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.

The Vegan Social | Atlanta’s Premier Weekly Vegan Night Market

Vegan events are random and sporadic, so we decided to bring some consistency. We didn’t just want another vegan market; we wanted a spot where folks can really vibe. Think of it as “a place where we can kick it.” Atlanta’s vegan community is strong, and we’re here to harness that energy. Read more>>

Jeff Wires Jr | Fitness Trainer & Freight/Trucking Owner

Growing up, I never knew anyone who owned anything. As I grew older, I observed people working for companies, making them millions of dollars but feeling miserable in their jobs, only to retire in the end. It took me some time, but I eventually learned how to monetize my gifts and passions through self-education. Read more>>

Willie Calhoun | Christian Clothing brand Owner

When I first started my business, I was young I was chasing a dream of the get rich quick scheme. I had no knowledge when I started and I definitely didn’t know what I was doing My motives was focused on the money. But then I met Jesus Christ and I devoted my time, my energy and my consistency and i started to proclaim the good news of his crucifixion. Read more>>

Ames Beckerman | Photographer

Early in my career, I worked for a few larger companies as a Photographer. While there were many great aspects of working for someone, I wanted to be my own boss so I could have creative control, flexibility with my time, and the ability to work within the LGBTQ+ community which is a huge passion. Read more>>

Maurice Person | Owner/ Operator

As a Black urban grower, access to resources and land were limited and I wanted a way to keep my nutrients on my property as well as save water. I started doing research on Aquaponics for about a year before I set up a system in my home. Read more>>

Laura Pelaez | Kronchy Founder and Food Lover

What inspired me to start my business is rooted in my deep love for food and my Colombian heritage. I wanted to bring the cherished flavors of my Colombian childhood to today’s fast-paced lifestyle in the US. My goal is simple: to savor delicious foods without guilt and without spending endless hours in the kitchen. Read more>>

Tanya Mack | My Vinyl Cut | Print Shop, Sign Maker, Apparel Decorator, Customized Gifts

I found something I enjoyed doing and was fairly good at and just ran with it. I did want to go back to work after having children but didn’t want to leave them. So I took the opportunity to create a business that allowed me to make money while making things at home. Read more>>

LGJJ Productions | Music producer/CEO

I wanted the independence of starting my own business and brand. My love for music is what keeps me going. Read more>>

Mike Worthy | Chef Mike Worthy and Chef Jai; Worthy Catering

My wife and I decided to put the hard work into ourselves! After so many years of working for others and helping build franchises but not getting recognition it was time for us to start our own. We understand when it comes to doing it for yourself it may take longer but this is a business we’re committed to building not only for ourselves but to ensure the future of our kids success. Read more>>

Marissa Hornsby | Podcast Host of The Pretty Candid Podcast

I wanted to start my own podcast because honestly, I just wanted a safe space to voice my thoughts and speak on important topics. But then in the middle of starting the podcast, I wanted it to be a safe space for myself and others who have things to say that need to be heard and discussed. Read more>>

Tone P | Artist, Producer and Songwriter

1. The most important factors behind my success have been consistency and authenticity. Staying consistent with my career and remaining authentic to my GOGO infused sound. These factors have truly shaped the identity of my Music Production career catalog and my identity as an Artist with the #GOGOpunk sound as Tone P & Tha Carry Out. Read more>>

Jenna Elrod | Owner & Lead Photographer at Jenna Elrod Photo, LLC.

I’ve always been a storyteller at heart. There’s magic in the way a single image can tell a thousand stories, evoke memories, and connect us to moments we never want to forget. I wanted to create a space where love is celebrated in its purest form, where families can relive their joy and couples can revisit the spark that ignited their journey together. Read more>>

Dr Samuel Carter | Executive Director

I have been trying to provide wraparound services to men and their families, my thoughts to putting this together was really simply coming from a standpoint of how can I help them in a one stop shop along with a variety of services and resources. Read more>>

William Mitchell | Sign Painter

It started as a common request that someone who can draw and paint can get. A lot of people ask you to make graphics for them and I painted many signs before I thought of it as a business. Read more>>

Morgan Kamau | Performance Physical Therapist, Former Collegiate Runner, High School Coach

I started running competitively my freshman year of high school and had the opportunity to compete D1 at University of Georgia. Over the years, I witnessed and experienced a lot of running related injuries that were somewhat mismanaged. In college we had incredible athletic trainers but they can only do so much when there are 8 athletes all coming in at once for help. Read more>>

Dyneshia Lynn | Childcare Owner and Director

When I considered starting my own business, I wanted to make a meaningful impact that would go beyond traditional boundaries. My vision is to create a childcare center that not only serves newborns to 12-year-olds but also extends its reach to middle school and high school students. Read more>>

