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.

Chanel Watkins | Family and Couples Therapist & Photographer

Initially, my thoughts were very confident and proud in the work that I could produce and the services I could potentially provide. I had great supporters that made me feel very encouraged, so I did not enter the journey with doubts; which is a lot different from other business owners. Once I got started and started to receive my first gigs, discouragement and anxiousness began to enter my thought process. Not being as knowledgeable on my craft and making beginners mistakes, took a shot at my self confidence. I had no clue starting out all of the effort and time it would require, I just knew i had a gift to bring to life. Read more>>

Aami Patel | Interior Stylist & Lifestyle Blogger

When I first started my interior styling business, it was by chance. I first started DIYing and home design during the pandemic. Like everyone stuck at home, I was looking for ways to stay busy. I had just moved in to my boyfriend’s, now husband’s home. It was like a blank canvas! Slowly I began sharing out projects online on Instagram. Before I knew it we gained a loyal following and I got asked to design a studio apartment. Read more>>

Qwantel Mosley | Online Business Manager

I started my career as a Marketing Operations Associate in corporate. After being apart of several “early” adoptions for marketing automations in each of the companies I worked with, I learned the world of marketing automations and automations and systems was here to stay. The last company I worked for was truly my dream job, they paid well, they had great benefits, the company culture was amazing and they even let you bring your dog to work. Who wouldn’t want to work there? Read more>>

Darry Lighten | Managing Member and owner of DigiWorld Entertainment

I don’t know where the feeling came from, but I’ve always felt the desire and responsibility of earning my own and never wanting to be in the position of depending on others for my survival. So much so that even when I didn’t have, I would simply do without. However at the same time of experiencing the many years of being dedicated and a hard worker it became aparant that you are only worth the need of the moment no matter how much you contributed to a particular company. This in turn made me realize that the best way to build on your own foundation and prosper is to have your own and build upon it. Read more>>

Chassity Gibson | Real Estate Agent and Wedding Photographer/Videographer

I remember sitting in my living room thinking that there must be more to life than going to work then back home everyday. I knew that if I wanted more I needed to do and be more for myself. In 2017 while sitting there I started to think about all of the skills and talents that I have that I use for others so often and how I could easily monetize by turning my skills into services. Once I conceptualized this idea I turned it into a reality by starting my first business “Oneclusive” which stands for all in one exclusive services. Read more>>

Hunter Hébert | Owner, CEO, & Nanny

Like for many, the pandemic was incredibly eye-opening for me in regards to the childcare industry in two particular ways. The first being the absolute necessity that is childcare, and the struggle amongst families to find quality caretakers for their children. I believe many of us always knew the “inconvenience” it was for the daycare or school to be closed for Teacher Work Days, or if your sitter called out sick. Read more>>

Shawnika Holland | Medspa Owner

I have never been one to stop setting more goals for myself after accomplishing major goals in my life. I always knew that I wanted to do as much as I could to help people improve their health. So, after getting my first job as a family nurse practitioner, I began to think what more can I do. What else is out there? I came across a term that I never heard before. “Nursepreneur”. In all of my years as a nurse, I have never heard this word. So I began to follow nursepreneurs and I was so amazed and I felt empowered as a not only a healthcare provider but as a woman. Read more>>

Vincent Parker | Photographer/Cinematographer

I started my business because I always loved still photography and I love being behind the camera. I have been a tv news photojournalist for nearly 30 years. In those years I have seen a lot. Good and bad. But, the bad seems to be increasing. Still photography gives me a relief from the violence, tragedy and death that I see on a daily basis. I love seeing people smile when they’re in front of my camera. It brings joy to my heart and puts my mind at ease. Read more>>

Bena Klier | Creative

The thought process behind starting my own business as a fashion creative was to create a place where people could not only shop yet have an experience. Gazing at unapologetically unique fashions while saying to themselves hey I can wear this. Read more>>

Imani Clarke | Owner of Merraki Beauty Skincare

I knew that I wanted to provide a service to people that would benefit their skincare needs. I was adamant about our products being made with all natural and clean ingredients because there’s so many other skincare lines on the market that’s made with toxic and damaging ingredients. So when formulating Merraki Beauty products I wanted my customers to know exactly what they’re putting on their skin. Read more>>

