Are you thinking about starting a business? If so, we think you’ll enjoy reading about how these seasoned entrepreneurs thought about the question when they were in your shoes.

Col. Danielle Rowell | Owner/Founder/CEO

It was not one catalyst – rather a perfect storm of events that finally put me on my entrepreneurial path. I had the idea of the Inebriated Baker way back in 2008. I was working full-time in a completely different industry. Baking was my stress relief. I worked on the recipes and building the basics of the business in my spare time. While I really wanted to focus on building my business in ernest, I was scared of the unknown. I certainly did not want to give up my 20+ career (and guaranteed paycheck!) for a possibility. Well, along comes the pandemic. My employer restructured in an attempt to make the organization leaner and my position was deemed redundant. Read more>>

Ashton Wilson | Author, Leader, Fundraiser, Minister, Husband, Father, Son, Brother and Friend.

Everything I do is centered around my desire to make the world a better place. I have launched my new book A Shared Battle: Restoration and Restitution for Godly Relationships. https://www.amazon.com/Shared-Battle-Restoration-Restitution-Relationships/dp/B0BNQB486B We started Tharros.net to help people safeguard their business, loved ones, freedom, and life. We are a trusted security company offering comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific demands. We want to guide people in securing their world and gain an unmatched peace of mind. Read more>>

Brian Gill | Owner

My reasoning for starting the business was simple: to help pay for the food of the animals we had and to educate the public about these fascinating animals. I have always had a love for animals and being able to share some of our critters with kids, and adults, seemed like something I wanted to do. I never thought it would lead to a full-time career. Read more>>

Kristy Ferguson | Licensed Massage Therapist

I wanted to be able to help others on a more meaningful level. When I worked for other companies, I felt that I was limited in my capacity. So, I created an environment where not only do my clients feel welcomed, but they feel passion for their care. My employees feel nurtured and comfortable, which allows them to grow and flourish. Read more>>

GAY-Z | Comedian and Civil Rights Activist

I started Rich Comedic Rockstar Productions, LLC because I wanted to create a brand that would bring love and laughter to the masses. I have been performing as a professional comedian for nine years and in the seventh year I decided to apply for an LLC to be able to market my comedy on a broader scale. I believe that Rich Comedic Rockstar Productions, LLC will eventually become one of the most well known businesses in the entertainment industry. I hope to produce television and film projects that will relate to everyone no matter what you identify as. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s of Science in Writing for Film and Television at the Los Angeles Film School; Read more>>

Joshua Munn | Business Owner & Entrepreneur

After my release from prison in Florida in March 2015 I quickly realized that the best way for me to get the best results for myself and any future family that I may have was to become my own boss. It definitely took me a while to get to that point, and I didn’t actively work towards that milestone until somewhere in 2019. It took me almost 5 years to become an entrepreneur, but I’m proud to say that the only person who has paid me a paycheck since April of 2020 has been myself. The only person to decide when and how long I work has been me. And the only person to approve my vacation days is also me. Read more>>

Evan Johnson | Music Producer & Entrepreneur

Initially, I started my career off rapping and all I wanted to do was rap and record my songs. I was offered some studio equipment from a family member for a low price and took a chance on that investment just to be able to save money and record myself instead of going to other studios. That turned into me becoming more involved with engineering and producing music that I quickly fell in love with that process. From there, I was offered $15 to record a song for someone else because they heard about me recording myself and liked the quality. From there, it clicked for me to turn it into a business. I figured hey if I do this a few times a week i won’t need to work for no one else Read more>>

Quincy Big Heff” Taylor | Music Executive”

I wanted to create a home for other creatives, for other artist and producers, for film makers and writers. So i started Capital Structure Entertainment and we have put out projects on DJ Ryan Wolf, Ty Bri, Idd Ack, and Alylad Divine, We started a television and film division in 2021 and released The Capp movie in 2023 which is streamed on Amazon Prime, Tubi, Mega Plus, and ShienTV its directed by Jon Lavelle and Deron Ratcliffe, written by Johnny Lump , Steele, and Dion Hatcher, The Platform docu-series on You42, 216 n Park television show which is created by Twon Zoe, and The Platform TV which is aired on Spectrum Channel 21 and hosted by CJ Martin and Charles Spikes. Read more>>

Young Shon 216 Impact The Culture Podcast | Host and Owner of the Impact The Culture Podcast””

I created the “Impact The Culture Podcast” because I’ve been a fan and supporter of Battle Rap for years and I felt there was a lack of coverage and Platforms for battle rap in Cleveland. I’ve attended a lot of battle rap events in Cleveland as well as other cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte New York and more which is where I began to create relationships with some of the biggest battle rappers in the world. Read more>>

Joe Kleon | Music. Portrait, Corporate, and Sports Photographer

My photography business was growing and it seemed like a natural progression to incorporate.. After years of amateur experience, I started shooting for various publications and scoring higher end concert gigs. The publicity from shooting high value musicians fueled my portrait, sports, corporate, and wedding photography. For a period of about 7-8 years before the pandemic, I was doing around 100-150 photo gigs a year. Read more>>

R!ch Cihlar | Artists, Creator, and Overall Nice Guy.

