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.

Bretton Key | Tech Founder & App Designer

My story to get here is very humble and never did I imagine the position I would be in today. I started jotting down ideas for fun things to do on paper notes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over time, I ended up with a bunch of these ideas collected in a mason jar. The ideas were not restaurants per say but more adventurous things to push me out my comfort zone. Furthermore, I had a firm belief that any person willing to do items in my jar was somebody I needed to invest in and keep close. I was navigating the newly single life and the dating scene after a long-term relationship. Coincidentally, I also noticed some relationship challenges within my friend circle, which sparked this whole thing. I did not look at this first as a business until the app came out, immediately I gained a lot of users without even asking. Read more>>

Angela Mackey | Master Cosmetologist & Salon Owner

As a lifelong girly girl with a passion for beauty and fashion, I discovered my love for hair artistry at a young age. Growing up with naturally curly hair, I embarked on a journey to master techniques for its care and maintenance, which boosted my confidence tremendously. Read more>>

Seirra Hamilton | Professional Organizer & Founder of Nicely Placed Organizing LLC

As a child, I enjoyed organizing, and I vividly remember setting aside time to organize my room, a room I shared with my sister. I would organize my side of the room and sometimes her side also to place items in neat piles or throw away papers and products I no longer felt a need to keep. During the pandemic, I was reminded of my passion for organizing when I saw my cousin getting her closet organized by her best friend. Instantly, it was like a light bulb went off in my head, reminding me of how much I enjoyed doing the exact same thing and how beneficial it was to spread my gift with those who needed organizing services. I began doing the necessary research for starting a business, and I reached out to ask others already established within the organizing industry for their thoughts and feedback. Step by step I created Nicely Placed Organizing LLC, and I’m enjoying the journey of building this business and continuing to grow and expand, all while providing a greater impact to the community we serve. Read more>>

Kyle Renfroe | Atlanta Pickleball Tournament

The decision to start Atlanta Pickleball Tournament stemmed from our deep passion for the sport. As pickleball enthusiasts, we stumbled upon the game by accident but quickly fell in love. Seeing the potential to unite the pickle-loving community, we decided to organize tournaments that would bring players together for competitive yet enjoyable events. Read more>>

Baby David | Fashion Model Entrepreneur

The thought process behind my brand came from close friends and family of my passing away, I then thought bigger to all the people that look up to someone who they have lost as a role model to them . Somebody who could’ve inspired or influenced you to be what you want to be in life. for example one of my influences was “Virgil Abloh” in the fashion industry seeing how far with his brand inspired me to start my own I’ve always been into the luxury high fashion brands that have been in the industry for generations from Versace,Fendi, Chrome Heart, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton and more Read more>>

Perry Clarke | Entrepreneur & film director

My thoughts on the process behind starting a business. The first thought is freeing myself from the having a boss, that is what driving’s me to create more businesses. You have to answer to some one , however it the government. The government doesn’t micromanage businesses. Next is creating another stream of income, it a gold rush in businesses right now. life is about taking chances, map your business out by doing a business plan. Follow your plan step by step, and you must trust the process. My life has been about leaps of faiths. Do not be scared to take a leap faith, it will pay off. Read more>>

Matt & Suzanne Young | Co-Founders of the Strong House Foundation

Strong House was launched in 2018 by Suzanne Young, Matt Young and Trey Travis. Sharing common beliefs, they have worked together to create a program for children who lack the full and necessary support at home needed for success. Strong House is a place for children to meet new friends and learn life skills that they may not have been taught. It is our intention to help our members learn about the positive things in life and make them comfortable with stepping outside of their comfort zones in their community, their school environment and at home. Read more>>

Chad Biggs | Wedding Planner & Designer

Thank you for the question. For me, starting my own wedding planning business wasn’t just about creating a career; it was about creating a space where all couples, regardless of their backgrounds, cultures, or orientations, could feel welcomed and supported as they embarked on one of the most significant journeys of their lives. Read more>>

