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.

Eva Reede

I didn’t originally plan on being a wedding and branding photographer for my career. Five years ago I was on course to becoming a holistic research scientist. I entered the field to help women who struggled with infertility and hormonal imbalances. While I enjoyed the challenge of pursuing this career, door after door closed on me and it seemed as though I was forcing something that was not meant to be. I ended up taking a break from my studies and never turned back. Read more>>

Terry Hall

I was attending a lot of private events and meeting high-profile people that’s already in the industry of film, music and modeling. So a part of networking is contact some people will give you their Instagram and fortunate enough to get direct contact as well as Instagram. And I figured why not build a billion dollar network company. It was created for any and everyone with a driven passion for elevating their career and needing that one person to help take it to the next level. Read more>>

Yanelis Funez

Starting my business was a simple thought process sparked by an idea and a dream. I knew I wanted to work with creative artists from different spaces in diverse capacities such as creative directing, videography, photography, interviewing, and even management. My adoration for creativity and a desire to make a tangible impact helped make my moves strategic by identifying my passions and leveraging my experiences. I realized my love for marketing and helping others amplify their voices. Paired with the experiences I’ve gained up until this point, it gave me the confidence and practical skills needed to start my business. I conducted thorough research to understand the market needs, identifying gaps that I could fill with my unique skill set and perspective. I envisioned a business that would partner with organizations, artists, and creatives, helping them navigate the media and entertainment industry effectively. I focused on creating a brand that was not just about services but also about education, inspiration, and relatability, ensuring that my business would stand out and resonate with clients. I developed a detailed business plan, outlining my goals, strategies, and the steps needed to achieve them. Execution of this plan was key to turning my vision into reality. Finally, I embraced the importance of adaptability and continuous learning, knowing that the business landscape is ever-evolving and that growth comes from staying informed and flexible. This thought process helped me lay a strong foundation for my business and guided me through the initial phases of entrepreneurship. Read more>>

Alyson Hoag

I have two businesses. First, I started Authentic Beauty Makeup Salon & Brow Studio 15 years ago because there was no place to go to learn how to do makeup other than department stores and no place that existed at that time where you felt respected and where you weren’t sold products that you didn’t need. Read more>>

Maria Schingeck

From a young age, I aspired to be a business owner, initially dreaming of a career in healthcare. Born in Iran and raised as a Baptist, my family and I moved to the United States for safety, settling in Texas in 2006. While pursuing my education to become a doctor or nurse practitioner, life took an unexpected turn that led me down a different path. In Texas, I worked as a medical assistant and became pregnant with my first child amidst a difficult breakup. I was disowned me upon discovering my pregnancy, forcing me to stay with my abusive boyfriend. His abuse escalated to the point where he nearly killed me while I was pregnant. Desperate for safety, I escaped to Georgia and met Ryan, my now husband, who helped me find a job and encouraged me to continue my education. Read more>>

Mesita Partridge

I wanted to start a business to build a legacy for my family. More than anything I loved the thought of working for myself, and it has definitely paid off. Read more>>

Aubrielle Tillman-Francisco

Before I started my business, I was in college at Bowie State University working towards my Bachelor’s in Business Administration. At the time, I had worked 4 jobs total at different establishments over a course of 4-5 years. It wasn’t until I had an epiphany one day in the middle of class when I asked myself “Why am I working for all these terrible businesses and either getting fired for something that wasn’t my fault or I have to quit due to poor management, when I am in school learning how to run my own business?” It was at that point that I decided that I was gonna start my business and refrain from ever working for another person again making someone else rich. I was receiving all the tools I needed in school to run a successful business and I decided to use it to my advantage. I was, and still am, heavily passionate about the artistry of makeup and drawing, so I just made that as the basis for my business where Karma’s Kreations Artistry was born on March 7, 2018. Read more>>

Laura Torres Pezzotti | FIRULAYS PET CARE INC & LTP ASSOCIATES LLC – CEO

I THINK WE ALL COME TO US TO DEVELOP OURSELVES IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER; IT WAS JUST THE RIGHT MOMENT I HAD WAITED FOR SO LONG Read more>>

Adam Meyer | Outlier Solutions Group – Event First Aid and Training Services

Outlier Solutions Group was founded as a natural next step to the work I’ve been doing here in Atlanta alongside some of the best and brightest medical and spiritual/behavioral healthcare providers for the last 10 years. The fan convention community has a lot of unique aspects to it when it gathers, one of which is that it can present some challenges for folks who have chronic medical or behavioral health concerns, or who are just neurodivergent. 99 times out of 100, these challenges are easily overcome with some basic first aid and support from folks who are knowledgeable about what they’re experiencing and who can offer an intermediate first step between “do nothing and suffer” or “call an ambulance for everything” . Read more>>