My thought process was more reactionary then “thought out”. When I was in my early 20’s I felt there wasn’t enough/any galleries that felt like me or would house my style. (collage, spray paint, mixed media, etc…) Any galleries I found (which were few) were very traditional in their works. So, I quickly told myself “Open up your own gallery”. And then it evolved from there into learning the business. I guess it was more of a “Build it and they will come” concept then planning. But now, i plan EVERYTHING. I’ve had nearly 20 years experience owning and operating multiple galleries, frame shop, and art festivals, that I don’t hesitate and feel I really know what works and what doesn’t, alongside the passion from my y0uth, if you build it they will come. Read more>>

Gracie Wyatt | Owner

I started my business in 2018, the summer before I left for college, I started selling custom doormats. However, in 2020, I rebranded and now sell clothing that spreads love and positivity. My hope is that clothing purchased through my business or seeing my posts remind you that you are Fully Loved and Free. Read more>>

Temperrence Grant | Event Decorator and Treat Maker

I’ve worked in the retail management field for 26 years , and honestly I thought that was something that I loved to do ! June 29tg 2020 was one of the worst days of my life . Two of my daughters lost their father and I knew that our road was going to be extremely tough . And a few months had passed and I just jumped up and said , I need to do something that will allow me to be there for my children without having to answer to anyone . So I got online with the help of my friend and created my LLC . Read more>>

Tanyia O’Neal | Luxury Lips Lashes & Custom Tutus Owner

My thought process behind starting my own business was thinking of the community to have products on hand that’s all in style right now for a cheaper price than anywhere else . Read more>>

Earl Musick | Cartoonist, speaker, comedian, humor writer

I first just worked on the things I love to do such as, drawing cartoons, writing humor, and sharing jokes. I decided to try and sell some of my work so I sent some samples into a few publications. I received several rejection form letters and then I started receiving checks. It slowly grew into a fun and lucrative business. Read more>>

Leah Lynch | Content Creator

Starting your own business is hard work and it will take 10 times longer than you ever thought it would to see the level of success you want. You have to be an extremely hard worker and be willing to put in what could be years of work before seeing much or any return on your investment of time or money. We are in a world of illusions where people are led to believe it’s easy to start their own business and will happen in good timing. There are people who say they have a six or seven-figure business but never seem to let it slip if that’s each year or over the lifetime of their business. Read more>>

Rick Sellers | Voice Actor & Audio Producer

As a Commercial Voice actor, you generally operate as an independent contractor. I knew from an early age that I wanted to do voice overs for Television and Radio. The only way to really do that in Cleveland Ohio was to set-up-shop. So, unless I started a small business providing voice over services, there simply was no other way to do it. I was determined to be successful and that meant hard work, long hours and little to no pay at first. Read more>>

William Jackson | People and Business Developer

The driving force behind my decision to start my own business was the fervent desire to be the solution to the pervasive problems I had observed in organizations of all sizes. I recognized that many businesses, regardless of their scale, often struggled with issues related to employee morale, engagement, and overall productivity. My vision was to create a transformative space where people felt like they were seen, valued, heard, and where their presence within an organization truly mattered. Read more>>

Sam Dobrozsi | Restaurant Owner

Deciding to buy Fireside Pizza from the previous owners was predicated on a simple thought; I really, really wanted to be my own boss. I was willing to sacrifice almost all aspects of my work-life balance in service to the reality of working for myself. That meant a lower salary, more hours, more stress, less vacation time, and a hundred other compromises in order to fulfill the promise of being my own boss. It’s been four years since I took over this business, and I’m still learning new lessons every day about how to treat myself well while simultaneously run a “successful” business. Read more>>

James Warmack | Artist

My thought process behind starting my business was simple, To share my creativity with the world and for my children to see me passionate about something. Read more>>

Eric Swinderman | Emmy nominated film and television producer

Film has been such and important part of my life and something that had taught me about so much more than making movies. I’ve learned about history, teamwork, technology, diversity and creativity. I wanted to start a program where I could pass on those things to kids who were as passionate as I was and am. Read more>>

