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.

Matthew Sapp | Entrepreneur & Owner of Hunny Jalapeno

When we started Hunny Jalapeno we were craving more quality time together as a family. We love the freedom of making our own schedule and the opportunity to be more present for our kids. Our business allows us to express our creativity and passion for food. We love experimenting with flavors and sharing these experiences with others. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see someone else enjoying our food as much as we do. Read more>>

Kathleen Taylor | Contemporary Folk Artist

There was no grand plan. I was working as a toy designer for a major soft toy manufacturer. It was a fun creative job but it also involved commuting in New Jersey traffic. We had four school age kids who had their own activities, etc. and had just moved to a farmhouse in the NJ countryside ( yes, it does exist!) that had six outbuildings. My husband suggested that I turn one of the buildings into a studio and try to freelance my design work. I don’t think I would have had the courage to try that without his push and am forever grateful for that.
It worked and I was able to support myself with the freelance business. I then started hand painting antique furniture on the side. I opened a little shop selling the furniture, antiques and home decor. I also sold the furniture to stores in Manhattan. Read more>>

Fayha Sheikh | Entrepreneur & Baker

The inspiration for starting my dessert business came from a very personal place. My brother’s wedding was approaching, and given that he has multiple allergies, I realized there were very few dessert options that could accommodate his needs. Gluten and nut allergies, in particular, are often overlooked by many dessert businesses. I wanted to ensure that he and his guests could enjoy delicious treats without worrying about potential allergens. This personal experience not only sparked the idea but also motivated me to create a business that specialises in accommodating people with allergies. Read more>>

Birago Kufuor | Hair Stylist

The thought process behind starting Hair She Goes Salon was deeply rooted in my passion for hairstyling and my desire to help others feel beautiful. What began as a hobby quickly blossomed into a calling, as I realized how much joy I derived from transforming not just hair, but also my clients’ confidence and self-esteem.

I invested time in honing my skills and developing a unique style that resonates with my clients. Each install isn’t just a service; it’s an opportunity to express individuality and creativity. The support and loyalty of my clientele over the years has been incredibly rewarding, motivating me to create a space where everyone feels welcomed and valued. Read more>>

Jen Hanover | Serial Entrepreneur & Mindful Productivity Expert

This business is my fourth business, and it seems at this point that starting a business is the only way for me to go. Once you’ve built your own thing, it would be really hard to go back to working for someone else. Mind you, I work for my clients every single day, but that’s different.

The thought process behind this business was rooted in my trauma, actually. I used to own a Bikram Yoga studio in Vancouver, Canada, and when I sold it to pursue my writing career, I became very ill for nearly a decade. I tried everything to get better, and nothing worked. When I finally figured out what it was going to take to heal and get back to living, I was in a position of essentially needing to start my life and career over from scratch. Read more>>

Tatyana Billingsley | Realtor & CEO

My thought process behind starting my own business was the idea of freedom , helping others and more money. When I was in college , I saw a problem and the business that I created which was hair extensions was the solution. Due to us being in a more rural city than the city that i was from , the girls were not able to access their extensions the same so I figured by me solving that problem I was helping my peers and creating financial freedom for myself. As I got older and graduated college , I realized that entrepreneurship was the key to financial freedom and I’ve done it ever since. I wouldn’t trade having my own business for working for someone else full time any day. I love the idea of building up something that’s mine to be bigger than ever and helping others while doing so. Read more>>

Deshunte’ Benham | Tech entrepreneur, educator, multimedia creator, and investor.

My thought process behind starting my own business was rooted in a combination of necessity, ambition, and a deep desire to create something meaningful. I’ve experienced the grind of a 9-to-5 job, and while it provided stability, it also highlighted the limitations of working for someone else—especially after a major head injury that forced me to rethink my future. I realized that I didn’t want to be in a position where I was financially or creatively restricted. Read more>>

Anthony Gaither | Photography, Social Creative Manager and Drone Operator

I’ve always been drawn to the creative process, using photography as a powerful catalyst to bring ideas to life and capture meaningful moments. In 2020, I transformed that passion into a business, specializing in major events, weddings, portrait sessions, and family gatherings. This journey has not only deepened my love for photography but also strengthened my passion for storytelling. As 2025 approaches, I’m proud to celebrate five amazing years of pursuing what I love and creating lasting memories for others. Read more>>

Akilah Williams | Founder of Pocket Full of Care

Starting my own nonprofit was a deeply personal decision inspired by both my upbringing and my passions. Growing up, I witnessed the power of community and the profound impact of support systems, whether through family, church, or neighbors. I wanted to replicate that sense of care on a larger scale to address needs that I saw going unmet.

