Thinking through whether to start a business – whether to take the risk, whether to go out on your own – isn’t easy. So we asked some entrepreneurs we admire to tell us about how they thought through the process of starting a business.

Kruti Chaliawala | Public Health Educator/Advocate & Co-founder

The establishment of Rudra Recommends was a natural progression of my journey as an international student. Having encountered the challenges and opportunities of studying abroad, I discerned the necessity for comprehensive support and guidance for fellow international students. Driven by my passion for aiding others and my own experiences, I co-founded this consulting firm alongside Deependra Dehariya. Our aim was to create a platform that could provide international students with the indispensable assistance and resources required to excel academically, professionally, and personally while studying overseas. Our ultimate objective is to facilitate a seamless and gratifying transition to international education for others, akin to our own aspirations when we embarked on our academic journeys abroad. Read more>>

Danielle Nicole | Jewelry Designer & Photographer

I wanted to create statement jewelry that makes people feel empowered. Nothing sets off an outfit quiet like the right piece of jewelry! I want my clients to feel like their best, while wearing in a piece of Nontle Jewelry. Read more>>

Ebay Fuller Jr. | Founder & Creative Director Of RedNas Eul Fragrances

Originally for me I had no thought of it. At least at the time I did start it. You know for me it was a little different, for my 21st birthday my mother told me, you’re in the big leagues now. I’m not getting you anything for your birthday that you’ll forget about in 2 months, what I’ll do take it or not, I’ll help you get started on what ever business you want to go into…. At the time I carried in my phone a list of ideas that I thought eventually I’d want to make. And doggy perfume was on there because I was a huge fragrance collector/ connoisseur but I was also a novist in the world of the beauty/cosmetics industry. once she offered to help me get started I said to myself, “ you spend so much money on fragrances why don’t you just make them? “ Read more>>

Darrell Kenny | Owner/ lure maker

I have a wife and two kids and being close to them as much as possible has always been the most important thing to me. We got into bait making because we wanted to be able to make whatever baits we wanted and whatever color we wanted. So like a lot of people with their Hobbies I was documenting it on my social media accounts. After a few months I started getting asked if people could buy stuff for me. That’s when I started looking into what it takes to make a business. Something to know about Ohio is if your hobby makes money you have to pay taxes on those profits but you can’t have any deductions unless you make it a business. So we told people no until we can incorporate it as an LLC and do everything by the book. My wife and I worked for the same small company. Read more>>

Gabi Odebode | Co founder of Afromeals

In a world where culinary diversity is celebrated, I felt like there was an uncharted territory, a treasure trove of flavors often overlooked which I believe is the vibrant and varied cuisines of Africa. I felt like African cuisines were underrepresented and many people were not aware of them thus I was driven by the desire to educate the Western world about African cuisine. I was excited to share the rich and culturally significant flavors of the continent. For far too long, the Western world has been captivated by a limited spectrum of global cuisines while overlooking the depth and breadth of African culinary traditions. The absence of African dishes on restaurant menus, in cooking shows, and in mainstream cookbooks has left a gaping void. It is this absence that ignited the spark of inspiration in me. Read more>>

William Rumfola | C.E.O. Of SicKKo Entertainment

I have about a 10% chance to make all this happen. But if it does happen It will change everything for everyone close to me in my life… it’s worth the risk! Read more>>

Elisa Vietri | Vintage Shop Proprietor

I’ve always been a fan and a collector of vintage and antique items! I’m drawn to unique things that have enduring quality and craftsmanship. And I very much appreciate items that have been broken in or show signs of a past life. Over time I collected until I simply couldn’t collect anything more and basically my home overflowed into a shop where I could share my appreciation of these items with others who had the same attraction to them. I love the idea of re-homing these precious objects and hopefully keeping some of them them from being discarded as trash. Read more>>

Katherine Simpson | Baker & Treatmaker

My thought process behind starting my own business was flexibility and my love for baking and treat making. I wanted a way to honor my late grandmother and share my gifts with the community. Read more>>