Eric Hicks | Entrepreneur, podcaster, content creator

First and foremost I hate working for people dumber than me I hate working know I’m making someone other my people making them more money in one or two days then I’ll ever make for myself working for them. I also wanted something I could pass down to my children. I also wanted something I could use to help others and give them an opportunity if I execute things right. And lastly I know ownership and multiple streams of income are avenues to wealth and starting one business would open ideas and opportunities to open other businesses. Read more>>

Brittney Caldwell | Digital nomad and content creator

I was working at a prestigious international school in Kenya, and was getting pushback from the social media activity that I was engaging in. Working in the Education field is hard for teachers in general, but especially for teachers who have ideologies and beliefs that do not align with the school environment. I have always been very outspoken and engaged in the online community. Read more>>

Myss Shan | Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur

Initially, I had never planned on starting a business. It had never been something that I thought of or had ever dreamt of, however I knew that once I had became an author and had to basically maneuver my way through without very much help, I knew then that I wanted to give back and help others with what I had learned. Starting my business was just a way for me to give back and I never expected that it would take off and do as well as it had. Read more>>

Ian Porter | Residential Contractor and Builder

There were really three main reasons for starting my business. The first is the large and growing demand for contractors as the housing market continues to be hot and the amount of people going into the field of construction is declining. I think the opportunity for those with construction knowledge and contacts is only going to grow over time. The second reason I started my business was out of a frustration with the amount of people taking advantage of the amount of work available who really are not qualified or licensed to perform the work they are taking on. Read more>>

Alex Boyajian | Host of Chaotically Intolerant, Gridiron Chaos & Semi-Professional Golfer

I started my podcast, Chaotically Intolerant, because I have listened to podcasts like Pardon My Take, KFC Radio and Bring the Juice Podcast for a few years and I felt that I could do the same. I know they make a ton off their shows and if I could find a way to make a fraction of what they make I could make a real living doing what I love. I would look back to conversations with some friends of mine and I thought “wow, that was actually funny, Read more>>

Megan Williams | Art Therapist and Creative Program Director

I was always a creative. I used to dream of being in the clouds at night sprinkling stars down on people who needed inspiration. This was literally a reoccurring dream I had in my childhood. My family was accepting of me being a free spirit and were humored by the fact that I was in my own world most of the time. Read more>>

Dr Tameka Duncan | Owner, Coach, Mentor

I started my business to be able to help providers get paid according to their contract. To be able to provider accurate reimbursement. I see in Georgia area that a lot of provider are being rip off when it comes to Accounts Receivable and payments for there practice. My school I started because I notice once I moved up here that the schools aren’t teaching the students real life scenarios on medical billing they teach the very basis. Read more>>

Ayzha Jones | Strut For TBI Awareness

When our family matriarch was in a severe automobile accident the level of support we received was immense. We wanted to “give back” in a way that was genuine and could make an impact. In late 2021, we founded “Strut For TBI Awareness”. Our goal when we founded Strut For TBI awareness, was to spread awareness and offer assistance within the TBI (Traumatic brain injury) survivor community. We strive to provide the level of love and support we received, to those who may not be as fortunate. In the coming years we hope to become a 501C3 and host more than one event each year. Read more>>

Maryam Mallhi | Certified Life & Relationship Coach

Since a very young age I was someone who found immense satisfaction in helping anyone around me who was going through a hard time emotionally. My desire to make an impact only strengthened after I went through emotional turmoil following my father’s demise in 2014. This is when I knew my life had a purpose. I wanted to channel my grief into helping anyone who experiences an emotional crisis as I did. Read more>>

Ameca Jackson | Sneauxball Enthusiast

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina led me, a native New Orleanian to Georgia in August of 2005. I soon realized there were no snowball stands where I could enjoy my favorite frozen treat on a hot summer day in Metro Atlanta. I purchased an “in home style” snowball machine and flavors then began perfecting the craft of shaving ice. Over the years, I made snowballs for my friends and co-workers at company events. Read more>>\

