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.

Julie Stuart

It happened kinda naturally. I was working in environmental politics and after being on a congressional campaign I came home and couldn’t find another job in my field so I had to create a job. Someone had dropped a seed a few months before about this fairly new thing, at the time, called graphic facilitation/visual mapping as a way of facilitating a meeting, gathering or conference by drawing large-scale visual maps so that people can see their thinking and make better decisions. Read More>>

Charity Mahone

Starting my own business was a path that unfolded before me, rather than one I deliberately chose. My initial goal was simple: excel in school, earn my degrees by the grace of God, and land a well-paying 9-5 job. I did the first two with success, but when it came to finding that job after graduating with my Master’s of Sports Administration in May 2013, every door seemed to close. I applied endlessly for jobs, believing in my heart that my skills would be a valuable asset, but all I heard were crickets. Read More>>

Ashanti & Chantè

The thought process behind TipsyySipz was all about convenience, customization, and creating a top-tier experience. We wanted to take the hassle out of event bartending by offering a fully customizable drink menu that matches any theme or vision without the host having to do any shopping or planning. TipsyySipz is an all-in-one booking, meaning we handle everything from crafting the perfect cocktails to delivering a seamless bar experience. Our goal is to bring the bar to you, making every event effortless, fun, and unforgettable. Read More>>

Arianna McIntosh

Starting my own business was a natural extension of my passion for beauty and hair care. As a Consulting Manager in the tech industry for a top consulting firm by day and a beauty business owner, I’ve always balanced strategic thinking with creativity. My love for hair and beauty has been lifelong—I was always the go-to person for recommendations on where to buy quality extensions. Read More>>

Adam Kaylor

What was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The idea for Trans Joy emerged from a deep-seated need for community and positive representation of trans people. Kieran Helbing and I recognized the severe lack of supportive spaces and uplifting content about the trans experience. This realization drove us to create a nonprofit that could address these gaps and foster a sense of belonging and joy within the trans community.
Our initial approach was straightforward: we launched a crowdfunding campaign and directly asked our community what they needed most. Read More>>

Kanetra Vaughn

There actually wasn’t a direct thought process behind starting my own business as far as my business goes because it was my plan b that turned out to be plan a all along. My first choice was going to college for Business management in order to manage someone else’s business but it turned out I ended up managing my own business in cosmetology, when I figured out college wasn’t for me. Read More>>

Harper Leigh

Honestly? I got tired of asking permission to be great. I adopted a new Motto: Ask for Forgiveness not Permission!

I’d spent years building everyone else’s dream — until I realized the only thing missing from the equation was me. I didn’t launch GLB & Co with a boardroom pitch and a PowerPoint. I launched it with a curling wand in one hand, a green juice in the other, and a deep belief that women deserve to feel seen, powerful, and damn near unstoppable. Read More>>