Julie Mitchell | Owner

My name is Julie Mitchell and my family and I live in the small amish country town of Ashland, OH. We own a store in our little downtown called Fig and Oak. We are a unique gift/home decor boutique and every purchase at our store gives back in some way to various charities and or causes. I met my husband when I was 17 and we were married by the time I was 18 so now we have been married for 22 years. Yes, if you do the math, you will see I’m 41! 😉 My husband and I have always wanted to own a store but we always said “maybe someday” as we became young parents and life became very busy for us for a while with our two boys. Some day came once our kiddos were older and could help us make our dream become a reality. Read more>>

Marissa Fuline & Casey Lemieux | Co-Founders of The Scoop Creative

We are two creative people that had been working in similar jobs in the corporate world. We both realized that we wanted to help more people than just the ones we had been working with at the time. There was a huge need for social media strategy and content creation for business owners and entrepreneurs and we were passionate about these amazing people and businesses showing up and attracting their dream clients. It developed for us very naturally because we had been friends for four years and would constantly bounce ideas off of each other and seek advice. It occurred to us that we would be able to easily come together as trusted business partners. And, we were right! Read more>>

Thomas Wasinski | Drone Pilot

Starting Aerial Agents was a decision born out of necessity, determination, and the unwavering desire to provide for my family. Also, it helps that the timing was practically perfect. Professional Drone Equipment was becoming easier to access around 2014. It was a leap of faith that was grounded in opportunity, grit, and risk-taking. For over a decade, I had been working tirelessly in the automotive industry without seeing any substantial financial progress. I dedicated myself to my job, hoping for a raise or a promotion that could help provide a better life for my family. However, year after year, that raise never materialized, and it became clear that my family’s future couldn’t wait any longer. Read more>>

Kristen Allen-McVey | Owner, Baker, Creative

My thought process behind starting my own business was…I had 4 very young kids. I was in a bad marriage with an alcoholic. We were set to lose our house for the third time bc of it. I had to return to work. However, child care would negate a paycheck for that many kids, and, I wanted to raise my kids…not someone else. Read more>>

Antoinette Mathis | Chief Chocolate Officer

The journey of launching Nina Lau’Rens Cakepops was a gradual progression. Initially, it was a side endeavor while I held a full-time position at a Catering Company. As I began to realize the potential for it to become a legitimate business, I took significant steps in its development. I officially registered my business name in 2009, formalized it with the State of Ohio in 2013, and ultimately transformed it into an LLC in 2017. Along the way, I eagerly embraced every opportunity for entrepreneurship education and training, constantly expanding my knowledge and skills. It was a turning point when I lost my full-time job in 2014, as it allowed me to wholeheartedly dedicate myself to Nina Lau’Rens, turning my passion into a full-time pursuit.” Read more>>

Raven Young | Owner & Mother

The thought process behind starting Material Gurl Decor was driven by a passion for creating and a desire to share that passion with others. I initially began by creating balloon garlands for friends and family gatherings. This hobby turned into a realization that there was a market for unique and high-quality party decorations. I saw an opportunity to take my skills and creativity and turn them into a business that could bring joy to others’ celebrations. Read more>>

Laura Ross | Co-Owner – Cleveland Vegan

Me and my husband, Justin Gorski, started Cleveland Vegan in 2012. We both had been vegan for several years at the time and he was working in the catering business. While he loved being in the kitchen and working with food, he did not love cooking with animals and animal byproducts. That was how the idea for our own catering company began. We had a very organic beginning. We never pushed our business but allowed it to tell us what to do, how to grow. We added employees only when we needed to. After 1 year of renting a small commercial kitchen, we began the search for our vegan kitchen. For there, we expanded our operations into a cafe and bakery. Read more>>

Chacon Carter-Jefferson | Caterer & Business Owner

I wanted to see what it would be like to work for myself I worked for corporate America for 20 years and really wanted to take a change on myself. Read more>>

