It takes a lot more than an idea to build a business, but there can’t be a business without the idea. So we asked folks who’ve built wonderful businesses to tell us about how they came up with the idea in the first place.

Isis Wood

My great-grandmother’s name was Irma, and I often think about the way she had a gift for making others feel beautiful. She carried herself with such grace, and it seemed effortless for her to bring out the best in people. Growing up, I was always curious about what truly defined beauty, not just how it looked on the outside, but how it made others feel. I remember sneaking into my mother’s room, trying on her earrings, and carefully opening her jewelry box, hoping to discover a hidden gem that held a bit of that magic. Read More>> 

Amelia Santiago

After spending a few years working regular jobs for other people, I realized that the traditional work structure wasn’t for me. I saw patterns in the workplace that didn’t align with the kind of freedom, creativity, or ownership I wanted in my life. That realization sparked a desire to work for myself and build something of my own. Read More>> 

Whitney Miner

Honestly, my business grew out of both personal transformation and a deep desire to help others heal. I didn’t set out to be a nutritionist, plant-based chef, wellness educator or yoga instructor. It was a lot of trial and error but I simply followed what felt true.

Food was my entry point. I began exploring how what we eat affects how we feel – not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually too. As I started cleaning up my own plate, I noticed a shift: more energy, more clarity, more peace. And I wanted others (especially in our African American community) to experience that too. Read More>>