Coming up with an idea for a business or creative project can feel exhilarating. Inspiration for a new idea can come from so many places and we’ve asked some great folks from the community to share their stories of how they came up with their ideas.

Imani Mobley

My mom gets the credit for giving me the idea! She said to me as I was making a gift basket for my sister, for her birthday, “if only you could do a gift basket business and make them for people.” That idea hadn’t left my head so I decided to go for it and start a small business! I thought about gifting and I realize it can be a struggle for people sometimes, but I personally love it! If I can take that hassle out and do the gift shopping, organizing, curating and delivery and make it a business that would be really fun & helplful for those that maybe don’t have time to get gifts or can’t figure out exactly what to get! So I really have to credit my mom for the idea, I’m excited to have jumped on it and am hoping to build more and more customers and following as time goes on!  Read more>>

David Harrington

The idea for Triangle Adventures came from my wife Marlo. We have the NC Greenway trail in our backyard and we use it to walk, run, ride bikes all the time. We were riding e-bikes one day on a gorgeous Fall afternoon and we noticed there weren’t many people outside enjoying it. She just leaned over and asked, “Why doesn’t anyone do a tour of this trail?” That’s where it all began. I started researching, and there used to be a Segway tour of Raleigh, but they went out of business. No one else was doing anything quite like it. We wanted to build something that we would love to do ourselves. We loved history, e-bikes, an occasional beer, and of course the picturesque scenery of the Greenway.  Read more>>

Christina Marquez

In 2020, I began experimenting with something I had always loved: creating balloon garlands. It started as a fun activity for my children’s birthday parties and family gatherings. Pouring my creativity and skill into each garland I began finding an immense joy in transforming simple balloons into colorful, festive displays. My designs grew more elaborate and admired by friends and family and I began to see a glimmer of possibility. Perhaps, just perhaps, this could be the path to my next adventure. In February 2023, I crafted a beautiful balloon garland for a family member’s celebration. The response was overwhelming. People started asking about my services and how pricing worked. It was at that moment I felt a clear sign from God that this was my new path. He seemed to be guiding me toward starting a flexible business that would allow me to prioritize my family while engaging in something creative and joyful. Read more>>

Marissa Yarbrough

I had two interactions prior to deciding to start my own creative vending machine business. The first was at Dragoncon when I came across the Drunken Dragon Hotel Vending Machine at the Vendor Hall. I had seen similar vending machines online, but never in-person and it was so fun to see. The second time I saw a creative vending machine in-person was in Asheville, NC at a brewery. It was filled with art and fun little treasures. I got a mystery bag and loved that I had something to do while my boyfriend went to go get beer. Read more>>

Kendra Laroche

I was working at a local nursery about six years ago. Inspired by all of the plants. Inspired by the people. Taking notes everyday on different species and care. I never really considered myself observant until I found my love for plants. Before I was distracted and unfocused. Once I grew a love for horticulture I knew what I wanted to do. I spent a year learning from the nursery. The different varieties and how to care for them. I started to dabble in container design here. I loved pairing different plants in unique pottery. I realized I had outgrew the little nursery I was working for. I took my chances and with little experience, but a large portfolio of container designs, I applied to plant design positions all over Florida. A few months later a reputable landscape design firm took a chance on me. Read more>>

Nikkita Davis

The idea for my business was born during a time of great personal transformation. It was the height of the pandemic, and like many, I found myself facing uncertainty. But there was also something new and beautiful in my life—my daughter. Her birth was a catalyst for me to reflect on what truly mattered, and more importantly, how I wanted to shape my future for both of us. I had always harbored entrepreneurial ambitions, but it wasn’t until I was in the midst of a global crisis and a personal transition that I realized it was time to take the leap. Read more>>

