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.

Syreeta Duncan | Founder & Ceo of River Region Generals Inc

In 2016 I had a good friend that had just started her own team and she shared the opportunity with me. Even though I wasn’t a huge basketball fan I saw the value in the opportunity for my community. I was a teacher at the time and apart of the athletic program and I saw the need of this level of basketball for inspiring players that wouldn’t get the opportunity to play after highschool. So I bought into the vision of the American Basketball Association (ABA) purchased my market and in 2017, I became the second African American female to solely own a semi pro basketball team in the state of Alabama and my team played in their first semi professional basketball game. Read more>>

Meka Da’Veas | Founder of Sisterhood University

The idea for my business (my purpose), Sisterhood Sunday, emerged from a profound moment during my participation in Oprah’s 5-part series, “Black Women OWN the Conversation.” Alongside my mother, we were selected among 100 women for this empowering platform. However, it was a seemingly ordinary conversation on the ride back from the taping that sparked an extraordinary realization. Read more>>

Coach Felisha J | Trauma & Conflict Specialist

Heal Your Story Enterprises was born from a personal journey of overcoming adversity and a deep understanding of the need to address the root cause of hurt. We seek to provide healing, not just through teaching and sharing, but by fostering a sense of hope, joy, and love. Read more>>

Dr. Amanda Tracy | Naturopathic Doctor

My interest in plant based nutrition and my personal health journey led me to become a Naturopathic Doctor specializing in women’s health. In my teens and 20s, I was plagued with irregular periods. Naturally, when I specialized in naturopathic medicine, female hormones and menstrual cycles were of personal interest. I created a regimen using natural therapies, herbal medicine and nutrition to support my hormones but it wasn’t until I fully embraced a 100% plant based diet, got serious about stress management, and made sleep a priority in my life, that I was able to have regular, monthly periods in my 30s and 40s. Consequently, as my practice grew, women that needed the same types of support and hormone balance were drawn to me more than other types of patients were and it became the majority of my practice. Read more>>

Johnnie Bush | Entrepreneur, Barber, Barbershop Owner

I started Barber School my junior year at Peterburg High School my hometown once I graduated in 1997 I immediately went to work in Pegrams Barbershop Petersburg, Va. a very professional old school Barber Shop. Great Customer service, sanitation and Being a Professional was the foundation that drove this great establishment. Read more>>

Tip Juice | The CEO of Pretty Girlz Collection

I truly believe my business Pretty Girlz Collection was a gift from God. One day, in the year 2020 I was online shopping(my favorite thing to do) at some of my favorite online boutique stores and the thought just came to me out of nowhere, like I can do this! I can have my own online fashion boutique! Since that day, I started researching everything I needed to be legit and a certified business owner. I obtained all my licenses needed. When coming up with the name for the business I had to think about what I want it to represent and who I am as person, uplifting. I want to reach “The Girlz” around the world and in some way be apart of bringing that confidence out, embracing your true beauty and walking that walk! Read more>>