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.

Ronnie Thomas | STEM Education Engagement Specialist

As a classroom teacher I contemplated leaving the profession to pursue a career in trucking! It was around this time that I begin to attend educational conferences and workshops to learn more about ways to engage students in science. Upon bringing these strategies to my students I witnessed a transformation in their excitement and engagement levels. Seeking to maintain this level of excitement in my classroom I increased my research and study into ways to engage students with hands on learning opportunities. After experiencing consistent success with my students, I then sought to return to conferences previously attended to share with educators the success I was witnessing in my classroom. Read more>>

Ian Callender | Cultural Architect

Just the ability to create my own lane, especially when doing things unorthodox. It adds a layer of authenticity & imagination unseen. Read more>>

Camilo Pineda | Artist & Architect.

I wanted to merge architecture (my profession) and art in one place. I understood that my work is an extension of interior design so I wanted to do work and show it in a more professional way. Making works that respond also to that type of interior spaces, which through my DNA and my artistic lenaguje will provide those places with a sober, exclusive and luxurious atmosphere. Read more>>

Deanna Butler Gayle | Non-Profit Founder & Producer

I am truly a thinker. Most times, it works in my favor, but then there are times when overthinking hinders an innovative idea or stirs up fear. When I decided to start a support group for people diagnosed with MS and their families, I saw there was a group of people who looked just like me who did not have a safe place to share their experiences. When I was diagnosed with MS at age of nineteen as a college athlete, my first support group experience was traumatic and emotional. I was surrounded by several seasoned Caucasian MS fighters using walkers and wheelchairs. I had never known anyone that was affected by MS so having my first interaction in this way immediately caused my eyes to swell with tears. Read more>>

Tisha Ayers | Founder

Initially, I didn’t know this endeavor was going to be a business. My husband and I were just mixing together ingredients in our kitchen in the hopes of finding a solution to my increasingly dry and itchy skin. It wasn’t until we received positive feedback from family and friends that we thought about turning it into a business. Read more>>

Patricia Robinson | Balloon Artist and Balloon twister

StickUp Artistry & Design provides high-quality balloon art designs for any celebration or photo opportunity. Life sometimes takes us away from pursuing our passion or utilizing our gifts. This is why I started my company. I wasn’t using my creativity and design skills as much as I would like in my day-to-day life. I saw an opportunity to utilize my skills to help people celebrate their most important milestones and that’s how StickUp Artistry & Design was born. I definitely enjoy what I do. I want everyone to know that is interested in my services: (1) That they can trust the fulfillment of their needs to my business and (2) Excellent quality and customer service is an integral part of my experience with my business. Read more>>

Dr. George Carnage IV, DPT | Physical Therapist

“Starting my own mobile physical therapy business stemmed from a passion for helping individuals stay active and overcome pain. Recognizing the demand for flexible and personalized therapy services, I aimed to provide convenience for clients, especially weekend warriors, active adults, and athletes. The goal is to offer tailored care that aligns with their busy lifestyles, fostering a commitment to overall well-being.” Read more>>

Madeine Coffin | Atlanta REALTOR & Market Specialist

Limitless. I wanted to be in control of how much or how little money I make as well as hold my self accountable. I graduated from Georgia State with a pre-med Bachelor’s degree in Biology, tried a few jobs that paid very little, and wanted my freedom back. Starting my own business meant that I was in complete control of my time, efforts and mission. My business allows me to educate my peers and help change their lives, its meaningful. It’s not just doing some job for some company. Read more>>

Tarece Johnson-Morgan | Board Chair (22 & 23), District 5 Representative, Gwinnett County Board of Eduvation

I am running for re-election to represent District 5 on the Board of Education in Gwinnett County. I will continue to authentically and courageously advocate for the needs of the students, teachers, and staff in the Gwinnett County Public School system. I have and will continue to unapologetically advocate for equity, which is meeting the needs of each and every child. Equity does not take away, it gives to all to ensure access and opportunity for each and every. This is my WHY and any school leader in any capacity should care about meeting needs because this is directly correlated to academic achievement and social emotional success. I will continue to work to ensure physical, social emotional, and environmental safety for our students, teachers, and staff. Read more>>

Tiffany Woodie | Baker/Cake Designer

That’s a really great question and I can honestly say that I’m not sure if I had a thought process before starting Posh Poundz, LLC. I only remember thinking I love food, and I love art… how can I combine the two? The birthing of Posh Poundz began with a simple Pecan Praline Pound Cake for my niece’s birthday. A cousin of mine saw the photo and posted it on her social media and requests started coming in non stop, before my business was birthed. I sat down and said to myself, ‘self if we’re going to do this,,, let’s go!” I remember waking up many nights with ideas swarming in my head and I would take those ideas and write them down but there was still no name. Read more>>

