The first step to starting a business is deciding to start a business. They say the first step is the hardest and in our experience this is especially true when it comes to starting a business. Getting over the mental roadblocks can be tough, often harder to overcome than the challenges you’ll face once you actually start the business. Fellow entrepreneurs share their thoughts below.

Shay Samuels

After working for multiple corporate entities as a manager and director, I observed a significant gap in employee training and development. Post-pandemic, many employers seemed to neglect investing in their employees’ education. This inspired me to create programs tailored to the unique needs of individuals, rather than just addressing a corporate group’s needs. My vision was to develop workshops, seminars, and training classes that provide individuals with the tools necessary to enhance their skills, prepare for job readiness, achieve potential promotions, and improve their capabilities in various aspects of life. I recognized that our training and development niche must focus on transforming individuals’ mindsets—how they perceive themselves, their workplace, their business, and their relationships. Read more>>

Paola Palacios & Manuel Coutinho

The idea of having our own business was always there. The Photo Booth idea came after our own wedding. For our wedding last year, we wanted to rent an “old school” Photo Booth. A closed space booth, with the printing and the strip design. It was a boom at our reception and we loved it so much that we decided to start working towards that. We started to investigate deeper and the more we did, the most we liked it. We left the fears away and ran with it, and we don’t regret it! Read more>>

Nathelie Zetrenne-Norman

In 2017, I published my first book. I was young, in graduate school and people would be intrigues that I had a book out. I would often get asked about my experience publishing a book and to give tips. I never planned to write a book or have a publishing company but it happened. In 2023, I published my second book Dear Beautiful and began to see the gaps of accessibility to resources and information regarding publishing. I decided to birth Z House Publishing with the hopes to bring accessibility, education and resources to marginalized communities regarding publishing. History tells us and shows us that literary spaces aren’t meant for people of color. There were laws that made it illegal for brown and black people to read and write. Read more>>

Elijah Blackwell

Before starting TEAMBall Atlanta, I worked for a previous company similar to TEAMBall and fell in love instantly! I noticed over the years that; I’m only servicing the North Atlanta Area and so many friends in the Metro Atlanta area let alone the world need these exact same programs to get the necessary jumpstart they’ll need into their adolescence stages. Read more>>

Anna Rockwell

I have been grooming for over 8 years. I am a mother of three and just a few months ago I was working for another salon downtown Atlanta and my boss was not paying me and when she did pay me it would be half of what I was owed. I tried and tried to compromise with her and I continued to work for her, I really was tired of trying to always be there for her and not being paid. She kept all our tips and I was not the first groomer of whom she did this to. I really wanted to start something of my own that I could be proud of and that my kids could grow into or help as they grow up. I am really skilled with dog grooming and I am productive with or without direction. I was tired of being taken for granted. Read more>>

Wendy Williams | Independent Educational Consultant

As a sophomore in college, I was fortunate to secure a job at Colony Square, working for an incredible woman who dedicated her life to helping families across the country create educational opportunities for their children. She placed students in boarding schools, therapeutic programs, wilderness programs, colleges, and even local private schools. Under her guidance, I gained a deep understanding of the independent educational consulting industry. Inspired by her, I aspired to create a company that genuinely cares for others and helps families make informed and wise decisions for their students. Read more>>

Amariah Love | Educator, Consultant, Writer, & Professional Counselor

Starting my own business was a deeply personal decision rooted in my values and experiences. In my 20s, I realized that traditional boss/employee relationships, with their inherent power dynamics, didn’t align with my desire for autonomy. I’ve always valued the freedom to dictate how I spend my time and energy, and I found it challenging to thrive in environments where that autonomy was restricted. After spending several years dedicated to grassroots activism, I transitioned to full-time work with the goal of supporting my aging family members and younger brother. During this time, I came to understand that for work to feel truly fulfilling, it needed to make a positive impact on my community. I took stock of my strengths and values and recognized that working for myself was the best path forward. Becoming a counselor offered the perfect blend of meaningful work and the autonomy I craved. It allowed me to build a career where I could be my own boss, make a difference in people’s lives, and maintain control over my schedule and work life. Read more>>

Bella Blaq | | Artist, Entrepreneur & Innovator

When someone asks me about the thought process behind starting my own businesses, Bella’s Unicorn Palace and Bel Vintaje, I always come back to the idea of making a way for myself and creating generational wealth and knowledge for my kids and family. For me, it’s also about creating memories for people who dream and providing motivation for those who need it. As a teen mom, things were tough, balancing work and taking care of home. It wasn’t easy. But I’ve always known I like to dance to the beat of my own drum, and I wanted to be a mogul, paving my own path. This journey has been about empowerment—empowering myself, my family, and the community around me by showing that it’s possible to build something meaningful, even when the odds are stacked against you. Read more>>

