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.

Jasmine Sims | Candle Maker

I knew that supporting a business brought value and success but I never really understood how much hard work and sacrifice went into conducting and facilitating an actual business. I spent dozens of dollars on body and self care products, I knew what I looked for in a purchase and the quality of that product, so I was inspired to achieve that by learning the craft and then branding my own self care line with candles and home goods. I immediately dived into my business without an actual goal or plan. I knew what I wanted to do and I went for it. Read more>>

Mayra Pineda | Owner of Ellie’s Bows & Beyond

Initially I did not plan on having a business per say. My plan was just to make a few bows and sell them here and there with friends and family. After a while decided to start a Facebook group and see how that would go. I figured I would sell to a few more people but I never imagined I would have return customers. Much less customers asking for custom orders. Before I knew it my small group grew to over 700 members and orders started rolling in. That was when I decided to get my business permit and start a legitimate business. Even though my group is a good size, it is the same customers to continue to support me through this journey and I am very grateful for them. Read more>>

BemiSoul | Musical Artist

I initially wanted to become an artist when I realized I had a gift that needed to be shared. I‘ve been singing since the age of 6 and made music with friends as a hobby but it took a while for me to take that next step and start creating music for myself as more than a hobby. I am and without the fear of vulnerability, so I began making music as BemiSoul. Read more>>

Nicholas Smith | Fitness trainer & Coach

When I started my business it was to establish a place that would be comfortable as well as motivational for people to reach their personal goals. Since I originally started personal training at a larger corporate gym I noticed how people felt insecure about exercising in front of larger groups of people. Mainly because it’s their personal insecurities and lack of knowledge of what to do to get to where they want to be. So I knew I needed to duplicate what I was doing but just on a smaller scale. Read more>>

Shanice Gordon | Creator & Skincare Advocate

The process behind starting my own business was simply due to being bored and inspired at the same time during the pandemic. I was inspired to create something that worked for my child. While also passing by time. Read more>>

Faith Lefever | Artist

Starting my own business came from the idea that I want to be the owner of my time, and ultimately to utilize all of my skills to the fullest. Having your own business is a lot of work, but it comes with a lot of freedom as well. Being an artist I can create art anywhere, and location freedom is important to me. Being able to go and visit friends and family, taking trips in general and being able to live anywhere has been an amazing experience for me. Read more>>

Alexander Simpson | Master Herbologist

Owning a business I can call my own was always in my vision for as long as I can remember. Doing something I loved everyday would be fun and a type of motivation that was in some way natural because it is something that I enjoy doing. My business is inspired by my interest within the health world and all the great ways that I could provide alternative ways to help aid people with ailments they may suffer from. For so long we have been disconnected from mother nature and have forgotten about all the wonders she has to offer us when it comes to healing. I wanted to be the one to tell my version of her story and connect the people back to Mother nature through her many supernatural ways. Over the years I have acquired a great amount of financial literacy that has helped nurture my vision when it came down to starting my own health product business “Tinctuice”. Not only am I shedding light on healing people the natural way with more promising effects but, I am also creating jobs and opportunity for my family and others through my process. Read more>>

Dr. Maurya Cockrell | SDoH Solutionary for Intergenerational Equity and Mobility

I officially launched YKNOT Consulting in 2015. After graduating from college, my peers and I struggled to find jobs because we did not fit the “minimum 5 years required” criteria. Faced with anxiety and depression, I used my knowledge of human resources and career coaching to help millennials prepare for job interviews. Later my company evolved to included DEI training and training. Read more>>

Adrienne Ebrahim | Jewelry Designer for Madeline’s Armoire

I started making my own jewelry about eleven years ago after taking a class. For ten years, I made unique pieces for myself and for my sisters. I like unique jewelry and do not want what everyone else has. I started out by buying antique sterling silver pendants and creating necklaces to complement the piece. After being asked if I sold my pieces over the years, I finally decided to put together an Esty page in March of 2020. I also did a few trade shows around the holidays and found out about Painted Tree Marketplace in Sugar Land Texas and decided to rent a booth for Madeline’s Armoire in November 2020. Read more>>

Jackie Brown | Life Coach, Rapper, & Content Creator

The funny thing about my thought process behind starting a business was that I didn’t have one, or at least I wasn’t aware of it. It felt like I was jumping into something that I had no idea how to do. But looking back at it, I have to remind myself that I grew up with both of my parents owning their own businesses and working for themselves. I’m sure I picked up on their habits and way of life subconsciously. I had a variety of part time jobs between the ages 17 and 22, and I could never stick to them for long because of my clash with the management. I always thought that I could do what they were doing better, and I hated the fact that someone else was profiting off of labor that I was doing. When I was in college, I never had a desire to work any type of job that would be considered as corporate or “9-5”. I strongly dislike the idea of having a boss. So realistically, what other option did I have other than to work for myself? I would’ve done it much sooner than 22 had I not been so scared. I spent more time suppressing my desire to become an entrepreneur than I did thinking about how I would become one. Read more>>

 

Sharisha Cooper | Licensed Massage Therapist

I always wanted to have my own business since grade school. Myself and a childhood friend laugh now because 3rd grade we had our own business selling coloring books we drew ourselves stapled them together and made a book. We even had a committee to run and operate our business. Lol. Fast forward I became a massage therapist. One who never wanted to work for any spa but start my own. Being a single mom of an athletic child I needed the freedom of being involved. Unfortunately I had to do what I had to do and work for a few. Great experience with a couple of them. I was able to learn the business from the ground up. Others were a good experience as well. You learn the do’s and don’t have of business. I am now at a place where I need to start building my own team. I have learned a lot along the way. I’m forever grateful. Read more>>

Janae Clarkson | CEO

Starting a business can be scary when you take in to consideration the pros, cons, and risks. The idea has always been there but the pandemic gave me that extra push to turn it into a real business. My mom started out decorating rooms as a gift for her friends and I always thought that idea was dope. Noticing a lack of intimacy in many relationships, we wanted to bridge that intimacy gap between men and women while also incorporating my mom’s idea for weddings nights. We create an overall intimate experience between couples to help assist in creative ways to indulge in romance. As women we crave this however, most Men don’t think outside of the box when it comes to romance and intimacy. We are lovers of love that have a passion for what we do and found a creative way to help “bring intimacy back to relationships.” Read more>>

Laython Washington | Sports Producer, Videographer, and Podcast Host

I just started listening to podcasts one day, and it kept growing on me. One day I thought to myself I want my own podcast. Started researching on the industry to gain my intelligence about how to put out content, marketing, and create revenue. I wanted to inspire people to do whatever profession they want. Since I was already going into media I decided to have my own platform early just in case I become super famous or if I get let go from a company. Read more>>

Ja’Vahn Dixon | Cosmetic Line owner and Content creator

My thought process behind starting my business Jay Beauty Co was, first what can I see myself doing long term and how could it not only benefit me but others as well. I feel like when I hear the words career, entrepreneur, and business I think about longevity. What can I see myself doing my whole life and not get tired of it? What do I enjoy? As I thought about that my dream was to always have my own cosmetic line or beauty bar. So, one day I was at my dead-end job and decided it was time. I have always wanted to make this big step but being afraid was holding me back. Seeing so many other young business owners thrive inspired me even more to start my business. Read more>>