To start or to not to start, that is the aspiring entrepreneur’s question

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.

Honey Ward | CEO/Founder

The thought process behind starting my own business was to fill a void within the community by providing goods that are actively in demand all while establishing a reputable name and model that would carry for years to come. Read more>>

Rafa Respect O.rey | Writer

Well, I answer you from the heart of an immigrant that I am, someone who decided to legally enter this country at the age of 27 with the idea of ​​seeking a better future. Read more>>

Jay Patel | Chef & Owner – Dhaba BBQ

Honestly, Dhaba BBQ came together on a whim. Whenever we hung-out with friends I was the default grill guy and wings were always a popular request. One friend suggested I start a pop-up and I figured why not?! It was that night the idea, name and concept of Dhaba BBQ was created. I wanted to be able to share the flavors of Indian food with all kinds of people, and change the stereotypical perception of Indian food. I am turning classic Indian dishes into handheld delectables. I think some people find Indian food intimidating particularly if they have never had it or are spicy food averse, but I’m looking to make it approachable to everyone. Read more>>

Dr. Donna Patterson | Board Certified Nurse Practitioner

The thought process behind starting Rejuvenére Health Medspa began during the height of COVID-19. While working in the hospital, I witnessed firsthand how individuals with conditions like Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea, and heart disease were at significantly higher risk and more vulnerable to severe COVID complications. I realized then that many of these conditions are preventable, and I felt a strong desire to help people achieve better health and resilience. Read more>>

Angelo Byrd | Chef and Consultant

Starting my own business stemmed from a desire to turn my passions into something impactful and sustainable. I wanted to create something uniquely my own, where I could bring my creativity and expertise to the forefront. The thought process involved identifying gaps in the market, leveraging my skills, and addressing challenges I had observed in my field. Read more>>

Okoye Robinson | Producer/Artist

I started own label because it gives me complete and full control of my artistic expression. I’ve always been an entrepreneur and come from and, entrepreneurial family. Believe me when I say signing yourself is the best thing that you could do. You’re in every aspect of the word. No one to answer to but you. I look forward to be able to providing that same feeling of freedom to other Artist & Producers that’s looking not to have their creative nature suppressed, Read more>>

King Delph | Restaurant Consultant

My thought process with starting my own business, was that I always have had creative energy. After working in restaurants for over 25 years I realized I can start my own business and be my own boss. I also love feeding and taking care of people and their hunger desires. Read more>>

Stephanie Hill | Educator & Entrepreneur

I started Hills Heels Hooray during a time where everything was uncertain for us in the world. The pandemic was a time in my life where I was able to turn my passion for fashion into a lucrative business. I started thrifting in 2014. I recently had moved to Georgia, took a huge pay cut, and remember my initial feeling of embarrassment when I entered my first thrift store. However, I continued to thrift periodically as I was so amazed as to what I could find. Years later, in 2019, God gave me the name of my business and no further instructions. I took the name (Hills Heels Hooray) created a business page and waited for His next steps. Fast forward to 2020, during the month of February, while on Facebook, I saw an opportunity to go live on another thrifting platform and sell my clothes out of my personal closet. Read more>>

James Mahkween | Dancer, Choreographer, Producer

I have so many creative friends who dance and choreograph. I wanted to create something that would help them to have a platform to present work. I’m also a choreographer and of course I want to share too! But there’s so many showcases, concerts, and events. How do I stand out! I decided to create a project that would have a different theme every show. Creating a space where artist and audience can connect on a single subject. Read more>>

Leron Gaskins | Content Creator

The thought process behind me starting Broken Traditions was to become a voice for people who felt a burden from traditions that are tied to their culture. Me personally I speak about Traditions within black culture that is toxic that we need to break away from. But the brand is for anyone that wants to break away from toxic traditions. Read more>>

Anna Wilke, Ms, Rd, Ld | Registered Dietitian

I started my business to help people have a healthy relationship with food and use nutrition to feel their best. In my years as a registered dietitian (RD), I identified two main problems that I believed I could help people solve. 1. While working in clinical nutrition for several years, I noticed a gap in the care that patients are receiving. When people receive a medical diagnosis that requires diet change, they often are not given all the nutrition education and tools they need to make that change. What little nutrition help they get typically comes from their doctor, not a registered dietitian. Read more>>

Abigail Marie | Fine Artist & Graphic Designer

During COVID, while my husband was in graduate school, I started my business as a way to channel my creativity and bring joy to others through my work. Read more>>

