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.

Drs. Kenyatta Mireku And Tunisia Cornelius | Board Certified Dermatologists and Skincare Innovators

Dr. Tunisia Cornelius : Honestly, it came about from looking at issues that I was noticing in my skin as I matured. Adult acne and every time I would look at myself in a different light, I’d see a different line so I really started to think and try several different products. Then new scientific data on bakuchiol and its effects sparked my interest as it addressed signs of aging and discoloration. At beginning of pandemic, I mentioned this to Dr. Mireku who was thinking on sunscreens that work well for all skin types, and we decided then that two heads would be better than one and we joined forces. Read more>>

Miles Richards | Exercise Physiologist/Personal Trainer

I wanted to help people move more in their daily life and recover from nagging injuries. I also dont like the method of training most commercial gyms implore to get people to healthier versions of themselves. Lastly, I just wanted to avoid a 9 – 5 Read more>>

Dereka Ne’ Shaye | Boutique Owner & Youtuber

Outside it being an extra stream of income, when I was in the process of starting my business, I solely set out to cater to every girl or woman things I know they’d love that was trending or an eye catcher. Read more>>

Ryan Simpson | Spiritual Advisor & Intuitive Minsdet Coach

During COVID, I felt a strong pull to contribute in a meaningful way, even though I didn’t have a clear plan. This calling felt intuitive, like something I was meant to pursue, so I took a leap of faith and trusted that things would become clear as I went. I’ve always been passionate about connecting with people and helping them understand themselves, and this became the foundation of my business. The pandemic was a catalyst, making me reconsider how I wanted to spend my time and pushing me toward something that aligned with my values. Starting my business felt like the best way to make an impact, even if I was stepping into the unknown. Read more>>

Courtney Buchanan | Part-time reseller & content creator (Magnolia Thrifts)

Most will disagree with this, but I have never been of the mindset that I should budget to save money to be able to do the things I want to do or buy the things I want to buy. My mindset has always been that there is more money to be made somewhere, somehow. Back in 2018, I was still working what would be considered an entry level position at my corporate job for a local healthcare staffing company. Although the salary was comparable to similar positions at similar companies, it wasn’t enough for me to be able to pay my bills with Atlanta’s high cost of living AND have a fulfilling social life going fun places, doing fun things and buying the things I wanted to buy. Read more>>