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.

Tosha Thornton | Principal Broker & Owner

Starting my own business was driven by my desire for both financial independence and flexibility as a single parent. I wanted to be in control of how much I earned and how I allocated my time, ensuring that I could meet the demands of my career while still fulfilling my responsibilities as a parent. In my previous roles, I always gave 100% effort, but I often felt undervalued and underpaid, especially considering the impact I had on the company’s success.  Read more>>

Ethan Langston | Artist Manager & COO of Groundwork Music

When I first started out, my dream was less about “building a business” and more about channeling my energy into a project that I was passionate about. My business partner and I shared a passion for developing artists, and wanted to work together to apply that fervor to the pop music space. It all started with one artist, whom we spent over 2 years developing before really turning our work into an official business with an entire roster of clients. Read more>>

Sarah Payton | Sound Practitioner

The idea for Positive Sound Vibes LLC emerged from noticing how many working professionals were suffering from burnout. Having personally experienced the healing power of music, I felt inspired to share that with others. Music has been a transformative force in my own life, and I wanted to create a space where people could find rest and rejuvenation through sound meditation. Read more>>

Alak Nanda | Chemical Engineer, MBA, Foodie, Founder & CEO of PODI life

The journey to founding PODI life began with a deep appreciation for the flavors and culinary traditions of South India, where food is not just nourishment but a bridge between cultures and family. As someone who grew up with the rich tastes of South Indian cuisine but saw how it was often overshadowed in the global food scene, I was inspired to share these vibrant, wholesome flavors with the world. Read more>>

Charity Hunter | Owner of Crown of Beauty/Licensed Master Cosmetologist

To me it was simple, following my dream. Since I was a little girl I wanted to be a hairstylist. The plan was to go to college to study business, and then attend Paul Mitchell cosmetology school, get licensed, then get to work so that I can eventually own a salon or chain of salons. I have a suite in a salon and that is a start! Read more>>

Leanne Ross | Founder & Life Coach at Happylieuya Coaching

They call it the ‘Giver’s Glow’; that feeling you get when helping others. That warm, fuzzy type of feeling that makes you feel great! The more people you help, the bigger your ‘Glow’ gets! Having worked in Social Work, Social Care and Senior Service Management over the past 10 years, I had dedicated my career to supporting others to flourish and get the best out of their lives. Throughout the years, I had become addicted to that ‘Giver’s Glow’ feeling, constantly working hard to ensure I could support as many people as possible. Read more>>

Alexia Maida | Mobile Spray Tan Artist

I started spray tanning because, as a kid, I actually got picked on for being extremely fair skinned! I fell in love with the feeling of having a bronze glow on my skin and I wanted to share that same confidence with others. My mom also went through a skin cancer scare several years ago and it made me realize the dangerous and aging effects that the sun can have. For me, sun tanning was no longer a risk that I was willing to take. My thought was simple; if I can make others feel good about themselves while doing what I love, then I will consider that a great success. Read more>>

Taylor Kelly | Founder

I have been creating brands since I was a child selling lemonade and popcorn out of my front yard. Both of my degrees are in business, because I always knew I wanted to spend my life creating. Having spent years in marketing and public relations in New York City, I saw firsthand how powerful well-executed events could be in connecting people, fostering learning, and creating memorable experiences. That experience, coupled with my personal passion for community-building, inspired me to create something that brought that same level of creativity and engagement to Atlanta. Read more>>