Auntie Gee N Uncle P | Yo! Favorite Uncensored Auntie & Uncle

Our decision to start this podcast was deeply rooted in a desire to share the lessons we’ve learned from our life challenges and experiences. We wanted to provide our nieces and nephews with valuable insights, hoping to guide them away from making the same mistakes we’ve encountered. By sharing our perspectives, we aim to foster honest discussions on crucial topics such as mental health, entrepreneurship, and relationships. Our goal is to create a platform that not only informs but also resonates with our listeners, offering them practical advice and relatable stories that can help them navigate their own journeys. Read more>>

Tyler Smith | Fashion & Inspiration advocate

There were two distinct events that lead me toward owning my own business. The first realization came when my mother fell ill and as a result her job let her go. My mother was a nurse for many years and I couldn’t understand how the person that takes care of people for a living, when they’re sick they aren’t taken care of properly by that same institution. It just showed me how replaceable you are and jobs really don’t have your best interest at heart. So I knew it was vital to be my own boss and take care of myself. Additionally when I was in college there was a professor that made us watch a documentary called 13th. The documentary discusses the injustices African Americans face and also highlights mass incarceration and other negativity we have to overcome especially as black males. It’s a very eye opening documentary, in which if you haven’t seen it I encourage you to watch it. It inspired me to create something that promotes positivity and brings people together. Read more>>

Blake Simmons | Photographer, Graphic Designer & Creative Director

Before deciding to start my photography business, I had been working as a model. However, I realized that modeling wasn’t the right fit for me. I have always had an interest in photography ever since I received a camera as a gift. I loved experimenting with it and messing around with it by doing random photoshoots with friends. In addition, I had prior experience with Photoshop from a graphic design class I took in high school, and I loved editing photos. As I transitioned from modeling to photography, I already had connections with models and photographers which would help me later in my journey. I was in Atlanta, a city known for its vibrant creative community which would be a perfect place to kick-start my photography journey. I was also 21 and in college paying minimal expenses compared to what I would be paying out of college, making it an ideal time to invest in photography as well.  Read more>>

Tara Erickson-gauthier | Mobile Boutique Owner

The inspiration to start my business came during a transformative time in my life when my family and I decided to move across the country. We spent nine days on the road, traveling from Washington State to Georgia, and during that journey, I had ample time to reflect and imagine new possibilities. I envisioned creating a women’s mobile boutique that could offer the charm and experience of a brick-and-mortar store without the limitations of a fixed location. When I found an enclosed trailer that had already been retrofitted into a store, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to bring my vision to life. Read more>>

Iris Resendiz | Choreographer & MUA

My thought process behind starting my own business, was actually the thought and excitement of other young ladies getting to experience the same joy, happiness, and make memories that will last and to be able to bring out a side of them no one has seen by the power of dance! With my experience, from the planning, the dance practices, rehearsals, outfits, all may seem pretty stressful, but let me tell you, it is definitely one of the things I miss the most, and I try to make my upcoming Quinceaneras know throughout their whole planning process it will definitely be something they will miss. Read more>>

Davontay Kwaaning | Personal trainer & Project Manager

The reason I wanted to start 1427fitness is because I wanted to give someone else what I’ve always been looking for and enjoyed, which is peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.- John 14:27”. I want to show others how peaceful staying fit can be. The idea of working out to some can come off as a hassle, but I wanted to create an environment for anyone who is looking to start their fitness journey. Read more>>

Mckenzie Martin | Flight Attendant and Creator of MckenziieMade

As someone who works a non traditional full time job I needed a way to use my creative side in my free time. I have always loved finding new hobbies, crafting, and gift giving. When a friend sent me a picture of a customized bottle sold for $250 on urban outfitters I told her I could make it! This just kind of took off. I decided to make all sorts of custom bottles and found joy in being creative and being part of the gift giving process for other people. Read more>>

Chinar Grover | Food Influencer & Marketing strategist

Starting my own business was a dream come true! As a food influencer, I saw an opportunity to help restaurants, food chains, small businesses and hotels reach their target audience. I wanted to bridge the gap between amazing food establishments and foodies eager to discover new flavours. My thought process was simple: focus on adding value, creating content that inspires and building relationships that last. I believed that if I could make a positive impact, the financial rewards would follow. My mantra? “Don’t chase money, chase value, creativity and passion. When you do, people will love your work and success will follow!” Read more>>

