The Early Days: why did you start a business

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.

Karyne Tinord | Founder & CEO

As someone of Haitian descent, witnessing the aftermath of the earthquake deeply moved me. Seeing the youth in Haiti, and recognizing similar needs around the world, sparked a sense of urgency within me. Read more>>

Joshua Jackson | || Artist | Producer | Audio Engineer | Videographer | Web Designer | Digital Content Creator | Computer Programmer | Graphics Creator |

My thought process behind starting “YJO BEATS” was really to be able to provide for my family, but do it while being present at home with my family. The stigma of today is working outside the home which in return causes people to miss out on precious time with family.  Read more>>

Antonio de Graffenreaidt | Filmmaker & CEO

Well, I made a decision that I really didn’t wanna work for anyone else. I was having fun with my career, so i decided why not create my own company where I could do it full-time, and then I asked some of my friends who were in the industry to join me and so far we’ve been going strong based on loyalty and creativity, and our bond that we have together is making for some amazing projects and content. Read more>>

Chef Sugar | Executive Pastry Chef

I am almost 10 year cancer survivor and single mom of a 6yr old boy. I decided to go to culinary after my treatment to start my second career. After 7yrs in the pastry industry and of course covid. I found that was working til I drop with no creativity freedom and losing multitudes of time with son. Read more>>

Candice Grevious | Co-Founder of Transform the Hustle | Sr. Project Manager

The concept of “hustle culture” cons you into believing that through sheer grit, determination and sleepless nights, anyone can breakthrough to success. For communities like ours, that deeply romanticized narrative doesn’t fully capture the nuanced realities we face when it comes to the grind itself. Read more>>

Jennifer Herrin | Author & Nonprofit Specialist

Starting my own business was a natural progression born out of a desire for autonomy and a passion for helping others. As an entrepreneur, I saw an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives while pursuing my own dreams. Read more>> 

David Threatte | Inventor, Basoonist & Machinist

As a bassoonist myself, I’m very familiar with the intricacies of the instrument, particularly the crucial role that the bassoon reed plays in producing its unique sound. Handcrafting a bassoon reed is a meticulous process that requires patience and so much time. Read more>>

Kellie James | Professional Facilitator & Cycle Enthusiast

My process was very much circumstantial. Prior to making the decision to start Drenched I worked for another fitness brand here in Atlanta. I invested close to two years of my time, thoughts and energy into someone else’s dream. At that time, I wholeheartedly believed that was my calling.  Read more>>

Tyesha Abdullah | Author

I have kids of my own that I have explained body boundaries to and I feel like every child should be equipped with these same tools. The key is to be proactive and not reactive. Read more>>

Roshawn (Ms. Ro) Dorsey | CEO/Founder Ms. Ro’s Dance Closet

Before opening Ms. Ro’s Dance Closet I had previously had a dance studio (at the time I did not know it was called entrepreneurship or any kind of title. I just knew I wanted to teach dance. SO, I DID. After 10 years and recovering from major injuries (Broken Neck and ruptured disc in my back from previous car accidents) I had to close my beloved school. Depression set in. Read more>>

Haja Janneh | Content Creator, Model & Wardrobe Stylist

Starting my own business was a decision born out of a combination of passion, opportunity, and a desire for autonomy. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of creating something from scratch and having the freedom to shape its direction. I saw a gap in the market or identified a problem that I felt compelled to solve, and I believed that I had the skills and vision to address it effectively. Read more>>

Dj Nehpets | Radio Personality and Dj on Power 92.3 Chicago

Ownership. I wanted to be my “own boss” and get out here and get something started with my own brand. Read more>>

Jess Cason | Content Creator | SEO Strategist

To explain that, I’ll first say that I have a strong relationship with God and it got stronger once my Son went onto glory at 10 in 2019 (natural causes, it was just his time to go). In that time, I realized that God wanted the individual I was/am to come to the Him honestly- so that I could get the understanding I needed to survive. Read more>>

Dr Tamirah Leigh Terry, PhD | The Inspirational Lifestyle Dr./Lifestylista

I wanted to do something that I enjoyed doing so branding as a Lifestyle Company just seemed like the appropriate choice. I have been deemed the Black version of Martha Stewart because I do so many things . And, they all bring me so much joy because I love creating. Read more>>

April Woodyard | Physician Assistant, Speaker, Breast Care Specialist

I started in healthcare 25+ years ago working in primary care before specializing in breast care in 2007 after relocating to Atlanta from South Carolina. I gained a lot of knowledge and experience in this field and was very satisfied with the care that I was providing for my patients.  Read more>>

Derrick Humphrey | Entrepreneur/Owner. President of Wolf Line Logistics and Chief Operating Officer of Lion and Panda.

