Readers often email us asking us for advice about new businesses they are thinking about starting and we often find that many of them don’t have a framework for thinking about a more fundamental question: why should or shouldn’t you start a business?

Below, you’ll find how successful entrepreneurs from across the city thought about this very question when they were considering whether to start their businesses.

Devearn Winbush | CEO/OWNER AND FOUNDER

I was playing in the clubs 7 nights a week I got married and my life changed started going to church because wife wanted a saved husband. So, I prayed and said lord I’ve got all this music in me I need something to do. I had a dream i was doing sound at a stadium. that was the start of small sounds. Read more>>

ShaQwana Evans | Licensed Cosmetologist; Specializing in natural hair, locs & silk presses

My thought process behind starting my business Beauty By Q was my family. I wanted a career that was flexible & allowed me to be a mother. My husband & I have 3 children who are close in age so growing up with babies & a toddler was no joke! They are my reason for continuing to make sure my business succeeds! Read more>>

Jason Leenaarts | Gym Owner & Nutritionist

When I made the decision to go into business for myself, my personal and professional life were both in a chaotic place. That was coupled with the fact that I opened my business in 2009 shortly after the economic downturn in 2008. Depending on your perspective, that was either a fantastic time to open my doors or a terrible one. What I did know was that I had spent the previous 16 years working for corporations and the desire to strike out on my own was strong. I knew I wanted to help people turn their lives around as I had been steadily doing for myself and, in the spring of 2009, I opened the doors to my personal training studio, Revolution Fitness & Therapy (RevFit). Read more>>

Shanice Sample | Business Owner

I have always had an entrepreneur spirit before i even knew exactly what this concept was and before its popularity its gained in this current era. Although in any position that I have ever held in the past I have always been reliable and a hard worker, soon i figured I can apply this mindset into working for myself and going towards my dream. Without even having a real plan developed I just started and have learned things on the way. Read more>>

CaNiesha Praymore | Certified Essential Oils Coach

The idea of starting my own business was born out of my deep passion for essential oils and their natural healing properties. I strongly believe that these oils have the potential to transform lives and improve overall well-being. With this in mind, I decided to take the plunge and create a platform that would enable me to share my knowledge and expertise with others. Read more>>

JODIE OATES-OWEN | Entrepeneur

We purchased a building and had no prospects for tenants. So, we built the business ourselves. Read more>>

KeAnna and Bridget | Co-Founders | Safe Space Curators | Modelers of Healing

Tears, Tides, and Transformation is a healing platform that was birthed in the Winter of 2020 to normalize the conversation of emotional and mental wellness, and doing the work to heal childhood and adulthood trauma. As we caught up after not seeing one another for while due to the pandemic, we vulnerably shared our healing journeys with one another and envisioned creating a space for women of all walks of life to have a space for vulnerable and courageous conversations about their life’s journey. From that conversation, TTT and the podcast was born. Since that time, TTT has evolved from just a podcast, to include workshops, retreats, conferences, inspirational speaking, and products (i.e. coloring book and affirmation decks) that support and encourage the healing journey. We believe that when we share with one another through raw conversations, vulnerability, and reflection, we can learn how to better manage the challenges and transitions in our lives, individually and collectively. Read more>>