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.

Anais Hayden

I love dogs, I have loved them my entire life. I always wanted to be either a Veterinarian or an Artist. When I found out what career I wanted I was blessed enough to combine two things I love into one and become a Creative Canine Colorist/Dog Groomer. Read more>>

Veronica Lima

Omg! I neverrrrr wanted to do this. I was a renter in a spa and one Monday (as my husband was between jobs + new baby at home) the owner called us saying they were shutting the doors immediately. And we had no where to go so I decided I had to be in control of my financial security and couldn’t leave it up to anyone else plus I wanted to ensure this didn’t happen to other people either!! Read more>>

Clinton McCo

The path to creating Holistic Fitness 2.0 was both purpose-driven and necessary. Losing my grandmother to Alzheimer’s, one aunt to Type 2 Diabetes, another aunt to cancer, and my best friend to a heart attack at 42 inspired me to start working out. However, it wasn’t until my own health crisis around age 47 that I embraced a holistic approach to health and well-being. At my worst, I had Type 2 Diabetes with an A1C of 6.5, high cholesterol at 310, severe chronic back pain due to systemic inflammation, and anxiety. Through learning about healing the different systems of the body instead of just focusing on weight loss, I discovered the secret to making significant and lasting changes. Read more>>

Jacquitta McManus

The thought of starting my company, Worlds To Discover, developed gradually. It began when I decided to write fantasy adventure children’s stories to fill a gap I noticed while searching for books to read to my daughter. As a big fan of fantasy and science fiction, I was saddened by the lack of stories featuring black girls—when I say lack, I mean I couldn’t find any. That’s when the spark began for me. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve imagined stories in my head, stories I realized I could develop into books. My goal was to create books featuring black female protagonists in fantasy adventure and science fiction—books I would have loved to read to my daughter at bedtime. Once I committed to writing these stories, the idea of creating my own publishing company emerged. After considering various names, I landed on Worlds To Discover, which perfectly encapsulates my mission to create diverse worlds and characters for readers to discover. Read more>>

Shameka Palmer

My thought process on starting my own business began when I realized how much joy I had when I engaged in meditation, self-affirmations and holistic avenues to maintain my mental wellness. In 2018, I had the opportunity to learn about the seven main chakras (energy centers) in our body. In my teachings, I found that chakras (Root, Sacral, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat, Third Eye and Crown) govern different aspects of our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Your chakras can either be blocked, overactive or balanced. I learned so much about myself in this process and found ways to balance my chakras that helped me function better in all aspects of my life. Once I found certain tools to aid me in this self-discovery, I created my business, Centered Chakras LLC in the fall of 2022. Read more>>

Jordan Olivera

The first thing that comes to mind is reading an interview in Athens Food & Culture regarding the owner of The Royal Peasant in Athens, GA. He was asked “What made you want to open your own restaurant instead of working for someone else?” His response really sat with me, saying “My father always told me there are two types of people in the world – the people who sign the front of the checks and the people who sign the back. He told me to always be the person who signs the front.” The possibility of running my own business started to become something I was thinking more about. In my early years off tattooing and my apprenticeship I found myself moving from shop to shop strictly based on the attitudes of those who owned them. It was a very much “do it the way I say to do it” mentality. That just didn’t work for me. I didn’t respect the people that I worked for, and it’s hard to make money for the people you don’t respect. Read more>>

Chaela Bre Ahari

Soul Purge was founded by my mom Lala Inuti Ahari. Once she decided to start another business, her spiritual candle business The Conjure, she gave Soul Purge to me while I was still in college. She taught me everything from how to do spiritual cleansings to protection work while she was running Soul Purge. I felt ready to take on entrepreneurship after shadowing my mom for years and learning how to run a business. Once I took over Soul Purge, I continued to grow and expand it, and 4 years later, Soul Purge has reached thousands of people worldwide and has changed many lives. Read more>>

Eddie Izenady

It started while thinking how can I still be active without being a basketball player any longer. I started falling in love with the gym as a new release. A few people wanted to seek my help because they took notice. This is when I thought to myself, I should get certified and really help others. Read more>>

Leek Scotty

My thought process is building a brand that I have full control of as far as how I want to influence people pretty much show people that anything is possible as long as you tune out the negativity. Read more>>

