Many books on startups and business talk about how there are right and wrong reasons for starting a business. So, we asked a handful of successful founders about their reasons and the thought-process behind starting their business.

Crystal McDowell, LPC | Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

From an early age I knew that I wasn’t meant to work a traditional 9-5. I’ve always thought outside of the box and wanted to , start my own business because I wanted the freedom. I have the freedom to start my morning how I please and to provide a service to a population that may be under served, specifically within the mental health industry. Starting the business was daunting and I was unsure of exactly what to do, but I knew that I had to accomplish my goal. Read more>>

Carol Wheeler | Executive leadership coach, trainer, and CEO

I grew up in an entrepreneurial family, but when I started my career in higher education starting my own business was not part of the plan! The more I learned and the further in my career I got, the more I thought about how rewarding it would be to be out on my own, and how much more agile a small business is than a large university! I knew my knowledge and experience with leadership and teams could make a big difference for other businesses, and I could also do it while having more flexibility for my family and the rest of my life. Read more>>

Brendan Pozsgai | Woodworker & aspiring bartender

I work as a digital product manager for a Fortune 500 company in my day job. I started this business as a way to learn more about all the different functions involved in business. I’m the marketing department, customer service team, manufacturing floor, and sales rep. It’s the fastest way to learn and apply some of the concepts I learned back in business school and how they differ between a business with 100k+ employees and 1 person. Read more>>

Drayghun | Entrepreneur, Artist, Music Artist, Author, Philanthropist

My thought process behind starting my own business was first, freedom. Freedom to do as I wish and create with no boundaries. My next thought was this, the opportunities I wasn’t given, I will create to give to others. I simply believe there’s enough to go around for everybody and why not have a business that exemplifies this. The last thought and the most important thought was and still is, generational wealth. The next generation within my family must live in abundance, peace and comfort. They must also know that they are to pay it forward. Each one teach one. Read more>>

Michael Haggerty | Commercial Drone Pilot

I have been self employed for most of my career. I have had to reinvent myself several times due to market changes and shifts that made it difficult to continue in a field. You have to be a bit of a polymath to survive on your own with swift changes in trends and markets in the modern marketplace. I am doing something now I could not do 20 years ago because the technology simply did not exist. Currently, I am pursuing a more creative field in drone photography but you have to be creative to be self employed no matter what you choose to do. Read more>>

LauraAnn Vaughn | Educational Consultant

The thought process behind starting my own business, SupportED Consultancy, LLC is as follows: I desired to use my experiences as a special education classroom teacher and administrator to increase teacher and principal knowledge base in the areas of special education compliance and instruction. Often times teachers and principals have difficulty understanding special education processes and staying compliant with related documentation. In my roles as an educator I noticed that my colleagues struggled with small group instruction and lesson planning for students with special needs and struggling readers. Not only teachers and principals but parents as well. Read more>>

Bria Edwards | Founder and Creative Director of ROOM1002

To be honest, I created my business out of survival. I had no idea I had it in me. I knew I wanted to work in media and communications, but the industry is so broad, and you can be talented in so many areas so I was very unsure of where I would land post college. I can remember struggling to get internships while I was in college, constantly being rejected by the big opportunities and it did not get better once I graduated. I was sitting in my office late last year thinking, “I have been out of college for almost four years, working jobs unrelated to my degree, and can’t seem to catch a break.” Read more>>

Tanika Long | Chief Anesthesiologist at Wellstar Cobb & Founder of Full Circle of Hope, Inc.

My name is Dr. Tanika Long. I am a Barnesville native, and I founded a new nonprofit organization, Full Circle of H.O.P.E., Inc.(FCOH) to help the community of Barnesville, GA/Lamar County. The idea for this organization was inspired by the great need that was obvious in the town of Barnesville, GA. Approximately 20% of people live in poverty, and the household income is directly proportional to the education level achieved. My vision and the vision of FCOH’s board is to bridge this gap and to attempt to prevent a vicious cycle of struggle and generation after generation of poverty from becoming a reality. Read more>>