Manjul Mishra | Ayurvedic Health Counselor & Yoga Instructor

The decision to start my own business, Ayunidhi, was motivated by my personal journey. I had dedicated over two decades to a successful career in Silicon Valley’s corporate landscape, before making this change. Read more>>

Joslyn Hampton | Lead Singer and owner of Joslyn & The Sweet Compression, LLC

Working for other people throughout my whole life has never been satisfying. I was fulfilling other people’s dreams while my passions were deferred. I realized that I was nothing more than a number to the last company I worked for. I was unappreciated and replaceable to them. The major catalyst to pursing my dreams fulltime was Covid. I quit my job and started going harder with my first love, music, and other passions. I took a chance on myself to build my empire by following my dreams. Read more>>

Aiyoki Oliver | CEO/FOUNDER

In 2020, I embarked on an exciting and transformative journey by founding Aiyoki Cosmetics. The thought process behind starting my own business was driven by a combination of passion, vision, and the desire to make a meaningful impact in the beauty industry. Read more>>

Erika Smith | The Editors Advocate + Producer

My thought process was to start and see where it will take me. As well as figuring out a solution to a problem. During my business transitions, it allow for trial and error to help figure out what I direction I should go. Read more>>

Dr. Malcolm Adams | Economist & Entrepreneur

My journey began with a clear vision to bridge economic theory with actionable strategies that enhance societal well-being. I recognized a gap in how economic principles were applied to solve real-world problems, especially in under-served communities. The idea was to create sustainable solutions that leverage technology in agriculture and education, thereby fostering economic empowerment and growth. Read more>>

Sam Jones | Filmmaker

Starting my own production business, 3 Paw Productions, was a natural progression of my my film career. After gaining invaluable experience working as a freelancer and studio manager in New York City, I realized it was now my time to take the next step. Read more>>

Terri Davis | Entrepreneur

Starting a business for me was deeply personal and driven by a profound experience. After losing my younger brother, I reflected on life’s uncertainties and the importance of pursuing meaningful goals while I am here. I was inspired to create something enduring, something that could make a positive impact and allow more time for my loved ones. Identifying something I deeply cared about and enjoyed became my mission. With the urging and continued help of my family, I channeled my grief into developing Sweet T’s Confections. Read more>>

Jevon Wilson | Owner of Up Next Kennels LLC & Positive Life Coach

The thought process behind starting my own businesses was that, I always wanted to work for myself as well as build a few businesses of my own. Read more>>

EazieDaGod AriaThaGoddess | Lifestyle Instructors

1. Starting our own business was driven by a combination of personal passion and a desire for greater autonomy. We wanted to create something that aligned with our interests and values, while also addressing a gap in the market. The thought of building something from the ground up, making our own decisions, and having a direct impact on the success of the venture was incredibly motivating. Additionally, we saw it as an opportunity to challenge ourselves, learn new skills, and potentially create a positive impact on the community. Read more>>

Vanessa Uribe | Comunicadora de Atlanta Habla Español

I like to help and not put limits on my dreams. Since I arrived in the United States I realized that the Hispanic community is very large, so through “Atlanta Habla Español” my goal is to help, transmitting positive and interesting information to the entire community. Plus, being able to be me again! and do what I like. I am a professional in the area of ​​social communication, and I am passionate about this. Read more>>

Bejeana Breneville | Creative, Event Programmer and Founder of Selfvestments

When I started Selfvestments in Dec 2019, I was a fresh college grad with no knowledge of how credit worked, budgeting on a salary for the first time, beginning a 401K, and the overall apartment approval process. These were all foreign topics to me, and I didn’t know how to get started, where to look, or how to learn at a beginner level. As I was searching and learning, I knew I wasn’t alone. I wanted to create a platform that cultivated learning foundational life knowledge or “adulting” workshops accessible to underrepresented communities that are not always included in personal development and self-investment conversations. Read more>>

Nirvana Leal | Entrepreneurial investor and digital influencer

Since childhood, I have always thought about having my own business. I have admired the idea of working for myself and setting my own hours to have more freedom. I wanted to do something that would help people or make the world a better place. Read more>>

 Amoire Sweet | Amoire Sweet | Graphic Designer & Multi Business Owner

When I was around 15 I knew I wanted to start my own business because the entire world had shut down . I wanted to do something not many people my age were doing which led me to creating a graphic design business . JustJarieCo was founded March 2021. I knew I wanted to put my creative talents to use and I did just that . Being a successful business woman was always the end goal for me ! But not even only graphic gift baskets , body scrubs , lip glosses and now nails . Always having multiple sources of income and now nails is next on my list ! Read more>>