Stan Clark

Creative people have all kinds of avenues today for getting their work into the hands and heads of the public. One can work with galleries and museums, with art agencies, do short-term stints on corporate projects, and even use the power of the internet to reach most of their clientele. But at the end of the day, the product that an artist creates is as unique to them as a fingerprint. That wellspring of talent can be hired out, but it can’t be sold or traded off. It always remains an extension of the artist. So I believe the goal of almost any artist should be to achieve a place of autonomy, and that means being the captain on one’s own ship, for better or worse. Read more>>

Heather Bruce

Starting my own business was combination of passion and practicality. Growing up, I loved looking at photos, learning about the people in them, or imagining what they might have been like. This fascination with frozen moments of time fueled my passion for photography when I had my children, wanting to preserve every moment I could. Over time, I realized I wanted to do the same for others. On the practical side, I wanted to be able to have the freedom and flexibility to create my own schedule and creative direction. By starting my own business, I could be with my children more, focus on projects I love or envision, build lasting relationships with my clients, and it allowed me to ensure my work is fulfilling and impactful. Read more>>

Joselyn Davis

Starting my business as a personal trainer and mental health advocate was driven by a deep passion for helping others achieve holistic health. My thought process was broken down into six key steps: Identify the Need: I saw a gap in the fitness industry where mental health was often overlooked. Many people are struggling not just with physical fitness but also with their mental and emotional well-being. Passion and Purpose: I have always been passionate about fitness, fashion, and mental health. Combining these three areas felt like a natural fit and a way to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. They say, when you look good, you feel good, and I stand behind that concept. Read more>>

Tacorris Bryant

1. **Idea and Market Research**:
– **Identify a need**: Recognize a gap or problem in the market that your business can address. – **Research**: Conduct thorough market research to understand your target audience, competition, and industry trends.2. **Business Plan**: – **Executive Summary**: Outline the business idea, mission, and vision. – **Market Analysis**: Detail your research findings.
– **Organization and Management**: Define the business structure, ownership, and key team members. Read more>>

Miss Redd

In my life I know there is no way I could have achieved anything possible in my life without having a constant prayer in my daily life.Prayer has been a way for me to clear my mind and give all the worries or concerns to GOD. Once I made the decision to submit everything in my life to GOD and place all my concerns in his hands–a huge weight was lifted. I understand that as long as I am being faithful and obedient to my heavenly father, I know he will not forsake me. I also meditate to keep a clear mind, especially when I feel like I am being pulled in many directions and need clarity on decisions. “Miss Redd” has ALWAYS been inside of me-kind of like Sasha Fierce in Beyonce.lol. Read more>>

Christina Jones

How there were other children and families that wanted to experience the learning my children have experienced. Many families would prefer to homeschool or even a smaller connected learning environment but the fear behind taking the leap is what stops them. Read more>>

Auntie Cammy

I lived in North Carolina where the only thing open late for food is Cookout, McDonald’s & Jack in the Box….all three are mediocre unless you drinking, then that’s when they taste the BEST. Not to mention, when I get a craving – I answer it. Every time. If that means taking chicken wings out the freezer & waiting, I’ll do that so it’s only right to get up and cook for others that share a similar need for good food – late at night. Read more>>

Dr. Kiana Dancie

Starting Baggage Claim Worldwide was a deeply personal decision for me. I had faced significant challenges in my life, from surviving child molestation to losing my dream job as a nationally syndicated talk show host, and enduring a long-term relationship that didn’t lead to marriage. These experiences weighed heavily on me, both emotionally and mentally. A pivotal moment came when I decided to undergo plastic surgery to remove the bags under my eyes. This was more than just a cosmetic change for me; it was a symbolic act of shedding the weight of my past. As I healed externally, I realized I needed to address the internal baggage I was carrying. This led me to therapy, self-reflection, and ultimately, a journey of healing. Read more>>

Alicia Renee Beck

As soon as I realized I am meant to help people heal, starting my own business was never a question for me; it was a definite. It has evolved and changed since its inception, and I can only imagine it will continue to do so over the years. In the beginning, it started as a transformative and healing journey within myself—I believe many businesses probably start this way. I was a professional actress for many years and never intended to make the jump into energy healing and spiritual work. But embarking on a healing journey was a necessity for me personally. Read more>>