Stephanie P. Graham | Estate Planning & Probate Attorney

I attended law school to study estate planning but once I was exposed to the law as a first generation attorney, I wanted to do and try everything. Then in November 2015, around two weeks before Thanksgiving my grandmother died. I wasn’t as close to her as everyone else because I did not grow up with her like my cousins did but I knew she was worshipped and loved dearly. Nothing started without Maybelle Richardson. My family, my mother’s four sisters and one or two of her three brothers along with their children, my cousins, always celebrated Thanksgiving together, under one roof with my grandmother at an aunt’s house or my mother’s house in South Carolina. There would be cake for my birthday which falls right around Thanksgiving and they would sing happy birthday to me and we would tell silly stories about each other from our childhood. After my grandmother passed away, everyone sat together one more time but it seems instead of remembering her life, we only remembered her loss which was traumatizing for a large part of the family. One aunt handled her bank accounts, another handled her health care, bedturning and cooking every single day, a third helped when she could because she lived 90 minutes away and the fourth, my mother, was running two businesses. Therefore she sent a nurse’s aide and could not be there as often as the others. And, though they do not talk about it, it changed us. It changed everyone. Read more>>

Bianca Watkins | Agency Owner & Emcee

I always tell people that State Farm was my first “real” job out of college. I was with the company for about 15 years before I got the nudge to open my own agency. I had been around agents my entire career, but my mentor gave me the encouragement I didn’t even know I needed. I love the idea of protecting people’s most valuable assets. I am passionate about how life insurance or the lack thereof can change a family’s entire life. I eventually learned that the only thing keeping me from starting my own business was me. I promised myself that I would pursue this nudge as I call it with all that I had, and if it didn’t come to fruition by my 45th birthday, I would fall back into life as I knew it. I turned 45 in April of 2022, and opened my agency doors on May 1st. I could shout right now! Another cool fact is I actually interviewed for agency ownership on my 20th anniversary with the company. Read more>>

Ca’Nisha Warren | Real Estate Broker, Loan Officer, and Life Insurance Agent

When I started my own Real Estate Brokerage called Siti Realty & Associates; my objective is to be power source for the community to plug into all things real estate. I have work with multiple agencies and it was all about their financial gains not about pushing the community forward by giving access knowledge/education and or opportunities to build wealth through real estate. They had no mission or even desires to start political shifts in our market to make a difference. So I decided to fuse the gap and start my own mission. Read more>>

Jerrica Conyers | NP

My thought process for starting my practice was to provide patients with a well-rounded evidence-based practice that would focus on holistic and Western medicine. Healthcare has become a for-profit business and the lack of patient-centered care is not a priority. Euphoria Health and Wellness provides healthcare that is affordable convenient and will help decrease maternal mortality. Read more>>

Tramika Craddock | Founder & CEO

The thought process behind owning our business was deeply rooted in a divine vision received by our founder. Motivated by a calling to create a distinguished platform exclusively for mothers, the vision was to establish a space dedicated to fostering connection, personal growth, and inspiration. Recognizing the need for more comprehensive support networks for moms, we envisioned a community where mothers could feel completely seen, connected, and empowered. Read more>>

Hollye Dinkins | Owner, Zhoey’s Bling Boutique, LLC

At the time when I started my business, I was a single mother serving on active duty in the US Air Force. I was not receiving support or help from my daughter’s father and I wanted to make up the difference. I found it very easy to start a business with Paparazzi Accessories, as it didn’t cost me hundreds or thousands of dollars, only a $99 investment. Read more>>

Erika Cobbs | Executive Administrative Assistant & Owner

Starting my own business was motivated by a deep observation of a prevalent issue faced by many entrepreneurs: the overwhelming burden of day-to-day tasks that detract from their ability to focus on growth and personal relationships. Recognizing this need, I felt compelled to create a solution that would allow business owners to reclaim their time and energy. By providing administrative support services, my aim is to enable them to delegate routine operations while ensuring that essential functions are seamlessly met. Ultimately, my goal is to empower business owners to strike a balance between professional success and personal fulfillment, allowing them to nurture both their businesses and their relationships with loved ones. Read more>>