Asada Jenkins | Holistic beauty guru

Ive had horrible breakouts since I was 11 years old , my skin would be so inflamed I didn’t even want to go to school . As I got older the acne never really stopped it just got worse and showed up in different amounts , but once I got pregnant with my son it got really bad ,I became completely fed up! I knew there had to be something I can do naturally . I just started remembering how my mom would soak Cerasee bush in water and make me use it as a toner , she was using old remedies from the West Indies past on by her Ancestors to heal my skin . Having such a strong Jamaican back ground , Read more>>

Shanika Johnson | CEO & Founder

Prior to opening The Lifestyle Center, I had been operating a mental health group practice for several years and I wanted to continue to serve the needs of the community but in a different capacity. I always try to ensure that my thoughts align with my overall vision. On a daily basis, I would think how I could provide intervention services to those who may not be ready to start counseling services but still need educational tools and strategies to make better life decisions. During my thought process, Read more>>

Sherod Marquez | Founder & Master Perfumer

Actually, my business happened as kind of an accident. Several years ago, a former friend and I were looking for a creative way to make some extra money, so, we went to a local arts and crafts store with the idea of making bracelets LOL but, we realized that we knew nothing about making jewelry. So, we saw a candle making kit, bought it, went back to her place and made a fee candles. I must say they were so ugly LOL BUT, i actually sold those candles for $25 per unit. Needless to say, the friendship faded many years ago, and I kept moving forward and here I am today with the business still thriving. Read more>>

Ana Barrientos and Erik Barrita | SERNA ELITE Movers, Founders & Co-Owners

There were a couple of driving factors that pushed us to start our business. We were no longer happy at our last place of employment (where we met) and always had ideas of how things could be handled/managed better if we had the authority. Erik has been in the moving industry for over 7+ years and, in under a year and a half, I was able to quickly and fully grasp all that goes into the moving industry from an administrative side, so we felt confident to take the leap, knowing we had each other to lean on. Read more>>

Donnella Washington | Custom Design T-shirt Maker & Graphic Designer

To be honest I never thought I would be here. It just happened. My Mom passed away in 2013 and that really broke me. I was just here going through the motions every day. To the world I seemed ok happy and moving on with my life. But, for me I was just broken. Just existing while the world was passing me by. In 2021 I made a memorial Christmas tree in memory of my mom. I handmade custom picture ornaments with different pictures of her. I never thought posting this on social media would have blown up the way it did. Read more>>

Elad Amrani | Co-Founder of Weddiz

For the entirety of my professional career I had been an employee and felt such a passion and drive to be entirely committed to whichever job position I was in at the time. Although, at the core I knew I had that entrepreneurial spirit that drove me to take up side projects on top of the regular work day jobs. Even though I was content with my regular job I always knew I was meant to be an entrepreneur and my passions lied in creating solutions to problems in the real world. Read more>>

Star Johnson | Curator of A Queens Tea Party

I wanted to create an experience that encompassed femininity and sisterhood. I think these two attributes are a lost art. As a woman I enjoy being pampered, and treated elegantly; I don’t believe I’m alone! Read more>>

Tajaneh Jones | Owner and CEO Of Ding’Ding Things LLC & Our Journee Home 501c3 Non Profit

I started my business a few years after loosing my daughter. I loss my Daughter to SIDS 7/31/2009. Shortly after loosing her I found myself in a downward spiral . I wanted something to keep her memory alive but there was nothing out there. At the time I was apart of a community called Daily Strength where I met a lot of wonderful angel moms. All of us had a common story, aside from loosing our baby’s as time went by we were desperately searching for something to keep their memories alive. My first Item was a pillow. Read more>>

Leslie & Stephanie Steele & Carter (respectively | Dallas Film Circle Co-Founder & Actresses

Before the pandemic, we used to see our friends and colleagues at auditions, in classes, and at events. After the pandemic, everything went virtual and we saw no one. I quickly realized that this not only made me feel stir-crazy and disconnected but it also affected my career and mental health. During this time, I developed a deeper relationship with my friend and fellow actress, Stephanie Carter, and, to no surprise, she felt the same way. Read more>>

De Leonna Johnson | CEO & Creator of Simply Elegant Candles, LLC

My thought process behind starting my own business was to create a Candle that can not only change the way my family enjoys candles without having toxic chemicals in the home with my kids but also the homes of other’s to enjoy as well. I wanted to create something simple and elegant that everyone can enjoy no matter the occasion or season. Read more>>