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.

Sander T. Jones

I started my practice because I wanted to provide the kind of healing guidance I needed in my own journey. As someone recovering from Complex PTSD, I know how much trauma—especially when it’s rooted in systemic oppression—can impact our mental wellbeing, emotional peace, and the quality and stability of our relationships. Read More>>

Guido Jessen

In my former life back in the Netherlands, I ran a decent-sized social work company. We specialized in rehabilitating youngsters and adults coming out of prison, or struggling with alcohol, drugs, or personality disorders. Basically, I was in the business of trying to get people back on track—which, let’s be honest, is not for the faint-hearted. Read More>>

Renee Toppin

My business began as a solution to a problem. I identified the problem among my peers who are primarily women of color, as seeking wholeness from the outside in as opposed to healing from the inside out.

My thought process was, what if women of color had a safe space where they could work on themselves spiritually, emotionally, physically and financially. What if black women shifted their attention from the external to the internal. Read More>>

Windy Locke

For me, travel has never just been about the destination, it is about the transformation along the way. Traveling the world with my son showed me just how deeply these experiences can move us. When I thought about starting Inspired Escapes by Windy, I envisioned a business that helps people reconnect with wonder, with each other, and with themselves.  Read More>>

 Erika L. Turner

I had a dream of being a therapist, and owning and operating a mental health private practice over 20 years ago, long before I had even completed my Master’s Degree. I knew it would take years to accomplish my goal. After I completed my education and state licensing credentials, I started my business as a part-time “side hustle”, still maintaining a full-time job due to fears of financial insecurity. Read More>>