Jon Bateman

As I traveled to different countries, I would collect cigars along the way and, as I smoked each cigar, I learned that they each offered their own essence. My friends genuinely enjoyed smoking the cigars I brought home, which inspired the idea to create my own cigar line, From that point, I began to educate myself on the art of building and smoking cigars. I began as a Distributor, purchasing the best hand-rolled cigars that I came across. I knew the make up of a good cigar, so I knew I could be successful at creating a niche and building a business with said knowledge. The cigar industry is about more than smoking cigars: its a community for like minds to collaborate, network, and socialize while having a good smoking experience. Read More>> 

Normie Song

I always knew that music was what I really wanted to do in life, but it took me many years to build up the confidence. After all that time, I realized that nothing was going to make me happy or fulfill me the way that making music would, so I decided to not just make music but to pursue it with the same intensity that entrepreneurs have when starting and scaling their own businesses. Many don’t see the creation of music as an investment in a product, in a similar way that an entrepreneur invests in creating a physical item. Read More>> 

Nora

The pursuit of creative freedom was at the heart of starting my garden design business. My practice is personal, sensory, and intuitive and I wanted to share it directly with clients. My goal is that, after working with me, clients feel a deeper sense of stewardship over their land. I hope their gardens become therapeutic refuges, places where they can ground themselves and connect with the nature. Read More>> 

Marcia Wood

It was actually pretty straightforward. I was 23, and though I’d followed an affinity for art in high school and college, I realized my true calling was in supporting artists. So I opened a gallery—with almost no experience! It was absolutely the naivety of youth. If I’d waited until I was 33, I probably never would have done it. Read More>> 

Rachel Braden

Before starting our business, my husband and I were in a transitional phase of life. As Navy veterans and new parents, we were navigating the challenges of raising a family while also thinking about our future careers. My husband rejoined the military through the Army National Guard to help provide stability, especially with health insurance, and I began using my GI Bill to get into dental assisting. Read More>> 

Sade’ Culliver-Wilcher

There’s no job out there that will let me express all the facets of me. I’ve always been passionate about art since a young age. I started with painting, then started making my own clothes, customizing shoes and even making home decor pieces. During COVID, I realized I was blessed with two passions. I started going to the gym and it absolutely changed my life. I got my certification and started taking clients to help women create the life they want, starting with their body and mind. So, I had no choice but to become an entrepreneur because I refuse to let go of either of the things that brings me joy! Read More>> 

Diana Ries

Starting Diana Ries Designs was about owning my creative direction and building something rooted in both intention and flexibility. I’ve always worn multiple hats—designer, artist, organizer—and launching my own business allowed me to integrate those roles in a meaningful way. I wanted the freedom to take on projects that reflected my values, whether that was brand strategy for a client, curating an art experience, or leading community-driven events like Castleberry Loft Tour & Wine Tasting (This Oct 25) …brazen plug here Read More>> 

Margo Lyman

I started Your Form because, as a sewist and small business owner doing custom garments and alterations, I was frustrated by the lack of tools that reflected real bodies, everything was standardized. With my background in industrial design from Georgia Tech and a passion for sustainable, inclusive solutions, I saw an opportunity to merge technology and thoughtful design. Your Form turns a simple smartphone scan into a personalized dress form and custom-fit sewing patterns, making sewing more accessible, accurate, and joyful for makers of all skill levels. Read More>>