Readers often email us asking us for advice about new businesses they are thinking about starting and we often find that many of them don’t have a framework for thinking about a more fundamental question: why should or shouldn’t you start a business?

Below, you’ll find how successful entrepreneurs from across the city thought about this very question when they were considering whether to start their businesses.

Siarra Harris | Luxury Nail & Toe Technician

Starting So fancy Nail bar came from my strive to be my own boss. As a young college student, my financial issues pushed me to start exploring entrepreneurship. I had my fair share of indulging in almost every beauty industry until I found my perfect fit. I’ve done hair, braids, and lashes. I’ve always been extremely creative, therefore nails just seemed to be the perfect niche for me. Read more>>

Mary Jackson | Business Owner & Business Coach

The thought process behind starting my own business was driven by a combination of factors. Firstly, I have always been passionate about helping others succeed, and this passion fueled my desire to support businesses in achieving their goals. Additionally, my background and expertise in healthcare management further motivated me to establish a business that specifically catered to this industry. Read more>>

Khris Ferguson | Entrepreneur, Realtor, Model, Actor

The thought of starting my own business didn’t start until November of 2013. One day, for Thanksgiving, a corporation I had worked for had a potluck, I decided to bring a homemade cheesecake that I’d made, and decided to share it with the people that I am sharing my time with other than my own family (it was the first I did anyone outside of family, I was nervous as hell!). After seeing how my 10″ strawberry cheesecake pie was devoured in 30 minutes I was amazed. I received raving reviews and the marketing director of the company asked me about the cheesecake if I brought it from a bakery or store, and mentioned that it was better than “Cheesecake Factory” and that I should start a business. The light bulb went off in my head, and that’s when I started to seriously consider that. I took it under careful consideration, to a point where it felt too rewarding and exciting to pass up. It became a passion when I seen that people enjoyed what I had created. I knew from that point it was about finding a market for it, evolve and make continuous improvement, stay persistent and resilient to stand out Read more>>

Tony | Clothing Brand Owner and Designer.

I really didn’t have a thought process on starting my own business. I Just new working for someone else would never get me to the full potential I seen myself headed to and the vision I had for myself. I just knew I wanted to create something memorable and beneficial for the world and the peers among me. Read more>>

Sarvika Saravanan | Founder and Director of TecBridge

From a young age, I was introduced to multiple underdeveloped communities in India, my home country. These areas struggled to stay up to date with the technological changes happening around them. Even as a child, I wondered why these people were not given the same resources as others. Was it that they could not afford technology, or were they not given the same opportunity? I visited India sparsely throughout the years, and I saw little to no effort being made to combat this issue. In the summer of 2023, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Tecbridge was made to raise awareness for the digital divide and raise money to send technology to communities with out technology. Read more>>

Shenae Johnson | Chef & Mother

When I started Whatcha Servin’ it was to just feed people who wanted different and tasty food alternatives than beef or pork. It was to get people guessing what would be on the plates for sale next. Read more>>

Brittany Veney | Brand and Website Designer | Coach | Speaker

When I reflect on the journey that led me to start B. Real Creative Studio, it’s clear that my thought process was shaped by a combination of personal experiences, resilience, and a deep-seated passion for empowering others. Read more>>

Colleen Trickett Founder/Cosmetic Formulator/Instructor | Creatrix, educator, & activist.

In 1999 I saw a need for sustainable, cruelty free quality skin care products. Green Girl Basics is a new approach towards environmental and animal activism I promote the concept of voting with your dollar by offering safe natural skin care ingredients with carefully selected ingredients, in harmony with nature and do-no-harm ethics. Read more>>

Ashley Robinson | CEO, Better Boost LLC & AI Consultant

“When I embarked on this journey, I was driven by a profound belief in the transformative power of confidence. I found myself questioning societal norms and the limitations that traditional lingerie imposed on women. I wanted to create something beyond fabric and straps—a product that became a beacon of self-love and empowerment. Read more>>

Nicole Binns | Entrepreneur

Starting my own business was driven by a deep desire to make a positive impact. I envisioned a space, like “Strengthening What Remains,” where widows could find support, encouragement, and a community to help them navigate through challenging times. The passion to empower others fuels my journey, and I’m excited about the potential for positive transformations within this community. Read more>>

Crystal Bryant | Graphic Designer, Virtual Assistant & Social Media Manager

The thought process behind Dip of Graphics was that I believe that everyone should have access to high-quality graphic design resources regardless of their budget. That’s why, with Dip of Graphics, I strive to make sure that our products are not only affordable but also meet the highest standards of design quality. Read more>>

Tamieka Greer | Faith Based Life Coach/ Fashion Designer

To be honest I don’t know what it was. All I knew is I needed to do something. I wanted to do something. I have all of these talents and gifts but didn’t know what to do with it. I knew I wanted and needed change. Read more>>

Cherise Edwards | Atlanta Event & Lifestyle Photographer

I was a hobby photographer for a few years before I decided to turn it into a business. Although I enjoyed taking pictures and capturing special milestones in people’s lives, there was no structure in place when people would ask for my services. Over time, I felt it was important for me to take photography seriously and build something of my own. Read more>>

Jeania Pierre | CEO of Niajaye Cosmetics & Inspiring Others

What sparked the fuel and ambition in me to launch my cosmetic business, occurred when a young lady made a comment regarding how women of color were unable to wear different shades of lipsticks. This initiated me in making a deal to wear any color lipstick she requested. In addition to that, I encouraged her to vocalize that she is beautiful every time we encountered. Emboldened by our tacit agreement and daily affirmations, I proudly wore bright-colored lipstick every day. I was committed to doing what I had to do to aid in her viewing how beautiful she was in her very own skin. Little did I know while helping her build her confidence, my very own self-esteem was rebirth. From that moment on, I motivated myself to build my own natural lip wear collection and persevered to cater to individuals of all skin tones. Although I build confidence to start, the fear of starting my business placed me on hold. One day while engaging in a conversation with an entrepreneur, she encouraged me to step out on faith and just start small. “It’s better to start your very own brand than living with regrets,” she stated. So, on December of 2019, I took a leap of faith and withdrew money from my savings; I also applied for a second job. I knew immediately these efforts to start my own brand, would be extremely rewarding at the end. Read more>>

 Michelle Simpson | Ms Mink the Luxury Cleaning Professional

My thought process was to put my motivated energy in something that I love to do. Cleaning is a peace for me. When I start to get anxious or bothered with something I start to clean. I thought to myself, why not work this energy off and provide a world class service to individuals that really don’t have the time to do what I do. I love working and meeting new people and the services I provide make me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside. I truly enjoy what I do, no matter how tired I may feel afterwards, it is fulfilling and this motivates me to put my 100% all in all in it. Read more>>

Imani Yarbrough | Healthy cafe owner

I have a background and healthcare administration. Of the most rewarding things that comes with that, is that I was able to help others by understanding their insurance. You will be amazed how many individuals have policies, and do not know what they cover. So by working with them And help educate them about their policies it became rewarding. Read more>>