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.

Robert H. Davis

In June 1997, I was Director of Special Events and Special Projects at my alma mater, Morehouse College. I had been a part of the Executive Administrative Team since August 1988. A new vice president of development was hired and he issued termination letters to the entire department and wanted everyone to reapply for their positions, I decided, not to apply and took my termination letter, applied for unemployment and decided to launch my event management and public relations company — Bolton & Company, now known as R.H. Bolton, Inc. Needless to say, Morehouse College became the first client that I signed. Read More>>

Kateryna Wolf

I started my own business many years ago because I felt a strong need to implement my own vision for the interior design process. While I gained valuable experience working under others, I often found myself limited by someone else’s guidelines and creative direction. I wanted the freedom to explore ideas that felt more personal, more intentional — and more reflective of how I believe good design should function and feel. Read More>>

Dexter Cameron

You know how you have that feeling that you were born to do something? That’s how I feel about real estate. I’ve worked in financial services and telecom/technology for 19 years. After my 3rd layoff, I’m like, ‘you know, this isn’t what I want to do anymore”. I was tired of being held by the “golden handcuffs” and chasing the next role where some company was looking for a “rockstar” to catapult sales on their channel team.  Read More>>

Savannah Hamilton

I attended the Kansas City Art Institute, where I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and built a strong, versatile foundation in creative skills that translate across multiple mediums. I chose to focus my studies on animation, spending three years learning traditional animation principles and expanding my skill set across various techniques. Read More>>

Danelle Brister

I’ve always been someone who sees beyond the box, especially the ones we’re told or expected to stay in.

When I was a first-time manager, I noticed my direct reports often settled for roles that didn’t fully reflect their gifts. They assumed they had to fit into what already existed. But I could see more for them. I understood their natural strengths, what motivated them, and how to align their work with the bottom line.Later, as a coach, I realized my clients had the skills to land the promotions they desired they simply needed permission to imagine more. To let their vision lead, and then build the strategy to bring it to life. Read More>>

Emily Diane

As a massage therapist, the paths to a career are typically work for a chain, a small company, or begin your own practice as a solo practitioner. I’ve been fortunate to work with some wonderful small companies before finally opening my own practice, Cult Bodywork, located within Liminal Space Collective in Little Five Points, Atlanta. Read More>>

Sydney Micheletti

My thought process behind starting my own therapy practice was all about me getting the freedom and flexibility that comes with that. At the time I was working for a private practice where the owner was trying out having an employee for the first time. To make a really long story short it was the worst experience I’ve had job wise, I was miserable and that really gave me the push I needed to want to be my own boss.  Read More>>

MeLia Symone

I wanted to create something for myself that not only generated income but also provided value to others in a meaningful way. My short-term rental is designed with tranquility and peace in mind—a space where people can truly unwind and reset. The idea came from a desire to build something intentional, where the energy of the space offers comfort, calm, and a break from the chaos of everyday life. It was important for me to create a business that reflects both purpose and care. Read More>>

Parthenia Denise Figaro

My thought process behind starting my own business was rooted in both necessity and clarity. Two years ago, I left Amazon after years of leading high-impact initiatives — from launching last-mile delivery stations across the country to working on cutting-edge retail technology like Just Walk Out. My last project, consulting with NYU Health on the rollout of Amazon One’s biometric ID technology, reminded me just how much I love working at the intersection of tech, systems, and physical space. Read More>>