Eric Mateo | Comic Illustrator and Freelance Artist

The thought process for my business was for me to tell my own stories. I always was enamored with the stories from my youth, whether it was anime, video games, comics, etc. At first I thought the quickest way to get to that was working for a company, however, I later learned that there were far too many barriers into making your own story across multiple industries. As an artist, I do not like to be tied down by the decisions of a corporate executive whose only concern is the interest of their shareholders. I want to freely express my artistic vision for the stories I want to create. Understandably, I have keep in mind the scope of any given project I undertake; pushing those limits can spell a disaster, yet, the stories I want to create addresses systemic failures, politics, societal inequities (particularly of the working class and people of color) and many various topics that might not hold any value in a regular corporate environment. Read more>>

Ashwin Ramaswami | Candidate for Georgia State Senate, District 48

I was born and raised in Johns Creek, GA, and I owe my success to the resources, support, and stability that this community gave me. I decided to run for office for Georgia Senate District 48 in order to make a difference in my community and ensure that others will have access to opportunities that empower them to succeed, as I did. I also bring a fresh, unique perspective to the state legislature to address issues that matter. I come from a fairly untraditional political background: I would be the first Indian American legislator in Georgia; the first with a background in computer science and law; and the first Gen Z Georgia state senator. Read more>>

Nzinga Shaw | President & CEO, Attack the Glass, LLC

The genesis of Attack the Glass, LLC was born out of a profound belief in the transformative power of diversity and the recognition that fostering an inclusive environment is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage for individuals and organizations. As the founder, my thought process behind starting this organization was grounded in a vision to create a platform that goes beyond conventional approaches to diversity, offering a comprehensive set of tools and strategies to propel meaningful change. Read more>>

Elexia Johnson | Solo Brand Strategist & Creative Director providing Strategic Branding, Design, and Digital Marketing Solutions

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, even from a young age when I started my own dog walking business in 7th grade. After college, I thought climbing the corporate ladder would bring success, but getting laid off during COVID opened my eyes to problems in that world and in the marketing industry. As I took a moment to breathe and transition, I realized I was treated poorly as a woman of color in the corporate space and just pumping out creative work without making anything meaningful. The corporate space felt soul-draining. Luckily, with my connections I bounced back quickly by starting my own freelance design and marketing business. I jumped in headfirst, building my reputation through hard work. Read more>>

Dee | Pro Airbrush Makeup Artist & Esthetician

In 2003, I began working in the beauty industry as Manager of three Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios. While there, I specialized in bridal and special occasion makeup, one-on-one makeup lessons, and skincare. I joined the Bella Faccia LLC team in 2011, where I was specially trained in airbrush makeup application. While working for Merle Norman and Bella Faccia, my work was published in Augusta Magazine, Columbia County Magazine, Augusta Brides, and Occasions Magazine. I also worked as a makeup artist on-set for Dateline NBC. I truly enjoyed my work and wanted to continue my passion for makeup artistry when I moved from Augusta, Georgia, to Nassau County, FL. In 2021 I opened Decorated Seahorse Artistry, an airbrush makeup and skin studio. Read more>>

Cindi Sayles | College Mentor & Software Engineer

The Industrious Women’s Network Inc was prophesied to me and my other co-founders, Ashley Price and Gary Price II during a Sunday service presented by Pastor Gary C. Price. After suffering from and then surviving Covid-19, Pastor Price received a vision from the Lord about bringing a resource to thousands of college women around the world. We were told to build a business model around these women becoming productive young women coming out of college and not knowing what to do. As an act of faith, we hit the ground running, talked with ladies across multiple college campuses, and saw that this problem was evident. In addition, on average, it takes between 3-6 months for a student to obtain a job after graduation. Read more>>

Bryttany Hyde | CEO

When I first decided to be more mindful about my alcohol intake in 2022, I noticed a lack of options. I would attend an event and be presented with water or lemonade while my friends had signature cocktails with muddled herbs. Needless to say I wasn’t fully sober that year until I started developing my own mocktails. In 2023 I would mention that someone should open a Sober Bar. With my background in business, sales, marketing, and mixology I quickly learned that person was me. Read more>>

Japan Taylor | Founder of Dorado Worldwide. Music Artist and Curator

After working for a big recording label in NYC, and getting experience in the music biz, I wanted to blend my love for music and travel by bringing an international sound to the Atlanta community. Read more>>