Parissha Shannon | Nursing Student

It’s what creating a financial breakthrough for myself and starting a legacy for my two girls so I can leave something for them. Read more>>

Devon Graham | Pressure Washing Business Owner

In late summer of 2023, my wife and I decided to homeschool our son Lincoln, who was 9 at the time. I was the General Manager for the MMA facility, American Top Team Team Lima in Duluth. This was a very fun job, taking care of members, teaching and training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Within 2 weeks of our decision to remove him from public school, he was admitted to the ICU at CHOA with diabetic Ketoacidosis. This was how we discovered our son had become Type 1 Diabetic. This prompted me to explore ways to provide for my family and also be present at home to help manage our sons diabetes and assist with his homeschooling. Read more>>

Allie Cramer | Lifestyle Photographer

Becoming a mother of 2 children under 2 years old changed my perspective a lot. Most might think “you started a business during THE busiest time in your life?” Well, ,yes, because I realized how fleeting motherhood is. The beautiful, sometimes mundane, and tiny details pass by more rapidly than anything I’ve experienced in this life. I wanted to catch any memory I could, as to freeze it in time. and I wanted to do the same for other families. To capture people’s love in the way that I see it, through my lens. Secondly, I didn’t want my boys to grow up thinking it was “selfish” to follow your passion. Read more>>  

Michele Love Santoro | Actor, Filmmaker & Photographer

When I moved to Atlanta two years ago, I was seeking a strong community that I never found in Los Angeles. I settled in Inman Park, which has proven to be an incredible neighborhood. It’s been fun to meet folks from all backgrounds, including others who’ve made the LA-to-Atlanta journey. I travel frequently for my freelance work, so being able to connect with people here has helped me feel grounded and part of the community. Read more>>

Clarevonte “clay” Williams | Community Builder: Investor, Policy Expert & Mentor for Underserved Entrepreneurs

My thought process was centered around service and making a tangible difference in the lives of others. While working in Venture Capital, I noticed something glaring: this field doesn’t often reflect the diversity that exists in the broader community, and as a result, many promising entrepreneurs weren’t progressing through the VC pipeline. Even those who managed to get past the initial pitch often struggled to make it past the second phase of due diligence, which meant that a lot of potential was left unrealized. Read more>>

Taising Chen | Founder, Owner, & Chef

Love It Gluten Free was started through the passion that I have for increasing choices for experiencing emotional, physical, and cultural healing through food. Food was often a place where I found respite, healing, and community through growing food, kitchen conversations, cooking, and sharing lives over food. I have often had to adjust & advocate to move through this world, which also meant creating and building access to things where they don’t exist. When it became clear that I needed to go gluten free years ago, it became another area where a lot of new adjustments were made and especially when it came to Asian comfort foods and sharing meals with friends and family.  Read more>>

Teyi Aponte | Pirtrait and Commercial Photographer

My journey into photography actually began with my family, especially my grandmother, who lived to 101 and was a huge inspiration to me. I was always the one behind the camera, capturing everyday moments, but my grandmother was my first real ‘subject.’ She was my role model, and I had this deep sense that I needed to preserve as much of her life as possible — her expressions, her wisdom, her essence. In a way, I felt like a chronicler, documenting our family’s history through her story. Read more>>

Dj Necii | DJ & Designer

Establishing my own business holds significant importance for me, as my creative mindset drives me to explore unconventional ideas. Owning a business provides the opportunity to translate my concepts into reality. My passion for fashion, music, and dance is integral to my identity. I began designing clothing due to the frequent issue of store-bought items either being too large or too small, allowing me to create garments tailored specifically to my body. Additionally, my love for music and dance led me to pursue DJing, a passion I have nurtured since the age of five. The combination of these elements is truly remarkable. Read more>>

Wardell Richardson | CEO of Raine Dance Films/ Actor/ Producer/ Director & Writer

The thought process behind starting my own business is simply to create high quality sustainable product that make the audience think and my creative ideas to life. Read more>>

Justin Larkin | Co-Founder & Software Engineer

The idea of combining our God-given talents and building upon the foundation of our friendship to serve others was the reason we started this business. Shortly after we met two years ago, we discovered that our interests in tech, investing, and, most importantly, our motives, aligned. We both shared ambitions to continue the legacy of those who influenced our upbringing. When thinking of a name to represent our mission, I turned to an old book of business ideas, and the first name I came across was “Jeanius Technology”—in honor of my late mother, whose nickname is “Jean.” Dennis reacted with surprise, as his late grandmother’s name is also Jean. This moment, for me, solidified the beginning of our partnership as everything fell perfectly into place. Read more>>

