Many books on startups and business talk about how there are right and wrong reasons for starting a business. So, we asked a handful of successful founders about their reasons and the thought-process behind starting their business.

Orlando AKA Bello | Artist & Entrepreneur

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and I’ve always known that someday I’d have my own business(es). My thought process for starting my own business was that I wanted to create a platform that was different from anything that has ever been done. I saw a need in the artistic world and it fueled my desire of combating social injustices. I’ve always advocated for those who feel they don’t have a voice; now I have a business that offers a platform for those that have something to say… artistically. Read more>>

Nicole Berndt | Photographer & Storyteller

Honestly, I never thought I would have my own business. I’m originally from Germany and it can be difficult to start your own business over there due to all the paperwork. But coming to the States, I quickly realized that I wanted to be my own boss because I love the freedom of managing my own time and planning my day around doing things I enjoy the most. Read more>>

Angela Brock | Your Favorite Finance Coach & Breakthrough Bestie | CEO & Founder of Hello Breakthrough

I have always struggled with managing my money and had no clue how to stop this cycle of living check-to-check and not having enough money buy groceries or pay a bill in full when it was due. I have been so desperate that I’ve had to get a payday loan to pay off a payday loan. Times were hard for so long, so when I hit rock bottom and filed bankruptcy, I vowed never to make these types of financial mistakes ever again. But I did and I would restart my commitment to budgeting and managing my money better again. Read more>>

Ekpedeme Wade | Family Physician and Licensed Professional Counselor

I wanted to create something unique that meets the needs of the community. Being both a Family Physician and a Licensed Professional Counselor has allowed me to design a practice where clients obtain quality mental health treatment. By providing quality psychotherapy and addressing medication needs, I’m able to deliver a more complete mental care treatment plan. Read more>>

Managerrie Winston | Executive Director & Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director

My thought process is to understand the risk in the development of my business. I think a lot of time we often let the thoughts of failure, things that arise, and overall fear stop us from even starting the process. I think it’s extremely important to understand that things will arise but its about your perseverance that will bring on success, how you overcome those adversities and flourish into your full potential. Read more>>

Alex Houghton | Artist & Animal Enthusiast

When creating Simply Sketching, it was very important for me to have creative freedom with my work. I found that instead of trying to please others, I would create what I wanted, and eventually, I attracted like-minded people. Having my own business has enabled me to be my own boss, make my own creative decisions, and not be confined to specific ideas. Drawing my favorite things and sharing them with others has brought me so much fulfillment, which is very important to me. Read more>>

Marisa Cockrell | Professional Counselor and Group Practice Owner

Several things come to mind when asking about my process. I have a passion for helping the helpers. I want to be a practice where counselors feel cared for and built up so that they can better serve the community around us. Therapists carry heavy loads as they listen to the deepest pain in the individuals who sit with them. I desire to provide a beautiful space that encourages and strengthens those called to care for others. Read more>>

TaNia Williams | Luxury Makeup Artist

My thought process was a lot, I was very hesitant because when I started I wasn’t the best. However, all I had to do was just to start to get better! I was really scared honestly because I was like what if I do bad. That was not the case at all! I started putting myself out there and got positive feedback. Read more>>

Lela Hyde | Owner of Lela & Hyde Candle Co.

I’ve always been a candle connoisseur. I guess my candle obsession began when I was a little girl. My mother also scented our home with candles. Fast forward to 2020 When Covid hit I found myself overworked and over stressed. So I began trying new hobbies. There I learned that I liked making candles. It was relaxing and helped me de-stress and the scents they provided a calming relaxing space. I became so immersed in candle making learning about different candles and how harmful certain wax and fragrance oils can be for your health. Creating candles became my go-to self care practice Read more>>

Alex Alki | SEO Expert

A long lasting relationship is what Nerd Narrow was built on. We believe that relationships is what shapes businesses to be great and most importantly successful. Great work speaks louder then a sales pitch and that’s why we are confident and passionate about SEO. Read more>>

Erina McPeak | Show Promoter/Booker and Artist

My thought process was that I had seen tons of local shows, but not many with vendors. Between bands, there’s not much to do besides drink and talk to friends. Having vendors fills that time to shop between sets. Also as a vendor myself, sometimes it’s challenging to get into events that fit my target audience. My art is very dark and spooky, so I decided I’d book Hardcore and Death Metal shows, and have vendors selling wares that match the target audience provided. Read more>>