Starting and growing a business is hard, but often deciding to start the business in the first place is even harder. We asked some successful entrepreneurs from around the community to open up to us about how they thought about starting a business.

Justen DeBowles | Licensed Professional Counselor

Going back as far as my high school years in public school, I have always had an interest and passion for people, their motivations, their behaviors, and more. As I matriculated throughout Morehouse college, I would continue to engage with my peers and friends. Over time I began to realize that many of my colleagues and friends did not have healthy outlets to relieve stress and self-care was but a mere afterthought when it came to managing their mental health. I would continue to observe this trend as I continued throughout my education goals and started to work in the psychological field. So I took it upon myself to be a shoulder and a listening ear to people, if for no other reason but to help them feel seen, heard, and understood. Read more>>

Jennifer Lancaster | Owner & Operater

My daughter came home with lice! I never knew that professional lice treatment clinics existed until a neighbor mentioned to me that she was going to take her daughter to one. Her daughter had come home from school with head lice 3 times that school year already and this time shared it with my daughter. She was at her wits end and asked around for the closest professional treatment clinic and quickly realized there was not one. Everyone was recommended Lice Ladies Atlanta. Us hearing how many of our friends had encountered this issue an drove their children to the metro Atlanta area to seek treatment sparked the idea in my mind to look into opening up something here in Oconee County to help fill an obvious service need for my community. Read more>>

Alicia Lee | Fueled

Starting my own business was a culmination of introspection, identifying a market gap, and a passion for creating something meaningful. I meticulously assessed the industry landscape, recognizing opportunities and challenges. Crafting a detailed business plan helped outline objectives, strategies, and resource allocation. The thought process involved weighing risks, acknowledging the need for adaptability, and envisioning long-term sustainability. Being a woman-owned business added a layer of determination to break gender barriers and contribute to a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape. It was about turning a vision into reality, blending innovation with resilience, and embracing the journey of entrepreneurship with a sense of purpose and ambition. Read more>>

Auliee | Artist & Love4Aul

I’ve always wanted to be in control of my own time. In being in full control over my time I knew I would be able to maximize my true potential. Read more>>

Michael Dimock | Film Producer/Creator

My initial aspiration was to establish a business that provided a limitless creative environment, free from the constraints imposed by non-creative individuals. Originally conceived as a music label, 30 Below gradually expanded its scope to encompass the production of short films. Read more>>

Alizabeth Showers | Business & Wealth Strategist

The thought process behind starting my own business is deeply intertwined with my life’s mission: to empower and uplift communities of color in matters of business and wealth creation. My vision is rooted in faith, integrity, and a spirit reminiscent of Marcus Garvey, who believed in self-empowerment and financial independence. I firmly believe that with the right combination of knowledge, vision, faith, and unwavering persistence, every individual has the potential to “BUILD LASTING WEALTH LEGACIES.” My commitment to this mission is a tribute to the legacy of business ownership that my late father, Walter Showers, started. He instilled in me the values of entrepreneurship and the importance of self-reliance. Read more>>

Lattifa Bryant | Celebrity Ghostwriter, Publisher, CEO

So, why did I start my own publishing company, Build Your Own Books? Well, it all boils down to my love for storytelling and the thrill of helping others share their stories. As a celebrity ghostwriter, I enjoyed giving a voice to people, but I wanted to take it a step further. Build Your Own Books came about because I believe everyone has a story worth telling, and I wanted to make writing and publishing less of a mystery. I wanted to hand people the tools and guidance to become authors, owning 100 percent of the profits and copyrights without ever having to lift a finger. My thought process was simple: stories are powerful, and I wanted to make sure everyone could tap into that power. Read more>>

Natalie Y. Beavers | Founder/President of Angels of Epilepsy Nonprofit Charity & Advocacy

My thought process came about starting a nonprofit charity during the long video monitoring at Emory University Hospital before my brain surgery procedures. I met several epilepsy survivors and caregivers and it seemed that we had similar stories. We cried, embraced each other and spoke about how there needs to be change and recognition for those living with epilepsy. My parents spent a lot of time at the hospital with me and I told my father, “I need to do something.” He replied, “Don’t be a sayer, be a doer.” I put much of my ideas together, a business plan, and even a took a free course in the county related to starting a business, and Angels of Epilepsy nonprofit charitable organization was launched in 2008. Read more>>