Amanda Means | Educator and Designer

Starting this business really stemmed from a moment of realization after stepping away from my teaching career. I’d spent 15 years as a primary teacher then substitute teacher, and while I loved working with kids, I eventually felt mentally and physically drained and unsupported. Walking away was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made, but it was also the start of something new. I knew I needed to take care of myself, to heal, and to find what it meant to thrive rather than just get by. Read more>>

Ben Ferris | Winemaker and Sommelier

My Thought process behind starting taste was simple. Create a wine bar experience that made wine accessible to everyone not just the rich. I wanted to make the wine tasting experience less pretentious and I wanted to take the “upselling” out of the wine experience. It really came down to wanting to open a wine bar that I would want to frequent. Read more>>

Cre Watts | Licensed Permanent Makeup Artist | Certified Brow and Lash Tech

My thought process behind starting PMU by Beauty was to create a better life for myself that I actually enjoy. I have always had an interest in the beauty industry and I wanted to start a business that allowed me to serve and help others feel better about themselves. I feel that God’s purpose for me is serving so I wanted to ensure I was allowing his will to be done most importantly. Read more>>

Lil String | Singer/Song-Writer/Audio-Engineer/Comedian

My business is LSRecords… I run a traveling studio that mainly operates in Kansas City but seasonally will run in Atlanta and other city’s! But most importantly LSRecords.studio is a media company on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram that amasses upwards of 30-50 million viewers each month and growing! It started out as a way to get more clients to my studio and show off my work, but now I get paid more to post content then I do recording for artists! … I “Lil String” (@lilstringtherapper on Instagram) was working in becoming an established mixer trying to better my work and for years and I offered free studio time for a long time until I built up a professional booth and got great equipment to point I was confident in my work.  Read more>>

Dawn Newbern | Artist/Textile Designer

Twenty-five years ago as my husband and I were working intensely in our careers, in a larger population city, with our six month old baby boy, we decided to make some drastic life changes and move to a very small town in southern Georgia. We longed to enjoy a simpler laid-back lifestyle and also wanted to pursue my husband’s dreams. I left my full-time career of a Dental Hygienist and began working very part-time so that I could “raise” our precious boy at home. At that time, I became interested in painting and began painting glassware for a few local and regional gift shoppes. Read more>>

Aliya Brooks | Mobility & Wellness Expert

My thought process behind starting my business was deeply rooted in honoring and carrying forward the legacy of my grandmother Millie, who taught me the importance of mobility, wellness, and daily stretching. Growing up, I spent a year living with her and countless weekends there since I was 2 years old. Movement was a central part of our lives. My grandmother, along with my mother, was a dancer, and she made it a point to instill the values of discipline and consistency in me from a very young age. Every morning, we would start our day in her beautiful, sunlit living room, where she would guide me through stretching, variations of yoga, and dance routines. Read more>> 

Sabika Naqvi | Co-Founder of Little Chirya

Starting my own business was driven by both need and passion. As a parent, I found it challenging to find baby clothing that was both gentle on my children’s skin and environmentally sustainable. I wanted soft, durable, eco-friendly fabrics in subtle colors without distracting prints or logos on onesies. I saw a gap in the market for simple, elevated baby clothing that felt special. Read more>>

India Gay | Entrepreneur, Content Creator and Marketing Professional

I started Synai Symone at just 14 years old. Growing up, I dealt with mild eczema breakouts and often turned to natural DIY solutions for my hair and skin. I became obsessed with creating homemade body butters, soaps, and hair masks—Shea butter, aloe vera, and avocado oil were practically my best friends. Selling these creations wasn’t on my mind until a teammate tried my body butter and encouraged me to start selling. Read more>>

Crystal Morrow | Graphic Designer

My thought process prior to starting my business what my targeting marketing was going to be. So I narrowed it down I was going to provide truck drivers with decals and lettering for their semi trucks. I learned the process of the job. Invested in the equipment and started providing the services. Read more>>

Dasheel Ballard | | Owner of Go and Grow Podcast | self published author of my ebook

I always knew I wanted to start my own business but this time it was different in August 2023 I got in a bad car accident from that car accident I couldn’t work so I lost everything in that time I asked myself will I still trust God if everything is stripped from me and I said yes so I decided to fight and my brother told me I should do a podcast some years ago but I didn’t believe in myself but this time it was now or never, so what sparked it was wanting a better life for my 4 yr old daughter. I just knew I could do anything I put my mind too and I knew God had his hands on me. Read more>>

Deborah Long | Owner Aesthetician and Laser Practitioner

I always wanted to own my own business someday. However, I was kind of catapulted into taking that leap when my current place of employment broke my trust by some unethical practices and dishonest conversations. I could no longer make it ok in my heart to stay employed there, and was not feeling like I could trust another employer not to do the same. So I started to research opening my own space, praying about it with my husband we decided to take the risk.