Logan Morgan

Honestly in highschool I had the idea I wanted to cut hair. I wasn’t too sure how I’d do it or what fully I wanted to do with a skill like this at that time. Little freshman me only knew he wanted this to be his career, his lifestyle, a lifestyle of freedom and expression. It was only once I got out of highschool and after did my little runaround with other odd placement jobs that I actually took my first initial step into this lifestyle, that was joining barber college! What had intrigued me the most was the freedom and social aspects of pretty much never feeling like I’m working a day in life. As time moved on I only continued to build even more love for my art changing people’s outlooks of themselves! Knowing my own heart I love to socialize and make people happy, being a barber was my outlet of creating a whole life experience that revolved around exactly that! Read more>>

Nina Millan

My journey into the heart of the travel industry began unexpectedly. After almost two decades immersed in design, marketing, and social selling, I decided to take a leap and become a travel agent. It was a chance to combine my professional skills with my lifelong passion for exploring the world. However, my newfound career path quickly revealed a glaring disconnect within the industry. Many of my fellow agents, while brimming with enthusiasm for travel, lacked the know-how to effectively share their experiences and build a thriving business online. They struggled to create compelling content, engage with their audience, and stand out in the crowded digital landscape. It was a classic problem with a missing solution. Read more>>

Alyssa Evans

So I’ll first start with The Atlanta Book Club. The Atlanta Book Club is not your average book club. Yes we read, but we also go to beautiful restaurants in Atlanta to chat about our monthly books, host social events, group walks, volunteering, and more. The emphasis of this club is less on the reading, but more-so about creating spaces for relationships to be built and to create a positive impact in Atlanta. The beginning of The Atlanta Book Club started out of the awareness that there was a whole community of people who loved to read and liked talking about books, but were not coming together for some reason. I discovered this after months of sharing book reviews on my personal Instagram and found that there were so many people engaging with them and asking for more.  Read more>>

Nicole Rangel

The idea for Nicole Rangel Interiors has been something I had been thinking about ever since I was young. I’ve always been drawn to interiors, even before I truly understood what it meant to design a space. Growing up, I was that kid constantly rearranging my room, thinking about how spaces could feel more cohesive, functional, or inviting. It was a passion I carried with me, but I never studied it formally in school. With my education in communications, I was able to land an internship doing social media for an interior design firm in Newport Beach, CA. While the job was focused on content creation, it gave me a behind-the-scenes look at how the design world worked. Seeing the creativity and thoughtfulness that went into transforming spaces lit something inside me, and I realized this was what I was meant to do. That’s when I decided to pursue it seriously. Read more>>

Michelle Fennick

The idea for my business took shape when a friend reached out, asking if I could coach novice principals. At that point, I had spent most of my career coaching principals and preparing individuals for administrative positions. What struck me was how people would attend a session with me, and soon after, they would land the job. My phone was constantly ringing, and I realized that I had something special on my hands. Over time, it became clear that my coaching wasn’t just helpful—it was life-changing for those I worked with. The success my clients experienced affirmed that this was a worthwhile endeavor. I wasn’t offering generic advice; I had refined a unique approach that was tailored specifically for individuals stepping into leadership roles. Read more>>

Liz Espina

My name is Liz Espina, and I’m the Chef and founder of Happy Kitchn Studio. My journey into the world of culinary arts, particularly Italian cuisine, was driven by a deep passion for cooking and a lifelong appreciation for how food can bring people together. From a young age, I was captivated by the way food has the power to connect cultures, families, and communities. It was this love for food’s unifying power that inspired me to create Happy Kitchn Studio. The idea for Happy Kitchn Studio was born from my desire to share meaningful experiences centered around food. Italian cuisine, especially pasta-making, has always enchanted me because of how something as simple as a dish of pasta can create moments of joy and connection. At the same time, I noticed a growing need for authentic, human connections in an increasingly fast-paced world. I, too, felt this desire, and cooking classes—particularly ones focused on pasta—seemed like the perfect way to foster those connections. Read more>>

