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.

John-Mark Gleadow | Artist, oil painter

I began John-Mark Fine Art out of necessity. The artworld is littered with many unscrupulous publishers and I was financially burned badly in a couple of difficult situations. It seems every artist has this story. Read more>>

Tay Marie | Founder of Brooklyn Park & Co-Found of Fine Fit Bosses Inc.

I wanted to start my own business because I wanted something to call my own, something that was mine that no one else could ever take away from me. I also wanted to give a voice to people like me. People who grew up the way I grew up. People who society already painted their narrative for them because of how they looked or how they carried themselves. I wanted to be able to tell my own story. Read more>>

Ashanti Lett | Entrepreneur

When starting my thought process was leaning more towards survival. In 2018, I started selling lashes outside of my dorm room to fellow classmates to generate income because we all know every college kid is “broke””, so I thought if I started a business for myself I wouldn’t be broke anymore and will have the options to be able to explore other opportunities. I also wanted to connect with the women around me & selling cosmetics helped me achieve that goal! Read more>>

Derrick Barnes | Owner – DSB Media, Inc.

My thought process for starting DSB Media, Inc. stemmed from applying to graduate school and being asked “what will you do once you earn your Masters degree”? I’ve always had a soft spot for small business owners, because I come from a family of small business owners. Read more>>

Morgan Wilson | Licensed Esthetician

I knew from the moment I entered the corporate world that I wanted to start my own business. I just felt like a worker bee and I didn’t like it. I realized I was playing a part in helping someone else live out their dream and it didn’t sit right with me. I wanted to create and build my own legacy that can eventually turn into generational wealth. Read more>>

Glenn Wiggins | Founder & Head of Design of Glad We Met Clothing

Since the age of 16 years old, I always wanted to become a fashion designer. I am 31 years old and I felt it was the right timing to launch my clothing brand, Glad We Met. Clothing is an extension of your personality and often can tell you where a person has been or heading into life. I would like to use my platform to encourage others to change their environment but look good while doing it. Read more>>

Shanti McNeil | Self-Care Advocate| Treasury Analyst

To be honest, my intention was never to start my own business, but rather to create a space where I could support myself and possibly some friends and family members through the practice of self-care by forming an accountability circle that was committed to the discipline. Read more>>

Damond Nixon | Music Producer/Artist/Writer

As I was officially done with school. I decided that it was my business to make my own source of income. School does not teach real life business tools so I was on my own. I quickly figured out that music was going to be my way of providing for myself. Read more>>

Fee Smith | Entrepreneur, Business Consultant, Realtor, & Author

The thought process behind starting my own business was the actual need for my services for myself and my family. It’s one thing to work a 9-5 with benefits counting the days until your next direct deposit hits. But it’s an entire different story when an unexpected occurrence happens and it puts a wrench in Everything moving forward! Read more>>

Jason Pruitt | Live Event Videographer/Photographer

My thought process was to create a collective that captures the most chaotic, adrenaline inducing, and illest moments at these live events. I want people to watch the shots, edits, and videos I produce and feel the energy through the screen, almost as if they were there. Read more>>

Taylor Roberts | Guitarist & Music Educator

I consider myself pretty fortunate. I started on piano when I was 6 years old, but hadn’t planned on making a living on music. However, I got my first guitar at 13, and that was it. I simply knew that music was going to be my livelihood, right then and there, by any means necessary. Read more>>

Tierra Tanai | Artist, Creator & Healer

It wasn’t even just a thought process. It was damn near forced based off my character and leading abilities. At the time I wish I knew how to brand myself and market when I was still working job to job because I would’ve been the manager not the worker. I come in ready to learn, and a fast learner at that for the most part. So I develop leader traits in job roles really quickly and realized I was a Boss as a young age. Not necessarily fit to be an employee for a brand that doesn’t flow with my passion. Read more>>

Sarea Flo | Entrepreneur

I love answering this question. I had been wanting to work in the entertainment industry since I graduated college in 2008. After living through a recession and having to take on a career (legal) completely opposite of that, I tried to stay connected to the industry anyway that I could. It wasn’t until 2016 at my then job at a law firm that I knew I could no longer live a life of a 9-5er. Read more>>

Tela Bryant | Licensed and Certified Massage Therapist and Holistic Healing Services Provider and Beauty Consultant

