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.

Bria Woo | Beauty Entrepreneur

I initially came up with the idea of Spicy HairCare because of my own hair struggles. For years, I couldn’t find a strong enough edge control that not only had a good consistency but also didn’t flake. Read more>>

K. IRIS Williams | Esthetician & Lash Gal Founder

I’ve been doing lashes for over 10 years and has always been a passion of mine. When Covid hit my business was affected and I couldn’t lash due to the shut down. I needed a way to pivot my business and create a way to make what I call “sleep coin”. Read more>>

6Line | Floral designer

The idea actually chose me. I got my interest in plants first as a child going upstate to visit my father, but my grandmother was the roots of my interest. She would have me water her house plants. Read more>>

Caressa Jennings | Owner & CEO of Caressa J Agency, Healing & Loss Expert, Motivational Speaker

I wanted to provide a high end luxury experience for aspiring entrepreneurs and emerging business owners that would take the stress away while building their brands. Read more>>

Tae Millhouse | Motivational Speaker/ Mental Health Advocate

Honestly…. It was 2013 going on 14 and I was just released from Santa Rita, a county jail in The Bay Area… I was frustrated, I knew I needed something positive & purposeful to focus my attention on…. Read more>>

Curtis Thomas | Creator and Designer

Like many Americans, I was inspired by the election of the country’s first African-American president. Watching household names from the worlds of music, fashion, and entertainment come together to campaign for a new era of politics made me believe anything was possible with the right strategy. Read more>>

Tamesha Alston | Entrepreneur

I came up with the ideal of starting my online boutique Amore Beautee due to the lack of small businesses in my area, it wasn’t enough of great quality clothing and accessories for not only women but men and kids. Read more>>

Christopher Coker | Author| Candle Creator| IT Project manager

This is actually an interesting story. The idea had always existed in the back of my mind, because I have always loved distinctive aromas, but the name was always missing. Read more>>

Nadia-Simone Holmes | Organic Skincare Owner

Since a child I have always suffered from Rosacea, which is a condition that causes redness and often small, red, pus-filled bumps on the face. Read more>>

Beverly mack | Event Planner & Decorator

The idea for Rose & Pearlz Events came about in 2016 when I did my husband 42nd birthday party red carpet night in Hollywood theme party. People were coming in saying who decorated this wow how beautiful. Read more>>

Ashea Stephens | Owner & Nail Technician

The idea of Ashea Enterprises LLC came from the gifts I was blessed with, being someone who is a jack of many trades can sometimes slow down the execution process of starting a business down. Read more>>

Allison Norris | Bizzy Babe and Therapist

I’m a total rule follower. And my family had always been connected to the cannabis industry… but CBD wasn’t something I knew much about. I think I’ve smoked weed like once in college. Read more>>

Edwina LaShan Ector | Fashion Blogger and Stylist

Hi, we are Edwina LaShan! We are sisters, born and raised in Chattanooga, TN. Marquita Edwina, and Al’leta LaShan Ector. The name “Edwina LaShan” originated from our middle names. Read more>>

Izak Potgieter | XR Developer, Researcher and Digital Artist

As long as I can remember there have been three things that have never ceased to fascinate me: architecture, history and technology. Read more>>

Amelia Butler | Founder, Learn Māori Abroad

Osiyo! Kia Ora! Before I introduce myself I would like to acknowledge the Cherokee and Muscogee Nations, the indigenous peoples of the lands of the Atlanta area. I stand in solidarity with our indigenous brothers and sisters of these nations and all of the great nations of Turtle Island (USA). Read more>>

Ariel Fristoe | Artistic Director

I never dreamed my tiny company would win The New York Times Best Theater of 2020 and the Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities, back-to-back, for our work in social justice! Read more>>