Brooke Dryden

Many years ago, I was diagnosed with endometriosis. By the time I turned 25, I noticed certain side effects, like my acne, had only worsened. I tried the conventional route—medications, dermatologists, you name it. But the side effects from those treatments felt worse than the acne itself. I knew there had to be a better way, so I began exploring holistic alternatives. Slowly but surely, I found relief, and it opened my eyes to a whole new world of natural remedies. Around the same time, I was also nurturing my relationship with Jesus, making space in my life to just be with Him. But sitting still has never been my strong suit, so I began to occupy myself in the best way I knew how—working with my hands. I started learning macrame and reconnected with my love for beading. It was a beautiful fusion of creativity and calm. Read more>>

Alex Kosinski

I started personal training about 6 years ago. I did it part time on top of my 9-5 job. I started with mostly high school athletes, because I played division 1 football at the University of Arizona. For 5 years I trained high school athletes and worked to transform their bodies to fit the sport (and position) that they played. I always loved the work. Even on days where I wasn’t feeling great about life, I was still excited to train someone! Last year (2023), I taught high school english in Spain. That was a very transformative, healing year of my life. I realized that I really enjoyed teaching and working with that age group. That year in Spain changed and healed me as a human in so many ways. To tell the full story we would need another interview to talk about that alone! I had plenty of time to travel, grow, see the world, and experience a vastly different way of life. That one year in Spain taught me more about life than 10 years of school or work ever could. Read more>>

Tymisha Robinson

“Stella Scrub Wear” was created from a conversation with my late grandmother, whose strength and dedication shaped my life. As a dental assistant, I knew I wanted to do something meaningful within my field but wasn’t interested in climbing the traditional career ladder. My grandmother and I dreamed up creating scrubs that would reflect who I am—a Black woman, a proud business owner, and someone who values both affordability and style. Stella Scrub Wear isn’t just about making scrubs; it’s about honoring my grandmother’s legacy and empowering healthcare professionals like you. Our scrubs are designed to fit and feel different because they’re made with the understanding that everyone deserves to look good, feel comfortable, and be confident in their workwear. Stella Scrub Wear is my way of giving back to the healthcare community, offering scrubs that are affordable, fashionable, and, most importantly, made with love and purpose. Read more>>

Hui Jing

I started my creative journey in graphic design, where I spent a lot of time working on branding and print design projects. Through these experiences, I became more involved in digital design, which eventually led me to user experience (UX) design. The transition felt natural because, while branding is about giving a product or brand its unique personality, UX design is about guiding users through a seamless and enjoyable journey with that product. I quickly realized that the ability to empathize with users and create intuitive design flows would be key to my success in this field. User Experience Design combined my love for visual design with my passion for problem-solving. My background in branding has been especially added to another level, as it allows me to design not only user-friendly experiences but also interfaces that are visually appealing and emotionally resonant. Outside of work, I enjoy doodling, which helps me keep my creative energy flowing. This combination of technical skills and creative passion made me confident that this career was the right path for me. Read more>>

Courtney Harper

Birth of Mars, a creative portrait photography business based in Phoenix, Arizona, comes from Sandro Botticelli’s famous painting “The Birth of Venus” where the goddess Venus, stands nude as she is born out of a sea shell. This masterpiece is the first non-religious depictions of a nude woman, marking a significant moment in the evolution of artistic expression. The “Mars” in my brand name reflects my roots; having been born and raised in Arizona, I have always saw my hometown as a martian landscape. Read more>>

Gina Boykin

Live Music Junkiez was born from my own need to have one central place to find out what’s happening in Atlanta regarding live music. I discovered that there are many people who have an interest in exploring the music scene but don’t know where to start. It’s very rewarding to hear from people how they’ve tried new places and discovered new artists! It’s also pretty fun to shock people with the number of places that have live music on a daily basis. Continues to blow my mind- Atanta is such a music city! Read more>>

