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.

Shawanna Kendrick

I started my business out of a deep desire to support the mental and physical well-being of middle-aged Black women. In my previous professional roles, I was fortunate to design and lead programs centered around women’s empowerment. But it wasn’t until I began holding space in nature that I witnessed something truly powerful—authentic moments of disconnection from the noise, reconnection with self, and a profound sense of recentering. That experience solidified my purpose and shaped the foundation of my work. Read More>>

Attorney Bethaney Embry Jones

There wasn’t exactly a thought-out plan or strategy behind starting my business—it all began with my mother. My journey into this work began from a deeply personal place—helping my own mother. After she was injured in a car accident, I stepped in to represent her, determined to make sure she received the care, support, and justice she deserved. That experience opened my eyes to just how life-changing the right legal guidance can be. It ignited a passion in me to serve others with that same level of compassion, commitment, and excellence. Every client I work with is treated with the same respect, urgency, and care I gave to my mother—because to me, this work is personal. Read More>>

Tia Crosby

Starting my business was born from a personal need for healing and creative expression during a time of deep uncertainty. As the world slowed during the pandemic, I turned to art as a way to reconnect with my past self and celebrate the beauty of Black identity, resilience, and rest. What began as a personal outlet quickly became a calling—I realized that my creations resonated with others who saw themselves reflected in the work. I wanted to build something intentional, soulful, and community-centered. Organically Crafted grew from that space of authenticity—founded on purpose, not just profit. Read More>>

Molly Pass

I believe that film and photo have the power of preservation, and that being intentional with capturing and keeping our memories is essential to preserving our legacies and the love we have for the people in our lives. Read More>>

Frankie Jackson

My background is in veterinary medicine, which gave me a strong foundation in animal care, but my real passion has always been animal behaviour. When I moved to the U.S., I was fortunate to join a thriving local dog training company. During my two years there, I learned so much: not just about dog behaviour and the training industry, but also about my own strengths and what I had to offer. Read More>>

Edgar Garay

I started Falcomm because I saw a big disconnect between what was possible in the lab and what was actually being used in the real world. During my PhD, I worked on a new technology that made wireless chips dramatically more energy-efficient. I realized this could have a huge impact—helping satellites last longer in space, reducing power consumption in telecom networks, and improving critical systems in defense. Rather than let the innovation sit on a shelf, I decided to build a company to bring it to life and solve real-world problems. Read More>>

Rene Mondy

It wasn’t one single thought—it was many. Sixteen years ago, I went through my own divorce. I was working full time, going to graduate school part time and trying to hold it together while it felt everything around me was shifting. And as a therapist, I kept meeting women who looked just like me—silently wondering, “What now?”

I created Dear John The Box out of that space. That messy, in-between place where you’re not fully broken, but you don’t yet feel whole. I remember thinking, there has to be another way to let go of what no longer serves us and say goodbye. Read More>>

Julian King

I want financial freedom. I wanted the ability to create my own schedule and to determine my own success. It was in me to show my next generation that the sky’s the limit and anything is possible. Read More>>

Mandy Baxter

I wanted to create a clean and organized space of peace, encouragement, support, and ease for myself and other stylists. I also wanted to have a private suite for my clients so that they could relax, work, unload and unwind without having to feel the distractions of a busy salon.
I loved the idea of individual suites rather than an open area salon. This would give each stylist the freedom and space to create, decorate, and run their business as they choose. I wanted to have a salon of like minded stylists who operate their business with professionalism but that I dint have to manage or pick up after. This business model gave me just that! Read More>>

Muzi Mnisi

I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and being a creative at heart it seemed like the perfect match. You know the old saying if you do what you love you’ll never work. Honestly I couldn’t agree with that more because I love what I do. Read More>>

Kamsi Ede

I have been crocheting since I was in high school, and I love crocheting plushies, specifically! In 2023, I was laid off from my job, and started working part time at Joann Fabrics (RIP). During my time there, I began experimenting with different patterns, and yarns, I didn’t know what to do with all my plushie makes! That’s when I decided to start doing markets as a way to get rid of some stuff, but also share my joy with everyone else! Read More>>

I’keysis Walker

The friends I made in college truly inspired me to start my own entrepreneurial journey. Both of them were hairdressers and were making a living in college. While observing their business acumen and success, I couldn’t help but think to myself, “I don’t have any side hustles; I would love to start my own business.” Read More>>

Mischa Smith

When I first started considering becoming an entrepreneur at five-years-old I really didn’t think much of the idea. I was me, a little girl selling drawings I made to my mom and dad for a standard fifty cents. I had the classic mindset: do my own thing, succeed, get rich quick, and always be my own boss. However, that all changed when I turned eight, because I realized how legitimately beneficial owning a company would be. Given the fact that I aspire become an actress, owning a company could be my second avenue of income. I marinated on the thought for about a month or two and consulted my brother and family members about the idea. Read More>>

Danny Huber

On December 13th, 2021 my life changed forever when my mother Joyce (Bertolozi) Huber passed away after losing her battle to cancer. I quickly went down a path of self destruction struggling with severe depression, guilt and grief. Shortly after with the support of my wife and family I picked myself up and decided to get sober.

I started my business to honor my mother and other family members who have passed away. I also am using this pizzeria as a place for those who struggle with addiction as a place to have a safe place to get on the right path. Read More>>

John Hinkel

Well, I wanted to start my own business buying, restoring, and selling antiques because I love the thrill of the hunt and the thrill of bringing the right item to the right person! However, I want to stay far away from turning into a hoarder, so selling it on is important ;). It’s so fun to find that one unique piece at that one random shop around Georgia and so gratifying to make it shine again. The additional perk of being able to brighten someone’s day with that unique piece of decor or that unique piece of jewelry is really rewarding too. I’ve met so many interesting people throughout my business journey so far! Read More>>

Ben Hardman

I started Banded because I kept meeting business owners who were succeeding in their companies but quietly struggling behind the scenes. I’ve lived that tension myself. As an entrepreneur and a dad, there were seasons where it felt nearly impossible to juggle family, faith, and business. I didn’t need more information or another leadership podcast. I needed a trusted circle. A place where I could be fully myself, talk about the stuff that rarely gets said out loud, and grow alongside people who understood the weight I was carrying. Banded was born out of that need—for soul health, for honest community, and for leadership that actually lasts. Read More>>

Alfred Harris

The idea really started from a personal need—I was planning my son’s birthday party, and all he wanted was video games. No bounce house, no clowns, just a chill, fun gaming experience with his friends. I looked around and couldn’t find anything that was flexible, affordable, or offered something beyond a packed gaming truck. So I thought, “Why not create it myself?” Read More>>

Dr. Tahaira J

Honestly, starting my own business was less of a choice and more of a calling. I was tired of watching systems continuously fail women,especially Black, Indigenous, and women of color during the most sacred moments of their lives. After experiencing these systemic inequalities firsthand, I realized I couldn’t wait for systems to shift, instead I had to be the shift.

I saw a gap where compassion, culture, and care should exist. Deepening my desire to create something that not only honors those who came before me, but also empowers the next generation to reclaim their wellness, their wombs, and their worth. Read More>>