Tamika Bell | Life Coach

The genesis of Amunet Apothecary stems from a lifelong connection to hair care, health, and wellness, which began in my youth in Harlem. Despite not formally working in the hair industry, my passion has been fueled by continuous networking and staying abreast of natural hair trends, products, styles, and care standards. This immersion has deepened my understanding of the transformative impact of holistic hair care practices. Read more>>

Aileen Escarpio | Science Teacher and Artist

In 2019, my family felt called to move to Georgia after being born and raised in Miami, Florida. The change would allow me to work part time as a teacher at my son’s small school but also came with a big adjustment in our family budget. Then the world came to a halt in 2020 and I needed an outlet. I had been creative all my life but focused on making art for my family and friends. I finally had the courage – and need – to try to sell my work to strangers and opened up my Etsy shop and Instagram account to promote and sell my art. The business allowed me to use my creative abilities to deal with the slower pace during that time and helped to supplement my family income. Read more>>

Robert Cox | Chocolate Fanatic

The thought process behind starting my own business was inspired by a quest to find value. Along my journey of finding self-value, I felt that it was time to do something that I could pour my entire being into without compromise. To do-so, it had to be something that I enjoyed, which in this case revolves around chocolate. I’ve been a chocoholic my entire life, I am very passionate when it comes to finding the right concoction to satisfy the chocolate monster inside of me. However, I didn’t want to be “just another bakery” or a generic cookie shop. One thing that sets me apart from the rest is the balance of sweetness within all the products that I offer. My product is gourmet because of its rich flavor profiles, wonderful mouthfeel while indulging, and the balance of sweetness. This passion helped me to form the basis of Cookie Tignz. As a result, a fair portion of my target audience has become those who don’t usually eat sweets. My thought process was not just to share delicious treats with the world but it is also to do something that would become bigger than me. Read more>>

Oshrit Hakmon | photographey

From IDF Instructor to Atlanta Photographer: Osherit Hakmon’s Journey of Self-Discovery

Osherit Hakmon’s story is a testament to the power of embracing change and pursuing one’s passions. Nine years ago, she made the life-altering decision to leave her native Israel and follow her husband’s job to Atlanta, Georgia. This transition brought about a significant shift in her lifestyle, transforming her from a busy, independent professional into a full-time stay-at-home mom. Read more>>

Sam Burgess | Chef, owner

I started my business because I surrounded myself around like minded people when i came to college. My closest friends all started businesses around the same timeframe and that motivated me and gave me the courage to start a business of my own. Read more>>

Chanel Nicole Scott | Creator, Executive Producer, Author & Host

When I first launched CheMinistry, it was driven by a deep passion to create a space where I could discuss my own failed relationships with others who shared similar experiences. Initially, I didn’t view it as a business. However, as the platform evolved, it gained popularity as an event in Atlanta, GA, and Charlotte, NC. After seven years of hosting these events, I was offered the chance to produce a TV pilot on Fox Soul, where I would serve as the executive producer of my own show. This led to another opportunity to produce my second TV show, Relationships Matter, which is available on In The Black Network. Read more>>

Erica Anderson | Author and Certified Personal Development Coach

At the age of nine, I attended a “Take Your Child to Work Day” event with Girls, Inc. We ended up on the campus of Georgia Tech, where a therapist had a group of us in her office, explaining her day to day. I’ll never forget what happened in my soul when she explained that she was an entrepreneur and that she worked for herself. I knew from that moment that I wanted to become an entrepreneur. I just didn’t know what that process would be. Read more>>

Selina Wiggins | CEO & Founder

I left my corporate job because I wanted to do something that is more purpose driven, something that is both more fulfilling for me personally but also has a more tangible impact on our society. When I had the idea of the Heinsch House I saw it as a gift from the universe, and I knew that’s what I am supposed to do. Read more>>

 Lindsey Tomaine | Heirloom & Portrait Photographer

For the past few years, I had been thinking of starting my own photography business. From the time when I was a little girl, I have always loved taking photos, particularly portraits of people. After my daughter was born in 2022, I realized that it was the right time to embark upon a new adventure and pursue this long-standing dream of mine. Aside from having the opportunity to spend my time working in a field that I loved, my business has afforded me flexibility to manage having a career, care for my young family, and develop an additional income stream. Read more>>