 Justin Wildman

I started asking myself, What if there was a space for artists to be who they truly are? No gimmicks, no restrictions—just pure expression. That’s when Lost Oasis Records was born. The name itself reflects the vision: a place that feels like a hidden paradise amidst the chaos, where artists can create freely and authentically. It wasn’t an easy decision, though. I knew starting a label from scratch in an already saturated market would be an uphill battle. But I believed in the artists I’d worked with, and more importantly, I believed in a new way of doing things. We weren’t just solving a problem for one person; we were addressing a larger need for more autonomy and artistry in the industry. Read more>>

Lory Jones

I am a writer–have been for 40+ years. In 2017, I officially became a published novelist with my first book, “My Interview with Beethoven,” which is historical fiction. Why Beethoven? Because he saved my sanity when I relocated from the West Coast to the East Coast–or as I call it, the Beast Coast. His music, his life, the struggles he experienced, served as inspiration for me to never give up. So, after I published it, and it won awards and other accolades, I thought, “Well, that’s it. I’m not going to write another one as good as this,” because this literary first born was my baby. Read more>>

Jane Vandervoort

I’ve always felt there is a gap in women’s fitness. On one end of the spectrum you have the male-dominated gyms. This environment can be intimidating to many women, especially beginners! On the other end of the spectrum, you have a whole lot of fear mongering around strength training for women. If you search “women’s fitness” on any platform, you are met with myths, click bait, and videos almost entirely focused on aesthetics. I wanted to create a space where women could improve their physical and mental health through strength training. My studio, Movement & Mindset, offers a warm and inviting space for all levels! I started with personal training and as that grew, I wanted to help my clients build strong communities in New York. From there, Small Group Training was born. Read more>>

Kaleigh Robinson

Neither of us came out of vet school thinking we would one day open our own practice. I had previously completed an internship at a big corporate hospital and knew that wasn’t for me. I met Dr. Shannon Kafer in 2018 when we both worked as emergency department associates at a practice that was privately owned. For a time, it was great; we had a lot of great staff who provided good patient care and the case load was enough to support a multi-doctor emergency department. Read more>>

Fernanda Ralston

The idea for I am Creation came when I realized that there was such important knowledge and beautiful messages trying to be shared by creatives, creators and thought leaders that were not reaching a wide range audience. Also, that this knowledge was not being delivered or translated in a way that people could enjoy, absorb or retain.  I remember when I though about all the elements of film and how much I could explore them to transform knowledge into a ” live art ” experience where people could appreciate the artistry of the film while receiving the powerful message within it. That moment I had the insight that having curated and carefully translated knowledge was rare and luxurious and nobody was doing it! There’s a niche market for art and a good market for knowledge. Combining them sounded like a winning composition! Read more>>

Mk Campbell

For years, I felt led to be an inspirational speaker and trainer. However, I was a single mom and the entrepreneur’s life wasn’t in the cards. In February of 2021, I was in a bad car accident. As I sat in the ambulance, blood dripping down my face and a gash that was 3 inches wide and 7 inches long across the entire top of my head, I knew I needed to make some changes. You see, I was on that treadmill of life going no where. I KNEW I had the opportunity to make a difference in others’ lives and Queens of Moxie was born. Moxie is hutzpah, sass, determination and perseverance. It’s all about finding joy, purpose and community and when you focus on MOXIE, you can move from auditing life to living life! Read more>>

Lisa Coleman

Growing up in a high poverty neighborhood, nonprofits played a crucial role in providing essential resources to the community. From food and medical services to child care, after-school programs, and job training, these organizations were the backbone that helped our neighborhood thrive. As a child, I was unaware of how much nonprofits impacted my daily life, but as I grew older, I realized how pivotal they were in breaking the cycle I was in. This realization sparked my passion for supporting nonprofits. I started as a volunteer, and over time, I took on larger roles such as coordinating volunteer efforts, planning fundraising events, and leading awareness campaigns for nonprofit organizations. The more I became involved, the more I saw firsthand the transformative impact of their work. Read more>>

