help them grow and find their authentic selves. I never once thought, “will this work?” I just knew I had to start where I was and go forward with it, confidently and with love. Read More>>

Henrietta Little

My thought process is it’s time to show the world my talent.

I have always had a dream to be a fashion store owner and designer since I was a child playing dress up with my paper dolls.

It’s time for me to show the world that a queen is born and the gift my heavenly father has blessed me with. Read More>>

Victoria Poythress

When I started my photography business, my main goal was to highlight the Black experience at my HBCU and create an archive for students to one day show their kids and grandkids. It wasn’t even a business yet, I was taking photos for free! In a world that moves so fast and is dominated by digital content, I wanted to offer something that slows the pace down—a way to truly capture and preserve moments in a tangible, timeless way. Read More>>