My dreams are coming true. I ALWAYS envisioned being a spa owner and having my own mobile spa company since cosmetology in 10th grade. I knew I’d have to do everything correctly and align my purpose. My thought process was to not be distracted by everyone else to focus. Read more>>

Tia Calhoun | Interior Architect & Balloon Artist

The thought actually occurred when the world was shut down during Covid in 2020. I love flexing my creative muscle and staying in the house all day that year made me want to do various creative projects around my house. Read more>>

Jaslynn Gholson | Author & Professional Baker

I wanted to help my inner child/be my own hero. Growing up I always wished someone would just accept me for who I was and show me that everything was going to be ok. In writing my books it has allowed me to be who I needed back then, and also be that person to someone else in doing the same for them. Read more>>

Marquice Gee | Network Strategist & Experience Curator

I started my business during the pandemic, like many newer businesses. I am a huge supporter of anyone willing to take a risk and go after their goals. However, I started to see so many businesses popping up, but no longevity planning. Read more>>

Kanika Moor | Media Personality, Writer, and Event Curator.

I’ve always been a lover of music. Actually I’ve practically been obsessed with music since I was a baby. I didn’t always have a clear idea of what I wanted to do when I was growing up but I knew I loved to talk. I knew for a fact that I wanted to help people tell their truth. Read more>>

Ali Moradi | CEO and executive Chef

I was working for the big corporation as a General manager. I really loved my job, but the politics involved in operation was not letting me enjoy my job. I got really sick ad tired of the politics and quit my job. since at that time none of the other companies would offer me the same pay as the previous company, I decided to start my own business. Read more>>

Dr. Traci Williams | Board Certified Psychologist & Certified Financial Therapist

I grew frustrated with the landscape on social media in the mental health and finance spaces. I wanted to provide easily understood factual information, especially for people who have long been excluded from these conversations. I wanted access for all to improve their mental, emotional, and financial wellbeing. Read more>>

Nae Did It | Braider & Loctician

My thought process behind starting my own business is the motivation I have for financial freedom. I am always eager to elevate and grow within my business and personal life. I have always been an entrepreneur since I was at least 9 years old . I enjoy the resource of power it gives me . The drive it builds in me . That’s the most amazing feeling . Knowing you accomplished something because of you ! Read more>>

Tenesha Hood | Project Manager & Home Decor Influencer

In November of 2022, I decided that the hood home was more than just my hobby it was something I loved. Therefore I started a LLC — Hood Home Designs. I’m committed to elevating my home decor content, services, and brand. Read more>>

Jennifer Tice | Founder & Formulator

It really all started with 9/11, if I’m being honest with it. Sitting in traffic while pregnant with my first child, it was a chilling event that changed everyone’s lives. More directly, my husband was activated as a reservist and I found myself suddenly as a new mom to be, alone, and without that 2nd half, suddenly my corporate position which involved long hours and travel was just not the right fit for our family. Read more>>

Reco Sturgis | Founder, Hugo Galerie

Art is my passion. From a young age, I knew I wanted to bring art to the world. Atlanta’s vibrant arts scene was formative for me. I attended my first show openings in Castleberry Hill. But I’ve always been an independent person, felt secure in my decision-making process, and held high standards that can be difficult to achieve in partnerships where compromise is expected. So having my own business felt like a natural direction. Read more>>

Harold Greaves | Professional Photographer, Entrepreneur, and Content Creator

People always say that if you do what you love, you’ll never “work” a day in your life. I have loved photography for as long as I can remember so it seemed like just a natural progression that I would pursue it as a career. Read more>>

Danesha Flowers | Graphic Designer & Business Marketing Specialist

My thought process behind starting my business, ,was the fact that I was tired of working a typical 9-5, and I knew that I was gifted in different areas, and after having my son, I wanted to be able to stay at home to be with him, but at the same time I knew I needed to be able to bring some type of money into the house Read more>>

Eric Williams | Technology Inventor & Entrepreneur

I initially worked in corporate America for over a decade before venturing into entrepreneurship. My main motivation in starting my own business, was to be able to create and support new nextgen technology that will make a difference in people’s lives, be in full control of my ideas and earn a fair residual share for my intellectual property as well as my efforts in years to come. Read more>>