It takes a lot more than an idea to build a business, but there can’t be a business without the idea. So we asked folks who’ve built wonderful businesses to tell us about how they came up with the idea in the first place.

Donnella Cranford | Minister & Founder

Before the birth of Women After God’s Own Heart Ministry, Inc. (WAGOH), I was struggling with an overwhelming job demand and balancing work and home; all of which was stressing me out. I’d experienced an anxiety attack which got my attention and I began to wonder if other women were going through what I was experiencing and how could we support one another. The thought of hosting a prayer breakfast for a group of women at my home grabbed me and I began to search for a speaker to meet our needs. Read more>>

Ana Villavasso | Artist

I really didn’t see myself as a creative at first. It was April of 2020, a month into quarantine, and I found an old school project of mine. I absolutely hated the way it turned out, so, out of mere boredom, painted over it. I actually quite liked how it turned out the second time, and I especially enjoyed the freedom I had to paint whatever. I put the painting on social media, and someone asked me to draw them. At that moment I realized I could make a profit simply doing something I love. That’s how it all started. Read more>>

Christina Dior | Currently InStyle | Personal Shopper & Image Consultant

Interestingly enough, I didn’t. My friends and colleagues were instrumental in me starting my business as an image consultant and personal shopper. With their ideas and constant push, Currently InStyle was born. It was a natural transition given that I was a weekly shopper and was always giving out styling tips. The name came from my addiction to InStyle Magazine and my ability to create looks that fit current trends but are timeless as well. Read more>>

CoChea Long | Business Owner, Blogger, and Zumba Instructor

The idea for my business came to me during a time where I was struggling heavily emotionally with the lifestyle my husband’s career forces us to live. We had just moved to a really small town, I am a city girl through and through. I wasn’t adjusting well to small town life. I wasn’t adjusting well to the isolation I felt. Then to add to it I was battling post partum depression, from having our second daughter, adjusting to life as a mother of two all while still showing up as a dutiful coach’s wife everyday. I was overwhelmed and felt like no one truly understood what I was dealing with. Going online to search for support groups for Coach’s wives I didn’t find much of anything. So, I made the decision to make a support community myself. A community where we tell the truth about the life we lead as transient families whose lives completely revolve around collegiate sports. Read more>>