Nialya Suarez | Owner, Organized Simplicity

Ever since I can remember, I was always that girl at a sleepover wanting to rearrange and tidy a friend’s room instead of engaging in whatever other activity was happening. During college, I struggled to find a career path that really spoke to me, always dreaming of becoming an organizer, even though that was not a career choice at that time. Read more>>

Kenan Hill | Interior Designer & Artist

My interior design business started very organically. Friends of mine bought an incredible house that needed renovation work, and they felt like they weren’t being heard by the interior designers they tried to work with. So they asked me to consult on the project and aid the decision-making process. Read more>>

Patrick Hodge | Creative Director/Seamstress & Brand Owner

I started my brand when I was 17 years old and the thought process behind Katastrophy Global wasn’t solely to start a business but to express my creativity in an art form that everyone would learn to love. I just turned 24 years old this year and I still have the same mindset. Read more>>

Toya Cooper | Postpartum Fitness Influencer & Social Media Creator

My thought process was here’s my 1,2,3 step plan. They said if you want to make God laugh tell him your plans. And that is so true! As aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners we have all these big goals and dreams for ourselves and that’s GREAT! Read more>>

Kana Cayvana | Artist, Muralist, & Educator

I started my business with the primary goal of solving a common problem: the tendency for people to abandon their artistic pursuits as life’s demands take priority. I frequently heard people say they “used to do art,” prompting me to question why they stopped. Read more>>

Tiffany Williams | Chef/Caterer

That’s simple I have a passion for cooking. I have a deep love for culinary creations & I want to share that with as many as people as I can. I also knew that being an entrepreneur would allow me to complete creative freedom. Read more>>

Jyell and Kayla Street and Johnson | Media Creative & Model

The inspiration to start our business came from a fun, spontaneous project. It was my sister’s 21st birthday, and we decided to decorate her first legal bottle with some bling. That simple, joyful moment sparked a passion in us, and we began customizing and decorating all types of bottles, bringing people’s unique visions to life. Read more>>

Tanisha Mackin | Publisher, Travel Writer & Content Creator

The loss of my husband was a life-altering event. Seeking solace, I poured my heart into writing a book. To my surprise, it resonated with many. This experience sparked a passion to help others share their stories and find healing through the written word. Read more>>

SHAR-REESE ALFRED | CEO & Performing Arts Educator

I started A’Starz Studio becto teach children self-confidence and create a platform to engage children in developing their skills in music and acting for theatre and film. I wanted to provide an opportunity for growth and skilled training that these students may not receive in their local schools. Read more>>

Nykeria Necole | Entrepreneur & Content Creator

I wouldn’t say I had a thought process. Growing up I watched my mom build her businesses from the ground up, and I always knew that one day, that would be me as well. I always had an eye for fashion, the latest fashion. I knew that once I graduated, working for someone else was not in my plans. I knew that starting my own business would prevent that. Read more>>

Taylor L. | Licensed Cosmetologist & Beautician

It really wasn’t planned, it was just like my calling. I started doing hair when I was 16 and once I realized I was quitting every job just to do hair, I was like okay this has to be plan A. After that I started doing any & everything necessary to make it a legit career. Read more>>

Kennedy Owens | Fashion Designer

Before I even started my business I had to learn how to sew. I wasn’t always set on becoming a designer; I grew up wanting to be a model. I loved watching Americas Next Top Model and my family would be so encouraging and manifesting my model career already at such a young age. Read more>>

Jeanna Carie | Owner of Signature Property Group LLC and J Carie Entertainment LLC

My thought process behind starting my own business is “Legacy”. I never wanted to start a business off of the strength of clout and just to say “I have a business”. I literally thought about my purpose and what I was called to do and then the business came after. Read more>>

Cherith Fluker | Freelance Writer

My thought process behind starting WhatCherithinks was driven by a combination of passion and purpose. I love writing, and this passion has always been a core part of who I am. I wanted to share my insights on self-care, travel, and lifestyle-related topics because I believe in the power of storytelling to inspire and uplift others, particularly women. Read more>>

Ben Stoffel | Online Physique Development Coach

I originally decided to start my own business because I desired more freedom in my work. Within the world of fitness coaching, coaches/trainers can be restricted in the types of training/advice they can offer, limiting the results their clients can achieve. Read more>>

Shelby Carr

When I started as a content creator, my husband was our only source of income. We were struggling to get by after moving 16 hours away from all our friends and family for his new job opportunity. Having worked since I was 15, transitioning from a full-time working mom to a stay-at-home mom was a huge adjustment. Read more>>