The idea began with a question: “How can I contribute something meaningful that extends beyond myself?” I realized that my talents and resources could be channeled to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Read more>>

Megan Seyfried | Wedding Floral Designer

As a mother of four, I found myself getting lost in the throes of parenthood. I have always been a creative, and know that having a creative outlet is crucial for my mental health. However, a flexible schedule and work-life balance was most important to me. Starting my own business gave me the flexibility to give myself a creative outlet doing something I love, while still being able to attend my kids’ school functions and sporting events. I wanted to show my kids that if I can start a business, they can do anything with hard work. Read more>>

Michael Marks | Business owner & service member

After retiring from the military, I knew I wanted to jump into my next chapter with a solid plan. I didn’t wait until the last minute to figure things out—I started thinking about a business idea that could be profitable, fulfilling, and allow me to use my skills.

I’ve always loved cars and working with my hands, so starting a window tinting business felt like the perfect fit. Now, I get to do something I’m passionate about while helping others enhance their vehicles and spaces. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m proud to provide a service that combines precision, quality, and care. Read more>>

Devon Vander Voort | Art Dealer and Advisor

I started my own business because I wanted to have the freedom to work on a variety of different projects in the art world. I really enjoyed many facets of museum and gallery work, but I noticed a disconnect between the museum space and the commercial art world, a gap that I wanted to bridge. Read more>>

Devonnea Leyes | Product Photographer & Videographer

If I’m being honest, when I first thought about starting my own business, financial freedom was definitely a driving factor. But what really motivated me wasn’t just about building something to ‘hustle’ for the sake of it. To me, hustling is about merely surviving—just getting by. I didn’t want to create a business that felt like a constant grind. Instead, I wanted to build something that would allow me to thrive, something I could nurture, pour my heart into, and be genuinely passionate about. Read more>>

Kayla Crandall | Home Baker

I’ve always known I wanted to start my own business but I never knew what it would be. My family has always encouraged me to sell the things I would bake for them, but I never took it seriously it was more so a hobby. But I’ve always doubted myself and my abilities, I thought “what if no-one wants to buy from me?” or “what if I’m not as good as my family thinks I am?” but I prayed on it and thought God didn’t give me this talent for nothing! Then one random afternoon I was talking to my mom and decided I was going to give it a try, so I took a risk and made a business IG and uploaded my first post and I had my first order within a few days. Read more>>

Brandon Dawson | Car enthusiast and Content Creator

Freedom of working for myself and being able to create generational wealth for my family. I have a serious passion for cars and i knew i stood out from a crowd with the knowledge i have about cars and the things i am able to make work with cars. My ultimate goal was to turn my favorite hobby into a career that generates an income to provide for my family. Next it to make this career and 1 hobby create 7 different streams of income to provide for my family. Read more>>

Jazzmin Wilson | Photographer, Creative Director, & Organizer

I never really thought of it as a business until more recently. Photography was just something I did that I enjoyed, and I was happy to make a little extra money here and there from it. I found the access and opportunities I got from it were ultimately more valuable. But as I got older and a little more wiser, I just realized I had to start thinking of it differently if I want to be able to do it more, and keep evolving. As my ideas get bigger, so does my budget, so I had to take a different approach to things. Read more>>