Donielle Mills | Natural Hairstylist that specializes in Locs as well as SFX MUA

Growing up I was never much of the following type I was more of the type to take lead. What better way to take lead then to do something you love. Something that is more then a lifestyle for me but a passion. See when you do something you love it never seems to get old. I wanted to be known for more so I created more. A brand “Unique Kreations”! I do hair as well as sell my own hair growth oil and hydration mist under my brand. First step was stepping out on faith and quitting my job, I didn’t have anything saved up but I had so many ideas to make money. Read more>>

Harrison Irons, MD | Board Certified Anesthesiology and Pain Management Physician

To be completely honest I was terrified by the idea of starting my own business. I had no formal education in business, no prior experience, nothing. I just knew that I had to do the hard work to help people in my community who were running out of hope. I put all my faith into the fact that if my sole mission was to help people then I would be successful no matter the financial out come. I looked at starting a business as a challenge and a learning experience. When I was growing up I had seen my father get laid off from his job during an economic downturn and he was was forced to start his own business, even though it was something he had always wanted to do. After push came to shove he ended up being more successful and happier than he had ever been when he was an employee for someone else. Read more>>

Anwar Molette | Executive Chef & Business Owner

“Starting my own business was all about vision, I had a vision of where I wanted to take my career as a culinary professional and how I wanted to present it or offer it to others who had a need for my vision, which was great food and hospitality offered in a way that made people have value placed on their hard earned money in return for having reputable services and professionalism delivered as a trade-off for their return business and eagerness to just enjoy great family and good times, while also being able to see that in my products and services that they would have a brand that they could pass on to family and friends who they too could also go to and depend on with consistency and great value for a life time”. Read more>>

Ashlee Record | The Christian Mindset Coach and Kingdom Business Strategist

Honestly, I was tired of running from the plans God had for my life. I knew for years that He wanted me to write books, empower women around the world through His Word, and eventually I learned that He also wanted me to coach. But I was afraid. I felt like I wasn’t good enough, I didn’t have enough followers on social media, and I also didn’t want to give up my career as a teacher. But ultimately, the pandemic happened in 2020 and I had a me versus me conversation in the mirror. Read more>>

Keith Wainwright | Engineer/Athlete & Coach/ Entreprenuer

Well, it started off by helping friends in college put their TV’s on the wall and it kind of became a thing around the city. At the time I was doing TV’s for free to help. Wouldnt say at the time I was a professional, but I definitely had the skills/qualities from my grandfather at an early age. So utilizing tools was second nature for me. With all that being said, creating a business for something I was already doing was a no brainer! Read more>>

Ty Oswald | Founder & President

I never intended to start a business. I returned home to Huntsville Alabama from serving in the US Army, in 2006. I was under the impression that I was playing a good role in faking it with the people around me. Be it family, friends, or co-workers. I was pulled aside at work one day by a coworker, who was also an Army veteran. He asked what was going on, but didnt want to pry. Said I should probably reach out to talk to someone. So after a bit of reflection from that conversation, I did. And thats where my journey began. Read more>>

Ashley Grady | Wedding Planner & Event Strategist

I started A Plus after I experienced a very difficult storm in my life. My husband was battling cancer and we had to cancel our plans of having a wedding. Before we decided to cancel, I did what every woman does once they are engaged. You grab your Mom and hit the town planning! I realized during my planning process, that the wedding industry and planning really sparked my interest. I really enjoyed planning my own wedding. I also realized that pricing just didn’t make sense to me and I had no one to really discuss with. My mom was instantly like, that’s too high, go with the cheaper person. lol. Read more>>

Chyna Love | Chef, CEO & Celebrity Nutrition & Wellness Expert

Honestly, I’ve been an Entrepreneur all of my life. But this particular business came from a place of desperation. God gave me the vision for the Voxtail while I was living in a shelter with my 2 kids in 2014. I started a 30 day fast to be able to focus and find a way out and GOD spoke directly to me. I knew my creation would change how people viewed healthy eating. After 4 years of perfecting the recipe, I launched Bad Gyal Vegan in 2018. Read more>>

Tiffany Cuthbert | Serial Mompreneur and Nonprofit Executive

Growing up, I always knew I would be an entrepreneur, but that was not a common title in my world, so I went to college (as millennials were told was the next step after high school). Nevertheless, I continued attending school full-time, working full-time, and building my skillset in whatever free time I had to further my entrepreneurial goals. I didn’t know it would take so long to get it going, but my priorities shifted when my kids came into the picture. After suffering an injury while pregnant with my youngest child, I had to divide my time between work, physical therapy, my older toddler, and being a wife. Read more>>