Aahana Paul And Celine Bono

My friend Celine and I were on FaceTime during quarantine and were talking a both how we felt that there were not enough educational resources for youth, especially because we were barred from going to school because of COVID. We both felt passionate about educating youth about important issues in society that were being ignored or neglected being taught. This was when Celine suggested we could do an educational podcast so we could help with this issue, and the podcast was born from then. We launched a website, podcast, and resources all during our 8th grade year of middle school. From there, we collaborated with other organizations and eventually registered as a nonprofit. Read more>>

Ida Keshishyan

It was 2018 and I was at a crossroads in my life. I needed to make some solid, long-term decisions. I knew I wanted to open my own business and set roots in LA. I would go to my neighborhood coffee shop with my laptop and brainstorm. One day, as I was leaving the coffee shop to head back home, I noticed that there was a vacant space next door. I looked inside and tried to imagine what activity would fit the space. At this point, I had been considering three options – a dance studio, a meditation space, or a Pilates studio. The long rectangular space seemed perfect for Pilates reformers. I had been very inspired by the historic brick buildings in Pasadena. The architecture of the city was a big motivating piece to my desire for a brick-and-mortar business. I called the number on the for-lease sign. They asked me what business I was interested in opening, and when I told them a Pilates studio, they said that they were actually looking to add Pilates to the building. It kind of all flowed and fit perfectly from there. Read more>>

John Krause

For nearly a decade I was a professional actor working mostly in musical theater. In about 75% of the shows I was in I was also playing the guitar. That was case for my role in “Hadestown” on Broadway. “Hadestown” won the Tony and Grammy Award for best musical. And in 2020 I was enjoying a long run as a member of the original company in the ensemble and covering the lead role of Orpheus. For nearly an entire calendar year I waited for my opportunity to go on for that role. But the lead actor never missed a show. For nearly 52 weeks straight. But it was finally scheduled to happen… on March 12th, 2020. My parents were in town. Many other friends and family had tickets to see me in all 5 shows in the upcoming weekend. But Covid had other plans. Broadway was shut down that night. The night I was to make my principal Broadway debut. And it wouldn’t open again for another year and a half. Read more>>

Dimesha Suazo

Therapy hasn’t traditionally been a common topic of discussion, but I’m grateful to see it becoming a more familiar and open subject in our homes. From the moment I began my internship at a local acute hospital in my college town, I knew that my long-term dream was to open my own private practice. My goal has always been to make mental health more relatable and accessible to others. Through my journey as a therapist, my philosophy has naturally evolved. I’ve come to believe that inflexibility is one of the greatest obstacles to our well-being. Life is dynamic, unpredictable, and ever-changing, and embracing this fluidity can be incredibly liberating. With this in mind, I often remind my clients that “Awareness is the greatest gift we can give ourselves.” Some of the issues addressed in therapy stem from patterns of behavior that have either become so ingrained that we don’t notice them or extremely apparent to us but seemingly impossible to overcome. My belief that honing in on our personal awareness and introspective thinking is the guiding principle that helps us navigate through difficult topics, transitions, and the many nuances of life in therapy. Read more>>

Sheilandria Wells

I originally came up with my business name This Growing Mama Homeschool from a Facebook page I started during what I thought was my 6th pregnancy. ( I ended up having twins) I started the Facebook page to document my pregnancy journey but only made a few post on the page. For some reason I never took the page down, but a few months postpartum I remembered that I still had the page, and slowly started posting updates on the twins and uploaded a few mini vlogs. During this time I also decided to homeschool my kids, one of which is on the Autism Spectrum and is for the most part nonverbal ( his speech is improving). A few months into homeschooling I started making learning materials for him. I started with a busy book because he is a very hands on learner. Then I started making tracing materials for him and other kids. After a while I started posting our homeschool journey and the materials. I would post my vlogs and ideas on Youtube and TikTok and people responded and really like the materials. Read more>>

