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.

Deidre Baker- Roberson | Founder

By my experiences with other women, hearing how they look for me and reach out for to me for the sisterhood and a relationships. Read more>>

Katie Hawkins | Creative Director

Here For Good Films started with a simple idea: there are so many good people doing good things and more people need to hear about it. And that’s where the power of story comes in. After college, I worked for an NGO overseas for a couple of years. During this time, I had the privilege of sitting with people and hearing their stories – some heartbreaking, others triumphant – but all of them inspiring. I was amazed at how many people didn’t realize they had a story worth telling. One of my favorite moments is seeing someone light up when they share their own story in their own words. This is the core of Here For Good Films. We believe in storytelling with intention. We don’t just want to hear someone’s story; we want to help them tell it authentically, in their own words and in a way that still connects and resonates with audiences, inspiring them to do good. Read more>>

Mckenzie Mccollum | Digital Creator, Model and CEO

The concept for Mac’s Rac emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic as a direct response to my growing commitment to sustainability and recycling. As I began repurposing my own wardrobe, I realized there was a broader opportunity to address environmental concerns through fashion. This insight inspired me to create Mac’s Rac, a platform dedicated to transforming and recycling clothing, with the goal of promoting eco-friendly practices within the industry. The journey has been challenging but rewarding. One of the key obstacles was sourcing sustainable materials that aligned with my values, as well as developing a business model that stayed true to those principles. However, each challenge has led to significant milestones, bringing me closer to making a meaningful impact in sustainable fashion. Read more>>

Rhonda John | Home Cook, Food is Medicine Enthusiast, Philanthropist/Volunteer

I LOVE to serve others by volunteering, but I’m a homebody so when a friend encouraged me to start a business, I decided that a home based business where I could donate the profits to whatever God lays on my heart each quarter would be both fulfilling and fun! But what should I do? I presented the question at my neighborhood Ladies’ Night Out, “What type of home business do you think I should start”? Well, everyone at the gathering knew I loved to cook and use real ingredients with a lot of herbs and spices (not only for the added flavor, but also for the many health benefits they add to your dish), and one lady replied, “I have no idea how to use herbs & spices”. And that was the start of My Symphony Seasonings! Read more>>

Tiffany Poke | Licensed Clinical Social Worker

My idea for my business came from a combination of experiences and a deep passion for helping others. I was raised by an amazing social worker, my mother, and an extremely talented artist, my father. Growing up in a home with a social worker, I learned about the importance of social justice, mental health awareness, and advocacy. Growing up in a home with an artist, I learned about the importance of self-expression, unrestricted creativity, and being present in the moment. After becoming a licensed clinical social worker, I started feeling less motivated about working for other people, which I was doing in my current therapy job, and more interested in working for myself. I was passionate about making mental health care affordable for people. I also felt deeply inspired by the positive outcomes I was seeing in my clients through my use of art in therapy. Read more>>