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.

Stephanie Saldivar | Creative Director & Photographer

I discovered my passion for photography when I was fifteen years old, but it wasn’t until almost twenty years later when I decided to finally take the plunge to develop a business that incorporates that passion. Read more>> 

Daphne Calvin | Yoga Instructor & Attorney

I wanted to create a yoga studio that was inclusive. Lots of businesses pay lips-service to diversity and inclusion but the ownership and decision makers are not diverse. I am a Black, service-disabled veteran woman. I have a unique point of view and want to service the yoga community at an intersection that nobody is attending to. Read more>>

Roddrell Stewart | Offensive and Defensive Lineman Training Specialist/Educator/Minister

My business RTS KINGDOM TRAINING started with a vision from God. The initial vision came in 2013. I however did not start doing it until 2017. I was still living in Louisiana. The thought process is to teach the things I learned from my playing careers to kids to help them develop and be successful in the sport of football. Read more>>

Irianna Keith | Owner & Founder of Irie’s Teaching Binders

To be honest, I did not have any thought process at all. It was a spur-of-the-moment situation. I had no intention of starting a business. My goal was to create an educational tool for my godson, who has autism. According to his speech therapist, he wouldn’t be able to speak until he’s in high school. Read more>>

Nakeenya Wilson | Social Justice & Equity Entrepreneur, Advocate, Activist

First off, I didn’t really know I was starting a business, lol! As a Black mom in a city with a decreasing and geographically dispersed Black population, I was feeling disconnected and isolated. I started a FB group to connect with other Black mamas and it just mushroomed to become what is now a 501c3 and a physical location as of October 2023. Read more>>

Diane Fifer | Professional Visual Artist

Six years ago, after my history of being an art teacher, President of an Art Institute, and organizer and co-ordinator of Art Markets, I decided that it was time to try creating and selling my own art. Read more>>