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.

Zuri Stanback, Sr. | Lens-Based Artist & Marketer

The creative entrepreneur bug bit me early. In college, I made a few extra dollars designing party and event flyers. From there, it was an unpredictable ride through the design world: websites in the dial-up days (who remembers those?), logos and e-newsletters in the age of flip phones, and even a stint selling my own custom artist merch as a painter in the 2010s. Read more>>

Hana Landesman | Animator & Illustrator

We started our business about a year ago. When we arrived in the United States at the end of 2022 with two suitcases and two children, we instantly fell in love with Atlanta and the surrounding area, and decided to settle down. Our primary business was a motion design studio catering to companies. However, since this field takes time to develop, we needed quick cash and began creating caricatures at our friends’ events. We fell in love with creating caricatures of people, interacting with them face to face, making them smile, and sending them home happy with an amazing souvenir from the event! Read more>>

Rosalyn Snow Childs | Salon Owner, Master Cosmetologist

The reason I started my business is because I have a love and passion for it. My mother would always say, “When you are willing to do something for free, it will last a lifetime, as if you are not even working, because you have a love for it.” ~Rosa Marie McCree Snow Read more>>

Ayanna De Silva | CEO, Designer

My brand Toute Bagai Designs is a branch of my parent company Creationz by Yanze (CBY). CBY was launched due to my love of paper products – designing and creating Invitations and Custom Prints for Weddings, Parties and Events.  In 2020, when Covid occured and weddings were at a standstill, I started looking at other ways to generate revenue and incorporate my designs.  After speaking with a few of my clients, I recognized there was a potential market for Custom Design Tees.  I began to research making tees and other types of clothing designs. Read more>> 

Travis Irions | President & Owner

After a trip to Asheville, North Carolina, I realized that we needed a way to inform visitors about our great breweries and how to find them. Asheville has lots of breweries you can walk to, but Atlanta needed a bus. In the process of researching the business, I found several breweries I had never heard of. This only reinforced the need for someone to bridge the gap with locals and visitors. Creating a HOP-on/HOP-off service was a great way to recreate the walking tour in Asheville. Read more>>

Lauren Connolly | Award-Winning Romance author

The interesting thing about being an author is, I don’t think a lot of people assume that you’re going to be running a business when you decide that you want to write books for a living. At first, it seems like solely a creative process where you would be handing in a manuscript to a publishing company. That all your job consists of is putting beautiful words on the page. But what I’ve come to find out is that being a successful author means I’m running a business. To have a career as an author, I needed to both create stories and establish a business that handles everything else involved with putting my books into the world. Read more>>

Sharon Wright | CEO of podcast Fashionably Loud and ANSHAS HOLISTIC HARMONY a non profit for Mental Health

I’ve always wanted to work for myself so this passion came from helping my grandmother in the kitchen on Saturday mornings or for the holidays , when I was a child . My granny’s the reason I’ve always wanted to be my own boss . I watched her sell dinners weekly to the local banks and the veterans hospital in Florida, she was called the neighborhood candy lady , my granny wanted something I watched her sell things to get it or my mother spoiled her , lol , but I watched her and I caught on , but , my drive to get here came from my mother Linda. , she put the hustle in me , I watched her work two jobs so me and my brother never wanted for anything Read more>>

Lloyd and Natosha Jones | Co owners Midnight Comics

Initially, we really wanted to tell good stories. We were tired of storytellers being scared to take risks, off characters, and have finality. Then, we also started to think about the kinds of, not only stories, but characters we always wanted to see growing up and wanted to fill the void that was left from the lack of seeing characters that look like us. From there we strived to create stories that were unique and featured Black and POC characters from all walks of life. Read more>>

Chama Ibrahim | Co-Founder and Executive Director of Noor Family Services

My early experience was as a front-line Domestic Violence advocate in both shelter programs and the court system. I saw the need for an organization that supports victims in a culturally sensitive manner. I (along with my co-founder, Fakiha Khan) started our agency from scratch, it started with a dream that one day we would have an agency that will serve any client without any kind of discrimination on the lines of ethnicity, social class, race, etc. We wanted to have an impact in the lives of victims of domestic violence (DV) and their children by making sure that all their rights as DV victims are protected by letting them know that there are options and resources available to victims in this country and empowering them to overcome barriers related to finance, language or community support and thus, leave the abusive situation if they choose to. Read more>>

Dr. Mike Woods | Apostle & Entrepreneur

My thought process behind becoming an entrepreneur stemmed from a combination of personal passion, a keen eye for market opportunities, and a desire for independence. I’ve always been fascinated by innovation and the possibility of creating something new that can make a real difference. While working as an itinerant minister, I discovered that I was born to control my finances and sign my own check. In addition, I understood that I needed to create wealth in the Marketplace so that my INCOME COULD MAKE AN IMPACT in MINISTRY. Read more>>

