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.

DR. Ebonee Gresham | Doctor of Nursing Practice, RN, Speaker & Author

For me, it means everything to become a first generation entrepreneur. Being that I was not taught by my mother to be an entreprenuer. We were taught to work a 9-5 for 40-50 years and then retire with a 401k at 65-75 years of age. Learning the pros and cons of becoming an entrepreneur increased my curoisity, and like with anything else that I desired in life, I went for it- and took the risk on myself and my business venture. After being wrongfully termininated from an executive corporate position, which I had given over 6 years of my life to, I I knew then that I would never give anyone the power to take my freedom, my time with my family, put a cap on my worth (salary), nor terminate me whenever they feel like it; I then decided to became my own BOSS! Read more>>

Orlando McGill | Photographer

I always wanted to have a business that I could call my own. I wanted to create financial wealth for the future all while being able to pursue my passion of photography. From being self taught to learning and receiving knowledge from mentors, family and friends has turned my idea into more than just a thought, but into reality Read more>>

Patricia Scott | Animal Services & Rescuer

I started Pawnomenal because I started to see the decline in pet care. Also many animals were forced to stay home while their parents returned to work as the pandemic slowed down, many people thought that were affordable, safe and fun places like Pawnomenal for their pet to visit Read more>>

Hayley Bookhammer | Photographer

I needed a creative release from my every day life. I’ve always been really into art; drawing, painting, ceramics, but never wanted to make a career of it. After working in restaurants for over 10 years, I needed something else. I had a dream that I was a wedding photographer one night and the next morning I went and bought my first camera. I love researching and perfecting my craft. This career allows me to be creative and spend more time with my daughter. Read more>>

Antonio Cappuccino | Plane Spotter

Since i was a child, i was captivated by the aviation world and the magic of flight. With time I developed a passion for photography, so I thought of connecting my two passions into one through plane spotting. Read more>>

Gio Imani | Makeup Artist

I got my first job at 16 like many other people and quickly realized that I’m too self sufficient to work for someone else. To me professionalism is in how you act and treat other people, I never wanted to sacrifice my own style and personality again. Read more>>

Luis Enrique Perez Lopez | Owner of Chispas Snacks & Future Restaurant owner.

Starting my own business was definitely something I always wanted to do, however at the time due to my full time job I didn’t really have the time but the idea was always there. Film went on strike and I decided to start and build by business and snack carts myself. I pushed myself and due to lack of work I knew in my head I wanted this to work no matter what. My wife helped me along the way with designing and social media but we always had our focus on bringing Mexican snack culture to Atlanta. Like the authentic street snacks we all love from Mexico City. Read more>>

Pam Baker | Founder, Widows Who Wine & Co-Founder, ShamRockin’ For A Cure

Widows Who Wine was launched in February of 2023. I lost my husband, Jon, to glioblastoma in November of 2021 and found the resources for navigating my new path as a widow to be sorely lacking. Pretty much everything out there revolved around church grief groups, which do serve a purpose, but they weren’t what I needed. I did give those groups a solid try but ultimately decided to work on my grief recovery by myself. In January of 2023, I saw a post from a young widow on a Facebook page that I follow. She was looking for resources and every single reply to her post were those same church based grief groups. Read more>>

Michael Waters | Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker

My first business was based on my personal experience as an athlete. Playing college sports altered the path of my life and exposed me to a new world. So I set out to help HS athletes get scholarships as a way of keeping them on track academically. To date, we have helped thousands of athlete reach their full potential on and off the field or court. Read more>>

David Aferiat | Entrepreneur | Sustainability, Start-Up Nation Investor

One of my drivers in life is sharing experiences with others that foster a deeper appreciation for what’s in front of us and being present. Everything I’ve done revolves around this deep desire to connect and move forward together.
My French-American heritage drove me to spend many years bringing together family that were separated from war to settle in France and America.
Starting an import company that specializes in certified sustainable, organic, Champagne and wines to America gives me ample opportunity to do this and more. Read more>>

Tartanger Stephens | French Bulldog Breeder

I started Kookie Kennels right after the March 2020 COVID-19 shutdown. I’ve been a government employee since November 2002 and never thought about starting my own business. Like the rest of the world, the shutdown isolated me from my friends and family and forced me to stay home in attempt to slow the spread of the virus. My French Bulldogs brought so much joy and happiness into my life and helped ease the stress of the economic collapse that we all faced. They reduced the stress and anxiety of not knowing how and when the world might open again. They eased the loneliness of being isolated from the rest of the world and kept me active. So, I decided to start Kookie Kennels to share with the love of the breed with the world. Read more>>