Neek Hines | Master Loc Stylist, Scalp Specialist, and Herbalist

Initially, when I first began doing locs, it was just a side hustle. If you would have told me years ago that I would be doing locs, I wouldn’t have believed you. It was never something I planned for my life. So, when the journey began, I realized how natural it came to me, and then I realized how much i loved it. As I began to gain clientele it was a no brainer to create a real true business in the profession. I never wanted to be like another stylist though. I always aimed to do things different from the others. Read more>>

Michelle Green & Jennifer Lieu | Lash Specialist

Both me and Jennifer have a passion for beauty. We enjoy enhancing the natural beauty of others by giving them the extra boost of confidence. Therefore, we decided to start this journey together that would allow for us to be creative and have the flexibility to do so. We also wanted to create a financial independence for ourselves, create our own work hours, & build a team and allow for potential growth. Running a lash business requires various skills, such as customer service, marketing, business management, and so much more. The list goes on. We have to wear so many hats and actually work more than just a 9-5 job, but that’s because we have to invest ourselves into our business to better understand how to run it. Read more>>

Latia Rowland | Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Launching my accounting business stemmed from a passion for helping small and medium-sized enterprises navigate financial complexities. I envisioned a firm that goes beyond routine services, offering personalized strategies and leveraging technology for efficiency. The goal is to be a dedicated partner, providing proactive advice and contributing to long-term business success. My vision centers on a client-centric approach, combining technical expertise with a forward-thinking mindset to meet immediate needs and foster sustained growth. Read more>>

Lonise Bias | MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER, FACILITAOR AND MENTOR

My business was started after the death of my 2 sons Len and Jay Bias. Len was a UMD men’s basketball star that was drafted June 19, 1986, by the Boston Celtics. He died 2 days later from a drug related death. 42 months later my second son Jay was murdered in a drive by shooting at a local mall. The deaths of my 2 sons catapulted me into the position of nationally known Public Speaker. I used the death of my 2 sons as an opportunity to encourage and inspire others. Read more>>

Tiffanie Teel | Clarity Coach, Brand + Web Designer

Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship wasn’t just a decision; it was a pursuit for freedom. Exiting the corporate realm in 2005, I was fueled by youth, a touch of naivety, and an unwavering determination to break free from the restraints of time freedom and salary caps. Over the years, my dedication to hustle diligently and adapt seamlessly became my mantra, steering clear of the mundane 9-to-5 grind. Then came the pivotal shift – motherhood. Suddenly, my priorities underwent a profound transformation. The resonance of wanting to remain the primary influence of my child echoed louder than ever. Simultaneously, the eagerness to contribute significantly to my family’s financial landscape intensified. Read more>>

Chris Bennett | Technology Startup Founder / Attorney””

T-I-L® was founded by Chris Bennett in 2016 as Technology-Innovation-Law, with a social impact mission of providing affordable intellectual property (IP) law and consulting to underserved District of Columbia areas. The combination of a personal journey centered combination of technology + innovation + law are the super power. Chris has personally led and contributed to innovations that have produced $0.5B in financial value for government and private sector entities. Also, through the life journeys of family, friends, and self he has witnessed the innate innovation within the individual. The potential is naturally accessible and inclusive. It is also legally codified in Article I, Section 8, Clause 8 of the United States Constitution and in comparable rules of law globally. Read more>>

Mattea Hunter | Hair stylist and beauty guru, Balance and boundaries coach for salon professional

I started my business out of a desire to provide hair and make up services to clients to solve the ‘issues” that they encounter in a typical salon environment. I was finding that many clients were fed up with subpar services, unprofessionalism. lack of education and communication between client and stylist and overall disrespect of the client’s time. So I decided to create a salon experience that was the heart’s desire of so many clients. Read more>>

Lisa Borowsky | Real Estate Consultant & NAR Green REALTOR®

I had the entrepreneur’s itch for several years before starting Sustainable Georgia. I believed that business could be leveraged for social impact and environmental sustainability, so it was just a matter of gaining the courage to try something new in the metro Atlanta residential real estate market. Read more>>

LaTishia Jordan | COO

When I first started tutoring in my college’s Math department, it was a blend of necessity and passion. I loved mathematics, but I initially hadn’t envisioned a career in education. My journey took an unexpected turn when a student, whom I was tutoring as part of a work-study program, approached me to continue tutoring privately. This was a pivotal moment that made me realize there was both a need and a space for my skills in the market. While working for various big-box tutoring brands, I gained invaluable insights into the tutoring industry. This experience was eye-opening, showing me both the strengths and limitations of existing tutoring services. I saw an opportunity to provide something more personalized and effective, which led to the creation of my first tutoring company. Read more>>