Cristie Wilt | Owner ATL SITTER

ATL Sitter is actually not my first business venture. I’ve been down this path before as a franchise owner of a similar childcare service in Indianapolis that I launched in 2016. While I was the top performing franchise owner and location, I felt somewhat limited being in a franchise model and I didn’t really have the freedom to make the decisions that I felt were important. My family and I had also made the move to Atlanta and while I was able to manage my franchise in Indy from afar, it wasn’t ideal, and I eventually decided to sell it. I wanted to bring what I’d learned from that experience here to Atlanta and I knew that this time I would have the opportunity to do things the way I thought would be best. I also realized that I really enjoy working with families and helping them find reliable childcare and I knew it was something I was good at. Read more>>

Jennifer Rives | Permanent jewelry artist & teacher

I was missing a creative outlet that would also provide me with an extra income in addition to my career. As my children have grown older, I found myself looking for some way to allow myself to be creative. Read more>>

David Cardenas | Father, Friend, Business Owner, Adventurer, Music Lover, Chess Enthusiast

I made the decision to become an entrepreneur because I wanted to be a role model for my children and achieve a personal goal. I chose to venture into the home services industry, specifically junk removal, due to its resilience to economic downturns and relatively low barriers to entry. This seemed like the perfect starting point for my business. Read more>>

Salina Thompson | Small Business Consultant & Project Management Professional

In 2018, I landed a full-time position in local government, marking a milestone in my career journey. This job came with valuable benefits like medical coverage, life insurance, and a retirement plan, which I was thrilled about as a single mother raising two young children. However, my excitement was tempered by the financial reality of being the sole provider for my family while also shouldering daycare costs. Read more>>

Kimberly Kisner | Owner & Founder of HBCU Social

Starting HBCU Social, was born from a conversation that I had with my best friend from college. Her daughter who attended an HBCU herself was disenchanted with the lack of dating options on campus. We didn’t have that issue because we attended school in the AUC. Clark-Atlanta University to be more specific. The conversation sparked an idea. The idea of having a mobile app that would connect HBCU students so that they could enhance their dating options beyond their specific campus. The app would also be used for friendship, networking and study partners. Additionally, HBCU Social mobile app would be a platform where students could be connected to internships, jobs and scholarships. The conversation was just the beginning. I also realized that the app could touch more than HBCU students, it could also touch alumni, Divine 9 and even HBCU supporters. Read more>>

Jeanie Pipitone | Business Owner, Harmony Healing 108 Tuning Forks

Harmony Healing 108 began with a modest $600 investment and a vision. I initially approached my friend, Roxane Conticello, with a partnership idea that didn’t pan out. She then came to me and proposed a business centered on tuning forks with frequencies derived from sacred numbers. I saw the potential and invested $600 to kick-start the venture. From the outset, we’ve operated debt-free, with Roxane’s expertise in tuning fork therapy complementing my role in managing the business. We’ve reinvested our profits into expanding our inventory, enhancing branding, and improving packaging. This approach has fueled our steady growth, allowing us to carve out a niche in the market for unique, custom frequency tuning forks that are not found anywhere else. Read more>>

Shunjiro Okamoto | Clothing designer

Since high school I’ve always enjoyed making my own clothing designs. It was originally gonna be making casual streetwear pieces but I decided to add more themes of my Japanese heritage into my brand. Read more>>

Elisha Havard | Lash Artist, Brow Groomer/Waxer & Natural Hair Stylist

Before I started my current business, The Loveli Experience, I sold lash strips, lipgloss, clothes, etc. Still, I made sure that it was at an affordable price since my target audience was my classmates and other college students. But, I found that some of my customers didn’t know how to put on the lashes that they purchased from me. I appreciated my customers’ support but knew I had to offer a solution that made it easier and more convenient to give my clients that lash look they wanted without all the hassle. So, after doing a lot of research because during that time individual lash extensions were not popular, I found someone in my area to teach me, took my 9 to 5 check, and used the entire thing on my lash extension course because investing in yourself is the best thing that you can do. Since then, it has been 3 years in the industry and I haven’t looked back. I even added other services like, brow grooming, and waxing services and I have also currently graduated from cosmetology school which is huge for me. I’ve always been interested in offering hair services to my clients, specifically taking care of their natural crowns and “hair” underneath so I’m excited to start offering those services to my clients. Read more>>

Austin Stendo | Influencer & Clothing Brand Owner

I always wanted to create something for myself to express similar thoughts, creativity and experiences. Read more>>

Ray Barlow | Humanitarian, nonprofit founder , professional boxer, hvac technician

My thoughts about my reasoning was, That I once experienced being less fortunate and homeless for a period of time. I also from then on after recovering from financial instability understood how most of us Americans are but a paycheck freeze away from facing homelessness in a sense. Like think about it. If our waves of incomes just ceased in every way how long could we last comfortably until we can’t any longer. Read more>>