Starting a business is a commitment and requires dedication, resources and sacrifice. We asked some of the rising stars in our community how they thought through the idea of starting their own businesses.

Zach Winters | Telemonial Co-Owner

During the COVID pandemic, there was a great sense of isolation that was felt by all. In the midst of this, one of the most powerful ways of drawing people together was through shared appreciation of art. I found myself constantly giving out media recommendations to friends and asking them for their own. Read more>>

Brandy Stacy | CEO & Program Director

Starting a healthcare center is compelling and advantageous idea for several reasons. First, it addresses the pressing need for pharmacy techs and phlebotomists in my area. Read more>>

Benson | Just a creative creating

Starting the beanie bar actually wasn’t planned. I grew up crocheting taught by my grandmother. And only did it as a hobby to relax and escape. When I started my loc journey I could never find beanies to fit my head properly so I started making them myself. Read more>>

Garson Skelton | Strength and Conditioning Coach, Personal Trainer

During the COVID lockdown I was a strength and conditioning coach for a high school. I had 700 athletes, who played a number of different sports who still wanted and needed to train for the upcoming year. I also had friends and family reaching out to me for ways to stay in shape without their gym, or access to much equipment. Read more>>

Morgan Banks | Social Media Strategist

The story of Capri Couture Marketing begins at the age of 15, when founder Morgan Banks was employed as the official “promotion runner” for Cuban Revolution a Restaurant in Baltimore, Maryland. In her role, Morgan developed innovative marketing strategies that became the foundation of Capri Couture Creations. In 2015, Morgan started a blog called Capri Couture Creations to help women and men develop a relationship with Christ. She decided to create a brand that would be consistent with her overall mission of spreading the gospel. It quickly turned into requests from business owners who found her work compelling, attractive, and strategic. Even though she had a steady flow of freelance creative work, the surprise birth of her son Omari and the death of her father put her in a tailspin. Read more>>

MaryBeth Asenime | Chiropractor

Starting my own chiropractic business was all about giving my patients the best care possible. I wanted to create a place where each person gets personalized attention because I know that one-size-fits-all treatments don’t work for everyone. By having my own practice, I could spend more time understanding each patient’s unique situation and craft treatment plans that really target the root of their problems, leading to better and longer-lasting results. Read more>>

Jaiana Francis | Holistic Health Coach for Women

I wanted to start my own business to honor my deceased grandmother. I remember getting a phone call from my mom that I needed to end my summer internship in Austin, Texas, USA and head straight to the US Virgin Islands. After she passed, I was angry – like really angry. My grandmother will never be able to see me walk down the aisle, meet my future kids, or simply be there for laughs, tears and everything in between. I felt robbed of time when she passed away due to health issues. I promised myself that I would get healthy in her honor and that led to a burning desire to help other moms, sisters, aunts and grandmothers get healthy too. It took 5 years to build up the courage to finally start my own business but that’s how Boss Babe Fitness Academy was born. Read more>>

Rodrick Chambers | Wellness Artist

I knew at 30 years of age I would be starting my own business. I desired a model like Mindvalley, but that wasn’t the path that my life took. However, I knew I wanted to work within the body, mind, and spirit wellness industry. Because I am someone who believes in following your spirit, it was a matter of when and how this was going to take place, while working for other businesses. Long story short, I’ve been able to integrate my professional experiences working for others as well as working for myself. Read more>>