Chef Tyrone Banks | Owner and Operator of JoLinda’s Catering

Having a difficult childhood is always a rocky foundation. I was raised by my sister and had to figure out a lot of things on my own. Most of time, they were learned the hard way. In high school, I learned a lot of life lessons that got me to where I am today. However, I didn’t graduate. During my senior year, my girlfriend & I welcomed our first child into the world. To provide for them, I dropped out to work full time. Thankfully the culinary industry has many opportunities, so I didn’t have to leave my passion to support her. But, after growing my family with two additional children, money became a challenge. Read more>>

Sabrina Williams | Business Owner | Entrepreneur | Boss Mom

Growing up, I was never taught financial literacy. I worked job after job without being satisfied or elevated in life. In 2019, I had a phone conversation with my two older sisters. We discussed the status of our lives and how we could possibly change them. After that conversation, I continued to do what wasn’t working. About 5 months went by and I found myself reflecting back on that conversation and truly decided it was time to do things differently. I wrote a list of things I excelled at and things I found interesting. Read more>>

Lauren Bell | Executive Producer & Artistic Director

I have been a professional actor, singer and dancer up on the stage and screen for almost 20 years. I have worked for some incredible companies and I have worked for some not great companies. Most importantly, I grew tired of feeling as if I was always starting over when a contract finished. Going back to grind of survival jobs, auditions and wondering where my next major paycheck was going to come from. These very frustrations are what inspired me to chose to go back to school in the fall of 2019 to get my Masters Degree in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University in Winter Park FL. Read more>>

Monica & Jalen | Momprenuer and Legacy in the Making

We started It’s A Legacy Thing Collections as a way to continue the conversations about Historically Black Colleges and Universities amongst alums and youth in a fun and fashion-forward way. Our mission was to design apparel for the entire family so that alums could share the love of their alma mater with those closest to them while educating them on the importance of legacy of the institutions, as well as creating, or carrying on their own. Read more>>

Zaniyah Medley | Zaniyah Medley | Entrepreneur

I wanted more . I knew I didn’t want to work for somebody so I’m like I got to make something shake for myself so I can be my own boss. My inspiration was my mom and also jayda wayda lol . I was always around people who had a hustling mindset . I loved the way jayda will take her marketing to the next level and I looked up to that . Of course there were times I wanted to just drop the whole entrepreneurship because I thought it was “too hard” but I had the support system. I had people telling me ear to ear that I could do it . Read more>>

Stephanie Gilbert | Fitness Instructor and Studio Owner

I laughed a bit as I read/heard this question because, honestly, I wasn’t really interested in starting a business. But, like so many other people, COVID hit, lockdowns were put in place, and what was supposed to be a couple of weeks of shelter-in-place turned into…well…working from home for some, businesses shutting down permanently for others, and people relying on government stimulus checks to buy groceries. Read more>>

Elijah Wade | Community Organizer

I never actually had the idea to start my own business. It came to me by appreciating art and wanting to share it with people without them having to pay a lump sum. I took all the art pieces i had in my room and brought them to the park and asked people to donate for the pieces or take them for free. The next week i brought out art supplies and asked people if they would like to paint n sit with me. From there, is how Paint N Sit ATL was born. Read more>>

Jamene Christian | Family Immigration Attorney & Public Speaker

Though I am 13th generation U.S. citizen by birth (yes, I did the research!), I am [proudly] married to an immigrant by choice. I filed for my husband many years ago. We were overwhelmed by the then Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS), now the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) forms AND we were on the receiving end of an INS Officer’s well-meaning probing questions. Fortunately, we had an experienced, compassionate and accessible immigration attorney to successfully guide us through the process—Attorney Steve! Read more>>

Justyn Campbell | Social Media Influencer, Fashion Model, & Actor

My thought process behind becoming an entrepreneur was that I knew I wanted to do something that I love to do as a career. When I’m out creating a video, walking on a runway, in a photoshoot, or portraying a role for a movie, it does not feel like work. Being successful, to me, is being able to do what you love to do and being able to support yourself off of it. Read more>>