Wesley Ryan | Performance Dogs of Ohio – Co-Owner

Eight years ago my borther, Robert Ryan, had a dog that had a little too much energy. He was looking for a solution to allow this dog some energy release. In doing so, he discovered freestyle disc dog and was instantly hooked. He pursuaded my son to start plaing with borrowed dogs. Quickly, we could all see that he had an inate talent for working with dogs and throwing frisbees. We ended up a year later getting him his own dog, Paisley. Paisley and my son, Sidney, worked every day in the back yard to perfect their craft. He watched countless videos and even took private lessons. In 2017, the entire family went to the world championship in Chattanooga Tennessee and to our absolute surprise he ended up winning the world championship in the youth division. Read more>>

Deasa Deasa | Visionary/Co-Founder, Black Nurse Network

In a 2020 survey from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and The Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers, over 80% of registered nurses identified as white/Caucasian, whereas 6.7% of nurses identified as Black/African American. In 2020 Census data, over 40% of the US population identified as a person of color. These statistics are widely known and accepted in the nursing community, with many organizations seeking to address the disparity in a variety of ways. I’d like to think of myself as a problem solver. If I see an opportunity to make impact in an area that I am able, in this case increasing diversity in the nursing field, I will. This is the origin of creating Black Nurse Network. Read more>>

Catherine Neff | Piano teacher and Professional mountain bike skills coach

The thought process for both teaching piano lessons under Neff Piano Studio and coaching mountain bike skills under Ride Inspired Mountain Bike Coaching is actually very much the same- be inclusive, calm, understanding, and flexible with the approach. For piano, I wanted to be able to offer lesson in an accessible and inclusive manor and I achieve this by traveling to my students homes and keeping my lesson low pressure. Majority of my students don’t want to pursue music in college, they play for their own enjoyment. I teach in a way that students progress in their own way, on their terms. I meet them where they are each week. Coaching mountain bike skills is pretty much the same. Working with individuals where they are in their own riding journey and develop skills on their level. Read more>>

Destiny Harris | Inspiring Entrepreneur

I always knew I wanted to have my very own cosmetics business, however I didn’t have any experience on how to start my own business. One thing I did know was that I was going to do it regardless if I had the experience or not. I started to do more research on how to create products and how to market my brand effectively. I wanted my business to be built on inspiration, so I wanted to create products that sparked some type of inspiration in my customers. I made my business slogan “Inspiring Through Cosmetics”, since I was creating cosmetic products that were designed to inspire. I knew I wanted my business to have innovative collections, high quality products, and more! I begin writing out my plans on how I could execute these projects for my business and build my brand along the way. Read more>>

Melanie Fritz | Hairstylist/Salon and Bridal suite owner

Well, if I’m being completely honest, I had said for years that I never wanted to be a business owner. (Other than renting) but the universe will always put you in the perfect circumstances to help you find the right path. My choice to own my own single salon came from the numerous bending and shifting uncomfortably while I was working in places not owned by myself. Eventually it just became about freedom, peace, and control. About 2 years ago I was backed into an uncomfortable corner and that was the turning point when I knew I had no other option but to make my own mark. It gave me so much freedom and peace to do things for the sake of myself, my family, and my clients. And it gave me the creative freedom I needed to have something all my own. Read more>>

Diane Linston | Fashion Designer, Businesswomen, Entrepreneur

Ever since I was a kid in home economics class, I knew I wanted to be a fashion designer. From there I went to college and received my degree in fashion designer and fashion merchandise. One year after I graduated, I opened the smallest boutique you can imagine (lol) only about five people could be in the store. I was proud of myself. From there I worked hard to bring customers into the store. I would tell people about my dreams of becoming a fashion designer to anyone who cared to listen. I didn’t realize I was putting my dreams into fruition. My customer would always say never give up. That became the name of my clothing line. (N.G.U. Designs by Diane Linston) Never give up. Since then, I never gave up. I owned a clothing Manufacturing business, a fabric store. My collection is sold in various stores around the United States. Read more>>

Brianna Warren | Creative Director/ Fashion Designer

My thought process behind starting my own business simply was rooted in wanting to share my creativity with the world! Showing off how awesome God is through the ideas and gifts he has given me. Read more>>