Jasmine Nesbeth | Chef

Me an my husband both share a passion for cooking and have always wanted to have our own food business. After getting married we both decided to Make our passion come to life! September 11, 2023 Jamerican Fusion LLC was born!! Our business name literally symbolizes who we are!! Starting a business is an iterative process that combines creativity, research, planning, and execution. It requires adaptability, resourcefulness, and persistence to overcome challenges and achieve long-term success. This process requires continuous evaluation and adaptation to improve operations, address challenges, and explore opportunities for growth. Successful business owners demonstrate vision, strategic planning, resilience, and a customer-focused mindset! Starting a business is a challenging yet rewarding journey that combines innovation an hard work! This mindset is essential to overcome challenges and build a sustainable venture. Read more>>

Audrey Gautier | Real Estate Agent

Starting my own business was fueled by a mix of passion, a desire for independence, and the determination to create something meaningful for myself and my family. I wanted the freedom to carve out my own career path, utilize my strengths, and build something that truly reflected my values.

Real estate has been a key to achieving that independence, allowing me to grow not only as a professional but also as an entrepreneur. Exploring different aspects of real estate has further strengthened my ability to stand on my own and pursue success on my own terms. For me, starting this journey was about turning my vision into reality, embracing challenges, and striving for growth while staying true to myself. Read more>>

Veronica Acree | Makeup Artist & Wine Enthusiast

This is a great question. So my thought process about starting my own business was i want to do what i love and what im passionate about. The freedom to make my own schedule and be my own boss is so important to me. I also love the fact that in starting my own business also creates jobs for other people. Being able to help people is a big deal to me. Read more>>

D’ondra Howard | Woodworker; custom furniture maker and things home decor

I wouldn’t say I thought this out. It happened to me. I just wanted to learn how to replace the Ikea pieces in my house and I shared my journey on social media. As I was sharing I was asked how much something cost and if I could make them something. Read more>>

Jay “4g” Gathers | Rapper |Actor| Author

Many things contributed to me starting my own business. However, the decision that ultimately led me to do so came from some of my favorite predecessors like “T.I.”, “50 Cent” and “Master P. ” Like these successful artists and businessmen, I learned I had to do things on my terms. Especially, if I wanted to be wealthy and successful. After working in Corporate America for numerous years, I eventually learned how expendable I was despite how well I performed. I also learned that they didn’t value me as much as I may have thought. Otherwise, like so many others, I wouldn’t have to fight so hard for something as small as a 3 %-5% annual raise. On the other hand, the companies I was working for were making millions. It occurred to me that these companies were doing what was in their best interests, not mine. Read more>>

Sai Shankar Sadhu | Small Business Owner & Cake Specialist

The funny thing is that Cakesplosion started by itself; it wasn’t originally an intended and planned-out business; it just happened. During the early stages of the pandemic, purchasing store-made food was unadvised. People thought twice before choosing takeout for dinner and instead cooked at home. Most things could be made at home, so it wasn’t a big issue; however, one crucial thing wasn’t accessible to all: cake! Everyone had huge celebrations coming up and got blown off due to lockdown and quarantine. There was no other option but to opt for a more intimate experience with immediate family only. I was one of these people. As a 14-year-old middle school graduate, I was ready to throw the biggest graduation party ever. My birthday was also near my graduation date, so I was thrilled to have a combined grad birthday party. Read more>>

Tiffany Hill | Owner of The DRIPBaR Snellville & Breast Cancer Survivor, Thriver & Advocate

As a Breast Cancer Survivor, I wanted to focus more on affordable preventative care for the community. I feel that preventative care comes in many forms including the proper vitamin intake as well as eating healthy and getting the proper amount of exercise and rest. I want to make sure we introduce that community to the many different types of preventative care but first starting with the vitamins and nutrients needed to heal your body. Read more>>

Jennifer Oertli | Co-Owner

My daughter was considering her next career move, and after talking, we realized we could make a go of it by combining our strengths and experiences. She worked in fashion and interior design, and I worked in marketing, advertising, and consulting. It made perfect sense to start a brand we could own. Read more>>

