Starting a business is a commitment and requires dedication, resources and sacrifice. We asked some of the rising stars in our community how they thought through the idea of starting their own businesses.

Sonya D. Riviere | Hairstylist and Makeup freelancer

What drove me to start my own business of becoming a freelance artist was that my bookings were growing outside of the salon. I had a makeup artist friend and later mentor that became a freelancer first, and that inspired me to employ myself as well. Read more>>

Alex Harvey | Black Mogul ENT

To bring live music back to the city of Atlanta. To give musicians and singers opportunities to show their God-given talent to the world. I want to touch the lives of people through music because music heals the soul. Read more>>

Karen Rogers | Author & Educator

Growing up, I always loved to write, and I decided one day that I had to take that leap! I feared that people would not like my writing, and I feared criticism. After losing my sister, Lisa, in 2020, both my in-laws and my son, Dwight, in 2021, I decided I needed to get my book out there. Read more>>

Crystal Borges | KXA Co founder

A K-pop concert is a lot different than other Western artist shows. One significant difference is the Freebies. Fans are handing out banners, slogans, keychains, bracelets, and photocards for free. This was something I instantly fell in love with and knew I wanted to be a part of. Read more>>

Davidson Destinobles | Executive Chef

Well going into any type of business is a scary thing however one as to calculate he or her own risk. My think has always been on how I can create wealth for me and financial freedom for me and my family. And once you got into business you’ll quickly realized those things aren’t easily tangible. But if you work hard towards them, with a little luck you can achieve them. Read more>>

Glody/Christian Ekofo/N’Siny | CEO’s/Founders

Our thought process behind starting our own business was essentially thinking about others in our community. We reflected on why and how such a rich country like Congo is looked down upon; why is the country overlooked? Yes, we’re rich in minerals, but we’re much more than that. We looked at our Congolese community here in Toronto and thought that we can shake things up and create a corporation with different branches of businesses. Read more>>

Jerome and Ivy Moore | Relationship Experts

Our thought process was controlling our own destiny as a team; which requires dedication, commitment, and tough decision making on working with relationships and in a relationship. Read more>>

Keisha Jackson | Medical Spa Owner & Registered Nurse

This is my 9th year being a registered nurse, and though I’ve always loved helping people, I wanted to help people in a different light. Covid is the big bad wolf we all hate so much. Working before the pandemic and then through the pandemic were honestly 2 different eras of nursing for me. It opened my eyes to so much, and how important health and wellness were for all of us. Read more>>

Elisabeth White | The Pretty Palace , CEO

I started my businesses in July 2020 during the pandemic. Honestly, just like most people I did an excessive amount of online shopping. I kept seeing charm bracelets and instantly feel in love with them. After purchasing a couple of different bracelets I decided to jump on YouTube and learn how to make them. Now the rest is history. Read more>>

Monique Nicholas | Owner of Nicholas Brooklyn

I embarked on the journey of starting my own business as a tribute to my father’s legacy. With him establishing the company in 1974, I saw an opportunity to carry forward his entrepreneurial spirit. Although the business initially revolved around Caribbean paraphernalia, my fervor for health and wellness compelled me to reshape its trajectory. Read more>>

DJ Mayo | Deejay

I was tired of working long hours, making money for other companies and owners. I always told myself that, while I’m young, I’m going to invest all of my time and energy into my business and see where it takes me. I never want to look back with regrets on decisions i didn’t make. Read more>>

Chris & Abigail Orr | Autograph Memorabilia Seller

In early 2023, after an almost two year battle with epilepsy (Abigail), she and I were looking for some opportunities where we could connect. As a high-school volleyball player, she no longer was able to compete in school capacity, so we had to find something. After seeing an autograph event advertised in our local area, we decided to attend with the hopes of taking a few pictures and getting a few things signed. Read more>>

Melissa Mor | Founder, Mrs. Push- an online Push Present destination

Push presents are something that I became passionate about once I had kids. About 8 years ago when my oldest was born, I was on the quest to find the perfect push present. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted, but knew it had to be extra special considering this was a life changing event. My husband got even more overwhelmed. Read more>>

AL Huggins | Event, Art and Travel Consultant

My main thought was to help someone, the business came later. As learned more about how companies worked and make their profits off employees skills and labor. I realized that i desired more out of life then what i was getting from my 9 to 5 job. When at work i would always daydream about all the other things i want to do other then be at work. Read more>>

Ladale Nesmith | CEO of Ground Up Media Productions & Managing Director of TUC Magazine

To be honest with you, my thought process behind starting my own business came when I was in a vulnerable state towards the last weekend of 2021. I was sick with COVID at the time and could do nothing but just lay in my bed and contemplate my life up until that point. Read more>>

Sherley Delia | Candlemaker | Healing Artist

The inception of my business idea stemmed from a traumatic experience that pushed me toward self-healing. Upon further exploration, I discovered a recurring generational trauma that needed to be put to an end, and I took it upon myself to be the one to break the cycle in my family. Read more>>

Natalie Therese Wilson | Certified Coach Practitioner, Speaker, Talk-Show Host, Model

After my third breast cancer diagnosis in 2016, I quickly realized that the eight years that had passed since my first diagnosis were all in preparation for what I was brought here to do. I knew I had to share my knowledge and education from my breast cancer journey, how I made my way through the stages of healing, and how I fought my way through adversity to come out on the other side. Read more>>