Ideas aren’t everything, execution matters greatly, but starting often requires an idea and so we asked folks to think back and tell us the story of how they came up with the idea for their businesses. We’ve highlighted some of our favorite stories below.

Kira Gaddy | Photographer & Creative

Ever since I can remember I’ve always been the “Picture taking friend” so when my best friend put the idea in my head to monetize what I was good at, I jumped at the thought. At 1st I was extremely nervous about doing something totally on my own but then after a number conversations I realized how many people lacked confidence in themselves & I refused to continue to be one of those people. Read more>>

Isaly Ferguson | Owner Of The Seasonal Pages

The Seasonal Pages is a stationery shop, where customers can find fun items such as stickers, bookmarks made from recyclable cardstock and ethical wood, stationery, postcards, and more. The Seasonal Pages believes in one’s soul being creative, happy and being the best you — which shows through the designs of the products. I am currently located in Tulsa, Oklahoma and love the idea of showcasing more Black art. Read more>>

Amber Sears | Licensed Esthetician, Wax Specialist, & Owner of Waxing With Am, LLC.

I came up with the idea for my business during the beginning phase of the pandemic when the world had shut down. Coming up with my name, Waxing With Am, was actually pretty easy. My nickname is Am, & waxing is the service that I’m offering. The foundation of my business is confidence. Every woman, especially busy moms like myself, deserves to feel good in their most intimate skin. Sticking by that idea has allowed me the opportunity to connect with lots of dope women & build a clientele of women that believe in the same thing. Working for yourself is so challenging yet rewarding at the same time & going solo is one of my best decisions. Read more>>

Ebeny Bland | Licensed Massage Therapist, Day Spa Owner, Candle Maker & Educator

While I knew I would more than likely become my own boss at some point, I had no idea where it would stem from. In February of 2019, I endured a neck injury while performing a prenatal massage. I’d only been in the massage therapy field for approximately 2 years, before it happened. So, I clearly had no desire to walk away from the field so early on. However, with the reality of life we go with the punches and move on. Read more>>

Kaye Dinero | Owner

When I started I Love Food ATL back in 2018, it was merely a collection of my adventures in trying new food. I have always been a foodie and when I moved to Atlanta, there were so many dope spots to visit. After I started posting my food content, businesses started reaching out to me for promo. During the pandemic, I was able to help over 50 small restaurants and food trucks, just by keeping my audience updated on their Covid operating procedures. Read more>>

Comfort Akuamoah | Pro Makeup Artist

The first time , I gained interest in the makeup industry , it was because I had accidentally shaved off my eyebrows the summer of my junior year in high school back in 2015. We all know that 2016 saw the rise of on- fleek eyebrows and I was one of the eager teenagers to join the movement but as time went on , it become more then a movement , it became a passion. That passion led me all the way into the art of makeup. Read more>>