Jerrell Steed | Artist & Business Owner

Growing up as a kid, I feel like I’ve always had the entrepreneur spirit, and it all came from a box of items given to me to sell door to door. I remember going to a row of houses in my neighborhood, the first few houses I went to either didn’t answer the door gave me a nasty NO! or was peeping out the blinds pretending not to be home. I was determined that I’d keep going and that I was never going to give up, after knocking on eight to ten doors someone answered finally; I sold an item out of the box I was caring around that were full of products I was so proud and happy that I had earned my first dollar and it felt really great to me. Read more>>

Tammy Triolo | CEO and FOunder

After being in corporate America for many years, and seeing how employees were starved for true advocacy around culture and DEI; I decided to leave my executive position and start a company that goes in a help companies create an inclusive and diverse culture. One that is built on culture first DEI numbers second. It’s not enough to recruit diverse candidates you have to foster a culture that makes them want to stay. Read more>>

Takiyah McDowell | Owner of VM & TJ Enterprise, LLC

We created our business in honor of our late parents, my mother Tyeas Owens and his father Earnest McDowell. The two of them were are biggest cheerleaders and they both told us to do something that we love and it will not feel as if you are working. They both passed away from a form a cancer, so we hold a special place in our hearts for those affected by this illness. We both love fashion. We love hand-made and uniquely crafted products. Read more>>

DR ADRIAN SARRIA | ENTREPRENEUR AND DENTIST

AFTER SPENDING MANY YEARS WITH THE IDEA OF CREATING MY OWN BUSINESS, AND WORKING FOR OTHER PEOPLE, IT WAS THE DETERMINATION, THE SEARCH TO KNOW AND LEARN WHAT THE PROCESS WAS LIKE TO CREATE MY OWN BUSINESS, IF THEY COULD DO IT, SO COULD . BUT THE BIG QUESTION WAS HOW TO DO IT? HOW DID THEY HAVE ACHIEVED IT? AND THAT WAS HOW I STARTED TO STUDY AND INVESTIGATE HOW I COULD CREATE MY OWN BUSINESS. FROM THERE ON, ALL THE CIRCUMSTANCES WERE MATERIALIZING UNTIL WE REACHED WHERE WE ARE NOW Read more>>

Aliyah Waggner | Family Nurse Practitioner

The Chill Factor was birthed from my personal and life-changing experience with CBD. Amidst the pandemic, I searched for natural ways to cope with the stress, anxiety, and insomnia that arose while working. I wanted something that I could include in my daily routine with ease. I knew a little about CBD but never took time to fully research and understand it’s benefits and uses. I tried a few different brands and it made me realize that all CBD is not created equal. Read more>>

Sherry Jefferson | Master Chandler & Aromatic Specialist

If someone had told me prior to the passing of my mother that I would have a Candle Business, I would probably think they were nuts. I have been in the insurance industry for the most part of 19 years with Medicare Insurance. I was in New Business Development and I did group insurance. I traveled to 5 counties each week having left the house before dawn each day and returning after dark. Seriously. I have never been a candle person. I can count on one hand the number of times I had ever purchased a candle. Read more>>

HALA MAROC | MULTIMEDIA PERSONALITY & ENTREPRENEUR & WELLNESS ADVOCATE

I started my career in radio and entertainment. This industry is about creating your own opportunities and building your own brand. After working for several notable stations and publications, I recognized that there was no such thing as a job giving you security in this day and age, it was time to become my own boss. Read more>>

Mike Loco Hoffman | CEO of MLM Entertainment & Music Industry Veteran

I have been involved in the entertainment business as a whole for 25 years. Majority of that was music based. I saw a big hole in support and education that was more for the Artist/Talent. I am firm believer in be the change you want to see rather than just talk about it. Independent does not mean alone. I wanted to have more control in what I do and the amount of energy and time I wanted to invest. I didn’t want to have someone else make those decisions for me or choose who I can work with or help. I had a lot of colleagues and peers telling me that I already was being viewed in ways that laid the foundation for what MLM Entertainment is today and will continue to grow too. Read more>>

