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.

EbonyCapri | BeautyPreneur and Consultant

I came up with the idea for my business just before the pandemic hit. I had no idea this was getting ready to happen, however I knew it was time to expand my brand. I’ve always loved all things Beauty industry wise and I felt it was time for me to branch out and have my own products. There is nothing more rewarding as Makeup Artist, having the opportunity to use your own products as you’re creating looks for your clients. Read more>>

Nicholas Buamah | Writer, Creator and Producer

The idea to create my tv show actually came from comedian Karlous Miller. During an interview with the comedian last year he suggested we create a 5-minute movie together. My mom and I thought, why make a 5-minute movie when we can create a 22-minute pilot. We went home and started writing down our ideas. That’s how Nick’s House tv show was born. Read more>>

Dr. Monica Cox | Authenticity Coach | Entrepreneur | Professor

All ideas for my business came from my personal experiences as a Black woman professor. When there wasn’t a tool to assess my teaching equitably, I created it. When people contacted me on Twitter about their concerns with the workplace, I created my “Stop Playing Diversity” brand. I feel the needs of people and create the services and resources I want and need. Read more>>

Arleshia McMichael | Poverty 2 Prosperity PS Inc. Founder/CEO& President

Growing up in poverty on the Westside of Atlanta (Adamsville), I knew I wanted different. We watched our mother do the best she could. Some of my greatest struggles made me who I am today. I didn’t know we were living at the poverty level until it was time for college. As I got older, I began to fundamental we weren’t taught some of the real-life situations. We were taught to work, pay our bills and take care of our families. Buying homes, owning a business, and credit building were never taught in the home or school. Read more>>

Doc Ervin | Personal Chef, Caterer, Executive Chef

I first learned how to cook when I was 11 from my mother and grandmother. I was what you considered a “latch key kid”. My very first job washing dishes in a kitchen and occasionally the head chef would show me a thing or two. After going to college, a career in radio & entertainment as a DJ, I wanted to do something different and my love for food was calling out to me. I went to culinary school and started immediately out of the gate with a head chef/manager position. I still was not satisfied. Read more>>

Gabriella Griffin | Wardrobe Stylist & Creative Director

To be honest, having a business as a wardrobe stylist isn’t something I set out to do. Since I was a kid, I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur, and after working with a group of entrepreneur spirited women, I chose to start a business in e-commerce. When I started this business, I was everything; the buyer, the wardrobe stylist for shoots, even the shipper. So one day, as I styled one of my advertisement shoots, I designed and handcrafted a dress from fabric and safety pins. Read more>>

Jen Brooks | Educator & Bookstore Owner

So in my current 9-5 I serve as an English/Social Studies teacher. The lack of representation of Educators of Color is what motivated me to enter the field of Education and is the driving factor behind all of my work. I am a teacher, writer, business-owner who is passionate about literacy, particularly in communities of color. For so often, literacy was a tool used to maintain oppression and subordinate practices. I believe that literacy is the most important form of resistance for People of Color as well as the allies that support them. Read more>>