Valentina Ramirez-raudsepp | Founder, Cocktail Gals

Originally, the main purpose of Cocktail Gals was to be a creative outlet for myself. A place curated to be chic and anonymous where gals could interact and connect.
When I started the social media campaigns, little did I expect for the 3rd post on TikTok to end up getting 25k views in 2 days.
That’s when the reality of what I had put together set in – I could really bring gals in the community together. So what started out as a creative outlet/passion project quickly turned into me filing for LLC documentation. Leading me to being able to interact with businesses and get the opportunity to do articles like this one! Read more>>

Chris Dimacale | Fractional CMO & Strategic Marketing Expert

Starting my own business, Marant Digital, was equal parts passion, ambition, and a sprinkle of “What’s the worst that could happen?” After 20 years in corporate roles, I’d grown tired of the bureaucracy and unceasing meetings. Now, as a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), I help businesses that need strategic marketing leadership—without the commitment or cost of a full-time executive. Think of me as the marketing equivalent of a Swiss Army knife, minus the corkscrew. Read more>>

Ituaje Okojie | Travel & Food Content Creator

Starting Letters To You was a way to honor my mother and the love of travel she instilled in me. Growing up, we often dreamed of creating a travel blog we planned to call Naija Girl Takes The World. After her passing, that dream evolved into something even more meaningful—a tribute to her adventurous spirit and a way to share my passion for exploring the world, whether through luxury escapes, budget-friendly adventures, or discovering new foods. Cooking and trying local restaurants became a way for my sisters and me to bond and heal, reminding me how powerful food and travel can be in bringing people together. Read more>>

Jessica Hernandez | Mom & Pastry Artist

It honestly became a business on its own. I just started making cakes for people after culinary school and more and more were interested in ordering. I enjoy the freedom of creating my own schedule and having creative freedom. I get to choose how much work I want to have. It allows me to make connections with people and being a part of their celebrations. Read more>>

Alexander Moomey | Brand owner | Entrepreneur| Jack of All Trades

I enjoy being different and do not want to be part of a crowd, I am strongly rooted in that. I don’t have a particular style but love wearing different outfits and creating my own look being inspired by others. Read more>>

Jonathan Livnat | Real Estate Agent

We were in the process of buying a house in Atlanta ( after moving from North Carolina) back in 2010, and the experience was terrible overall. We had two different agents (one of which is where we’re from, so we thought it would be more helpful, but it wasn’t). One agent hardly went inside the homes and let us tour it alone. She did not bother seeing the house, nor was she able to point out potential issues to address any of our concerns while seeing houses or to suggest solutions to problems we saw ( or thought we saw) with the house. Read more>>

Neethu Gopal | Founder AP4Women

AP4Women (A Platform for Women) is my dream project. The vision of AP4Women is to transform women from FEAR to Fearless. I grew up in a male-dominated family and society. While my paternal grandmother was a strong and powerful woman, both my mother and maternal grandmother were trapped by fear. I’ve always aspired to be a powerful woman, but societal expectations held me back. Read more>>

Andrea Leon | Owner & Florist

Starting my own business was a decision I didn’t take lightly. It took several years of reflection, overcoming fear, and really asking myself why I was pursuing this path. The turning point came when I was reading Dr. Bob Schuchts’ Finding Hope & Healing in the Trials of Life. It made me realize that if I didn’t take the leap now, I might never do it.

One of my biggest challenges was understanding how my business could stand out in an industry that’s already filled with well-established florists. After much reflection, I came to the conclusion that my business could be different by focusing on serving my community with love, hope, and joy through the beauty of blooms. Read more>>

Marie Roy Paulic | Coach & EFT Tapping practitionner

Upon arriving in Atlanta, I saw it as the perfect moment to embark on a new professional journey. After spending 15 years as a high school teacher, I felt a strong desire to support young people and their families facing challenges. I knew that in order to truly make a difference and offer effective therapeutic coaching, I needed the freedom to act independently. Starting my own business became a calling to pursue something new. I’ve always thrived on challenges, and this journey has certainly given me plenty of them! Read more>>

Frederick Woodard | Mentor/Entertainment Mogul

Entrepreneurship was the goal. Coming from where I’m from, it was hard owning your own business or owning your own anything. All my friends got they money from the streets so negativity was all I seen coming up. I wanted to defy the odds basically. Read more>>