Sean Tory And Nick Mathews

Nick: Sean and I created King of Jewels to create an organization that engaged, empowered and encouraged young people to be the best versions of themselves by surrounding them with positive role models who can help them realize a pathway to success. We grew up in a community that was riddled with community violence, lack of resources, and low academic achievement. Many of our peers that we attended high school with were more likely to spend time incarcerated than they were to graduate high school. Thankfully for the mentors and positive role models in our lives we were able to overcome the challenges we faced in our lives and become college graduates, successful professionals, loving husbands, fathers and business owners who make a positive impact on our community. That’s important to us because so many of our young men of color especially don’t get the opportunity to grow up with a positive male role model that looks like them. So the mentors that poured into us helped us to become great professionals, yes, but they helped us become even better young men. Read more>>

Grace Wang

Petphoria is the longest love letter ever written to humankind’s best friend–doggos! Our company was founded by Petreprenuer, Grace, and her furry companion, Beni, as a gift giving solution when boring, overly-processed store brand dog treats just don’t make the cut. Since its grand opening in Madison, Wisconsin in 2020, Petphoria has grown into much, much more, offering a wide variety of luxury dog treats, handmade pet accessories, (yes–even human items to match!), along with sassy human apparel. So, how exactly did we get here? Read more>>

Jessica Morales

The idea for conVIDA Cocktail Lounge was born from a deeply personal and emotional place. It all started when my son asked me to start a business that I could eventually leave for my children—a legacy they could be proud of and continue for generations. This request sparked something in me, pushing me to think about what truly mattered and what kind of business could embody both my passion and my family’s history. One day, while sifting through old family photos, I came across a picture that stopped me in my tracks. It was a photo of my father holding my oldest brother in front of his home bar inside their New York apartment in the 1950s. The scene was timeless—the mid-century furniture, the elegant bar setup, the way my father looked so proud and content. It transported me back to the era when my mom would host cocktail parties, the laughter, the music, and the sense of community that filled their home. It was a moment frozen in time that encapsulated so much of what I wanted to bring into the world. Read more>>

Melissa Valerio

I started Benditta Jewels while I was in college, driven by my passion for jewelry and the need for extra income. It was a way for me to combine something I’ve always loved with the practical need to support myself during that time, and that’s how my brand began. Read more>>

Tatiana Moyseeva

My name is Tetiana and I’m from Ukraine. Now I live in Florida. I came to America after russia starts war against my country. I’m a video creator and content maker. I never thought I would do creating content. I saw the work of others that I admired and that inspired me. I always interesting fashion. Here in America I completed an online course called Personal Style from MODEISM school. I got the idea to create a blog about personal style, where I could share my findings, styling ideas, and fashion tips. I wanted to create high-quality content, so I signed up for my first video shooting course. Honestly I didn’t expect to fall in love with the process of shooting, styling, and editing! I truly enjoy the entire process – from the initial idea to the final product! Read more>>

Greg Lipper

I lived overseas for 30+ years, returning to San Diego because my parents are here and in their 90s, and it was time to be present. I got back into golf after 25 years of not playing and fell in love with it all over. I wanted to use golf for business development, but there were two problems. First, getting tee times at courses I would want to bring a client was a hassle and unpredictable. Second, I was new to town and didn’t know a lot of people to invite.  I went looking for a service that could solve both the problems of access to tee times and access to prospective clients to play with and couldn’t find it. I couldn’t believe that it didn’t exist. Everyone I talked to about it agreed that 1) it doesn’t exist and 2) it would be great if it did. So, I created a very simple version to invite non-technical founders to play golf with me because I was selling software development services at the time.  Read more>>

Christopher Simms

I’ve spent the last decade honing my craft in Southern California’s vibrant floral industry. Grateful for the mentorship I’ve received, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the artistry of creating beautiful floral arrangements. Recently, while managing a wedding floral business for someone else, I realized my entrepreneurial dreams. If I could completely run their business, why cant I do it for myself? I have a solid understanding of the flower business, from sourcing to design, and I have made a lot of friends in the industry. So, I finally decided to take the leap and start my own wedding floral business. Read more>>

