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.

Autumn Tate | CEO of A&A Cleaning Concierge, LLC “The luxury Cleaning Co,”

The thought process behind starting my own business stemmed from a deep-seated commitment to excellence and a belief that cleaning is not merely a chore but an art form. Our journey began with a simple yet profound desire to redefine the standards of cleanliness and service in our community.  Read more>>

Annie Rainwater | Hair and Makeup Artist

I’ve always found the idea of starting a business really exciting. What I love most is being able to set my own schedule, whether it’s working hard or taking time off for family. Sure, running a business can be tough, but it’s the kind of challenge I enjoy. Read more>>

Carlie and Marcus Bifaro | Owners/Operators

After working in the hospitality industry for 15-plus years in New York and the island of St. Maarten we were given the opportunity to move down south and take a stab at opening our place. It has taken us several tries with various partners to land us in a place where we could be the bosses of our spot.  Read more>>

Brandi Gwin & Nikia Hopkins-Sullivan | Educators and Cohosts of the “I’M NOT GRADING THAT!” PODCAST

As educators, we’ve long recognized the significance of the partnership between schools and our communities. Communication has remained a central theme among teachers, parents, and stakeholders. Read more>>

Whitney Evans-Whipple | Licensed Esthetician & Lash Artist

Living in a smaller city, I felt like it was a fight to get the beauty services that I wanted. No matter what, I was always traveling far away to get my hair, or nails done. I wanted to bridge that gap when it came to lash extensions. Read more>>

Dr. Tanitra Scorza | Capacity Builder & CEO

I founded this business with a mission to empower founders and organizations dedicated to serving underserved communities. My journey began with a music school aimed at providing world-class education to those often overlooked. Despite the passion driving me, I faced challenges due to the lack of guidance, support, and infrastructure for sustainable growth. Read more>> 

Ashli Crawford | Founder and CEO

I’ve always had a genuine love for stationery. My mom always said I’d take her black eyeliner and draw o’s on her headboard. From there, she knew I’d have a pen in my hand, paper and express my creativity. After meeting the love of my life in 2018, I got married, had my daughter by 2020 and felt I’d lost myself. Read more>>

Karl | Fashion Designer

I was shopping weekly at H&M and Nordstrom back in College and I just randomly google searched “How to make a t-shirt”. Brands such as Obey, The Hundreds and Diamond Supply were my go to for the pieces I was interested in at the time (2011). Read more>>

Novella Spann Courtney Robinson | Co-Owners, Fedem Theory Online Boutique

I (Novella) have always touched the apparel business in some form or fashion, from sales, and buying to owning a brick-and-mortar. Courtney and I met several years ago and our client relationship turned into friendship and authentically developed into a partnership. Read more>>

Michael Stuart | Actor, emcee, voice actor, podcast host

In 2008, I was let go from a radio station that was cleaning house for an upcoming sale. After 24 years in the business at 6 different stations across the country, I was determined to take my fate out of the hands of 1 or 2 people. Read more>> 

Lauren Crim | Sommelier, entrepreneur & mom

We have always been involved in the wine world and wanted to start a company that would reflect our passion for wine. It really started with the idea and desire to give back to the community through sharing our knowledge of wine through Producing a high-end extension of the vineyards through a fragrance infused line of everyday products. Read more>>

Davin Jackson | Cybersecurity Professional, Instructor & Coach

I want to create a secure and welcoming environment for gamers to come together and enjoy their favorite video games. Additionally, I educate them about the esports ecosystem and how the skills they acquire through gaming can kickstart their careers in the fields of technology, STEM, and cybersecurity. Read more>>

Asia Davis | Hair Connoisseur & Stylist

My thought process behind my business consisted of love and passion for my craft . Initially it was a bit harder for me to accept the gift of creativity that I had to offer, and that stemmed from lack of confidence within myself.  Read more>>

Erica Parker | Teacher & Crazy Plant Lady

The Southeast Plant Show really came about by accident. I started hosting plant swaps just prior to COVID. About 15-20 of us would get together, swap plants, and just hang out. In early 2021 when everyone was ready to start heading out again, but not ready to be INSIDE, they asked me to start the swaps up again. Read more>>

Quincy Duckworth | E-commerce Brand Founder

My journey to launching AMGA ATHLETICS was deeply rooted in three core motivations. Firstly, driven by a desire for financial independence, I envisioned a platform where fitness, health, and wellness could converge seamlessly, offering not just products but a lifestyle that I could scale into health tech. Read more>> 

Briana Murphy | Resume Writer & Career Coach

Upon graduating from high school, I embarked on my professional journey as a childcare provider. Spanning from Connecticut to Atlanta, I diligently catered to the needs of numerous families. Regrettably, my early career in childcare was marred by exploitation. Read more>>

Marcus Evans | Photography and youth pastor

Starting a business can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. My thought process behind starting my own photography business, M T Evans Photography, was driven by a passion for photography and a desire to share my creativity with others. I wanted to turn my passion into a profession, allowing me to capture special moments for clients while also expressing my artistic vision. Read more>> 

Michaela Magor | Professional Home Organizer

For as long as I can remember, creating organized and tidy spaces has been my passion. It started with arranging my dollhouse as a child, and over the years, I’ve continued to transform the homes of family and friends. Read more>> 

Gabriella Ibarra | Barber: Gentlemen Haircuts & Grooming Specialist

Starting your own business can be driven by various factors. Mine was based on the desire for independence including a more flexible schedule to be more available for my two small children while in the early stages of primary school. And the sole passion for the barber/ hair industry. Read more>>

Stephanie Tavani | Vintage Shop Owner

I’m a stay at home mom of 3 (ages 13, 11, and 7). I used to be a teacher until my olderst was born (13 years ago)! I’m always on the go and don’t like to sit. I’m a doer. I’ve been into home decor (goods) for as long as I can remember. I used to browse the home accessories while my friends in middle and high school were into music (remember Turtles)? Read more>>

Matthew Aguiar | Head Preservationist and Floral Designer

I just saw a need for it. I started about 3 years ago as of 2024. I started working in weddings part time and would witness all of these flowers getting trashed at the end of the night. Read more>>

Kaimana Lani | Creative Designer

I have always been a creative and loved using my hands. As a child, we often traveled to California where I met many street artists. They were making a living working with their hands, which went against everything I had been taught about “starving artists.”  Read more>>

Keilani Astra | Brand Strategist

I made the choice to make graphic and web design into a business after being asked by friends…often. I’ve always had an eye for detail and began my career in the fashion industry as a designer. I couldn’t afford to hire someone to do my website, so I taught myself how and I seemed to catch on fairly quickly. Read more>>

Marksavian Carter | Tire Tech

Not being limited. When we are in business for ourselves we have the freedom to be our own boss. We aren’t bound to work schedules and things that pertain to a regular 9-5. You also come to know your value and what you really bring to a business which allows you to realize that instead of working for a company you can build your own. Read more>>

Christina Harvey | Marine, Chef & Mom

I was getting ready to retire from my military career after 20 years. I tried to find a job. I have multiple degrees, but I couldn’t get a job, because my whole adult life I had been active duty, which meant I didn’t have any experience in the civilian sector. Read more>>