Martelle Graham | Creative

I found myself dissatisfied with my 9-5 office job and yearning to pursue something I was truly passionate about. I began creating again and eventually garnered interest from others who wanted to purchase my creations. This led me to consider starting my own business, and I began thinking about the logistics and steps I would need to take in order to turn my passion into a successful venture. Read more>>

Nyoka Ward | Model / Actress / Social Media & marketing consultant

I worked a day job from the time I was 17 until I was 22. The 60 plus hour work weeks and barely making ends meet. Working in a male dominant workplace exhausting myself to climb up the food chain for a liveable wage. It never felt worth it, I had to sacrifice my peace and relaxation and free time just to be able to afford my own car and home and to feed myself. Those are necessities in a lot of people’s every day lives. I got out of retail work and into vehicle sales. There, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to the world of marketing. I was immediately intrigued and couldn’t learn enough. I began working with photoshop and filming promotional event videos for the company; meeting customers and learning about their experience with our team. Read more>>

Antonette Russell | Entrepreneur

My thought process behind starting my own business was simply, I have been bullied for a very long time when I was a child. I am an adult now who can pay for and dress anyway she so chooses. Let’s help other people gain confidence the way I have. Read more>>

Enas Lanham | Business owner of Dublin Toy Emporium

As a mother and a former educator, I wanted to provide high-quality, mind-expanding, safe, and fun toys for all ages. I take great pride in selecting products that enrich child development, such as wooden toys, learning games, puzzles, arts and crafts, and so much more. Dublin is where I live and raise my family, and I want to spread the love of art, learning, and play through the Dublin community. Read more>>

Dee Hannah | CEO and Owner of 21 BlueLash

What was your thought process behind starting your own business? When I initially relocated to North Carolina, I had no intention of starting a beauty business. My plan was to pursue graduate studies in Clinical Psychology. I planned to earn my Masters and Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. However, life threw another curve ball. My daughter has multiple diagnoses. In the end, her high specialized needs outweighed my own personal desires. I’d be a liar if I said I didn’t mourn the loss of the opportunity to return to school. I have always loved education and I initially believed I would’ve done well in the field. However, when I sat back and noted the number of times I was humbled over the course of a decade by her strength and courage, I realized without autism entering our lives, I would have been a very arrogant and selfish doctor. Read more>>

Scott Eakins | Vinyl Wrapper

At the time that I decided to start my own business I was working in the field for a local sign shop. I had been building my skills and becoming locally known for the work I did. You see, in the wrap industry like many others it can come down to two types of work; commercial jobs and personal jobs. I prefer the latter, being able to use my creativity to stylize peoples personal vehicles. The sign shop I was at only wanted to focus on the commercial jobs, which I found frustrating and stifling. At a point where the frustration was building and my name was getting out there I was approached by a few other shops to come work for them. I was seeing the owners of these shops in a good financial situations, and thought I would never get there working for someone. Read more>>

Beverly Walthour | Business Strategist and Author

My thought process behind starting my business was to create something in which I could have an impact on those around me. I wanted to be able to support female entrepreneurs in creating the type of business they’ve always wanted without compromising themselves in the process. With this being business #4 for me, with a background in teaching, training, and consulting, this was a natural fit for me. Being able to support these women in this capacity all around the globe has been one of the most fulfilling roles I’ve ever filled. Read more>>

Christina Dankert | Educator & Author

As a parent, my husband and I strive to teach our children how to be kind and empathetic to others. As parents or caregivers, the list of things we have to do in a day can be daunting. From the beginning, reading to our children has been a constant. Even when our schedules are busy, we do our best to find time to read to our children. My husband, Chad, and I had the opportunity to collaborate as we created the picture book, The Kindness Machine. I always knew I wanted to write a book, but it took years to figure out that kindness was where I wanted my author journey to start. As a teacher, I spend a lot of time reading picture books to my children and second grade students, and I felt this message of kindness to others and kindness to ourselves was and is extremely important. Read more>>