Starting a business or creative project is scary for many reasons, but one that is often overlooked is the anxiety related to whether this is really “the one.” To some, this isn’t a valid consideration while to others this is the only consideration. Some argue that what you work on, along with who you work with are the two most pivotal decisions you’ll make and so we’ve asked folks to tell us about how they came up with their ideas and how they knew this idea was the one.

Em Barlow

I moved to MD in 2014 after graduating college with my boyfriend at the time (now husband!) and had no job, no friends in MD, and no idea what I was going to do with my life. I started working for a financial firm not long after moving and I was with that same firm for the past 8 years, I just left corporate America officially as of 2 months ago! As with many people, during the pandemic I started questioning what I wanted with my career and feeling the itch more than ever to try something new. Read more>>

Farrah LaRaé Wynn

As a business coach, I’ve come in contact with a ton of clients who could really benefit from being connected to a community of other motivated entrepreneurs and take the journey together. Read more>>

Nicole Nahed

Fitness became a big part of my life after suffering from a bad ankle injury when I was just 15 years old that led to 2 reconstructive surgeries, a year in a cast, and years of physical therapy to relearn basic skills such as walking and running. Not your typical journey… but the recovery process changed the way I thought about my body, both mentally and physically. I spent years after frustrated and struggling with body image, weight loss, disappointing diets, you name it… Read more>>

Anne Dargent-Wallace

When I changed careers (I used to be a French professor) it was with the idea of opening my own business. After an intensive culinary training and a 1-year work experience as Pasta & Bread Chef at a well-known local restaurant I decided it was time for me to open my own business. My idea was to have a business which would allow me to feed my community, but also permit me to be present and flexible for my family. Read more>>

Layla Outita

since early age, I spent a lot of time with my mom and grandmother in the kitchen, joking, cooking, creating recipes and chatting. I can still hear that laughter and joy we shared in our small kitchen in Marrakech, Morocco. Moroccan hospitality is like no other; our house is often full of guests and the only way to welcome people into your home is to break bread with them. Read more>>

Lindsey McCoy

For 10 years I lived in the The Bahamas doing environment education work. On a small island there’s no first world infrastructure to make all of the piles of plastic we create disappear. You see plastic bags, bottles and flip flops on the beaches, in the water, spilling out of the landfills, along the side of the road. See it I could start to believe the reports that there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050. Read more>>

Stephen DeGrazia

I was always in to music. The walls in my bedroom were covered with posters and collages of Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, Aerosmith, Guns N Roses. In the summers between college, I got a job at Jones Beach Amphitheater where I was part of the “Boat Crew” that patrolled Zacks Bay on Long Island to make sure boats didn’t trespass while concerts were going on. I had already been going to a bunch of concerts and this sealed my love for live music. Read more>>

Brianna & Josiah Hanson.

Hanson Leather truly began out of a challenge from a friend to make myself a leather belt. With a little guidance on what kind of leather and hardware to purchase, I was sent down a path that has turned into the most fulfilling adventure. After many one-of-a-kind projects were created on the floor of my dorm room, I built up enough courage and experience to make Brianna a tote bag, which she loved. This bag caught the eye of a local shop owner, who invited us to be a part of our first market. Read more>>

Robert Cadena.

I was a college student when I was first introduced to the world of supply chain. I worked through school as a forklift operator at a DB Schenker warehouse in Miami. During my time there, I also learned how to do clerical freight shipping computer work. This enabled me to learn more about transportation and logistics, including operations, processes, employee roles, modes of transportation, and more. I learned how materials and products move from one place to another and eventually reach their final destination. Read more>>

Yudelka Salcedo .

The Yubrand came to life during the pandemic. I was working from home at the time and had plenty of time to think. I have always a had a passion for art and kids fashion, so I had an idea that became a reality. I had purchased all of my equipment and got to work designing and started off doing sublimation and print tee designs for kids. I saw that this was a industry that was in high demand with not much urban appeal. Read more>>

Meet Robin Stanley

I’ve always wanted to own a clinic, but I never knew exactly what I want it the main focus to be. I just know I like helping people, that’s one of the main reasons I became a nurse. Back in February of 2020, I had weight loss surgery, and the very next day they gave me a vitamin bag of fluids, these fluids hurt me on cloud nine. I had my surgery in Las Vegas, Nevada and the day after surgery after I got the fluids I was walking around, exploring the city. Read more>>

