Are you thinking about starting a business? If so, we think you’ll enjoy reading about how these seasoned entrepreneurs thought about the question when they were in your shoes.

Jamesa Bailey | Certified Infant/Toddler Sleep Consultant

In the spring of 2019 I was diagnosed with unexplained infertility and with the help of some great fertility specialists, my dream of becoming a mother came true. We like to tell people that Camden was made with love and a little science. Read more>>

Lacey Bridges | Founder & Executive Producer

Starting my own business came out of the desire to be able to own my time. Being in a male dominated industry, you always have to prove yourself more and be the hardest working person in the room. I wanted to be able to create an agency that valued the balance in each person’s individual life and be able to find happiness in their work. I genuinely enjoy working 60 hour weeks as long as it is accompanied by time to balance and be a good friend and family member. Read more>>

Jamaria Hendricks | Certified Eyelash Tech/ Esthetician

I decided to start my own business, because I was called to buy back my time and pursue other dreams. Dreams that would provide products that would enhance another woman’s life and beauty. Read more>>

Sandra Ocasio | Digital Marketing Strategist | Speaker | Podcaster

After experiencing my first military move in 2016, I resigned from my corporate position as a payroll professional to follow my husband on his orders. We moved from Las Vegas, NV to Mary Esther, Fl. Read more>>

Stefanie Adler | Hormone and Fertility Coach, Functional Nutritionist

I remember the first time a business coach asked me this. What was my “Why”? Why go through all the effort of being an entrepreneur? The answer came pouring out of me. I wanted to give all women the opportunity to feel the way I feel. I spent so much of my early life feeling icky in my body, feeling like my body wasn’t a safe space, was a source of pain, confusion or discomfort. Then I spent years feeling ‘eh’. No symptoms to note, which is what most healthcare professionals would consider ‘healthy’. Read more>>

Kayla Martinez | Georgia Lifestyle + Wedding/Elopement Photographer

Hey there I’m Kayla! A Georgia lifestyle + wedding and elopement photographer. For me this question is quite simple. I’ve never loved the idea of working a 9-5 until I retire. Being my own boss and creating a life and schedule around doing what I love just seemed like a dream to me. Read more>>

Demetrius Dorn | Business Owner/ Certified Surgical Tech

My thought process for starting my business was based on the fact that for almost 23 Years I’ve worn Scrubs for most of my day, 5 days a week. I’m a Certified Surgical Tech. So I begin to think that since most of my time is being spent wearing scrubs why not invest in a business that I know about, and know there will always be a demand for. I know how important it is to be comfortable while working, and to have durable, stylish, wink resistant scrubs. And that’s what I provide to all my customers. Read more>>

Rashida Thompson | Emotional Wellness Coach

When I created Well Black Mom, I wanted it to be a source of inspiration & empowerment for moms like me who made the choice to prioritize their well-being. I wanted to create a safe space online to discuss motherhood – the good & the bad. A safe space to honor our stories because although we share a common experience, the beauty lies in each mother’s testimony. Read more>>

Michael Hunte | Musician, singer/songwriter, composer, arranger, producer, and owner of Just Music Productions

Starting a business requires commitment, focus, sacrifice, and dedication. Growing up I have always had the mindset of an entrepreneur with an optimistic approach to life, I always believed that if I work hard and trust God, nothing is impossible. My thought process behind starting my music business, Just Music Productions started with three questions I asked myself: 1. What is the one thing I would do for the rest of my life even if I wasn’t getting paid to do it? Read more>>

Inbar Freiman | Creative Designer & Business Owner

I decided to pursue a creative career because design and art have always been in my DNA. There never was any other option. However, it was whilst completing my fashion design degree, I discovered the world of bridal gowns. I fell in love on the spot. Read more>>

JR McHenry | Radio Host & Entrepreneur

The reason I decided to start to The Bossman Show was that I did not want to wait on or beg anyone to give me any opportunity to be a radio host. I never originally saw myself getting into the radio business, but I was a radio head. Read more>>

Jill Burgess | Master Loc Artisan

After being laid off from my corporate job back in 2019, I hated the feeling of the huge financial lost. I wanted to be in full control over my own financials, so financial freedom was my main drive. I wanted to create a source of income while doing something I am passionate about. Starting my brand Essence of Jillizm wasn’t planned but more so, of a vision that I had to fulfill. Read more>>

David Slagle jr | Recording artist, Graphic designer , marketer.

My thought process behind starting my own business was seeing how hard I worked for other brands / businesses and knowing they could fire me or drop me whenever they felt like it. With starting my own business I know I was all I had. I applied that same hard work ethic that I applied at other jobs/companies into myself. I knew if I went hard if not harder for myself like I did for those other compaines I would succeed and noone could take it from me. Read more>>

Jarmari Taylor | Entrepreneur, Creator & Writer

The idea originally started as a video game. I have a passion for video games, I really enjoy playing it. As I got into high school, my mindset slowly drifted into the fashion industry. As of 2017, I began to work towards ChiLigion. I created the skyline and other ideas in my journal, along with plot twist and other concepts that video games contained. My thought was to have the biggest video game in the world based on Chicago, along with the merchandise to match. I kept faith within myself and study the business as I begin to make ChiLigion a legitimate business. Read more>>

Alex Cottingham | Founder & CEO

The mission of HOLO HLTH is to help people become truly healthy: physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally & spiritually. I started it because there are many businesses / organizations out there helping you get healthy in one, or a few, areas (i.e. the gym = physically healthy, the church = spiritually healthy, counselor = mentally healthy, etc). Read more>>