Sahar Shalash | Real Estate Broker/Economics graduate

As a Palestinian born American women I am privileged America presents to us the ability to work for ourselves. I am appreciative of having the freedom to be able to follow our dreams in the United States of America. So being given that privilege and having the drive in real estate it was a no brainer that I develop my own brand. LRG realty is my dream and I want to share it with the world. Read more>>

Jill Lynn | Designer & Business Owner

Being a business owner was always on my mind, even as a child. I remember making hair clips in my bedroom and hustling them at the end of the driveway to all the neighbors. My mom even told me once I sold rocks to people. Just every day rocks that anyone could pick up, I used to make a profit. I always worked in sales which is like running your own business, knowing one day, the time would present itself to go off on my own. I’m a believer that good things happen to good people. If you follow your strengths and surround yourself with like-minded individuals, the universe will give you exactly what you need. Read more>>

Tina Benbow | Cosmetic Chemist

I wanted to help people soothe, care for and celebrate their skin! Read more>>

Rawinkedshop | Fashion Brand

We Started Rawinkedshop in 2020 During the Pandemic with Slow Work we Had Alot of Time to Create Ideas by Being At Home and Mass Layoffs we Wanted to Start our Own Fashion Brand and Be Raw and Unique but Also Different From The Market with Design For people with Tattoos. Read more>>

Sam Wickham | Farmer

In my fledgling years, I would not have guessed I’d live the life of an entrepreneur. Perhaps it was taking a few uninspiring business classes, the rigamarole of the school counselor suggesting that most successful businesses are managed by an MBA, or maybe it was a lack of exposure to the entrepreneurial life. Whatever the deterrent, I gravitated toward pursuing professional cooking, happy to work for someone else, so long as I could play in the kitchen. At 18 and in culinary school, I had one of my first experiences working under the leadership of a chef I disagreed with. I felt a strong compulsion to get out of his kitchen. Read more>>

Ariana Carter | Confections Connoisseur

As a newly rebranded business, I knew I wanted more than to be known as a local hobby baker. I had to make several changes and factor in many things such as concept, competition, what’s in vs what’s out of date, pricing, and simply keeping up with the industry as a whole. Owning your own business requires full commitment, dedication and a lot of sacrifices. I wanted to make sure I was on top of everything and keeping everything set so I’m not shutting down and watching the next bakery owner make their dreams come true. Read more>>

Courtney Warner | Creative artist

When I initially wanted to start my own business it was honestly on a whim. I hope that doesn’t sound lazy or uncharismatic but that’s genuinely how it was for me. I knew for a long time that I wanted to be involved in entertainment/fashion, whether that had to do with styling, directing or designing I just knew I had qualities that could get me places. Plus my mother and father and overall family all have/ run their own business’s so for me it was pretty canon. I wanted to have something of my own that I can turn into a profit but still be able to have fun, express my inner self, and actually be happy doing it. Read more>>

Andrew Ford | Business owner / certified peer visitor

My thought process behind starting my own business-The thought first crossed my mind when I had my first amputation I lost my arm about 6 years ago and when the surgery was over and everything settled down I wanted to talk to someone who had been threw the same thing I went threw . I couldn’t find anyone to talk to so I started thinking and I talked to my mom about how I was feeling. My mom advised me to do some research and reach out to a place calmed the amputee coalition. So I took a ride to Knoxville Tennessee to go speak to a representative there and they informed me to take some classes and become a certified peer visitor after completing the course it still wasn’t enough for me so I then started a support group for amputees and after that was up and running I still didn’t think that it was enough because in the back of my mind I kept thinking about how I felt when I had no one to talk to when I was going threw my amputations. Read more>>

Melissa Arey | Owner & Designer

Starting my own business was actually not something I had planned! Being an art major, I enjoyed graphic design and had a full time job as a graphic designer. It wasn’t until after planning my own wedding and all the paper details, did I realize how much I enjoyed wedding planning and wedding stationery! I remember thinking at one point during the wedding planning process how fun it would be to do for a living. And then during our wedding reception came my first request for rehearsal dinner invitations, which led to more wedding requests, and led to a dream in my heart and to me starting to believe that I COULD actually do this for a living! Read more>>

Rich Diienno | Founder of Disc Golf Recovery Ohio. Facilities Director and CDCA at The Marysville Union.

Disc golf helped me in so many way. As an addict in long term recovery the sport provided much of what I had been missing in life. Disc Golf ended isolation, provided a sense of community and increased mental health. I started getting outdoors in nature and incorporating exercise into my routine. The sport gave me something that I could set goals and develop a plan to achieve those goals. Seeing those goals come to fruition also provided a sense of pride within myself. After taking a few others in recovery to the course and seeing the positive results I decided to start something that could allow me to share my experiences and offer the same outlet to others. Read more>>