Starting a business can be terrifying. Weighing the pros and cons, the risks, and other considerations can be so overwhelming that often promising entrepreneurs stop before they even start. We asked some phenomenal entrepreneurs about their thought process behind starting their own businesses. Our hope is that by making the thought-process less intimidating we can help more folks think through whether they should take an entrepreneurial leap.

Toleta Tee” Thomas | Salon Owner/Operator

I became an entrepreneur out of necessity. I was working in retail management. I absolutely enjoyed the Sales and customer service aspects of my job. I learned at lot from my regional manager and was a leader within the district among managers. I also one day realized in order to be promoted within the organization my regional manager would have to leave and at least 4 out of 10 other store managers could be considered for the role as well. Read more>>

Lloyd Small | Digital Artist & Painter

Art has been something in my blood. I’ve seen a family member live successfully off of art for 10+ years. So with the increasing prices and inflation, the average 9-5 that a 22 year old would be working is not where I want to stay. So with the skills I developed through 5 years of learning and creating art in school, I decided I needed to do something with it to benefit me and possibly those around me. Read more>>

Skyler Whitehead | Multi Media Expert / yoga instructor / experience curator

After a 15 year career working multimedia and tv production I started my business because I wanted to move out of being skilled labor and into being a content producer telling stories I thought were important.. For years I made art nude content helping celebrating the beauty of the natural body which for many was an opportunity to see themselves in a light they never had before. Read more>>

Sarai Mateo | Celebrity Makeup Artist

I wanted to create an experience to my clients that will not only enhance their own beauty but they lifestyle as well. Make it a concierge service that will fit their busy lifestlye and needs. I belive their beauty is in them and my job is to bring it out. Read more>>

Sandi Prosnitz | the LoGo Goddess

After almost 20 years working in printing and promotional products, I knew I had the knowledge and connections to create a better client experience on my own. Read more>>

Maurice Robinson | Owner of I got the Smoke Catering

I always had a passion for cooking. I was the go to person for family dinners, cookouts, and events. My wife urged me to seriously look at making a business out of it. And that’s exactly what I did. I turned a passion to a business and I have enjoyed every minute. Read more>>

Shaz McNeal | Owner of iBrows & Co Beauty Bar

The thing is I never put much thought into it. I just know I didn’t want to work for the employer I had at the time anymore. So I had the skill and my dad gave me the funds. Read more>>

Maya Jones | Onyxologist/Nail Technician, GMMC

My initial thought was of course a traditional nail salon, with an activity center for kids to play while they wait on their Moms. That dream will still come to fruition but in planning I thought about the fathers needing manicures and pedicures and how often you don’t see them in the salons unless their wife is bringing them. Read more>>

LaTasha Tonkins | Founder of David & Goliath Cultural Arts Academy,LLC

I wanted to make a difference and impact the lives of others. So, I thought how could I do this? What better way to impact other Ms and make a difference than to start a school, where I can mold and shape our leaders of tomorrow. Read more>>

Ebony OH | Wealth Tycoon & Seed Strategist

FREEDOM OF TIME AND FINANCIAL AVAILABILITY. Read more>>

Meoshia Burgess | Charlotte Princess

I started my business when I was 8 years old, I got really sick and almost died. I was in the hospital for about 4 weeks when the doctor told my parents it was both that it was nothing they could do but make me comfortable. They advised them to call my pastor and other family members to say goodbye. Read more>>

Joshua Hess | Soap Maker

I wish I could say that I had one. I tried to write a business plan, a SWOT analysis, a schedule, a budget, all that. But the more I wrote the more I felt like I was hanging myself. After all, I had been making soap since I was a kid – over 30 years – so it wasn’t like I was doing anything new. By the time I actually finished committing all of my ‘plans’ to paper, COVID 19 was upon us and everything went out the window. Read more>>

Dr. Jackie Roelofs | Holistic Women’s Health Coach and Pelvic Physical Therapist

As a doctor of physical therapy, I saw a major need for a better way to care for women more holistically, particularly in my specialty of women’s health. I was previously working in a corporate PT clinic seeing about 15 patients in a day, and quickly felt that I was unable to provide the highest level of care to my patients due to the constraints of the system I worked under. Read more>>

GLDchain Lou | Recording Artist & Designer

My thought process was simply, to be able to create something that would put in position to put my loved ones in position. I wanted to create major opportunities for the people I care about. Read more>>

Brittney (Bjay) Lawrence | Singer/songwriter

Getting a general idea of what my listeners and fans want to hear like what’s trending Read more>>

Shala Konomi | Candle maker, Yoga teacher, Birth doula, and tarot reader.

I dropped out of college after two years, and I always felt self-conscious about it. I was waitressing and felt like it was a dead-end path, and I’ll never be able to support a family. Read more>>

Jade Webb | Pole Fitness Studio Owner

I worked in the service industry for 10 years always hoping things would “get better”, but not doing enough to change anything. The restaurant industry left me feeling angry and helpless. In 2016, mid restaurant industry working, I went to yoga school in Costa Rica- I hadn’t realized it then, but this was a huge step in the direction of starting business. Read more>>

Nicole Witherspoon | Female Entrepreneur

It didn’t take me long to figure out that I didn’t want to spend my life working long hours tearing my body down to make another person rich. I figured the work that I was putting in for other companies I could do the same for myself. I also wanted to show my kids and influence them to have an entrepreneur mindset. Read more>>

Lashounda Lloyd | Momager

Harmonyspiritcosmetic is Handcrafted /vegan based Cosmetic business we specialize in healing the skin from within while giving you trendy fashionable lipgloss. we offer affordable prices with luxury results! Read more>>

Kim Kenner | Artist, Creative & Entrepreneur

Growing up in the Garden District of New Orleans gave me access to a diverse world of art early in life that I took for granted. Art for me was always a part of my life whether it was music, dance, photography, or painting it was easily available and the norm. Read more>>

LaVondrea Cook | Massage Practitioner & Content Creator

As a massage therapist my role is to be there to listen, comfort, relieve tension, and relax. I tend to turn into a mental health therapist every session. I wanted my business to be where people can be themselves and free while getting a massage of their dream. I started my business on the thought of just making everyone happy for an affordable price. Read more>>

Jay-de “Mr. Classic” Robinson | Formal & Business ware designer

When it came to starting Mr. Classic’s Haberdashery, the journey was not one I really intended on traveling. I saw myself as more of a behind the scenes person, right hand man if you will. For some reason though, I seemed to find myself taking on the leadership roles at any other atelier I worked for. Read more>>