The first step to starting a business is deciding to start a business. They say the first step is the hardest and in our experience this is especially true when it comes to starting a business. Getting over the mental roadblocks can be tough, often harder to overcome than the challenges you’ll face once you actually start the business. Fellow entrepreneurs share their thoughts below.

Ryan Jones | Founder/Owner of Gamabar

We wanted to create an environment specifically for nerds and geeks like ourselves. We wanted to let our fellow geeks and nerds that there is an place where you can generally be yourselves. Read more>>

Greg Slusky | Commercial Real Estate Broker/Developer

When I started in Commercial Real Estate, coming out of the Restaurant background, I was coming in full steam. After several years, and two companies, I realized my value was greater than what any company could provide me. I had to go over all my deals, layout the pros/cons and consult with others in my field that started their own companies. Once the choice was made and I knew it was the smart decision, I never looked back! Aside from setting up offices, insurance, research teams and items I needed to run the business, it was 100% the best decision in the end. Read more>>

Tiffany Crenshaw | Lifestyle Newborn and Family Photographer

I actually didn’t set out to start my own business. Photography sort of found me.
When I had my girls I started taking pictures just of them. It was honestly just something fun to do with my kids. I started testing the waters of brand repping-exchanging pictures of the girls in the clothing of handmade shops in exchange for said clothes. Doing that prompted me to upgrade from using my phone to buying my first DSLR camera. Slowly, people started noticing my pictures and asking if I was doing photography. My answer was always no, this is just for my kids. Read more>>

Monique Graham | Creator & Program Manager

In a world where life pulls you in many directions I needed an outlet to express my creativity. What started as a release turned into a passion and eventually a product which is now a business. Read more>>

Kim Felix | Indoor Playground, Owner Educator

I wanted to give children 0 to 5 years old an all inclusive, safe, and clean indoor playground dedicated specifically for them to run and be free. Read more>>

Tanesha Townsend | Business owner/ Lead stylist

I was diagnosed with Discoid Lupus at 6 years old and physician’s statistics often placed me at a disadvantage from limited mobility, short term memory loss to possibly losing my hair. At the time, there was minimum research on how to maintain textured hair beyond medication side effects. I created a fundraiser for the Lupus Foundation of America titled “All Things Hair” to raise funds for research and raised awareness of the effects and stigmas associated with Discoid Lupus. I wanted to be able to encourage others that they can also live beyond any statistic that may limit their abilities. This fundraiser later transformed into the creation of SWAG STYLES Mobile Hair Styling. During this fundraiser, I was able recognize and evaluate the voids within the hair community to create and implement a business plan that would best fit my target audience. SWAG STYLES Mobile Hair styling is a mobile hair service that provides a luxury hair service experience in the comfort of your own home, business, or special occasion while reducing travel and wait times of a traditional salon. Services include natural hair services, alopecia hair retention, and hair maintenance education for children and adults Read more>>

Vanesa Surtzy | poet, singer, dancer, aerialist, actress, model, fire dancer, photographer, painter, anthropologist and sociologist

Becoming a freelance artist and creative was not the development of a business plan and a formula. It starting off as casual gigs here and there and then one morning, I woke up and realized, “Woah, I have been booked regularly. This is no longer a hobby! It’s consistent, its long term, and I do not want to envision myself working in any other career. Read more>>

Frederick Goodall | Content Creator and Event Producer

I started Mocha Man Style, a lifestyle site for men, in 2013 to share my love of fashion, travel, and cars. Since then it has grown into a media and live event platform. One of my most important annual events is the Men’s Health & Wellness day. I launched the event in 2022 and have provided medical screenings to more than 300 men. Read more>>

Earnest Eastland | Client Management & Liaison

The thought process behind me starting my business was to create the opportunity for others by utilizing my partnerships, relationships and resources to enhance my client’s network and success. Read more>>

Ursala Chambers | Social Media Content Strategist

Seeing a lot of people in my community trying to create different streams of income to just make ends meet was heartbreaking to watch. From selling water, to lashes, to cleaning homes, they were trying, but most of those different streams were not enough and became overwhelming for them and ultimately abandoned. The one thing that all of these people who tried to do more had in common was the lack of knowledge when it came to marketing, whether in person or online. In most underprivileged areas there is a lack of resources to even get more information. I made it a personal mission of mine to bridge the gap between my community that lacked resources and other communities that have full access. Read more>>

 Tay Mayberry | Creative

My primary focus’ are self-love, self-respect, and self-expression, while also building and maintaining strong and long-lasting relationships within the community. I want to show the world there’s another way with your gift. Read more>>

Stella Osake | Ms Spicys

I love beauty! I love to have women around me feel beautiful! And I knew for a fact that a lady’s hair do is an important accessory to her dressing. I loved getting my hair done always and I felt so confident when I had a good hair day. That sort of confidence was what I wanted every woman to feel. So I fire in me sparked and the hair business was born. Read more>>