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.

Eri Johnson

Having an independent & leadership type of personality, I always knew that I wanted to start my own business. I just couldnt pin point what it would be. In 2020 I was diagnosed with a rare type of blood cancer called Multiple Myeloma. I was devistated and thought my life was over. I’d lost all of my hair and most of all my optimism on life. I’ve always been a highly, energetic, outgoing person, until this point in my life.  Read More>>

Chantel Chalwell

I actually became a short-term rental investor in 2019, before (my design business) Luxe & Nest Interiors ever existed. When I started designing my first property, I wasn’t creating just another listing — I was creating the one guests had to book. Every detail was intentional, from the layout to the finishes to the vibe I wanted guests to feel. It wasn’t just a space — it was a strategic asset built to compete, book, and make money. Read More>>

Demi Lizzann

I’m inspired by the beauty and wisdom of nature, and how it can enrich our lives in meaningful ways. The diverse cultural traditions and practices that connect people to wellness and healing deeply resonate with me. I’m also inspired by the resilience and creativity of people who are dedicated to making a positive impact. Their stories fuel my passion and inform my worldview that what we create empowers and uplifts others. Ultimately, it’s the interconnectedness of all things that keeps me inspired every day. Read More>>

Christina Bach

After spending over a decade practicing law in Florida, I made the decision to relocate to Atlanta—a move that would ultimately change the trajectory of my career and life in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I fell in love with Atlanta almost immediately: the energy, the people, the neighborhoods, the diversity—it all spoke to me. While I was awaiting admission to the Georgia Bar, an unexpected opportunity presented itself to work in real estate.  Read More>>

Genna Jacobs-Freeman

Starting Space Design Collective was born from a shared belief between my business partner, Erik Stewart, and me that our environments deeply shape how we feel, function, and flourish. With my background in public health and Erik’s expertise in design, we both felt called to reinvent spaces that truly support well-being—not just through beauty, but through science-backed intention. Read More>>

Starr Simpson

I’ve always had a passion for all things home—from real estate to interior design. What started as designing for my own real estate and business ventures, running renovation projects and furnishing short-term rentals, eventually evolved into something more meaningful. Friends and family would often ask for help with their own homes, and I discovered how much joy I felt creating spaces for others. Read More>>

Debor’rah Franklin

Honestly, it started from struggle. I was in nursing school, overwhelmed, questioning myself, and trying to survive exams that felt impossible. I remember thinking “There has to be a better way to learn this”. So I started creating the exact resources I wished I had. I unintentionally created things that actually& made senseand helped me think like a nurse, not just memorize. Read More>>

Byanka Tucker

After working in public health for 15 years, I had accumulated a deep well of knowledge, especially around policy. Becoming a consultant was something my colleagues and I had talked about often, almost like a dream we shared but rarely acted on. Public health is a deeply rewarding field in terms of impact, but when it comes to compensation and work culture, it can be incredibly unbalanced. Despite seven consecutive years of “exceeds expectations” on my annual reviews, I hadn’t received a raise since 2020.  Read More>>

Cimone Holt

My thought process behind starting my own business came from a necessity. A few years ago, I hit a rough patch related to my mental health. I experienced a very intense burnout that led to severe depression. I came very close to losing everything, and I felt isolated. I often describe it as being in a dark place. There was no light. When the smoke cleared, I put in the work to take care of myself, and I bounced back.  Read More>>

Shaztada Scoby

Pretty Mind & Body was born out of alignment—mind, body, and spirit. I’ve always believed that true transformation doesn’t just happen in the gym; it happens in your thoughts, your habits, and your relationship with God. After years of navigating military life, motherhood, and my own healing journey, I realized there wasn’t a space that truly honored all three: wellness, faith, and femininity. So I created it. PMB is more than a fitness brand—it’s a movement for women who want to align mind, body and spirit. Read More>>

Brooke, Kereen Goldman Moore, Henry

We wanted women to see themselves reflected in spaces where we’ve historically been excluded like golf and boutique wellness. We redefined it to be joyful, stylish, and culturally relevant rather than just elite and rigid. We didn’t wait for a seat, we built our own clubhouse and filled it with laughter, movement, and sisterhood. Whether you’re bonding over your first swing or your next career move, the Ladies Athletic Club of Atlanta makes networking feel organic. Trying something new in a supportive environment builds courage that carries over into other areas of life. Read More>>

Joshua Davis

Long before Monogram Styling existed, I was already buying deeply discounted polos in college and flipping them for a profit. That weekend hustle taught me two core lessons: I have a natural instinct for sourcing investment-grade apparel and understand that luxury is defined by the confidence and story you attach to each piece. Read More>>