Devin & Jasmine Thomas | BrandUz, it is spelled with a Z NOT a S.

Our thought process initially was to Start a Brand and from there BRANDING OURSELVES.. Read more>>

Kelsey Vieira | Brand Owner & Digital Marketer

KRVATURE has always been a part of me—it actually began in college as a fashion and styling blog. The name stuck because it’s derived from my initials, KRV, and it’s always felt personal and unique. Fast forward to the pandemic, like most people, I found myself with a lot of time to reflect and get creative. I’ve always been a hands-on person, someone who loves crafting and turning nothing into something. Read more>>

Janelle Dawsey | Marriage & Family Therapist

One of the main reason I decided to start my own practice is because I saw how business and tech leaders were getting into the therapy field. And while they do bring innovation to the world of therapy, I believe we, as therapists, should be the main leaders operating within our space. So I decided to learn more about business not only to help me, but also other therapists. Read more>>

Dylan Armstrong | Intimate Wedding & Elopement Photographer

First off, I have to mention that I’m in this business with my other half, Esteban, who has truly been my rock through it all. We love this question because the idea really sparked one morning over coffee—two creatives dreaming about what life could look like if we truly pursued our passions. Both of us had been creating in one way or another for years, and starting something that was ours felt like the natural next step—a way to capture incredible moments for others in a way that reflected who we are. Read more>>

Melissa Smith | Candle Artisan

When the world came to a standstill in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, like many others, I found myself navigating a new kind of stillness. I had spent so much of my time balancing my full-time job and my kids’ school and sporting events that I’d never really slowed down enough to explore a creative outlet. Read more>>

Rachel Mcmullen | Fishing Angler and Owner/CEO of Tits-N-Trout, LLC

There wasn’t a real thought process in starting my own business with Tits-N-Trout. I am already a self employed business owner in the remodeling and design industry in the ATL area. Starting my own fishing guide business began as a simple joke between friends and the more the idea generated excitement, the exposure created a sense of purpose towards this path in life. The need to explore how this can not only become a real profitable venture but also how I can help other women to break away from the comforts of everyday life and take on a new challenge/personal goal to learn how to fish and do it on their own became my objective. I began fishing solo after many losses and tragedies I suffered in a short period of time and to prove to myself that I can do anything a man can do if not better. Read more>>

Brittany Hendricks | Founder | Lead Organizer | Wardrobe Stylist

When I started Drift Avenue: Life and Style, I wanted to incorporate a brand that honored my upbringing and also my passions in life. I spent a lot of my childhood on a street in Lawrence, New Jersey called “Drift Avenue.” I learned a lot about myself there and learned how to build and create whatever I put my mind to. I had a passion early on for fashion, styling and as I grew older, organizing! Pulling from my early retail experience, I learned quickly how to quickly make clothes look professionally displayed and always had an eye for placement. I decided to create a business where I could take those talents into people’s homes and give them a sense of pride of their hard earned belongings. After 10 years of practice and tweaking the business, I solidified Drift Avenue into a one-stop-shop concierge service where I not only tackle closet projects, but I also organize closets, kitchens, washrooms, packing for travel and even facilitate the organization for creative projects like photoshoots. Read more>>

Kaimel Ryans | Rising Underground Artist & CEO

My thought process was pretty cliche but also interesting. The vision of me owning a business goes back to when I was a young kid playing monopoly with family and friends. Since then I’ve always had the inspiration and urge to become a successful business-owner. It wasn’t until after high school graduation that I developed a good plan and the confidence to leap with no fear into the life as an CEO. Read more>>

Ryan Crum | Earthling

To be completely honest, I was angry. I was laid off in January 2022, and even though I didn’t love my job, it made me feel very disposable. I told myself that I never wanted to feel that way again and I suddenly went from feeling angry to feeling inspired. I was already thinking about cleaning cars in my building as a side hustle while working, and now I had the opportunity to go all in and see what was possible. After a month of planning and preparation, Crum’s Mobile Wash and Wax was born. Read more>>