Sanjay Bhasin

It all started a few years back when I was working at a hotel in Central Delhi. It was indeed an exciting atmosphere that helped me gain a deep fascination with the travel industry. I used to observe everything closely- what customer wanted, what they demanded, and how their experiences were shaped by the smallest details. And it turned out to be the base for my passion for traveling and hospitality. I had plunged headlong into learning, grasped the details of customer service, and how to create memorable stays that left guests delighted. It wasn’t just about meeting expectations but surpassing them, learning their preferences, and creating an experience they would cherish. This was at a time when the use of the internet had just picked up in India. Seeing the potential, I dived in, taking loans to purchase a computer and teaching myself how to use it. I started collecting contact information and approaching the guests, relationship building, and business emerging from those relationships. Read more>>

Silvana Budge

Amazonian Treasures emerged from a blend of personal experiences and a desire to strengthen my connection with my roots. The idea started taking shape when I realized I could bring these beautiful, handcrafted pieces to a broader audience while supporting the artisans. I wanted to create something that didn’t just represent my love for the Amazon but promote sustainability, fair trade, and cultural appreciation. Amazonian Treasures became the perfect avenue to achieve all that – combining my connection to the forest with a passion for preserving and promoting Indigenous craftmanship in a way that could positively impact both artisans and the environment. Read more>>

Dave Decay

I was originally brewing cider in the early days of the pandemic, but pretty quickly realized that I didn’t like working with the volume as much, and I really didn’t need to be drinking that much cider anyways. My wife threw the idea of fermenting hot sauce, which is one of my all time loves of life. I had no idea that you could do this. Awesome. I found a great video on fermenting peppers with a brine and gave it a shot. I found some of my favorite recipes through trial and error and started experimenting to see what worked, and didn’t. I was gifting bottles to friends, bringing it to parties, just getting peoples reactions when they ate my sauce. It was a lot of fun. Read more>>

Maegan Hayward

I grew up shopping for vintage and antique finds (sometimes that meant flea markets, sometimes trash picking, sometimes thrift store shopping, I did it all).I’m originally from Florida, which was a mecca for fab finds from the past because so many folks headed that way to retire. Back in the day you could find beautiful items: be it clothing, collectibles or furniture for next to nothing. Visiting NYC for the first time in my late teens I remember thinking “wow, cool vintage stuff is everywhere but it’s expensive! Makes sense since rent and utilities are also more expensive, BUT maybe there is a way for me to get these Florida treasures and treasures from other more rural areas over to NYC and still keep the resale prices low.” Read more>>

Danielle Pojah

The initial idea for Queen Academy, Inc. stemmed from my work as an educator. I taught middle school for several years, and during that time I noticed that many of my female students were unprepared to face all the challenges and social pressures that come with transitioning to high school. Based on that experience, I started Queen Academy in 2013 as an after-school mentoring club. When I became born again in 2014, the Lord Jesus Christ really shifted my focus and helped me to understand that a genuine relationship with Him was the only solution to the rejection, trauma, and mental health issues that many of my female students were battling every day. Over the years, I continued facilitating Queen Academy as a mentoring program in schools and churches I attended. Read more>>

Darnella Gamble

During the fall of 2022, I was watching the Today Show 3rd Hour, when a segment on a candle making experience caught my attention, I thought Al, Dylan, Craig and Sheinelle were having such a great time that I thought, this looks like fun and it’s something I would do or better yet, I could start a business like this, Well by the end of the segment, they mentioned the company would soon be starting a franchise and boy was I excited. I started the initial process to become a franchisee and was signed up before the year was over.. I was inspired to really make this happen after speaking with the Franchisor, Ashley Shilingford over the phone. I could feel her passion for the business, which reassured me that this would be a great fit for me and my family. The values of the business were in line with what I was looking for in a business. Read more>>