We reached out to some of our favorite entrepreneurs and asked them to think back and tell us about how they decided to start a business.  Check out their responses below.

Elizabeth Ereddia | Journey through self discovery Wellness Coaching and Women’s massage services. Womb massage, pre and postnatal, stress and pain management. Serving women at all stages of life

As a young woman I struggled with endometriosis. In my late teens I was searching for a better way to deal with this struggle. This lead me to delve deep and start my self discovery journey. My eyes were opened to a new world. As I learned how the body could heal by simply giving it nutrient dense foods and herbs, using modalities such as different massage techniques, using various applications of herbal preparations, and rewriting internal dialogues my life was drastically changed! Read more>>

Britnee Alphin | Photographer & Editor-in-Chief

I honestly didn’t even want to be a an entrepreneur. I enjoy being a “corporate employee” and helping companies build their empire. I’ve always loved helping others so growing someone else’s dream as an employee didn’t bother me. I ended up becoming an entrepreneur and small business owner because some companies couldn’t see past my lack of experience. I had to create my own table and build my own chairs because I had to get the creative. Read more>>

Kaleen Enke | Photographer

I quit my job as a teacher when I had my second child. The prohibitive cost of childcare and the allure of having more flexibility and time to be with my children nudged me into the direction of starting my own business. I was very naive about the whole process but just put one foot in front of the other and slowly put together the pieces to create a business while also earning an income nannying. Each step forward revealed a new part of the path that I had never even considered before. Read more>>

Tracy Stephens | Philanthropist & Parks Superintendent

I started my business because I wanted to make a difference in the community. I’m from Athens, GA. Whenever I tell people that they instantly think of UGA. That’s cool and all, but I wanted the city I come from to be known for more than that. A lot of people that visit Athens throughout the year don’t know about the ongoing struggle some residents face every day. 38% of Athens population lives in poverty. When I discovered that statistic it didn’t sit well with me. All I could think about was what I could do to bring forth some kind of change. Read more>>

Skyler Reed | R&B Artist & Vocal Coach

My thought process behind starting Skyler’s Music Studio, LLC was to spread music, because it was something I enjoyed. I wanted to simplify vocal coaching for the average singer, and even make piano technique more graspable. Music has always been a part of my life, and I knew I would have a studio. I didn’t realize it was achievable so early in my career. I was tired of working a job that I did not enjoy, and being stressed out every single day. Read more>>

Bianca Harrison | Author-Publisher & Investor

The legacy. The legacy to leave my children something. The ability to pick up where I left off and continue the marathon. My last name, their last name is their business (LLC). The older I get the more wiser I become in business. My daughter will soon be twenty-one, I’m showing & molding her for things to set her up and show her brothers later on down the line. Starting your own business is a big deal in this day and time. I’m constantly learning & growing. The Future is how you prepare, NOW. Read more>>