Gabrielle E Wilks | Designer, Sole Savant

Growing up my family members always had a large array of “going out shoes” or just church shoes and they always had a pair of shoes to match a particular outfit. Being around an emphasis placed on shoes completing an outfit it fostered an admiration for footwear. Although my admiration for heels was very present, starting a heel business didn’t truly become a thought until I had the freedom to start my own personal heel collection in college. Read more>>

Chris Wade | Artist & Musician

For a long time I felt lost in the trying to find what type of ‘real job’ to go for. But I had all this talent and all this vision, and crazy dreams and a need to share my ‘visions’ with the world. The more I drew out my ideas the more momentum I achieved, and I needed to keep the momentum going rather than suppress it by only treating it as an afterthought. My logic was this – 1) I won’t be happy unless I’m able to fully unleash the creativity in me and the only way to do that is to treat it like my full time occupation, 2) Read more>>

April Potts | Medical Coder Instructor

I have been a Medical Coder since 2013 and I really love what I do. During y coding career I had obtained 5 medical coding certifications. I wanted to have some residual income due to me being a single parent so I decided to go back to school and become a Medica Coder Instructor. Read more>>

Lauren G. Jackson, M.S. M.B.A | Empowerment Growth Mindset Coach & Executive People Strategist

I wanted to leave an impact on the world and create a legacy that would outlive me. My purpose is my business and because of that I spent intentional time and hours creating a discipline that could create and foster impact. From shifting my focus from creating a lifestyle for myself to creating a legacy that would outlive me it required me to not shrink in uncomfortable areas that I was called to stand tall in. This moment literally shifted my perspective and ultimately my life. Read more>>

Akkim Thomas | Creative Design & Director

My process started. In high school I’ve always been passionate about fashion and clothes. I Just did not have a platform to express this besides dressing up. In 2012 I was randomly working on a name for a brand. At this time everything fashion was in a high-end lavish era, The brand was founded by Akkim Thomas and Kentaysha Lane, Thomas Lane, Stands for “Family” the brand was influenced by family last names. Read more>>

Jennifer T. | Pastry Chef/ Cake Artist

Utilizing the gift of art that God blessed me with. And monetizing off of it. I never really liked working for anyone. So I sat back one day and said “I’m really good at this let’s put a price on it” Read more>>

Charneeta Best | Licensed REALTOR®️ & Real Estate Coach

My thought process behind starting my own business was simple. I believed in myself and knew that I had a passion for it. My life path and experiences further support the journey of me starting my own business. I am a dedicated real estate professional with more than 20 years of combined success in real estate transaction, project management, education/training, and creative services! Read more>>

Kristle Manning | Natural Hair Care Specialist

My thought process behind starting my own business was basically to get out their and do it. I’ve worked in a few salons before and after the last salon I worked in I decided that I would never work under anyone again I would take a chance and open my own salon become my own boss and I did just that with having good clientele staying motivated, focused and most importantly trusting and having faith in God. Read more>>

Bethany Roberson | The Entrepreneur

When I first started my business, I knew I would be in the health and beauty industry. I’ve always loved skin care, makeup, lashes, and hair. So, I knew that I would follow one of those career paths. I found lash extensions and instantly fell in love with it. I used to wear lash strips all the time so I knew I would love it the process of applying them. I never had a business before, so I really didn’t know where to start. I began by researching the process of having a business in my state and what’s require build my business up. When starting a business, it’s a lot of trial and error within the first year. So, I was prepared for that the main goal for myself was to start but the right way. Read more>>

Norian Gillis | Owner of Sydali Tresses

My initial thought was that I would get to invest time and energy into something I loved as a teenager. I would get to transform my vision into what I desired, instead of another company’s plan. Not only would I get to build and create a prolific business plan, I would also get to watch my concept grow into an empire! This empire would one day be the legacy inherited by my children. Read more>>

Sa’de Rickerson | Charcuterist & Baker

Starting a business is a commitment that requires dedication and a ton of sacrifice. My grandma had Parkinson’s but was the best cook and baker on this side of the earth! I always followed her around the kitchen. She ultimately passed the torch to me when her health started to fail. I always knew I wanted to start a business but didn’t know how. I thought I was ready eight years ago, but honestly, I had no clue what I was doing. It all started in 2014 when I decided to start making chocolate-covered treats. Read more>>