Our city is home to so many incredible businesses and so we asked the founders how they came up with the ideas for their businesses and have shared their responses below.

Nydrah Lancaster | Interior Designer

I think of so many ideas outside of cooperate America on a daily basis. Before I met my husband, I only knew of a 9-5 because that’s what I was conditioned to think and do growing up. I wanted to work my way up in a company and financially free. After starting my career in Social Work, I was able to reach a manager’s role at my first job and thought, wow. is this it? I felt limited and placed in a box. Don’t get my wrong, Social Work will always be a part of me, but I felt as though God was calling me to do more. Read more>>

Valerie Arroyo | Empowerment Coach & Breakthrough Strategist

The Women’s Healing Circle was birthed in 2017, after the passing of my 22 year-old cousin Aysia-Lynn due to heart complications. While a loss is never easy, it taught me how short life can be, the importance of putting on your own oxygen mask and discovering your purpose in life. As women of color, we tend to face greater stress factors which lead to a variety of stress-related heart conditions, in which many are not even aware they have. Read more>>

Cathia Philippe | Owner/Operator

The vision of Exutoire Candle Co, LLC was born through my love for candles. I am the person that others refer to as the candle junky. I used to spend so much time and money at a well-known candle company. In early 2019, the thought of making my own candles crossed my mind. I quickly dismissed the idea at first. The more I neglected it, the more it reappeared in my mind. A few months later, I started researching the industry. I also was in the middle of switching careers at the time. I decided I did not have the time to devote to a business. I completely stopped by July of that year. Read more>>

Kels Bai | Sunrise Latte Great Smoky Mountains Cabin Owner

The idea of our business comes from two inspirations. The first inspiration was that we’ve been enjoying staying in local homestays while traveling. We started to choose Airbnb/Vrbo over hotels in 2014 because of more space, better amenities, kitchens, lower cost, a washer & dryer, and much more. We appreciate the moment that everyone sits together and enjoys the dinner that we made by ourselves. We enjoy the space to play board games with friends and families. We love the moment that we sit in front of the fireplace and have cups of hot chocolate. We also love to grill delicious food on the deck. Read more>>