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.

Charity Graham | Content Creator & Brand Marketing Manager

The idea for Twenty Somethings Media originated from me, wanting to sell an actual product, calendars to be specific. I’d told myself that I would start the brand on Instagram before launching the actual product, but ended up falling in love with Twenty Somethings as a blog and brand itself. While in grad school, I just decided to see how far the blog could go for what it is now rather than focusing on selling a product immediately. Read more>>

Daya Brown | Founder, CEO, Poet, Creator, Director, Speaker

I have always had a profound love of poetry and writing. Ever since I could remember, poetry has been my escape from reality. I developed a deep connection with poetry and have found it as a way to express my feelings. I also loved the beauty in creating visual creations for people to feel the emotion through screens. Therefore I found my niche in creating Elom and Co. Productions. Read more>>

George & Shaynaeh Thomas | General Contractor & Principal Interior Designer

George (general contractor) raised in Effingham, SC came from 4 generations of builders and contractors so it’s definitely in his blood. He and his family completed renovations for both residential & commercial properties all over the low country. Shaynaeh (principal designer) grew up in Charleston, SC surround by tons of rich history, art forms, leisure activities, architecture and cultural traditions. All of this grew her inspiration for interior design at a young age. Read more>>

Tarik Livingstone | Family Security Instructor

I came up with the idea for Livingstone Defensive Family Training by noticing the tremendous increase of firearms owners over the time of the pandemic nationwide. Coupled with the long response times of first responders in our urban and rural areas, I felt that families need the skills and tools to help keep themselves safe. They also need the skills and tools to help sustain life until those responders arrive. Read more>>