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.

Amaris Evans | Founder and Mentor

In 2018, I founded Math Flow Connection with the goal of scaling my tutoring business and creating a more formal structure. I was successfully acquiring clients but felt unsure about how to expand and hire high school students. Math Flow Connection initially emphasized a wellness approach to math tutoring, addressing the anxiety many students experienced in the classroom. Read more>>

Anna Rumiantseva | Photographer

I first picked up a camera 16 years ago, and at the time, I never imagined it would turn into a full-fledged career. Back then, photography was simply a hobby—something I did because I loved capturing the world around me. It was my way of expressing myself and seeing life through a different lens. At first, I didn’t intend to turn it into a business. It was just something that brought me joy, a creative outlet that kept me grounded. As time went on, however, my love for photography only deepened. The more I immersed myself in it, the more I realized how much it resonated with me. It wasn’t just about taking pictures anymore—it became about telling stories, freezing moments in time, and connecting with people through images. Read more>>

Monica Gibbs | CEO Kam Transit

My thought process behind starting KAM Transit LLC was rooted in my corporate background in marketing, customer service, and public affairs, which taught me the value of delivering exceptional client experiences. When I relocated to Atlanta, I was struck by the city’s position as a growing business hub, home to 16 Fortune 500 company headquarters and 31 Fortune 1000 companies. Recognizing the demand for high-quality executive transportation services in a city with such a robust corporate presence, I saw an opportunity to fill a gap in the market by offering luxury transportation solutions tailored to professionals. My vision was to create a brand that provides seamless, sophisticated service while elevating the standard for customer care in Metro Atlanta. Read more>>

Elaine Beattie | Passsionate Speaker Coach and Author committed to the professional development of those in the highest levels of leadership

I started my own business for two reasons, both deeply personal and shaped by my experience in the hospitality industry.

First, as a baby boomer, I wanted to create a healthier rhythm for my life. In hospitality, where we operated 24/7, achieving balance was nearly impossible. I genuinely loved the work—it was exhilarating and addictive—but I became a workaholic with no boundaries. I was single, not dating, and without children. There was nothing to pull me away from the relentless demands of the job. Over time, I realized that this way of living was unsustainable. Read more>>

Megan Buhmann | Recording Artist & Music Therapist

I give so much credit to my business partner and best friend Danielle for believing in me and in our vision to bring music therapy to our community! Almost 6 years later and we’re doing just that and I’m so incredibly grateful! It’s definitely been a “learn as you go” process for me and there’s been many ups and downs along the way, but it’s all been incredibly worth it to be running a business doing what I love. Read more>>

Charlette Thames, M.s., Ncc, Lapc | Founder & Co-owner

As the founder of Therapy With Me Candle Company, my journey to starting this business was deeply influenced by my professional background and personal commitment to mental wellness. With years of experience as a National Board-Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (APC), I’ve dedicated my career to supporting individuals through counseling, crisis intervention, and mental health care. I’ve had the privilege of working with veterans, service members, and individuals from diverse backgrounds, helping them navigate challenges and prioritize their well-being. Read more>>

Leighann Blackwood | Content Creator & Nano-Influencer

Like most creators, I didn’t think I was starting a business. I just wanted to create content for art’s sake, so I just started creating. I’ve been doing this for about five years now, actively learning how to create content that converts, but I also learned how to monetize my content. I’ve done everything from UGC to creating long-form content for my personal brand and managed other social media channels, so I’ve done a lot in terms of content. Regarding content creation, I’ve also taken the chance to learn from other professionals who have more insight or are working full-time in content creation because I do this as a side hustle. Read more>>

Anthony Christian Curtis | Minister, Actor & Entrepreneur

Hello, I’m Anthony Christian Curtis, and the thought process behind starting my business is rooted in a deeply personal testimony. Growing up, I faced relentless bullying. People called me names like “gay,” “fag,” and “girlypop.” I always knew I was a boy, but I didn’t fit the mold of what society often labels as “manly.” I wasn’t interested in things like football, lifting weights, or even having a girlfriend at the time. This led to a season of depression, where I found myself agreeing with the hurtful things people said about me. Read more>>

Maury Rossel | Photographer, Content Creator & Lifestyle Enthusiast

My process behind starting my own business was deeply connected to my desire to create an authentic and genuine space to share what I love: photography and connecting with others. After emigrating, I faced uncertainty, but I saw an opportunity to reinvent myself and build something that would allow me to express myself freely and add value to those who follow me. Photography is not just a business; it’s a way of communicating emotions and moments, and that’s what I want to offer: an experience that goes beyond the image, an opportunity to connect and grow together. Read more>>

