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.

Cardio Cous | DJ

In March of 2020, as the world was in confusion during the early days of the pandemic, I embarked on a personal journey that would transform my life. On my birthday, amidst the global lockdown, I decided to pursue a long-held passion of DJing. With the world at a standstill, I found myself with an unexpected gift of time and space. While many were navigating uncertainty and isolation, I took this opportunity to be still and focus on a passion I had always been drawn to at various times in my past. I had a DJ controller I purchased years ago that was in my closet and was rarely used until this moment. Read more>>

Michelle Flowers | Creative Alchemist

I realized what I was seeking didn’t exist or wasn’t up to my standards so I decided to create what I wish to see. Whatever industry I bring my own unique twist to it. Be it jewelry, photography, energy work or sneaker design. Read more>>

Midsummer Motel | Band

I (John) just wanted to find another musician who complimented the style I was developing. I had seen Ethan play around town and was always blown away by his skills, so I reached out and the rest is history. We were both searching for a deep sense of artistic fulfillment and thankfully we were able to achieve that. Long Tran, who’s also from Dunwoody, had just opened Peachy Corners Cafe and I basically reached out to him asking if my band could play over there. That’s where we started playing before we could land any proper venues. Read more>>

Dee Taylor | Owner & Creator

I’ve always had a creative mindset, so creating my own business came naturally to me. Just wanting more for myself in terms of being my creative self helped launch the many business ideas that continue to run through my mind each day. Read more>>

Mario Robinson | Founder & Creative Director

I wanted a way to give back to my family and community in a way that would increase their value. I thought that this could be done by teaching them the creative skills that I had learned and been taught over the years. Lastly, I decided to focus on the youth in hopes of following their journey’s to adulthood. This was the start of Uncle Art Camp, LLC. Read more>>

Anja & Jumbe Sebunya | Gallery Owners – aKAZI.ATL

We have always loved art in all its forms and most importantly we have enjoyed witnessing and participating in the eco-systems that artists and creatives make happen, scaffold and leverage across communities, cities, regions, and continents. The driving force behind the creation of aKAZI.ATL was the intention to bring this type of experience to our little space on Auburn Ave in Atlanta – connecting creatives from the Continent to a wide cross section of Atlanta . Read more>>

Misty Malec | Radio personality, podcaster, entrepreneur

After many years of working for various companies, Feeling overworked and underappreciated, I decided it was time to start my own business.
After consulting with a couple of people that are close to me and whom I trust, They gave me their blessings and I moved forward. Read more>>