Alex Malone | Artist & Creative Director

In 2013 I attended a trade school in Edison New Jersey called Job Corps.
There I met a group of like minded creatives, from music to photography/ videography, fashion and acting. We quickly formed a bond and figured we needed to come up with a name. We decided to call our collective “3rd Veyeb”. I realized that other collectives like ASAP Mob and Taylor Gang had their own Merch, So I brought the my idea to the table. It wasn’t long before I had their attention. I remember saying “Why would we pay to wear someone else’s name or logo, when we can rock our own. I created Vybrnt as a means to connect with our audience beyond music. Read more>> 

Vanessa Taylor | Professional Dog Trainer & Owner of Pup’s & Paws Dog Training LLC

I’ve always been passionate about the unique bond between dogs and humans. Growing up, I immersed myself in books and dog training shows, often helping neighbors with their dogs, who would quickly ‘behave’ better around me. This passion deepened further when I volunteered at a local dog shelter. I noticed many families surrendering their dogs due to behavioral issues, and I realized that, with a little guidance, I could help keep these families together. Read more>>

Amber Cox | CEO Founder

Starting our own business was always a dream of ours, fueled by a passion for entrepreneurship and the desire for time freedom. We were inspired by the idea of a holistic lifestyle that emphasizes wellness and mindful living.
When we considered the amount of toxicity we’re exposed to daily—whether from the environment, products, or food—we knew we wanted to make a difference. Creating a non-toxic cleaning business that focuses on home wellness felt like the perfect way to contribute. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help others create healthier, more balanced spaces. Read more>>

Rhapsody In Ebony | Virtuosic. Sublime. Brilliant.

I’ve been so very fortunate to achieve many goals in my life. One that remains is to curate my musical art on my own terms with complete freedom. Rhapsody in Ebony is a passion project of mine and I’m so excited to cultivate it and see it thrive!
– Dr. Tia Dionne Roper, Founder/CEO/Artistic Director of Rhapsody in Ebony Read more>>

Nekaybaw Brooks | Braider & Braiding Instructor

My journey into entrepreneurship began with a personal need—I started learning how to braid simply because I needed my own hair done. After practicing on myself, I decided to take a leap of faith and try braiding for others. I knew I had some natural skill, but I wanted to refine it, so I took a few braiding classes and started posting on Instagram to let people know I was a braider. It was nerve-wracking at first because, as a teacher, hair wasn’t something people associated with me. It felt like a completely different path, but I’m so glad I took that chance. Read more>>

Je’quita Johnson | Children’s Book Author – Writing Coach – Positivity Advocate – Ms. Curvy Atlanta

As a former teacher, I was driven to start my business by a desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. I recall a specific moment when I was searching for books on a particular topic to share with my students but couldn’t find anything suitable. This sparked an idea – what if I wrote a book myself? Read more>>

Buck Davis | Speaker, Consultant & Founder of u_mttr; apparel

Freedom. I wanted to be in control of my time, my product, and my income. In a previous career I was an employee and I was not in control of my schedule, what we created, or my salary. While I had (and still have) tremendous respect for the person I worked for (and our products), there was a deep desire to be in control of my professional evolution. Even if it meant I made less money and worked more hours. Read more>>

Travis Sanders | Business Owner & Author and Master Barber

When I started Haircuts by Travis and Lansing Barber College, my thought process was driven by a combination of passion, community impact, and strategic planning.
Starting Haircuts by Travis and Lansing Barber College- Identifying a Need and Passion:
– Passion for Barbering: My journey began with a deep passion for barbering. Graduating from Lansing Barber Styling College, I felt a strong desire to give back to the community that shaped my career. Read more>>

Sierra Johnson | Licensed Massage Therapist

I wanted to build a safe space where individuals can come to relax, rejuvenate, and regroup. A place where all of the treatments or service being receive are holistic and being provided by trained professionals. Also, I want to bring awareness to the community and educate everyone about holistic healthcare practices, letting everyone know that there are other ways to heal to the mind, body and soul naturally. Read more>>

Dinika Johnson | Owner & Baker of Eva Christine’s Sweets

The thought process behind my brand was two parts. Growing up both of my grandmother’s baked the most delicious desserts. They are both wonderful women who play a large role in my life growing up. I wanted to find a way to continue to honor them and share with the world about who they are. I’ve always loved art and the process of creating so baking was the perfect marriage between the two once I realized I could incorporate art into my baking. I need my business Eva Christine’s Sweets after both of my grandmothers, and have been able to share with the world about you through the process of creating desserts. Read more>>

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