Motherhood Healing Collective | Georgia’s Newest Doula Collective

My thought process behind starting my own business was deeply personal and purposeful. I wanted to create the kind of support and healing experience I knew I would need when it was time for me to become pregnant. At the same time, I was closely studying the experiences I witnessed in the South—particularly how Black women were navigating pregnancy, birth, and the hospital system. I saw a real need for culturally grounded, holistic care that prioritized healing, education, and advocacy. My business was born out of a desire to fill that gap and offer Black and Indigenous mothers the kind of compassionate, empowering support they deserve. Read more>>

Kelly Johnson | Healthcare Growth Marketing Advisor and Career and Business Coach

I come from a long line of entrepreneurs—it’s in my blood.
Eight years ago, I founded Crystal Lake Marketing and Coaching during a pivotal time in my life. I had just moved to a new town, welcomed my third child, and was commuting back to Atlanta. I knew something needed to change. When a former colleague called asking for help in building her business, I jumped at the opportunity. Read more>>

Missy Waller | Interior Designer

I knew I wanted to not only do what I love but also be my own boss. I didn’t have a plan but to just start. I got my LLC at the end of 2023, and Waller Home Interiors was born. I got a lot of advice and help from some of my designer friends. For the most part, I’ve been figuring it out as I go. You never stop learning when you have a business, but I think that’s what makes it so worth it and fulfilling! Read more>>

Kayla Weathers (boss K) | Entrepreneur

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, even from a young age. At just 10 years old, I started my first business and built my own website. As I grew older, I gained valuable experience in marketing, content curation, production, and other areas, which shaped my passion for helping others succeed. Read more>>

Stacia Harvey-randall | Motivational Speaker & Human Resources Professional

My thought process behind starting my own business was I needed to leave a legacy for my daughter and leave memories behind me as being part of making our community better. I do not want to leave this earth as a hard worker and nothing else. Read more>>

Teelashae Your Estie Bae | Licensed Esthetician

My own struggles with acne and insecurities growing up inspired me to start my business, especially because I remember what it felt like to want to hide behind makeup. I wanted to tell my younger self—and other girls like me—that you don’t have to cover up your insecurities to feel beautiful. True confidence starts with taking care of your skin, learning how it works, and addressing its needs instead of masking the problems. Read more>>

Amir Johnson | Philanthropist & Community activist

Need to feed corp was birthed based off life experience, I was fresh out of college moved to Dallas ,Tx from my hometown and after a short period of time I ended up homeless. I was homeless for an extended period of time staying here sleeping where I could because I didn’t have any family. I was offered help but it always came with expectations, they didn’t want to help they wanted me and because of my situation some of them got me. Once I got on my feed i decided to give back to the homeless community without asking for anything in return, i just want to be the love and light i needed when i was in the same situation. Read more>>

Mike Albuquerque

I have spent the bulk of my career working in corporate America for advertising and design agencies helping major corporations with their branding and marketing needs. When I decided to start my own agency, I wanted to bring all that knowledge and experience and turn it into a service that could help small businesses grow. So I went to work, I reviewed all the strategies and knowledge that I had accumulated in over 10 years in the industry and streamlined it to where it could become efficient and effective for small businesses. In terms of services, I knew that I wanted to lead with brand strategy as that is the foundation for effective marketing. The follow up services would be branding and website development, two of the key services to help a small business create their identity and tell their story to their audience. Read more>>

Joshua Rowland

I began my photography journey during the COVID-19 lockdown, a time when many people were searching for ways to cope with life at home. Initially, I would venture out into my neighborhood, capturing lifestyle shots that reflected the world around me. While this experience was rewarding, it was also quite challenging. I often felt as though I was falling behind others or not measuring up to my own expectations. Read more>>

LISA BROWN

I started Brown Town Idiomas to help others learn Spanish in a fun and interactive way. Prior to starting the business, I worked as a Spanish Teacher and started traveling Spanish camps for children in Atlanta. My bilingual camps became very successful selling out each summer for the past 16 years. After year 12, I started to write my first book Noche Noche Niños : A Spanglish Bedtime Adventure. I wrote this book to assist me in teaching my students Spanish. I got tired of searching for materials to enhance my programs, so I decided to create my own. Noche Noche Niños started off as a hobby but once it was published it took off. I found myself traveling to DC, MD, Philadelphia, Chicago, and California to share my book. Read more>>

Bridget Wilson

In 2021, I was introduced to the Airbnb industry, which served as the catalyst for my journey into real estate investing and development. It all began when my sister, Myasia, introduced me to a mentor who guided me through the process of acquiring my first unit. The excitement of listing my unit for the first time was quickly validated when I received my first booking for a two-day stay. That success was soon followed by another booking for a month-long stay. Remarkably, the same family has been residing in my unit ever since, transforming me into their de facto landlord. Read more>>