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.

Eugene Varricchio | CEO and co-founder of Franki

Starting Franki was a natural evolution of my passion for customer-centricity, which was rooted in my early career working on the shop floor in retail. I’ve always believed that understanding the customer experience firsthand is key to building a successful business. Having led transformations across various industries like media and consumer goods, I saw a growing disconnect between local businesses and their audiences. With the rise of social media and video content, there was a clear opportunity to help local restaurants reconnect with their customers in a more authentic and engaging way. Read more>>

Jeremiah Walker Jr. | Professional Disc Jockey and Tennis Coach

Thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed by your prominent publication. I am an East Point, Georgia resident, but I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. I owned an audio-visual/DJ company called “Century Entertainment” for over twenty years. I am also one of the head Tennis Coaches for the City of EastPoint, Georgia. I attended college at Wayne State University in Detroit, earning a B.A., in Sociology. I later attended Georgia State University, graduating with a B.A., in Finance.  Read more>>

Mario Fleming | Army Veteran & Black Owned | Lawn Care Specialist

The primary motivation behind starting my own business was to create a stable and sustainable way to provide for my family while achieving financial freedom. I wanted to build something that would offer long-term security and independence, both personally and professionally. Entrepreneurship also gave me the opportunity to create an additional stream of income, which is crucial in today’s economy. Beyond financial goals, I was driven by the desire to take control of my time, apply my skills, and contribute to my community by offering a service that enhances the beauty and functionality of outdoor spaces. Read more>>

Lu González | Makeup and fashion blogger

I wanted to create a community of women who support each other and understand how powerful we are, and how makeup and fashion that help us to connect and most important to feel better with ourselves. Read more>>

Luis Moreno | Hairstylist

The thought process behind opening my own business was rooted in my desire to work for myself and create an experience that truly resonates with my vision of service. I have always wanted to independently manage my own products, appointments, and client experiences, striving to elevate them to the intimate and luxurious level I’ve always envisioned. Read more>>

Hailey Holloway | Loctician/Hairstylist

Honestly, I was nervous I didn’t really know where to start .. but I knew I wanted to work for myself and nobody else. I always had a hustle mindset I got that from my dad for sure, but I’m glad I took that risk because it helped me build my confidence even more. Read more>>

Krystal Parks | Real Estate Consultant for Creators

There wasn’t much of a thought process behind starting a business. Since my teenage years, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and my stepdad has been a business owner for as long as I can remember. Throughout those years, he saw that in me and would give me little entrepreneurial tasks to help cultivate the skills and interests I was already showing. I’ve only had two jobs in my life, and I haven’t worked a traditional job in over 10 years. It wasn’t really a conscious decision—it felt more like a calling. Read more>>

Shania Williams | R&D Cosmetic Chemist , HPC Auditor , Owner of Self Worth Cosmetics

I had already chosen the name for my business, Self Worth Cosmetics, just a week after graduating with my B.S. in chemistry. It’s inspired by my own name, Shania Williams. As I began my career as a junior chemist, I quickly realized that I needed to be my own boss. Read more>>

Lamont Jones | Co-founder/CEO of Furthering Fathering

My thought process behind starting Furthering Fathering was conversations that my best friend Jeremy Maynard and I would have on a daily basis about our role as fathers and husbands that we found to have similar paths traveled although he had his father in the home growing up and I grew up without my dad involved in my life where we both felt the void of an involved father. We spend plenty of time having these conversations after our small group meetings at the International Christian Brotherhood also known as ICB which is the men’s ministry of Christian Cultural Center founded by AR Bernard and Directed by Dr. Read more>>

Jamariah Kelly | FBW Brand founder

The thought process behind starting FBW Brand was that black women needed to be placed on a pedestal. Without explanation, hoops to jump through, favoritism, colorism, any of the ism’s we faced on our journeys to greatness. Read more>>

Denali Geesh! | Artist, Brand & Clothing Owner

My whole reason for starting my own business was to potentially have something that lives forever! I wanted to create something that’s last long after me and that reminds people to make impactful choices. My purpose is to motivate and inspire people that have dreams and goals that look like me but may have little hope, faith or guidance. Being able to see it done and to see how it’s done for the most part is key to creating more business owners to obtain more and better. GEESH! Society is a community while also being a brand. Read more>>

Sean Allen | CEO & Founder of Sean Inspires

The thought process behind starting my business was a focus of life purpose which is centered around advancing the well-being of humanity. This focus began to evolve over the years with the creation of Sean Inspires Podcast, FLOW devotional Book, and my Life Coaching Practice. Read more>>

Trocon Talhouk | Tattoo Artist

Entrepreneurship has always been a dream of mine. I’ve always wanted to leave behind a legacy and have a recognizable brand that people associate with. I knew the process wouldn’t be easy but I was ready for the challenge and trusted the process. Read more>>