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.

Erica Gray | Boutique Owner, Business Consultant, Event Curator

I knew one day that I would have a business of my own and retire from my 9 to 5. I wasn’t sure what that business was going to be when I first thought of it. I have always had a love of fashion that stemmed from my mother. She and my Grandmother were entrepreneurs in their own right. Read more>>

Zachary Bobo | Photographer and Videographer

I noticed as I began to dig deeper into the art of photography and videography, the love for creating art had disappeared. The financial gain and social media influence superseded the love and passion that once took over the skill of photography and videography. I saw this void and wanted to partake in filling it with my business. I started my business not to create a financial stream of income but to reveal the truly magnificent creations that inhabit this world by freezing that moment in time to be revisited. Read more>>

Taccara McDaniel | Caterer & Chief Branding Officer

The thought process behind Pecan Tan Sweet Pecans and More, LLC was my love for cooking and wanting to share it with the world. wanted to put a smile on my customers face with great food, a warm personality and awesome customer service, My thoughts were to be a private chef because I have always enjoyed cooking for others, so I wanted to be able to bring a nice ambience to homes or private events without my client having to worry about getting groceries or cleaning up as well. I wanted to make sure my services whether it was hosting a private event, or a client ordering treats or meals to be affordable and divinely delicious. Read more>>

Yari Ferrari Music | Musician & Upcoming Producer

I knew I always had a natural gift but I was never confident in sharing my talents with others. When I got to high school I started to gain more knowledge around things i’ve always wanted to do and learn. I also started to meet people who had the same interests as me. This gave me that boost to start taking my abilities serious and I began to put myself out to the world and show what it is that I do. Read more>>

Alissa Smith | Creative & Entrepreneur

My thought process of starting Kontrol Kourse was honestly noticing how the dance world started to lose the community aspect in the classroom. Everything seems so standoff ish and individualized & the idea of community and uplifting each other in the classroom begin to fade away in my eyes & everything we did was always for the gram or the cameras. It started to feel like no one really was in class to actually train or build each other up but just to simply look good & get the content. Read more>>

Maddi Schippers | Creative Head of ScareCares: Handmade

Invisible illnesses are often difficult things to navigate when it comes to traditional office/retail work. And, as a disabled person, it felt like the only option I had that gave me the freedom I needed to explore my creative talents while also accommodating to my needs. After a few years and successful small sales in the books, the idea of working for myself just seemed like a no-brainer. Read more>>

Tracy Woodard | Executive Director of Atlanta Contemporary Ensemble

Several years ago a visiting musician I worked with remarked on the lack of contemporary music in Atlanta, compared to New York or Chicago. I agreed. And so the Atlanta Contemporary Ensemble began, pairing new compositions with dance, art, and spoken word. Read more>>

Jermaine Maine” Rucker | Motion Crew CEO “

The process behind my brand was simple. I’ve always felt as if i was independent in life. I knew when I got older I’d like to own my own business and make my own money making my ceiling limitless. Knowing myself, I’m unique. Everyone describes me that way as well. Being from Detroit, we carry a lot of slang and lingo. At the time our hottest slang term was, “Motion.” Read more>>

Katrina Wall | Real Estate Agent & Buyer/Seller Specialist

The idea of entrepreneurship and taking control of my own business has always been a dream of mine. I am motivated by the ability to work every day towards maximizing my personal potential and the idea that with my own business, there is always room for growth. My ultimate goal was to help as many people as possible learn about home ownership and building wealth through real estate. Being able to serve my community and take advantage of the endless opportunities that come with owning a business are some of the things I love about being an entrepreneur. Read more>>

Mary Jones | Founder/CEO

Your Life or Your Dreams: What a terrible decision to have to make. Choose to submit to the toxic treatment that will save your life and you may lose your dream of having a child. It happens to many young people each year. For TEAM Maggie’s Dream (501c3 non-profit) namesake Maggie Davis it was a blindside. She needed to focus on her brutal, cancer treatment, but instead she was worried about never having children. Sure, there are other ways to have a family but the childhood dream of many little girls had just been removed as an option. Read more>>

Nadira Khalikova | Founder

I originally come from Uzbekistan. When I came to Germany in 2015 as a master’s scholarship recipient, I began to engage with issues such as women’s rights and sustainability. It was also a time when I experienced an identity crisis and wanted nothing to do with my homeland. In 2018, I traveled to my homeland of Uzbekistan for three weeks to visit my family. During this trip, I noticed for the first time how challenging it can be to be an Uzbek woman. Read more>>

Ana Ingram | Custom Cake Artist

After having a career for almost 20 years, I knew that I would like to have the opportunity to work for myself. The freedom to create the things that spoke to my passion and the ability to set my own terms is probably the most appealing and driving point of having your own business. Read more>>

Haile Ali | Musician & Entrepreneur

My thought process is when I was starting my business was fluid. I already decided that what I wanted to provide and how I wanted my brand to be represented. Music has always been my passion. I know I wanted to yes be a great business and have my business be lucrative but I also wanted to love what I was doing and be passionate about it. The idea of making money was relevant but was secondary to the cultural aspect of my business. My Culture being expressed was very important to me ! Read more>>

D’Angelo Weston | Wardrobe Stylist

The thought process behind starting my business was to at first just help a friend that was running for Miss Alabama State University. I was nervous at first, but my friend & I both knew how bad I wanted to start styling people, but just never put myself out there because of nerves & doubt. Read more>>

Cassandra Ladouceur | Owner/CEO

My thought process behind starting my own business was simply to help people who God called me to help. In providing resources, jobs, education, and connecting individuals to communities who need help. I wanted to help provide jobs for individuals who are new to the job force, who are looking for a 2nd job or more hours, who don’t get the necessary chance at an opportunity and people who are looking to move up the ladder in their career. Read more>>