Deciding to start a business is an unusual decision. It’s often considered irrational and yet for many it’s the best decision they’ve ever made. So we asked folks to think back to when they were starting their businesses and to tell us about their decision making process.

Bill Stone | Stand-up comedian & designer

I was getting ready to turn 40 and when I was in my late teens early twenties I was a singer and a band and I enjoyed entertaining people.
After visiting a local comedy club and watching one of the local headliners I decided I want to try my hand at it because I missed entertaining people.
A year later I was starting to perform at that same local Club and I noticed that the owner of the club did not have anybody to do promotional work in the form of flyers and digital media. Read more>>

Bijon Newsom | Loctitian and Hair Care Creator

When starting JonnyStyles Locs 4 years ago, my goal was to take my craft and love for locs and turn it into a legitimate business. I had a Cosmetologist mentor at the time who gave me priceless knowledge on how to embody professionalism as a stylist and I took what I learned and applied it as much as possible. I wanted to beat the stigma that people who do hair are just “stylist”, when in reality we are the epitome of service-based entrepreneurs and bring billions of dollars to the economy through the hair industry. Read more>>

Summar Anderson-slaughter | Founder/CEO & Patient Care Coordinator

I thought that if I could just help one Family affected by mental, physical, emotional or sexual abuse I would be making a difference in the lives of others in the community I live in. Read more>>

Teri Webb Aka TLWisdom | Writer, Photographer and Digital Marketing Artist

I went to school and got my degree, because that’s what you did if you hoped to be successful. After college, I’ve managed several different businesses, successfully. I put all my energy and efforts, into each business, as if they were my own… putting in the time and dedication that was needed. And, in the end, it always led to being laid off by each company. Read more>>

Ashley Jamison | Clinical Therapist & Author

The thought process behind starting this business stemmed from recognizing a lack of tailored resources and support for Black women on their wellness and healing journeys. As a clinical therapist and author, I’ve seen the need for a space that acknowledges their unique experiences. This business was created to help Black women embrace their enoughness and find healing paths that resonate with them. I’m thrilled to offer a community with insightful content, resources, and a holistic approach to wellness, aligning with my mission to empower and uplift Black women authentically. Read more>>

Jayden Price | Creative Consultant

Initially, when I first started my business it was because I didn’t want to work for someone else. I didn’t like the thought of being told what to do and when to do it by someone. It wasn’t because I just didn’t want to work, as a kid I was very observant and would watch how managers or bosses would treat their employees whenever I was in some type of business setting. I could visibly see the frustration and exhaustion on the employees faces when the boss told them to do something. Read more>>

Shaletha Sanders | CEO and Founder

My thought process behind starting JMJ Cosmetics was, “I wanted to create a cosmetic line for the everyday teen or adult that will complete their look whether it is for a professional look or for a sexy date night.” Read more>>

Nicole Coleman | N. Coleman | Womxn Motorcycle Rider & Throttle Company Co-Owner

We started Throttle Company as a direct result of our shared experiences with the motorcycle industry. Between trying to meet a stranger in a parking lot with a pocketful of cash to being ignored as a woman walking into a dealership wanting to test ride a bike, we wanted to create an inclusive environment that made it clear that everyone was welcome in motorcycling. Read more>>

Dorian (bret) Preston | Public Relations Specialist

I started KingShip PR mgt, because I was helping a new business owner and I realized she needed help in many areas. I had to do alot of research, in the process I learned many SEO skills, creative Marketing, content creation and relationship building skills. These skills I saw under one roof were considered Customer relations and Press Release/ Publis relations management and Online reputation building. I realized I was passionate about the subjects , so I began a crew. Read more>>