Ouida Brown-Lyons

My name is Ouida Brown-Lyons, I’m a Lifestyle Fitness-Nutrition Coach and Reiki Master. I own a business that assist women of all ages, backgrounds and shapes to be mentally, physically and spiritually sound and balanced. Read more>>

Tarah Jansen

When I first started capturing family photos, I had a passion to encourage women to embrace their new mom self. As my experiences grew so did my vision for my business. My babies turned into toddlers, then into energetic boys. Now on top of interacting with families during our family lifestyle and documentary sessions parents are encouraged to embrace the chaos. Whatever challenges I have been thrown through during my journey of motherhood have directly shaped my workflow into an experience that caters to other moms too. Read more>>

Suzanne Luhrs

Luhrs Wicked Wicks started as an idea in 2018. I, Suzzie Luhrs have always been a candle hoarder and once, mostly as a joke (so I took it) my husband and father said that I should start a candle business. Fast forward to 2020. The COVID pandemic hit and my husband Erik’s developmentally disabled Aunt, MaryEllen came to live with us from Connecticut. Read more>>

JODI SCHWEFEL.

I spent 20 years in financial marketing prior to my career taking a beautiful & unexpected turn in 2016, when I designed a signature scent for myself {later to be named Pure Love Boho}. From the day I began wearing Boho, I was incessantly asked about my mesmerizing perfume…which led me to my journey of perfume design. Read more>>

Joseph Edelin

It was all a dream, we used to read Word Up! Magazine… Well maybe not, but Hip Hop Heads Brewery was founded when 3 close friends decided to dream. Read more>>

Noemi Guzman

In January 2021, I took a master’s class on creative writing. It changed my life. As a writer from a marginalized population, I wasn’t sure if there was a space for me to write and market my debut dark fantasy romance centered around women of color. As a Dominican American writer born in New York City, Noemi spent many summers falling in love with the warm sandy beaches and Mangú of the Dominican Republic. Read more>>

Benz 47.

The arts have been a part of my life for my entire life, whether that is music, art, or aesthetics. I have always had a creative mind in general. After I graduated high school, I went through a severe depression. I didn’t understand who I was or what I wanted to be. At that point in my life, I was looking for my calling as I was suicidal and depressed. Read more>>

Ashley Bennett

I signed the lease on my building before I had a business name. I DID have a core of students that were taking classes and workshops on a regular basis, so I did come in with a break-even budget. I had been renting a studio at the Tapp’s building, on Main St., but it had been sold and our days were numbered as resident artists at Tapp’s Arts Center. There was no guarantee that we would have dance studios at the new locations the non-profit was exploring and didn’t feel like it was wise for me to wait and see. Read more>>

Danielle Fermano

I love gift giving, I always have. I love giving surprise gifts or knowing that I am getting that person something they are going to love. When a shower or event came up I was the one to offer to be the lead on a group gift. Everyone happily handed me their money to do the work. After having my first child I decided to leave my job in education and stay home. I also decided that I would never bring a baby gift to a baby shower again. Read more>>

Dustin Lee

My business parter, Efren, and I met working for a bicycle company based in Minneapolis. We became fast friends recognizing our mutual love for fashion, music, food and community. During a commute home from work one day we started sharing stories about the selection of men’s products available to us in the Twin Cities. Although the metro has some great options for men’s apparel we felt that there was a opportunity to fill in the gap. I shared with Efren my idea of a men’s retail environment that offer’s brands that may not be as well known, and brands that are more affordable for men in Minnesota. Read more>>

Raven Bledsoe-Douglas.