Trey Dollas | videographer

When I decided to start my own videography company, 2K Filmzz, I knew I was taking a risk. I had plenty of experience as a freelance videographer, but running a business was something entirely different. I was excited and nervous all at once. The possibilities felt endless, but I was aware of the challenges I could face. I knew I would need to invest money in equipment, hire staff, and create a website and marketing materials. I also had to consider the legal and regulatory requirements for running a business. Despite the uncertainty, I was confident in my skills as a videographer and was eager to get started. I was determined to make 2K Filmzz a success, and I was willing to put in the hard work and dedication it would take. Read more>>

Jennifer Collins | Virtual Science Teacher & Tutor

My thought process behind starting my own business began during covid. I realized the amount of students that were in need of science remediation. I love virtual teaching and tutoring, so it was natural for me to focus on serving students virtually in the science field. Read more>>

Dwyane Stovall | CEO/Founder of LULMagazine & Computer Engineer

During the process of creating (LUL) Let Us Live Magazine, the goal was always to find a unique way where I could make a difference through story-telling, but in my own way. I’ve always had a deep passion for understanding people, exploring different cultures, immersing nyself in various forms of art and entertainment, and so much more. What truly captivates me about the start of the business is how it illuminates the uniqueness that resides within us because we are special. It all starts from the very essence of who we are, something we all share and recognize as our lifestyles. Read more>>

Terez Peguero | Poet

Aspiring to Inspire. Watching a world around you crumble from chaos and uncertainty sparked a revolutionary voice within me. Speaking life into existence in the atmosphere and to my peers gives me life within to heal the world. I sit down each Sunday afternoon and write the next story to grow the conscious of everyone to realize the reality of life; the good, bad, and ugly which overall makes it beautiful. Read more>>

Anthony Jarrard | Founder of 501c3me Non-Profit Solutions

After a successful career as an Executive for a prominent nonprofit organization in Dallas, TX I felt the need to start a company that assisted inner city nonprofit organization in the forms of Money, Manpower, Membership, and Program. I received 2 awards from the Southern Region for having consecutive membership growth year after year, and I was ranked in the top 5 based on money raised through targeted annual fundraising. I even had a speaking engagement with Former Congressman Pete Sessions accompanied with my fundraising chairman a VP of Wealth Management for Merrill Lynch. Read more>>

Andrea Williamson | Fitness Coach & Fitness Influencer

Starting my brand as a fitness coach and influencer came from the thought of scarcity. I say this because I was in a time in my life when everything was falling apart. My relationship was failing and that trickled into so much because we where helping each other and when you are no longer with each other that help stops. I lost my school grants due to not being able to make it to school anymore due to my partner at the time refusing to take me. One day after crying and trying to figure out how I could advance in life with all these obstacles against me a lady reached out to me by liking a picture of hers and told me about an opportunity to become a fitness influencer, changing my life forever. Read more>>

Dustin Spear | Street & Lifestyle Photographer

I’ve been a hobbyist photographer for quite some time and I love everything about the process and activity. I wanted to spend more time with it and extend what I could do with it. Stepping out of the hobbyist space and into the professional space felt like the best next step. Read more>>

Eley – | Lead creative and owner of Eley Photo LLC

Starting my own creative photography company as an educated Black woman in Atlanta has been an incredible journey, filled with both challenges and triumphs. It all began with my passion for photography, a passion that was nurtured during my time in undergrad and continued to grow as I pursued my graduate studies. Little did I know that this passion would eventually lead me to create something truly special for my community. My journey began on the streets, capturing the vibrant essence of Atlanta through my lens. As word spread about the quality of my work, I quickly realized the need to legitimize my business and started the process of obtaining my LLC. Read more>>

Ryan & Jen Mosier | Owners, Sauce Athletics

We decided to start Sauce Athletics because we saw a gap in the industry in our area. There are so many places offering training to youth athletes, and travel programs, but we did not find what we were looking for with our own athletes – a place where they could train, grow, develop, learn to become better teammates and people, and get promoted beyond youth athletics to play beyond high school. Read more>>

Chelsea J | Master Cosmetologist

The reason for me starting my own business is honestly because I love what I do! I want to have something to look back on in life and know I achieved everything I wanted and put smiles on the people’s face who’ve sat in my chair. My daughter is also one of my biggest inspirations, knowing that she is proud of me keeps me going harder. Read more>>