Laura Eavenson | Custom Picture Framer & Small Business Owner

Our small business is unique, in that it has been around since 1970! Originally called House of 10,000 Frames and started by Lee Hendrix, it remained family owned as Lee’s daughter, Pam, and her husband Bruce Barker, later purchased the business and owned it until the end of 2022. Read more>>

Holly Nye | Intuitive Artist

Just Doodles was created organically actually. I have always loved all things creative. I picked up a paint brush in 2020 to just have some fun and immediately realized that I loved it. A new hobby & passion was born. I loved the process of bringing my thoughts, ideas, & emotions to life in a painting or drawing.. So, I started painting on whatever I could find. With the encouragement of friends & family, I took a leap of faith and decided to begin a whole new career path at 52 yrs old. I created Just Doodles on Facebook to share my creations and before I knew it, I had become an Artist with my own small business. Read more>>

Beezy Vandross | Artist & Clothing Brand Owner

I had a very fast upbringing as a kid due to my mother’s diagnosis with Lupus. It was up to me to help take care of her and my little sister. Growing up, I always found new ways to provide for my family. The Hustler mentality was naturally in me. Even still, I wanted to be apart of something bigger than myself. Before deciding to do clothing, I came up with the Hustlers Wit Ambition brand. Its sometimes difficult to stay motivated in a small town where not many people understand the vision. Finally, in 2019, I visited a barbershop in Jackson, AL and noticed a heat press machine in the corner. It peaked my interest and inspired me to create my own apparel. I ran to the mall and got a bunch of t-shirts, shorts, and hats pressed up and began to push my brand. Since, my process has gotten a little more detailed. I consider my customer’s lifestyle while working with manufacturers and continue to learn more about the business as I go. Read more>>

Farrah Sinclair | Board & Brush Athens Owner

I have to give credit to my friend and former business partner, Suzanne Platt, for coming up with the idea to bring Board & Brush to Athens. But I had been exploring possibly buying a different business when she proposed this idea to me. I liked the idea of having a business partner and since she had more of a business marketing background, I thought it would make sense to go in with her. Having my own business appealed to me because, at the time, my kids were younger and I wanted to be able to make my own hours and be home for them or be able to attend their school and sporting events. I also knew how owning a business would help me connect more with my community. Board & Brush is a place where people can gather and DIY together. I liked being able to provide something like that for our community; where people can get creative and fellowship with one another, de-stress, and have a fun experience. Read more>>

Alicia and Morgan Adamson | The Adamson Crew Family Chronicles| Mother and Daughter Children’s Author Duo

My initial idea of writing books began with my 7-year-old daughter’s desire to write her own book. As an ambitious, creative, grown adult, I still learn from our future leaders of tomorrow. Our book series was birth at the start of COVID when we were confined to the 4 corners of our houses. On the last week before the world was shut down, my daughter attended a book fair. She returned home empty-handed and disappointed. Out of pure surprise and concern, I inquired about why she didn’t spend any of the money we sent to school with her. At 7 years old, her simply reply was, “I didn’t see any books that looked my me, nothing looked like my family.” Later that evening, she came to her dad and I and asked, “Can I write my own book?” With the motivation In her heart and determination in her eyes, we had no choice but to foster her idea and put just as much effort into her dream as she had. She used her own African American family as the muse and her own life experiences as the stories. After the first book was published, we decided to write 3 more. She and I are waiting for the day that our ultimate dream comes true, where our books are created into an animated series. We have more lessons to learn, experiences to teach and stories to make. The Adamson Crew is nowhere near finished, stay tuned for more family chronicles. Read more>>

Yalyen Sauvignon | CEO, Volta Music Foundation

I started a non profit when I was still a students at Carnegie Mellon University. I was pursuing my masters degree of Music Performance, and kept visiting eating American countries and teaching and realised there was a lot of need in these countries and lots of different areas in the United States. My perseverance to commit to create programs and avenues to donate instruments and resources to students and families of greater need, kept me pursuing to create the organization. Read more>>