My mother always wanted to open her own business centered around our Native American Heritage and Culture. She was so involved in raising her daughters and working she didn’t make time for her own interests. AfroN8v Boutique started from me fulfilling my mother’s vision of bringing our culture to those who do not have access to it or even know we exist as Native peoples. I took my mother’s initial vision and blended it into who I am, a Native & Black American woman. Read more>>

Kimberly Lowe

My thought process behind starting my own business came from a place of self reflection and reconstruction. I wanted to be better in all aspects of my life, and the only way I saw fit to do so was to seek God. I had been asking myself for a long time “How can I honor God more?” One night while scrolling through IG, Krystal Lee, the creator of a spiritual brand that I love, “Girl + God,” was offering a free masterclass on how to start a T-shirt business with no money. I took a leap of faith and signed up. I then realized my way to honor God could be through faith based apparel and that is how Faith Effect was born. Read more>>

Dr. Monica Riley

When I think back to how I started my business, I have to go way back before 2016. The idea for clean beauty self-care, with special care to women of color, really began in my Nana’s kitchen. I was only 4 years old, but I remember being mesmerized by the plants and flowers that she would boil in this huge soup pot every Saturday. I mean the incredible aromas that wafted from that pot; lavender, lemon, orange, vanilla, lily-of-the-valley, peony and cinnamon, carried me into my own little world of happiness. Read more>>

Kimberly Farris.

I started my yoga practice in graduate school in the early 2000’s through a friend’s recommendation as an alternative to working out in the gym. Immediately, I noticed that I was the only person of color in class among the other students and teachers. At that time, finding a welcoming and diverse yoga community was extremely rare. Read more>>

Mayah Collins

I’ve always had a burning desire to tell stories and express myself creatively. I went to school for journalism, and establishing a media company on my own was always on my bucket list. I knew I wanted to be a writer when I interviewed my first interviewee (my friend) in my parent’s backyard at seven. Read more>>

Bob Quintana

The idea for my agency was, ironically, borne from the COVID epidemic. During the initial lockdown, I watched as the performing arts industry was literally decimated and scores of amazing artists were forced to resort to extreme measures in order to make a living wage. The driving inspiration for my company was one of these artists in particular–soprano Melody Moore. And what began as a simple plan to support the artistic endeavors of one performed rapidly and organically morphed into a full-on artist management agency. Read more>>

Katie Nieves

In all honesty, I guess you could say I stumbled upon my passion to create beautiful nail art and use nails as my canvas. I was shopping around on Etsy looking at some nails I wanted to purchase when my boyfriend said why don’t I make my own. I looked at him like he had 10 heads and thought to myself Ya, ok, sure. Little did I know, he had planted a seed that would ultimately lead me to creating my own press on nail business, Claw’d by Katie. Read more>>

Jennifer Ford

I initially came up with the concept for “Seer Spotlight”, because I genuinely love supporting others. So many people lack recognition and support. I desired to bring more light and positivity to the Arts scene. It costs nothing to share content. It truly helps provide more visibility and creates an opportunity for networking as well. I believed in my vision so much, I wanted to create a safe space for other creatives like me. Read more>>

Dionne Sandiford

I have an embroidery, screen printing and sewing business. Prior to going full time in my business, I worked part-time in the business as a side hustle. People would often ask me to sew garments and also do alterations. I was asked by my church to repair the mats the children use to sleep on for nap time. They would tear or crack and according to DHEC if the foam inside was exposed, you had to throw it out. They were very expensive to replace. So i started to repair them… Read more>>

Michael Boehm.

My wife and I had bought a hot dog cart several years before we started G’Daddy’s to support non – profits and church groups in our community.. Right before Covid hit I retired from 42 years in the HVAC industry and decided to buy a State approved Hot Dog Cart and hit the Streets. Read more>>

Alyssa Barrett

I came up with the idea while I was giving up on my business overall. One day I was walking and trying to take a break from reality and that’s when it hit me. Babyamma. I’ve noticed a lot of people getting pregnant here where I lived and lots of mothers I knew have voiced their opinions to me about how items for their children are hard to afford due to the pandemic and the recession that we are in! I thought I’d great items to use and cheap prices so that it’s affordable for everyone and my journey as been a great rollercoaster since! Read more>>

Madeline Rodriguez.

