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.

Alison K Mason

I’ve wanted to be an entrepreneur since I learned what it was in middle/high school when my dad started his own tax preparation business. Since I was always an independent kid, I loved the idea of setting my own boundaries and not answering to anyone at work. Read More>>

Yavin Hines

Starting YGFIT wasn’t just about fitness — it was about creating a culturally-rooted, holistic movement. As an exercise physiologist, personal trainer, nutritionist, and African holistic coach, I saw how disconnected mainstream health and wellness were from real healing. Read More>>

Paul LoRe

The idea behind creating Integrated K9 Solutions came from a desire to offer a more complete and personalized approach to dog training. I saw a gap in the industry where many programs focused on just one aspect—obedience, protection, or behavior—but didn’t address the bigger picture of the dog-human relationship. Read More>>

Tishna Morgan

As a woman who has overcome Depression and confidence issues, I decided to start a business to help other ambitious women who have encountered setback to get their groove back and find success Read More>>

Muhsin Khayree Reeves

I’ve always been self sufficient and the kid that wanted to know how does “this” work and what is that for etc. After college and spending time in the music industry I decided to start my own label/company in 2008. And my thought process was,why relinquish my rights to my IP when I can retain 100% ownership and fully profit off of my IP. I mean sure the workload is going to be a lot harder but the reward is greater in the end Read More>>

Baigen Seawell

My thought process when starting this business did not take much thought. I was already a year in my career field post-undergrad, and I was, like many others, impacted by the Pandemic. Read More>>

Quay Crawford

My thought process behind starting my own business was how to create something for the community & create unity amongst everyone. Also my thought process was to Create a creative space for long jeopardy where people can connect & create their own stories through their art Read More>>

Alex McCarty

When starting McCarty Speed & Fab I wanted to do things my way. I wanted my shop to be a space where I made customers classic vehicle dreams come true. I wanted a space where I looked forward to opening the doors every day as well as having a vintage feel. Read More>>

Caleb Kutsche

I wanted to create a business where quality was more valued than quantity. In big chain, physical therapy businesses, the focus appeared to be on getting as many people through the door as possible, rather than getting people as healthy as possible. I don’t think it was any particular person‘s fault. I just think, the way the corporate business model is set up, it’s the only way to be profitable. Read More>>

Veronica Ilenre And Bethel Habte

Veronica: Starting a nanny agency was something that had always lingered in the back of my mind, but I imagined it happening further down the road. After working as a nanny for over 12 years, I wanted to create something that reflects the care and heart I’ve poured into my nannying career. I also began craving more flexibility and balance especially as an actor. Acting is a huge part of who I am, and building a business that supports both my creativity and my commitment to helping families just made sense. Read More>>

Jessica Laycock

Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve felt called to help people and make a meaningful difference. As I grew older, I began to recognize the strengths God placed in me: a sharp eye for detail, a love for organization, and a calm presence in the midst of chaos. Read More>>

Chris Lewis

I have always been first and foremost an artist, and that is what has generally inspired me to keep creating and pushing what I can do with the art I create. I’ve also been very driven about my work, and I knew at a young age that I wanted to be free to pursue the creative endeavors that really inspired me. Read More>>

Cam Woodrow

I’ve always had a love/hate relationship with the hospitality industry. I love crafting experiences and the memories around building events for people. However, I have always struggled with the industry culture, lack of mentorship, lack of peer support, access to resources to advance in the industry, and a work/life balance that would contribute to a healthy lifestyle.  Read More>>

Rachel Diamond

I have always loved weddings. I grew up in a large family and my mom is a musician, so I probably went to more weddings than the average child. As I got older, I started helping my friends plan their weddings. I work full time as a Project Manager, so planning and organizing things is really fun for me. The jump to coordinating weddings wasn’t something I had really planned. It started when a friend was getting married. Read More>>

Felt Nerdy

We’ve been performing as Felt Nerdy for about 13 years. For the first several years that we performed puppetry, we did so as a hobby. It was just for fun, and we would volunteer our performances for science fiction conventions across the southeast that did not have a budget for paid performers. Read More>>

Sue Worthy

Living in a food desert, I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be to find healthy, convenient food options when you’re on the go. There are many places to eat, but healthy choices are far and few between. Finding a nutritious meal or snack can feel like solving a complex puzzle—almost like trying to achieve world peace. Read More>>

Champ Barlow

After my professional basketball career ended, I knew I wanted to stay connected to the sport I loved. I had to determine what role I was willing to take and how I could make the biggest impact. I also knew I didn’t want to work for someone else, especially when I believed I could create something better on my own. Read More>>