Tyler Hall | Founder of Balloon Elite Mentor & Community Activist

It was Gods plan, also with combination of a few other things. My passion for the game of basketball always kept me around the game by either officiating, playing, or spectating. One day, while Kevin Metoyer and I officiated together and we watched children be wrongfully thought the game of basketball. We then realized we’re on the wrong side of the playing field and decided that we would start an AAU program together. Later that week Kevin was diagnosed with cancer and I was left to start Balloon Elite by myself. I wanted to create something that symbolized everything I’ve been through with the game of basketball. Balloon immediately came to my brain, because once you let go of a Balloon it continues to rise and rise. Read more>>

Ina Johnson Myers | Intl Keynote Speaker| 5x Bestseller Author | Resiliency Coach

As an employee for many decades of multiple jobs (sometimes simultaneously), I have had an entrepreneurial heart for most of my adult life. I love to create, design, and figure things out. Although some jobs may give an employee some room to be creative, for the most part, employees are usually hired to repeat a set process determined by the organization that hired them. I’ve been starting businesses since the early 90s. I recently found an old business license for retail sales and mail orders of computers and accessories from the state of California while I was early in my military career. My computer business in 1991 was before the Internet was widely available or affordable to the average person. I was able to see the computing needs of the community around me and do something to fulfill them. Read more>>

Gary Beauford | Dancer, Instructor, Choreographer

Well I wanted to give back to the ATL Dance community in a way that would help it to grow, so when opportunities came the community as a whole would be prepared for them wether it be working with an artist, tour, television or film Read more>>

Michelle D. Saxton | Talk Show Host/Founder

Initially after starting my courier service (Mia’s Savvy Courier Service) and my grief support group (M.I.A. “Missing In Action” Grief Support Group) in 2017 I vowed to only work diligently in these two endeavors. But then COVID hit in 2020 like most, people found their gifts and talents and became entrepreneurs and my thought process wasn’t any different. Because I work so closely with those who are struggling with grief, anxiety and depression through my grief support group, I want to extend the platform for those who had been in bondage and has gone through their losses and now are winning. A new birth of a TV talk show/Podcast came to mind. The talk show would then be named The “Now What?” Show w/ Mia & Mr. B, yes a girl and guy host. Read more>>

Finette Basden | Photographer, Content Creator

When I made the decision to start my own photography business, I knew that it would require me to tap into my creative and business side to take that leap of faith. My ultimate goal was to turn my passion into a profitable venture, but I also wanted to challenge myself and grow as a photographer. The idea of starting a business had been on my mind for some time, and I did extensive research and weighed the pros and cons before taking the leap. I knew that there would be risks and challenges along the way, but I was determined to pursue my dream and create something that was truly my own. Read more>>

Ray Oster | Founder/Adviser of Devine Jamz Gospel Network

My decision to launch a business stemmed from a commitment to faith-based marketing, aimed at assisting independent recording artists and businesses. The goal was to seamlessly integrate inspiring and positive content into media platforms, particularly those resonating with family-oriented audiences. In addressing the challenges faced by independent artists, Devine Jamz Gospel Network provides educational support and employs targeted direct-to-fan marketing strategies. Serving God remains my top priority, and the primary focus is identifying and engaging fans who are likely to form a transformative connection with our promoted clients. Read more>>

Kamaria McMillian | Moonly Organics Owner & Founder

I have always felt prepared and understood the sacredness of my menstrual cycle. As an adult, when I began experiencing excruciating menstrual cramps, PMS symptoms, and reoccurring BV, I sought a more holistic and organic alternative to all of my vaginal hygiene needs. I began to research and look into the different chemicals and additives that are in the mainstream marketed vaginal and sanitary hygiene products. Something that I was once so passionate and confident about, had been almost tainted by the painful experiences I was having. I switched to all organic menstrual and feminine care products in 2016 and with this change, my menstrual experiences were more and more manageable each month. Read more>>

Brittniee Simmone | Content creator and author

As a kid I always wanted to start my business. I would rake leaves, take out trash, sell candy and do my class mates homework. So, as an adult I kept the entrenpruener spirit alive. I started Do You See What I. see? Productions after being on a. radio show in college. I haave a different and unique perspective on life and I wanted to share it. My frieneds always loved to hear me talk and tell so jokes. It just made sense to turn it in to a career. I also like to write and tell stories so I published three books. Donovan the Ice boarding Penguin was inspired by my childhood and my nephew. We both like to skateboard and I thin penguins are cute. Donovan created his own iceboarding sport and he wears a cool hat that shows off my hometown , Detroit. Read more>>

JT Thompson | Owner and Operator of JT the Barber

After high school I spent a little time in college and then meandered from job to job including working in management in several different Industries. After some time drifting aimlessly I decided to return to and finish college nearly ten years after high school graduation. With my new degree I went for the money and ended up in a field I had no interest in. After several years there and several different jobs with that company I tried to go towards other fields that I was interested in with mixed results. I’d worked as an operations manager at a couple different businesses and always thought I would be extremely successful running my own but wasn’t sure what I ultimately wanted that business to be. I finally decided to take the steps and make a big career shift. As far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a barber. Read more>>