Shone Brown | Owner

Da Evening Rush Network was started by Shone “Don” Brown in 2020. My vision was to create a platform that provided a voice for independent creators and allowed for a diverse range of content. Here are some key aspects of the thought process behind starting the network: By recognizing the need for a platform where independent content creators could share their work without the restrictions imposed by traditional media outlets. Read more>>

Josette Miller | Curator of J. Botanicals, Creative Dope Soul & A Jill of All Trades

J. Botanicals was a culmination of several factors and experiences that came together at the right time. I’ve always been a “hustler” in the sense that I’ve tried my hand at various ventures—bartending, graphic design, even making candy. Creativity and the drive to create something unique have always been a part of who I am. My diverse experiences made me realize that I had a knack for creating things and turning them into viable products.  When I started reading the ingredients on hair and body product jars, I thought, “Why can’t I make something like this, but better?” Read more>>

Randy Bearden | Entrepreneur

The decision to start a business was actually a pretty simple choice for me. I dream big and I knew early on that my ambitions could not be funded by a regular 9 to 5. However, I also knew trading one office job for another was not the answer. I was certain branching out on my own was the way to go but starting this business had to be about more than simply finding some void in the market to fill. I wasn’t interested in just turning a buck for profit’s sake.
This company was going to be something purpose driven and unique. Read more>>

Craig Dupuis | Senior Principal/Founder of DDG Architecture

I had reached a level in my career where I felt a great deal of self-confidence and had developed a great support group of colleagues and peers. I also had always dreamed of the opportunity to mentor and lead younger architects and support them in their aspirations to practice architecture. Read more>>

Naya Jaella | CEO & Founder of Creators’ Catalog

From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a creative in some form. My career aspirations shifted throughout my early years, from fashion designer to chef, and eventually to architectural engineer. My love for art and creating was always there; I just hadn’t found the right outlet yet. In my senior year of high school, I started a club called Express, where various performance artists could showcase their talents. I envisioned it not as a talent show but as a full-scale production. Read more>>

Seon Smith | Mindset Coach and Author

Starting FaithWalk Global was not a personal choice but a God given mandate. I have dabbled in entrepreneurship before however launching FaithWalk has been a calling. I aim to help propel women to realign with God’s vision for them. As a woman that used to struggle with my identity and imposter syndrome, I understand this hurdle that some women face so well. God has given me strategies and wisdom to pour out to these women through: books, coaching, intercession and cultivating Christ like atmospheres. Ultimately my brand leads women to their source Jesus and unearths the purpose He placed in them. Read more>>

Tamisha Bourn | Realtor & Property Manager, Notary

My thought process is I have always wanted to help others. My Business Name is Olive Branches. We all need a branch extended to us. Olive is My Maiden Name Read more>>

Jade Adhola | Podcaster, Anthropologist, & Artist

After deciding to withdraw from graduate school, I started working in the service industry as a full-time barista. Though I love my work in hospitality, I never wanted to abandon academia completely – which is what pushed me to start my podcast, Why Not? With Jade. Through my podcast, and my presence online, I am able to use the research skills I learned in college while also disseminating the information in a more digestible manner. I found a love of learning while I was in school, but academia has a way of sucking the love right out of you! Read more>>

Kenene Senior | Educator, Associate Psychologist & Social Entrepreneur

https://shoutoutatlanta.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/c-1717620968965-personal_kenene_senior_whatsapp-image-2024-06-05-at-35551-pm.pngI am a social entrepreneur, driven by a desire to address the social, psychological, and academic challenges faced by youth in my community. My primary goal was never about making money, but rather about creating a positive social impact. The inspiration for my venture, God’s Investment for Today (G.I.F.T.) Foundation Jamaica Ltd., originally came from my father, who passed away in November 2020. In 2018, I realized that the foundation was no longer active, and I felt a strong need to revitalize it because of its importance to our community. Read more>>

Tonia Thomas | Shyneeknobs Vegan Nail Polish

Starting my own business was a decision driven by a combination of passion, opportunity, and the desire for independence. I was deeply motivated by a vision to bring awareness to women and girls to not only love themselves again but to find the one person they needed the most and that is themselves. I saw a gap I had identified and I saw firsthand the limitations and unmet needs that larger companies often overlooked and that was not to only sell nail polish but to identify each color with a purpose. I conducted thorough research, sought advice from the only mentor in my life (God) and meticulously planned every detail to ensure I was prepared for the challenges ahead no matter what. Read more>>

Kellie Smalls | Konsultant Extraordinaire

My thought process for starting Kosmick Konnection Ltd. Co. started long before I really knew it was something that I could do. I have always been intuitive, and I actually had a strong calling to paranormal and metaphysical things at a young age. I always wanted to find out more, and konnect with others that may have been interested in, or experiencing things that I did. I found out that not many people did, and if they did they were afraid to talk about it from fear of being labeled. Read more>>