Kyarra Hosea | Kyarra Hosea | The Key to Your New Home! Real Estate Professional

My thought process behind starting my own business came about through the idea of generational wealth. Both of my grandfathers own their own business. Growing up and seeing both of them execute their plan into a bigger reason of why inspired the idea that it can be done. Read more>>

Makenzie Thomas | Professional Photographer

I never imagined myself as a photographer, I always wanted to pursue a degree in the dental industry. It all started out as a hobby. My parents got me a camera as a Christmas gift. I enjoyed capturing family events, but then I realized I had the potential and wanted more. Read more>>

Tessa Ward | Interior Design, Upholstery, Decorator

My degree is in design. I’ve always loved color, luxury fabrics and home decor. Besides I’ve always wanted to work for myself Read more>>

Miranda Calatrello | Founder of Calatrello Creatives, Marketing Agency

When considering starting my own business, I looked for council from friends and family who were entrepreneurs themselves. While discussing my dream to move away from the traditional corporate work structure to a more self-employed approach, I noticed that there was a gap in the marketplace. Read more>>

Your Dream Designed | Event Designer

Your Dream Designed was created in August 2020 when a group of friends decided to step out of their comfort zones and pursue a career in event design. Our goal and main focus is to create a business that allows us to use our creativity and turn our passion into financial freedom. Read more>>

Carlos Reeves Jr | Clothing Brand CEO/FOUNDER

My whole thought on starting a business was to make money and to also wear my own brand and have others wear my brand someday. Growing up you see alot of people getting into fashion and named brand clothing. Read more>>

Kimberly K. Gallow | Innovative and Strategic Consultant

The thought process behind starting KKG & Co. (a boutique consulting firm focusing on enhancing brands through innovation and strategy) while I was in college, was to help others develop and build their ideas into practical and solution-oriented outcomes. I learned early in college that consulting was a mere way to help others grow, develop, and enhance ideas. Read more>>

Diana Garcia | Crestor and Host of Shaking The Culture

My thought process , I wanted to give creatives and the next wave of music a platform. Where we all see our beginning stages Read more>>

Melvin Bradley | Serial Entrepreneur. Music Executive, Music Artist, Investor, Creator, and Culture Curator

The thought process of starting my own business was to create a whole new business models for us black people or should I say us Africans in America or our Hispanic and Latino brothers and sisters to get further ahead in life. For years, we’ve been taught on a slave mentality and system but now it’s time for us to wake up and create our own ecosystem and Rules. #NewRules Read more>>

Patrick Young Jr | Inspiring Actor

My Name is Patrick Young Jr I started taking acting serious when I kept getting overlooked to get promoted to Operations Manager at Amazon in Charlotte (CLT4) I trained higher ups and still got overlooked during the process. Read more>>

Ian Elmore-Moore | Owner & Founder Glaciers Italian Ice

Glaciers Italian Ice Youth Entrepreneurship Program was founded to keep our youth and young adults safe, educated and paid. As a direct alternative to the “Water Boyz” we have strategized, organized and mobilized a viable solution. Read more>>

Dj Kaxkes | Dj

My thought process was thinking I “CAN” DO IT. Read more>>

Kherwin Nurse | Digital Marketing Strategist & Founder, Aurescents

My thought process behind starting my own business was first finding a way to express or channel all of my experiences and expertise to create something that can be experienced by the world. Read more>>

J Rayna Smith | PRODUCER & Event Coordinator

My thought process for creating my business was “the underdogs”. When I first started working in the entertainment business I was overlooked because I was overweight. I wasn’t taken seriously but I possessed the skill, talent, knowledge and experience to get the job done, therefore I just started my own thing and been successful ever since. Read more>>

Shanita Adkisson | Good Vibes lash Boutique /Lash Tech

Well Let’s see My thought Process in Starting my Business was Being Successful in something I like ,Love that’s not hard to start or learn go with the flow. Keep pushing as Well Believe in myself know that I can achieve anything I set my mind too, I already won by taking the first step which was, I made the decision to want more be a go getter . Anything we Set our minds to with True intentions lead with God have a good Heart you can have. Read more>>

Gerica Brogden | 2B Organized Franchise Owner

I knew that I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit, my family is all women have owned multiple businesses for 30 years. I also knew that I wanted to help people and to be my own boss and be able to be more present for my growing family. Joining a franchise was the best approach for me, so that I could hit the ground running without recreating the wheel. Read more>>

Kiana Walker | Owner and Creator of Shert Designs

I wanted more control over my finances and success. Maintaining a healthy work life balance that will afford me more flexibility and freedom is a top priority. I started my business so that my son and I could live a comfortable life where we thrive and I could financially secure our future. Read more>>

Kimberly West Public Relations Consultant | Kimberly West is the owner and consultant of the Kimberly West Agency a Boutique Public Relations agency located in Birmingham, Alabama

My thought process behind starting my business was the need to be a pathway that would assist others with communications, story-telling, and visual branding.  This need came from the standpoint of providing media opportunities to clients along with the ability to package individuals (and businesses) in a way that would attract others to their vision. Read more>>

Leo E Tiah | Executive Director

At first it was difficult to get like minded people who will be committed to follow the dream. It took me 3 years to overcome this. Read more>>

Quashanda Washington | Business Leader/ Ghostwriter/Comedy writer/ Influencer

I wanted to start something that will make a difference, a major impact, and help the Black African American communities Read more>>