Patty Jackson

The thought process behind starting Cobachi C.R.E.A.M. was driven by a combination of passion, experience, and a desire to innovate. As a former math teacher, I saw the potential to integrate educational concepts with a business model, particularly through our STEAM classes that teach math using ice cream. My love for unique and high-quality desserts inspired the creation of our distinctive product lineup, including innovative ice cream flavors, alcohol-infused ice cream, bread pudding, and sweet potato cheesecake. Recognizing a gap in the market for such unique offerings, I envisioned a brand that not only delights customers with its products but also engages the community through education and interactive experiences. The goal was to create a business that stands out in the crowded food industry, fosters community connections, and contributes to a positive social impact. Read more>>

Felix Ashamari Chen

My photography and art business began all pretty happenstance. I honestly stumbled into owning this business, even just looking back at it now. As an Eastern Asian, sports, entertainment, and especially arts, were never considered reliable or successful career paths so I was never encouraged in this direction. But even as a kid I always wanted to create art to share with others and even sell, but it always felt like plan B, or more like D, J, or X. Heck it wasn’t even a plan it was a daydream let’s be honest. Plan A (halfway through college) was pursuing my PhD in Clinical Psychology. I got into a PhD program in 2022 – before realizing prior to my second year I had no future in academia and promptly quit. It was an extremely low point in my life. Read more>>

Kimberly Joseph

I was young, spontaneous and filled with faith. When I learned what “wholesale” was, found a vendor and saw the prices of the items that I wanted to sell I only considered the pro’s I never once considered the con’s. I couldn’t believe the prices that I would pay and so I knew without a doubt that with me being the #1 hairstylist in the city not only would my clients come for services but they would also choose to purchase the hair from me too. Read more>>

Savannah Butler Abubakari

I have always had an itch to start Bodies by Sav, and when COVID happened and we were stuck at home, I took it into my own hands and thought, What better time than now? I was a Senior Instructor at SoulCycle during lockdown, and I knew that if I didn’t have people counting on me to motivate them to move their bodies, I was also going to sit back and chill. A couple weeks after lockdown, I woke up one day and decided to go live on Instagram at 12 p.m. EST. I couldn’t see anyone, but I had about 25–30 people join me. I began by introducing myself and what the next 45 minutes were going to entail. I explained the method and flow: a 7-minute dance cardio warmup followed by a full-body mat Pilates all to the beat of the music, and we began! From that class on, I would sign on to Instagram Live Monday–Friday at 12 p.m. EST and teach a BBS class. It grew to over 100 people signing on, and it continued to grow into an LLC just a few months later. Read more>>

Gabby Lowery

My thought process for starting my own business was highly influenced by my passion, community, and desire to create a positive impact for women of all generations to trust their intuition by following their dreams. For me art was a hobby, at 7 I remember entering school art competitions because I was always drawing and my teachers and peers encouraged me to submit my work. I could have never guessed that years later my hobby would become a business. I simply love creating and painting is therapeutic, allowing me to mute the world around me, process my emotions and communicate through my work. It has changed the way I view the world by giving me a lens that allows me to see beauty in things, people and environments that may normally be perceived negatively.  Read more>>

Haden Davis

In today’s world, we see most of our peers take a very traditional approach to life. We are taught from a young age to do the right things, make good grades, get into a good college, study hard there, make more good grades, graduate, and then get a good job to start your career and life. While this has proven to be a successful tactic for many people, it is not the only option. There are many ways to be successful in life and financially. After I graduated college, I was presented with two choices. I could either continue to apply for jobs that would be a good start to a long and permanent career, or I could try my luck with starting my own business. It was hard to decide, but I knew it would only get harder over time to go all in with my plans. After months of putting things off, I finally went all in on my transportation business in Athens, Georgia. I had worked for a transportation company throughout college and had learned a lot about the industry. I wanted to bring that experience to my new city and introduce a new type of fun for the people of Athens and the surrounding areas. Read more>>

Kelly White-Bryant

Frogtown Hemp, LLC is owned and operated by sisters, Kelly and Lacey. Our interest in CBD began by purchasing CBD for our dogs. We were looking for a natural alternative to prescription medication to help with our aging pets. This interest evolved into finding natural ways to help us, our friends and family. We soon discovered that CBD is beneficial in many areas without the harmful side effects of pharmaceuticals. Yet then we realized that it was a challenge to find a quality US grown and produced product at a reasonable price. This is where we began to organically grow our own hemp for our CBD products. Read more>>