Brink Young | TV & Radio Personality

During my teenage years, I had a fascination with 50 Cent’s work ethic. I remember watching him on an episode of BET Access Granted, and at the very end of the show 50 bragged about in the future there’d be G-Unit Music, G-Unit Clothing, Sneakers, G-Unit Films, G-Unit Books, ETC. I was so enthralled by his ambitious revelation that I proclaimed I would create a Brink version of every skill that I had. I began with Brink Graphics, Brink Photography, Brink T-Shirts, & eventually developed BrinkTV. My most recent creation is Brink Radio. A shorter answer, my father was an entrepreneur when I was growing up so I can be one too. haha Read more>>

Terra Bundance | Singer, Speaker, Author, Empowerment Coach, Founder of Abundant Earth Cooperative

I am a natural teacher, and I have worked and played in the fields of singing/performing, health and wellness, and New Thought/Ancient Wisdom since I was 7 years old. I have always cared about people, and became a practicing entrepreneur at a very young age. I have always found inventive and unusual ways to make a little bit of money by creating products and services that I thought might help people. I also love collaboration, so creating my own personal business (TerrAbundance), and then starting Abundant Earth Cooperative has been in my thoughts since I was in my early 20’s. Read more>>

Laura Simon | Artist, musician, marketing expert, entrepeneur

Well, that is a good question! For me, after 12 yrs of private Catholic school, I didn’t want to go to a standard college for a degree, I wanted to be a business owner. So I went to a Real Estate academy and started a career in real estate in the apartment arena, in property management and leasing. I had a very successful and long career in that field, eventually opening one of the top three Free Apartment Finding services in Atlanta, AAA Apartment Agency. Opening during the Olympic year, when thousands decided to stay and live in Atlanta was a motivating factor, and made me over night…life is definitely timing to a large degree, At around 18 yrs old, I made a decision to try and reinvent myself every 10 yrs or so, and did so. Read more>>

Diahann Thomas | Culinary Curator aka Personal Chef 🧡

As a first generation college student, it was major for me to go off and conquer the world and I did just that.However In 2014 after working for a fortune 500 company for 12 years climbing the corporate ladder pretty fast, I had a very rude awakening. In the year I would have possible become one of the youngest VP within the company I lost my job. I had put so much into my career that I hadn’t had time to focus on much else. My career loss was the beginning of a Divine journey of discovery, I took some time to get my mind away from myself… I began volunteering at a small school located inside a church..cooking lunch for them, I remember something I was told when I was younger… take care of Gods house and he will Surely take care of yours… soon after, my son and I watched a movie called the chef… where a executive chef and his son when on a cross country trip building a brand for a food truck… my son said mom why don’t we run a food truck (but of course a great idea but it had to have a meaning for me to put my all into it) that summer my son and I volunteered at an event at a food truck park in Atlanta. Read more>>

Ciarra Hosey | Hairstylist & Entrepreneur

I started my business and brand I Am She because we live in a world today where envy and imitation are at an extreme high. We are in the times of social media where as soon as you scroll on any social media platform you are met with images of what society deems as being acceptable or ideal; from the way your body should look to how healthy you eat. There’s contant influences on how you should live your life. I Am She is a brand that is base on the powerment of ones Self; the individual. There is only ONE you and there’s so much power in that person! To believe in yourself and to invest in yourself is the ulimate task in this journey through life. I want my brand to hold as a reminder that you don’t have to be the next Cardi B, Ari. or Beyonce. Read more>>

Savannah Santamaria | Polymer Clay Jewelry Artist

I began my business journey after having my daughter. When I came back from maternity leave, shortly after I was let go from my job due to not being “flexible enough.” I was shocked. Not only that but I was going through postpartum depression, so it was a tough time. I’ve always been creative and looking back, every career I had I always felt like something was missing and I always found myself adding creative aspects to my daily work. I was looking for a way to be creative and hopefully make money. So, my best friend, Becki, sent me a polymer clay kit. I started messing with it and instantly fell in love. It was the perfect therapy I needed. So, I started my small business journey. Read more>>

Laila Merchant | Real Estate Developer & Project Manager

There is a growing, unfulfilled need in the Atlanta housing market for modern custom new-builds. I have aimed to fulfill this gap in a way that is personalized, incorporates the most contemporary designs, and fosters meaningful relationships with my clientele. Read more>>