David Agoha | Creative Director

When I dove into the idea of launching my own business, I was all about bolstering my income streams. The world of fashion, a realm I’ve always been head over heels for, stood out as the perfect avenue. I mean, why not make a splash in something you absolutely adore, right? Channeling my enthusiasm, I closely followed the footprints of some remarkable personalities in the fashion cosmos. Their artistry and success were like a fuel to my entrepreneurial fire, propelling me forward with unbridled inspiration and zeal! Read more>>

Mia Wilson | Creator & Hairstylist

I generally just needed a new hobby because I just had started my first year of college. I was adjusting to this new life and journey I just embarked on. And I just listed out the hobbies or gifts I had that I was good at and hair was a one of many. Read more>>

Joyce Stanley | Certified Life Coach & Resume Writer

Starting Stanley Professional Services was a deeply personal journey for me. It all began with my genuine passion for the industry and a burning desire for greater autonomy. I saw an opportunity to offer specialized solutions to clients in a way that truly resonated with my values and my vision of success. Read more>>

Lindsay deOliveira | Cool” Mom & Founder of Soothe Beginnings”

I spent a decade managing others’ multimillion-dollar businesses as a Licensed Optician. When I had my daughter in 2021, my priorities shifted as I transitioned into a stay-at-home mom. During my daughter’s early months, I battled Postpartum Depression as my newborn battled reflux and colic. I wouldn’t wish that experience on anyone. While navigating motherhood, the challenges I was facing made me desperate enough to purchase anything that would stop my daughter (and I) from crying. Pacifiers were a specific hurdle we had to figure out. We purchased so many pacifiers that either she hated, or I hated because I knew I wasn’t giving my daughter the best. No pacifier existed that was hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, easy to clean, and mimicked proper latch. Read more>>

Natasha & Nylen Hickman | Mother & Daughter

This business was a gift to my daughter Nylen, for her 17th birthday. We owned a cupcake shop when she was little and she loved to come bake with me as much as possible. We closed that business but never stopped baking. During this time, my husband became vegan. He would always say, ” I like dessert”, so we started converting our recipes to vegan for him at home. We eventually perfected these recipes to the point that we no longer baked non-vegan desserts at home. During this time so many other things were happening in the world. Covid hit, the vegan population took off in Atlanta (ranked as one of the top 20 cities in the US for vegans and vegetarians), and the mental health of teens (and adults) declined. Nylen spent her entire 9th grade year at home in a virtual classroom. Read more>>

Karen Díaz Cisneros | Founder & CEO of BotOn Health

My thought process behind starting my own business was deeply rooted in my passion for improving healthcare services, particularly in the multicultural landscape of the United States. Having worked extensively in the healthcare technology sector throughout South America, I witnessed firsthand the challenges that healthcare providers and patients faced daily. However, I also recognized that the United States, with its diverse and multicultural population, presented unique healthcare communication challenges. In a country as diverse as the United States, effective healthcare communication is even more critical. Patients from various cultural backgrounds may have different expectations, languages, and healthcare literacy levels. Read more>>

Shackisha Clark | Tax Professional & Life and Health Insurance Broker

My though process behind starting LTP is the fact that ther services that I provide, I realized I needed and I wasn’t made aware that they were available to me. I also love to inform and educate others and being in Finances and living in today’s world People are curious about finances & insurance. Read more>>

Rena Lindquist | Serial Entrepreneur

I want to find the others who also have the same problem. I have started a few startups over the course of my life and some were successful and some were not. But the whole idea of creating from zero is what excites and motivates me. It’s like a building an empire where you are creating and building your base. And that is exactly why I never felt it as work but as something that I enjoy doing. There are a dozen ideas that I want to work on even right now, but I simply can’t. Because if I do that I won’t be able to focus on one and then it would end up being an average product rather than the best. Because no matter, what anyone tells you, you become better at something by spending more time on it. Of course you will have to put your mind to it. That’s a no brainer. Read more>>

Cole Hindenach | Hvac Technician & Social Media entrepreneur

My page on Instagram/Twitter is solely to help spread pop punk, metal, and other alternative music around to people. Therefore I post a bands new album or I share one of their promotional videos. However mainly the page consists of tour posters for the latest up coming tours across the nation. I feel a lot of people benefit from having one page that has all the concerts you’re interested in easily in a column. It’s free and it helps the community Read more>>

Ryan Dirkes | Location Manager & Entrepreneur

I wanted to create a different stream of income other than my regular career working in film. Read more>>