Ideas aren’t everything, execution matters greatly, but starting often requires an idea and so we asked folks to think back and tell us the story of how they came up with the idea for their businesses. We’ve highlighted some of our favorite stories below.

Ally Buckner | Healthy Hair Enthusiast

Like many during the Covid pandemic I found myself locked in the house with hours of free time. I have always been a fan of natural products for people with sensitive skin like me. During the pandemic I started creating my own natural hair cremes and washes after months of not being able to see my beautician in person. After doing some research I realized that there are a TON of hair products on the market for women but not many that are all natural and specifically tailored to men of color. Read more>>

NikiMarie Rodriguez | Mental Health Advocate & Entrepreneur

I have always found something intriguing about storytelling. Whether the story was fact or fiction there was a lesson in each story; the characters or about the person narrating the story. – I am a mental health advocate, radio personality, founder of NikiMarie Productions, LLC and a mom of three amazingly talented children. I started NikiMarie Productions because I wanted to create a platform where individuals can share their stories. When I first started my radio show, NikiMarie Radio under the business brand, I never thought about the success, I just cared about making an impact. Read more>>

Stacy and Chad Smith | Owner of Angels of the Prairie

During the spring of 2020 pandemic, that was a scary time for the world. So much was unknown. Empty flat ore shelves, closed churches and schools, rioting of burning building in Minneapolis. I felt we were at a time more than ever, that we needed a positive & inspirational approach. A “back to the basics” thought. Since churches and large wedding venues were closed down, couples still wanted to wed. Read more>>