Dezmon Jamerson | Clothing Brand Owner

Starting my own business has always been a personal aspiration. In 2017, I launched a clothing line called By3 in Detroit and later created custom shirts for students and teachers during my college years. Initially, I did not pursue these ventures with the seriousness they deserved. However, after dedicating my life to Christ, I felt a clear calling to pursue my passion with a higher purpose. This led to the creation of Kingdom Klothing, a brand dedicated to glorifying Him through my work. Read more>>

Dr. Mora Pressley | Educational Leader & Consultant

Starting my own business, AROM Educational Consulting, LLC, was a decision born out of a combination of professional experience, personal passion, and a deep desire to effect positive change in the education system. As a Black woman, I have encountered various challenges and triumphs that have shaped my perspective and reinforced my commitment to advocacy and equity in education. As a special educator, I’ve seen firsthand the disparities and systemic issues that affect marginalized communities, particularly Black students. Read more>>

Cierra Edmonson | CEO @ The Luxe Christian Co.

The Luxe Christian Co. was started as an outward expression of my testimony. I launched this business on 3/4/2024, my seven year stroke anniversary (I’m a survivor). This was something that had been stirring in my spirit for a while and God gave me direction and guidance to make it happen. The Luxe Christian Co. (affectionately called T.LC.) is a luxury Christian hub where spirituality and style intersect. Read more>>

Sasha Fierro | Event & Floral Designer and Retail Shop Owner

I made the decision to launch my own business because I desired the freedom to explore my own concept and develop a venture that aligned with my core beliefs. Additionally, I wanted to demonstrate to my daughter that despite the obstacles I faced with cancer, my determination and dreams remained unscathed. The prospect of starting from scratch and building something new also intrigued me. Ultimately, my goal was to seize control of my fate and leave a positive mark on the world. Read more>>

Taeisha Phillip | Serial Entrepreneur

Honestly, I am always had an entrepreneurial spirit since I was a kid. My grandfather owned a soft drinks wholesaling business in th Caribbean in Antigua and from a young age he showed me how important business was. I eventually got older, Majored in College in Business Administration with Concentration in Marketing Management. Starting my own business I wanted to see not just more for myself but I wanted my family to experience having a better life. It was a challenging process at first but once I made the decision, there was literally no turning back from there. Read more>>

Emily Pritchett | Owner – EGP Crafts

My entire life, I’ve always enjoyed being creative but as we all know, life happens and sometimes things we have passion for get pushed to the back burner. By 2019, I was struggling after my job lay off and my stress / anxiety was at an all time high. So, this was my pivoting point of wanting to find more happiness in my life while entering my 30s. I then committed to crafting more, stressing less, and seeking out the things that brings me more daily joy one arts & crafts project at a time. Read more>>

Anthony Jefferson

When starting my business I knew with everything within me that there had to be something of my own that I could invest my time and energy into. I had always been a hard worker and the time had come for me to put that hard work to use to build my own vision and stop establishing everyone else’s. Read more>>

TaShay Williams

When I decided to pursue acting and entertainment full-time, I was a mom of four, a wife and I was working in healthcare full time. I had no clue as to where this road was going, or how much I needed this change in my life. I just knew opportunities presented themselves and I wanted to make the best of the opportunities that I was given. Taking that first step is always the hardest thing to do but after taking that leap of faith I realized how much I enjoyed what I was doing. Singing with my band during the Cure festival, and acting with some of Houston most well known Entertainers gave me A breathe of fresh air. Read more>>

Elena Colquitt

My decision to start my own business was driven by a combination of personal experience and professional expertise. Following my graduation in 2007, I entered a volatile job market within the finance industry. After enduring two layoffs, it became evident to me that traditional notions of job security were increasingly precarious. This realization prompted a shift in perspective. Read more>>

Carrie Cantwell

I worked as a freelance film and television graphic designer for 16 years before I decided to start my own business. Although I loved my movie career, I was getting burnt out making other people’s visions a reality. I felt like—since life is short—I wanted to start creating the art I want to see in the world. I had experience running my own graphic design firm from way back in the early 2000s (before my movie career) so I knew a bit about contracts, billing, legal, etc. and it felt like a natural progression for me to become an art entrepreneur. Read more>>

Marchell Jackson

I can’t say that starting my business was a deliberate, well-laid-out plan! The journey began several months ago when I unexpectedly lost a contract that I had been working on for two years. Faced with the sudden loss of income, I plunged into the job market, hoping to secure a new position quickly. Despite my best efforts in revamping my resume and creating a comprehensive portfolio, I was met with a barrage of rejections. Each rejection felt like a setback, contributing to a period of profound disappointment. Read more>>