Quincy James | Photographer, Digital Content Creator

There really wasn’t a thought process at all. Before last September, I had never taken a photo with a professional camera. I lost my little brother and went into a depression. My son, who was home from college, gave me his camera before going back to school, in an attempt to lift my spirits. I eventually started to play around with it. I became more and more intrigued by it. Then I started taking pictures using my kids as subjects. I started posting them on social media. The response was extremely positive. I was then asked to do a photoshoot. At that moment, the light bulb went off. I sat down and came up with a plan, and launched my business. Every piece of work is dedicated to my little brother, and I credit my loving son for the conception of my business. Read more>>

Lynne Wangoi | singer / content creator

My decision to start my own business stemmed from my passion for singing and content creation. I wanted to turn what I love into something that could grow and impact others, while also allowing me to express my creativity and be independent. Read more>>

Jalen Boyd | Entrepreneur | 2x College Graduate | Content Creator

As a former student-athlete and someone who has always been passionate about fitness and fashion, I noticed a gap in the market for activewear that was both stylish and functional. Starting Chasing Activewear wasn’t without its challenges. From sourcing the right materials to building a brand identity, every step taught me valuable lessons about persistence, creativity, and the importance of staying true to my vision. I wanted to create a brand that embodies the spirit of those who are constantly chasing their goals, whether in the gym or in life. I realized that many activewear options either lacked durability, weren’t inclusive of all body types, or simply didn’t make people feel confident and empowered. I wanted to address these issues by creating a line that is not only high-quality but also celebrates all shapes and sizes. Read more>>

Caroline Cherry | Artist & Owner of Cherry Day Art

I grew up watching my mom start and grow her small business, which gave me a firsthand understanding of the dedication, time, and sacrifice it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. In high school, I created graphic designs and even started a small Etsy store during the COVID pandemic. So, after graduating from college a year ago, I knew that starting Cherry Day Art would be daunting, but it was something I was passionate about. Read more>>

Angel Krause | Horror Content Creator and Indie Horror Writer

While my content creating has reached “business” level just yet, it has branched into so many opportunities that I could have never expected. I started Voices to really just have a space to talk about my love for horror. When it started to grow and more people became involved, it quickly turned more into making a safe space for ALL people to come and talk horror. This connected me with many creatives in the horror book community. I was published in a couple of anthologies and then I started to do my own. I released two of my own works in 2023 and it grew from there. We are on track to potentially be monetized on YT this year and in 2025 I’m opening an Indie horror publishing company. What started out as a passion project has only grown into something I hope to be doing full time in the future! Read more>>

Emily Martz | CEO & Owner of Inkless Beauty LLC

I’ve always dreamed of being my own boss and having the freedom to spend more time with my family. The motivation behind starting my own business has always been about improving our family’s situation and creating a balance that allows me to be present for every game, practice, and school function. In the past, I didn’t always have the flexibility to do that. While launching my own business has brought its own set of challenges, it has given me the ability to set my hours and tailor my work schedule around my family’s needs. We only get this time with our kids once, and it’s crucial to remember that while also putting in the hard work necessary to build a business from the ground up. Read more>>

Christina Lundy | Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula, Certified Childbirth Educator, Doula Trainer, and owner of By His Grace Childbirth Services

Honestly, it was another doula who pushed me to open my business. There is not a lineage of business owners in my family, so it felt very scary and I very much had an employee mindset. I remember my colleague saying one afternoon, ‘You’re already getting your own clients, leave the agency, and do your own thing”. It was the push I needed. Being able to serve my clients the way I desire and now having 2 amazing doulas added to my team has been such a blessing in my life! Read more>>

Damien Perry | Artist & Martial Artist

I’m a natural born artist. As a kid I would draw my toys and characters from comic books. We had a house fire and the event was traumatizing. I had to remember how to draw again. As time went on my younger brother, Darnell, and I started painting illustrations on clothes and would wear them to high school. People offered to pay for custom art. We worked long nights after school customizing clothing for people paying us for the art. We stuck with this craft until graduation. After Darnell graduated we decided to take it up a notch and learn how to do Tattoos. After much practice our clientele built due to what they saw on our bodies. We were hired to work at Sick-Os Tattoo Shop off Memorial Drive on the Eastside of Georgia. We worked there until the shop closed. We are now prepared to open our own shop around 2026. In the midst of it we make house calls for tattoo clients who are interested. Read more>>

Crystal Ogletree

My decision to start my own business was driven by a combination of passion, community service, and a desire to create a welcoming space for people. I recognized the importance of putting in significant effort and hard work to build a successful venture. I also understood that aligning my business with my passion and calling was crucial. My calling is to serve the community, providing a space where people can feel inspired and empowered, especially those who may feel limited in their opportunities. I wanted to create an environment where customers could feel a sense of belonging, where they could come to relax, connect, and find inspiration. This vision of building a community hub was a significant motivator for me. Read more>>