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.

Panayotta Delinois Roberts

I’m the founder of Delinois Roberts Scientific International. I’m a laboratory trained microbiologist turned scientific consultant who’s passionate about lab issues and systems. I started my consulting business because I want the flexibility of combining my skills (microbiology, informatics, multilingual, organization) into one entity that challenges me. Read More>>

Paul Wilson, Jr.

For me, starting my business wasn’t just about entrepreneurship, it was about pursuing my purpose. I’ve always believed that business can be both a calling and a catalyst. After years in corporate supply chain management and community development, I saw how many talented, purpose-driven people were full of potential but lacked the systems, strategies, or support to turn their vision into something sustainable. Read More>>

Marlon McCaulsky

I didn’t have a solid process for starting a business, per se. I just wanted to tell good stories. Over the years, it became a brand – my name as an author. So, my focus is on writing the best book I can, which is good for business. Read More>>

michael borders

I tell people, ‘This is my Pandemic Contingency’. I was a personal trainer for several years before the pandemic. I grew up in Fort Valley, Ga, but moved to NYC in 2001. After 19 years in NYC, and the uncertainty about business reopening, I took my savings and pulled the trigger on starting a Fabrication shop in Forsyth. Read More>>

Joyce Blackmon

Honestly, my thought process came down to one word — freedom. After years of working as a Project Manager and Trainer, I realized how much I loved helping people grow, develop their potential, and achieve big goals. But I also wanted to create something of my own — something that allowed me to serve others while living life on my own terms. Read More>>

Stefani Silverman

I think some of us are simply wired with an internal pull — that instinct that tells you you’re meant to create something of your own. I always had ideas for businesses, but for years I was told the timing wasn’t right or that it would be a mistake to walk away from a successful corporate path. Read More>>

Patrick Preston

Honestly, starting my own business came from a place of necessity and purpose. After running a commercial studio for 4 years, I realized early on that I didn’t just want to work in music — I wanted to build something that worked for music. After years of producing, teaching, and collaborating, I saw a real gap between creativity and structure. Read More>>

Lizbeth Tew

I discovered aerial arts in my mid-30s, at a time when going to the gym felt more like a chore than something I truly enjoyed. A few years later, I realized there must be other women in LaGrange who felt the same way but didn’t have access to a nearby aerial studio, the closest ones were 45 minutes to an hour away. Read More>>

Brooke Richey

The idea of starting your own business can be intimidating because you’re essentially placing a bet on yoursel which that is never easy. It requires drive, resilience, and absolute belief in your vision. Before taking the leap, I always weigh the pros and cons and ask myself the hard questions.. Am I doing this for the right reasons? Is this something I genuinely love? Read More>>

Irene Oh

I have been volunteering in my community every week since I was eleven years old through my local church, refugee centers, and community events. Through these experiences, I met many people who lacked even the most basic medical and personal care resources, which made me realize how deeply people are in need of care. Read More>>

Joanna Harvey

I actually get this question a lot! And the process was very organic. I was an elementary school teacher who decided to take some time off when I had my children. During that time, my husband recommended that I teach art classes out of our basement for fun. That’s where the first studio was created. Read More>>

Valerie Thomas

My thought process began with a simple, personal observation: families like mine wanted stylish, well-made children’s clothing and positive spaces where kids could be seen, celebrated, and developed—not just dressed. Read More>>

Jonathan Hessing

You know, it really started with noticing how often smart people were building around problems instead of through them. My first company came from pure curiosity. We were sitting in a bar during the Alabama-Auburn game, watching everyone go nuts, and I thought, if this is what it’s like here in Kennesaw, imagine Tuscaloosa. Read More>>

Rae Sanchez

Starting my own business came from a deep desire to support people in ways that felt authentic to me as a Marriage and Family therapist. I’ve always been passionate about creating safe, accessible spaces for healing, and I realized that building my own practice would allow me to show up for clients in a way that truly aligns with my values. Read More>>