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.

Delilah Null | Founder and Community Leader

I was struggling with anxiety and depression a few years ago and I’ve always been interested in self-development, mental health, spirituality and self-care so I took the holistic wellness journey. One day I attended a yoga class at one of our local wellness studios and I wore my hair in this big poof. I walked in and immediately noticed that I was the only Black girl in that class. Read more>>

Rashaad Smith | Found of The Burghàlie Academy of Visual Arts

Art is an element that is not viewed in the same light as science or technology. Needless to say, that there are not as many resources available to artists and designers as it compares to aspiring doctors and tech. Our vision is to create an organization that advocates for creatives in the realms of fashion and art by providing mentorship, funding, and other opportunities to advance their careers. Read more>>

Kalea Turner | Master stylist , Master herbalist

SBKHair & Wellness salon is inspired by the owner Kalea Turner Master Cosmetologist Master herbalist and Certified Trichology and her passion for health and hair Care. Seeing a lot of her clients start to have different hair loss issues as well as scalp problem due to Medication, Hair care products used and or lifestyle. I wanted to create a place where she could help prevent a variety of hair and scalp conditions with natural and Organic products that have been created and formulated to a person’s hair condition and hair P.H. Read more>> 

Rileigh Altman | Founder & CEO of Beauty Freak

Growing up, I’ve always dreamed of creating something on my own. Once I got accepted into the cosmetology program through the technical school, MCCTC, I immediately started taking steps towards my goal. Beauty Freak started out as a school project, where I got to create a presentation to pitch a business idea. As my dreams started to form on paper with the help of the wonderful staff and teachers at MCCTC, I decided to jump on my idea and make it into a reality. In addition, my family has supported me since day one and continue to do so, as they have always reminded me to dream big. Read more>>

Ausatta Ayo | CEO of Yueai Botanica, Herbalist & Healer

I came up with the Idea for Yueai through my own experiences with Medicine and Cosmetic Products. I started making products in 2017 in my dorm room at Spelman College because of my studies in Biology and nutritional health. I learned about the foods, drugs and diseases that are stagnating our community. Read more>>