Helena Brante | Floral Designer

Long story short, I completely fell into a passion that became a career and, ultimately, a self-owned business back in college! After taking Floral Design for fun my freshman year, I ended up graduating from Mississippi State University in 2021 with a degree in Horticulture, specifically concentrated in Floral Management. The track is set up to prepare students to operate a business in floral industry, so I knew in the back of my mind it was only a matter of time. I remember thinking “I’m not ready for that…maybe in 5-10 years?”. I think the people who matter most to me knew this wouldn’t be the case, because they were the ones who encouraged me to pursue it sooner. Read more>>

Tasha Turnbull | Fitness Expert, 2x Author, 100lb Weight Loss Winner

I knew that in order for my business to be long-standing fixture on the market it had to be something that I am passionate about; something that I would enjoy doing 5 to 7 days a week. But I had no idea what type of business could afford me that type of feeling. My current job was not interesting to me at all so that led me to think deeply about my life and jot down things and activities I enjoyed doing by myself or as a group, during the week, holidays, and on the weekends. By performing that task, it led me to health and fitness as being that brought me the most joy in life.  Read more>>

Jherlynn Tims | LSW, Owner of J. T. Hairpy

In 2020 I think we were all stuck in the house trying to find some normalcy. One thing I wanted to get done that wasn’t a necessity to leave the house for was my hair. By then I had been wearing wigs on and off for years but I was never satisfied with the fit. You see I have a big head. My head circumference is bigger than most standard wigs and so they would always feel too tight on my head. Even when I had my wigs custom made the fit was just never quite right. Well during a pandemic I was stuck in the house and decided to try to make a wig that would fit my head. Well lo and I did! I was able to go to YouTube university and figure out lots of things to help people with non standard sized heads be able to wear wigs comfortably. Also during the pandemic, I was attending the University of Cincinnati to get my Master of Social Work. While learning how to make wigs I was also going to school to learn about mental health. I wanted to but my two passions together. When I think about the black hair salon experience I think of it as a therapeutic experience. Having someone take care of you, of your hair, listen to you, give you a break, take a task off of your hands. My hairdresser was someone who I trusted to take care two things I greatly value my hair and my problems. I think these two fields are more connected than we think and could be a way bridging the gap in the black community with mental health care. Read more>>

Lashell McGowan | Mom, multiple businesses owner

my main thought process behind starting a business was basically do for self. Since I was young I’ve always noticed how more successful individuals have their own business. Mainly noticing my family members start businesses and watching how successful things can be, I had to go for it as well! Read more>>

Portia Bright Pittman | Entrepreneur & Award-winning Author

I started my first business which was a cleaning service at the age of 23 because I could not find a job. Having a cleaning service wasn’t what I wanted to be doing but it was what I had to do. Knowing I was at a age where I was grown enough to take care of myself I knew that sitting around not making progress wasn’t an option that I was willing to take for longterm. Later in my 30s I decided that I was going to become an Author and could not find a publisher so I started my own publishing company called Bright Books. That turned out to be one of the best decisions that I have ever made. Now one set of my books are being used to teach a curriculum in a entire school district. That showed me that you have to keep pressing beyond the limits you set for yourself to achieve a greater good. Read more>>

Joanne Kent | Photographer

My thinking behind starting my photography business was more of a why not? I had gone to college for film and video and had taken photography classes when I was in High School. I was always taking photos from as far back as I can recall. After college, I earned a Master’s in Childhood Education but then stayed home with my kids for several years when they were younger. By the time I was ready for a full time teaching job, there weren’t any! The economy had tanked! In my previous teaching work, I had also taught photography and took portraits of the kids for the afterschool and summer programs. I had never stopped taking photos. Eventually, with the economy still questionable, I realized that I could just start Etsy shop for my art photos and do portraits and also headshots or marketing photos on the side. It was really a very natural process that simply took one decision that this is what I wanted to do. I love my work! Read more>>