My thought process around that time was that I had already proven myself amongst other professionals at different levels. I worked with the President of an organization, various managers, managed and executed projects, etc. I figured if I was able to do all of this at an adequate level for a salary, I could probably do this by myself and make double to triple the income. Read more>> 

Prestigious Beauty | entrepreneur

We were already interested in braiding hair at a young age, but we wanted a way to make money in high school since our parents wouldn’t allow us to work. We started with practicing on our friends and eventually started charging out classmates to do their hair! Read more>>

Sierra Williams | Middle Georgia Wedding and Lifestyle Photographer

As I was finishing high school, of course my friends were beginning to apply for colleges. I still had no clue on my future or career. I began praying as I am a very religious person. I put my trust and faith and God and know he will guide my path. This was something I prayed about frequently. One night I was laying in my bed and and had an overwhelming feeling take over me as I was scrolling on instagram. Read more>>

Amanda van der Gulik | Evergreen Online Business & YouTube Marketing Coach

The inception of my business, Clever Dough, was a journey sparked by dual passions that evolved over time. Initially, my focus was on empowering parents to nurture financially savvy kids and teens. As a young mom with a background in tutoring, I discovered the profound impact of storytelling and personal experience in teaching.  Read more>>

Keshana Williams-Weaver | CEO and Power Broker

I started my first business in 2013. When I first decided to pursue entrepreneurship I had just been fired from my corporate job and I never wanted to have my life in someone else’s hands. Being able to get up everyday and make something out of nothing was my biggest motivation.  Read more>>

Chelsea Nye & Melissa Shanahan | Till I Die Apparel

Chelsea had been consulting and doing freelance work for the company for a few years and she just kept saying ‘I wish I could just buy this company.’ A hypothetical conversation with the founder about selling the company quickly steamrolled into a serious conversation. Fast forward 6 months and we purchased the company. Read more>> 

Teagan Brinson | Girl Boss & Kid Entrepreneur

The reason why I started my business was because of my grandparents, as they both have diabetes. One year I wanted to make them a special gift for their anniversary. So, I created diabetic bracelets for them, and they loved them. So much so that my grandmother encouraged me to make them for other people as well. Read more>>

Kay Saleh and Therese Riza-Lawrence | Portrait and Event Photographers

The decision to start our own photography business was deeply rooted in our shared passion for photography and a desire to pursue a lifelong interest that had been simmering for years. As college friends who had both spent nearly a decade honing our skills in our respective careers, we reached a point where we felt compelled to channel our talents into something more personally fulfilling. Read more>>

Felicia Roberts | Queen of Self-Care

The concept of Beauji Brown Girl was born from a powerful vision that ignited within me two years ago. This vision was to spearhead a movement empowering black women to shatter societal stereotypes (especially the constricting “strong, Read more>>

Ashley Carnage | Trial Attorney & Real Estate Investor

I always knew that I wanted to be a business owner and also believed and still believe that you will never know your true value until you work for yourself. Growing up I could see myself as a business owner because I helped my family run their business, Rainbow Party Rentals, which included renting party equipment such as bounce houses, cotton candy machines, etc. Read more>>

Tatiana Hill | CEO / Founder of Hills to Hearts

I have a deep love for the senior community and believe all seniors should be treated with the utmost love and respect. Senior care is not a job but a passion of the heart. “Do it with love and passion or don’t do it at all”. Hills to Hearts was founded from my personal experience caring for my great-grandmother who suffered from dementia and the hurt and vulnerability I felt once her care needs exceeded my capabilities. Read more>>

janet gourand | Recovery Coach and Founder of Tribe Sober

I had struggled with alcohol dependence for many years. In 2015 I finally managed to quit drinking. I felt so much better that I became passionate about the alchol free lifestyle and wanted to inspire others. Read more>>

AntonYah Mackey | Beader

In 2019 as a sophomore in university I was still embracing my freedom of dressing and accessorizing and saw this captivating waist accessory that I hadn’t seen before while passively on social media. I had begun to learn more on them as far as their uses, meanings and origins and decided I wanted one for myself. Read more>>

Jamia La Prince | Founder & CEO

Bella Shir Cosmetics is a purpose-driven brand that’s dedicated to helping others understand the science behind the product. We have found success with assisting consumers make informed decisions when purchasing cosmetics in hopes of connecting them with solution based products that resolves their hair, skin, and body care concerns. Read more>>