What was your thought process behind starting your own business?

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.

Iyanuoluwa Odebode | CEO & Chief Data Scientist at ZEITIOS LLC

ZEITIOS was born out of a visionary drive to tackle complex global challenges head-on through innovative solutions. Positioned as an AI/ML powerhouse, our core mission revolves around delivering cutting-edge AI/ML solutions tailored to diverse applications. We fundamentally believe that the ability to swiftly analyze data is not just advantageous but crucial for the success of any business. ZEITIOS is on a dedicated mission to engineer next-generation AI/ML products, empowering businesses to achieve their goals with the forefront of technological advancements. ZEITIOS was conceived with a strategic vision, aiming not just to meet but to surpass the expectations in addressing global challenges. The goal was to create a haven for innovative solutions capable of tackling complex problems on a global scale. Read more>>

Alexandra Bowman | CEO & Lead Planner

I have always loved being able to help others by taking away burdens, but I didn’t know a way to do it professionally. Wedding planning has given me the opportunity to do just that. My interest in planning began with my own wedding. I already had experience in event planning so I figured I could very easily handle my own wedding and I was right! I had so much fun during the entire planning process. Other brides had told me how stressed they were and how they wish they had help planning because it was so overwhelming. I knew then I wanted to get into the wedding planning business, but coming from a mathematics background, I had no idea where to begin. I reached out to a well established wedding planner in Cincinnati, and she gladly took me on as a member of her team. Read more>>

Cheryl sher | Chocolate & Wine Manufacturing

Bliss in a Bottle is the original luxury chocolate and beverage brand. Founded in Columbus, Ohio in November 2013 by Cheryl Sher it launched as a mall kiosk concept; the brand was trademarked in June 2021. Cheryl previously owned Sher Bliss Wine & Chocolates and after 15 years of working with wine and chocolate, she had the realization that the two should be combined and went from simply dipping the bottles to pairing each specifically for flavor and texture. The birth of Bliss in a Bottle came from this idea, offering perfectly paired chocolate-covered bottles of wine and other refreshments. Cheryl meets with local distributors and travels extensively to create a deep assortment of varietals and labels and sources the finest confectionery ingredients. Read more>>

Jefe Seats | Personal Chef & Multi-entrepreneur

I wanted a better life for me and my daughter Read more>>

Lavish Vixenz Model Agency LLC NaTasha Reynolds (Owner and Model Manager) | Professional Model Agency

My process behind starting my own business was simply because I wanted to see more diversity in the modeling business. Diverse models are important because they represent everyone. They help to improve this perceptions of what real beauty is. Rather than promoting an unrealistic and unachievable “norm” to the masses, We have the power to build confidence and understanding in people, no matter what they look like Read more>>

Nate Kojun Hayes | Sound Healer

I started a previous business almost ten years ago with the idea that it would see me into the future and produce enough income to make a decent living. What I didn’t know was how brutal the workload would be for a small business owner, and after almost six years of working myself to death with hardly anything to show for it, COVID came along and sank my ship. Afterwards, I decided to open another business, a sound-healing service, with a different intention: not just to make money and pave the way into the future, but to offer a service to those who need help now. Most of my life has been spent, in one way or another, in the “rat race” of “trying to make it”, and while I do need to keep my lights on, I don’t want to spend the rest of my life chasing after some idea of success; instead I’d like to spend the rest of my life trying to help others with sound and be of service to all who cross my path. Read more>>

Emily Parlett | Graphic Designer & Candle Maker

From a childhood dream to the reality of owning my own business, my entrepreneurial journey has been a fulfilling evolution. As a child, I fantasized about owning a store filled with items that would captivate the imagination of my seven-year-old self. While life took me on various paths, in 2018, I became increasingly conscious of the ingredients in everyday products, particularly candles. Fueled by a desire for transparency and quality, I founded my company specializing in 100% Natural Soy Candles and Melts, using wax exclusively grown in the USA. My commitment extended to using natural fragrance oils compliant with the rigorous standards of Europe and Prop 45, ensuring health-conscious choices. Read more>>

Korisha Wilks | President and Designer, Kri’s Kreations

My mom raised my siblings and I with the goal that it’s better to give than receive. As I’ve gotten older the spirit of Christmas has descended. There is a lot sadness, depression, an anxiety that surrounds Christmas, maybe someone lost a loved one or there was some tragedy during that time. I love to bring happiness and nostalgia to some with my customized Christmas decorations. Many of customers states “my decorations make them happy and at peace.” When that is told to me, then I have done my job! Read more>>

Jada Lyshe | Entrepreneur

When starting my business my thought process was wanted to become my own boss and being able to put myself in a position to be in control of my life and being able to live life on my own terms. When I started my sunglass brand, I wanted to create a luxury brand with high quality products and custom packaging to match the brands luxe vibe. Read more>>

Nicole Mayes Boyd | Wedding, Personal Brand & Lifestyle Photographer

My photography journey is a love story that started with a simple desire—to capture the beautiful moments of my children’s lives. As both of them are adopted, I felt a deep importance in documenting their happiness, health, and flourishing journey. Their beginnings might not have been conventional, but I wanted to showcase their lives in the most positive light. From the love I poured into documenting their story, while honing my photography skills, a natural progression occurred. I felt compelled to extend my services to couples tying the knot, helping them tell their unique love story through my lens. It didn’t stop there; capturing the strength and stories of women as they build their brands became the next chapter. Every click tells a story, and I’m here to bring those stories to life with a touch of joy and professionalism. Read more>>

Mark Moats | Musician, Time Traveler, & House Flipper

Well, my first LLC Entwined Recordings is for music and recording. I run that as an independent label and recording studio. I started that just due to the amount of time and money I have spent and currently spend on music related items. Entwined Properties is my latest business adventure. I recently bought, completely remodeled, and flipped my first house. I plan on doing it again in 2024. After all the hard work it has proven worth it and definitely lucrative for me. I work as a Certified Compounding Pharmacy Technician by day, and as I continue to be successful flipping houses that will lead me to work less as a CPhT and more working for myself. Read more>>

Jennifer Hansen | Owner / Illustrator / Writer

“I want to make people laugh and encourage people to lighten up. The world can be a way too serious place. We need more laughter in all our lives.” One of my first jobs was working at a greeting card company. Every time I perused the cards, I always felt that none of these cards this store sold would be something I would give to my own parents. They were super traditional, sappy and cards that felt extremely unrealistic in today’s world. Despite the store having hundreds of cards, I could never find a card that I would give my father on Father’s Day or his birthday. I felt that there was a need to create realistic cards for my friends, family, and others – so I did! Read more>>

Andre Delgado | Owner & Director of CinciMovement

The idea started by being part of the community. We wanted to help grow the Latin dance community and bring something special. Something never seen before. Read more>>

Jennifer Burnette | Life Coach

In December of 2018, I tragically lost my husband quite unexpectedly. I had 2 young children and I desperately wanted to show my children that we are not victims of what happened to us, we are not defined by labels such as widow and fatherless children. My husband had worked with an amazing life couch and counselor for a few years and after he passed, she reached out to me, she said that he had talked about me so beautifully and loved me so dearly that she wanted me to consider working with her. I knew I needed help and guidance to get myself from the depths of despair and to pull myself together not only for my children but for myself. I was 45 at the time of his passing and I knew that I needed to transform almost everything in my life. Read more>>