Julian B. Kiganda | Transformational Brand Strategist

Growing up, I watched my parents run their own businesses to support their seven children. My mother was an amazing salesperson and seamstress and my father started a cleaning business when I was in elementary school. They taught us the value of hard work. At some point, I knew I wanted to own and run my own business like my parents. When I graduated college with my degree in graphic design, I started working at one of the largest environmental nonprofits in the world designing their magazine that went out to over one million members. Although I enjoyed the work, I got bored quickly working on the same publication for two and half years. So I left to begin freelancing and my previous employer was one of my first clients. I am now on the third iteration of my business and am grateful to still be doing branding and marketing work I love all these years later. Read more>>

Kassy LaBorie | Speaker, Author, Virtual Training Pioneer

It was January 2017 and I was serving on a speaker selection board for an international learning and development conference when of my fellow board members asked me if I would be interested in doing a webinar on the topic of presenting and training online, my area of expertise and a subject on which I had just published my first book. I decided to ask him, as I was genuinely curious, are you asking me because I work for a globally recognized brand or are you asking me because it is … me? His response? “I had no idea you worked for, [insert global brand here]! I am interested in having you present.” Read more>>

Ranay Kinsey | Atlanta Faux Locs & Braider

I wanted to create a service that helped other woman and men feel beautiful/ handsome and also help them be able to express who they truly are. I grew up doing hair and I always noticed the effect I had on others when it came to me doing creative styles and braids on them. So with hard work and dedication I took the necessary steps to start a mobile braiding business ! Read more>>

Dr. Roni-Nicole Facen | Principal & CEO of St. Francis de Sales High School

I had worked in education in the west suburbs of Chicago for almost 10 years and had learned so much about schools, families, which really defined the kind of leader I wanted to be. But, in that time, I always dreamed of an opportunity that would allow me to build the kind of school community that did education differently. That saw students and made an effort to make them partners in the work. To find a space that I could lead in a way that felt most natural and that I didn’t have to wear a Hillary pants suit to be taken seriously as a school leader. When I received the opportunity to return to my community and serve a school that had done so much for me, it was truly a no brainer. I am the first leader of color at St. Francis de Sales in 136 years and the second woman. We are redefining what education can look like every day and instilling in our students the belief that the only limits that exist are the ones that they create for themselves. Read more>>

Muhaymin Luckett | Actor, Writer, and Founder of One Vision

I just wanted people to see my work. Ever since I wrote and directed my own written piece and put it on stage, I knew this was something I wanted to do. So I brainstormed of ways I can do it and on a bigger scale and that’s when I thought about just filming it. After I filmed my first project “Shady Business “ I went on to create an entertainment business company called “One Vision” and started writing, producing, and directing my own work Read more>>

Eric Michael Lichter | Multi Instrumentalist/Producer at Dirt Floor Recording & Production

When I began my musical (and small business) journey in 2006, it was with the intent of creating something unique, which would play to my strengths as an engineer and multi/instrumentalist. In fact, it took me over a year from the time Dirt Floor, the studio, was born, to see that was I had indeed created was a fairly promising small business! Recording studios themselves hold no magical fairy dust, and aren’t special. It’s what goes on inside them, and how artists feel about their product that makes a difference. If this was going to work for me, I needed to find what made ME special, especially since I didn’t study to be a recording engineer, and knew very little about how the gear worked. For me it was all very guttural, and I just knew the things I knew. I realized that artists and bands were choosing to come to Dirt Floor, NOT because of the gear, but because of what I was adding to their music. I had never referred to myself as a “producer” before, but after many years, and many records, the title, I can now safely say, has been earned, It was my deep desire to continue making music a part of my daily life in a real, and NON delusional way, which served as my motivation, and my thought process! Read more>>

Jessica Moxey | Interior Designer & Amature Photographer

Hello all, I’m Jessica from the beautiful Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Being raised on a “Caribbean” island (The Bahamas is technically not in the Caribbean), really influenced everything in my life. The rich cultural heritage of my country gave me a childhood like no other. The annual parades, crystal clear pink sand beaches, delicious food, and colorful architecture are aspects that I fondly remember and eagerly share with others. Additionally, I have been blessed with a family that supports me in an endeavor I pursue. Read more>>