Close friends and trusted business partners, Rosalynn and Madeline, launched Solaana MD in 2021. Rosalynn is an experienced Harvard-trained physician and University professor in Boston – a medical doctor (MD) specializing in skin health with expertise in diagnosing various skin abnormalities. Madeline is a nutritionist and physical therapist (DPT, MSPT) with over 20 years of experience in how nutrition and fitness influence overall well-being. Read more>>

Brandon McCollum

My name is Brandon “B Mc-C” McCollum. I’m an audio engineer, music producer, content creator, and sometimes rapper. I’ve been making and performing music in different capacities for 20 years. I graduated from Institute of Production & Recording in 2017 and 2019 with two degrees. One for Audio Production & Engineering and one in Sound Design For Visual Media. I ran my company Nice Guy Entertainment as a record label for 5 years during 2015 to 2020. Read more>>

Aaliyah Mcperison

I officially came up with the idea of Trill Gloss back in 2020 because I’ve always been a lip gloss fanatic. Ever since a little girl I always wanted to do something with lipgloss. Anywhere I went I always made sure I brought my lipgloss! Since I would literally buy gloss from the stores every-time and just felt like it was a waste. plus I knew the glosses weren’t vegan or cruelty free. So I decided from then instead of buying lip gloss elsewhere, I’m gonna start my own lipgloss brand where the glosses are vegan and cruelty-free but yet still have that glossy and shine affect. Read more>>

Sanika and Angel Howell

We came up with the idea of ChiChi several years before we actually started the business in May of 2020. Chichi rooted from a lifelong interest and passion for art and fashion. When we were little girls we would make paper dolls and “design” different outfits for them using paper. We would use sewing kits our mom bought us to make little doll clothes out of old blue jeans. Read more>>

Ben Reitz.

It was really a matter of timing and business necessity; My fiancée, Randi, owns & operates Kay & Co — a travel planning & decor agency that services the burgeoning bachelorette markets of Charleston, Savannah, Charlotte, and Austin. When Covid-19 arose, the newly imposed restrictions upon travel, dining, and entertainment left Kay & Co’s clientele yearning for activities more suited to the privacy of their Airbnb. One idea in particular continued to surface in client requests: an on-site cocktail mixing class. Read more>>

CONNAITRE TILLMAN

God gave me the idea of becoming a doula working as a nanny because I recognized there was a need and the need was here. I realized how much I love babies and children and wanted to do more to help moms especially during their postpartum period. Becoming a doula helped me to understand how much it takes a village to raise children and the communities that needs this support. Read more>>

Edward Lujan

About 2 years ago i started doing wood projects for my home. My first creation was a mobile work bench made from wood pallets. From there I was hooked. Started making tables, benches, wall shelves and so on. I loved the creativity side of woodworking. Much of my informal self training was from YouTube. Just this last may I decided I wanted to make my son a cutting board for his birthday in June. He loves to cook, would be a prefect gift. Read more>>

LaTonya Renee

I got tired of the way I felt others viewed me. See, I’m a serial entrepreneur but it various industries. One day, I had my friend on zoom with me and I was standing in front of a white board. We prayed and asked God to show us the vision of what He has for me and make sense to include all the things that I’m passionate about. Immediately, He told me to write down all my credentials and all the things I like to do. Read more>>

Vernon Williams

I enjoy you having a night out and having a good time. In my nights out, I realized that my favorite part was eating. At this moment I recognized that I was a foodie. Being that I came from a Caribbean background, I always leaned more towards African/Caribbean inspired meals. This motivated me to create Karibe. Named after the Caribbean and pronounced Cari-Bae, Karibe provides kitchenware while highlighting foodies that we believe represents the Karibbean Kulture. Read more>>

Elizabeth Caulder.

After 17 years in a leadership position at a marketing agency providing services to Fortune 500 companies, I gave my notice. Although I was, and still am today, appreciative of both the experience and the relationships that I acquired over my tenure, I was no longer able to tow the company line in the face of the stark philosophical differences of opinion with the company’s owners on how to treat employees and what level of service we should provide to our clients. Read more>>

Roy Jefferson

In 2009 I started doing outreach through a church in Cape Girardeau, Missouri while I attended college at Southeast Missouri State University. I met with young men apart of the Missouri Division of Youth Services and young men who were in the Juvenile Detention Center. I met these young men at these centers every sunday offering mentorship and encouragement based upon the goals designed by the centers they were living in. Read more>>

Andrea Legg

We had been touring on Equestrian Circus show called Cavalia Odysseo, I was working as an aerial acrobat and Alex was an aerial acrobatic technician. We had been on tour for a number of years and were deciding where we wanted to put down some roots. Alex had grown up in Montreal and I had spent my whole adult life there so that was home BUT since we had been on tour for a few years, we had had the luxury of skipping the Montreal Canadian winters! Read more>>