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.

Rodney Ellis | Creative Writer/Actor/Music Producer/film and video

In 2003 I wanted to find a way to take myself off the streets and start my own business so I thought to myself what could I do legally that would still help me and family financially, only I could think of at time was atlanta entertainment industry which was booming at the time! Read more>>

Precious Peters | Caterer & Business Owner

I got the idea of turning Peach Treatzz into a business from my mother, who always wanted to start her own business. She never had the time to pursue it but she made sure to teach me every life lesson, a woman or human, needs to know. My mom taught me everything I needed to know about the kitchen and baking was my favorite. I always enjoyed the creative designs and science that went into all desserts. I cherish every piece of knowledge I learned and continue to learn. I plan on taking this moment with my business farther than I could have imagined from when I was 10,15, or even 23. Read more>>

April Denise | CEO of Bama Baddies

I came up with the idea of my TV show by being inspired by other big time movie, producers, and reality TV show producers and creators , like Tyler Perry and Mona Scott . The truth is ,growing up in a neighborhood that low income families live in the average person would only dream to do big things based on their life situations. But I did not let where I came from stop me from chasing my dreams I am determined to make history for my family and where I come from. Read more>>

Melba Payan | Melba Payan-RYT500 Yoga Instructor, Retreat & Women Circle Facilitator

I was a high school Spanish for 18 years. I loved the profession but the last few years I was suffering from burnout and feeling that there was more to life. A year ago, I resigned, took 5 months to connect and heal in Puerto Rico, where I am from, and when I returned began the process of stepping into my dream (I had it since 2020) and starting my business. Read more>>

Elizabeth Wake | Founder and Owner of a Non-Alcoholic Bar and Coffeehouse

The Wakery was a concept I felt was missing in our local night life. The majority of local coffee shops close by 2 or 3pm, so it’s difficult for our college and post graduate students to find a place outside their home to study. After the pandemic a lot of people work remotely, and it’s nice to have a place with wi-fi and late hours. On the flip side, the local night life completely centers around alcohol. There are many reasons not to drink, and although I do enjoy an alcoholic beverage on occasion, I don’t always want to keep drinking all night long. Read more>>

Nicole Fanning | Nicole Fanning – Owner

I started making body butta in the beginning because the lotion that I was using daily changed their formula causing me to start breaking out and itching. My thought process was that I could create a body butter that would have more natural ingredients and smell awesome. I started making the butter and giving it out to friends and family as gifts. Read more>>

Melanie Martin | Mom, Wife, Nurse, Bestselling Author, Certified Relationship Coach, Inspirational Speaker, Coach, & Entrepreneur

How I came up with the idea for my business is simple I prayed and asked God for a strategy. I did the traditional route I graduated high school, went to college, ranked up a crazy amount of debt, and got a job as a nurse. I was tired of doing the same thing. Nursing wasn’t my calling but being a nurse for my disabled husband was important so being a nurse was necessary. I’ve always had a talent for writing. Sometimes I go through my journals from childhood and see all the BIG things I planned to do in life and I get motivated. Read more>>