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.

Sharmim Nansubuga

Starting a business was never my goal for me in the beginning. I was solely focused on solving my own problem: hair breakage and damage that drove me into depression. Unexpectedly, I learned that the harm was as a result of the dangerous substances present in the products I was using at the time. I challenged myself to conduct research with the sole aim of determining the cause of the damage. Read more>>

Erin Breeden

I originally majored in journalism when I went to college (much love to Virginia Tech – Go Hokies!). I wanted to tell the stories of interesting people and places. My dream was to be a magazine editor in New York City and live in Greenwich Village. That dream changed my junior year. Read more>>

Robert Delgado

It was always a dream of mine to get a food truck. Back then, there weren’t too many food trucks around and my dream was still just a dream. But one day in 2017 I woke up and said, ‘I’m going to do it.’ I went to the health department, got all the papers, and asked, ‘What do I need to sell food in a food truck?’ Aside from the temporary license, they gave me a list of things that I needed to get. I went little by little and bought everything. Read more>>

Shadá Menefee

I initially came up with idea for Flourish By Shadá, when I renovated my mother’s home back in 2015. Few years prior to then, we had lost my dad to a long battle with cancer. My parents had plans to begin renovating and turning our home into everything they’ve dreamed of but unfortunately he became ill and all of those plans just weren’t even a factor anymore. Shortly after i graduated college in 2014, I moved back home and it felt as if time had stood still. Read more>>

Carolyn Ullrich

As somebody who owned her own metaphysical practice I first decided to start the KC Mystic Fair because there was a lack for a space like it in the community. Nobody was really hosting metaphysical and spiritual events in Jackson county on a larger scale. Read more>>

Dominique Flux

My business has always specialized in custom jewelry, so unlike other brands in the same industry, we are selling a service rather than pre-made products. This opens the door to a wide variety of requests. We only made bridal jewelry, engagement rings, everyday fashion pieces, however, one day we got a unique request for an “ashes ring”. Read more>>

Melek Cansu Petek

I started Petek Trading Co. as a way to share the cultural wealth of my home country. As a Turkish immigrant in the US, I started noticing more and more companies selling goods from the part of the world I grew up in. I have noticed that even the companies that have fair trade / ethical business practices, fell short of acknowledging the full extent and importance of where these goods come from, and the artisans who make them. Read more>>

Sosha Adams

While traveling abroad in places known for pick pocketing, I was constantly stashing my cash and cards in unconventional ways, such as in my bra, or my boots to prevent pick pocketing or my purse being snatched as I’ve witnessed before my eyes. I created Clever Nomad Passport Travel Wallet as a solution to carrying cash and personal items in a safe manner. Read more>>

Planty Queens

Maya has always had a love for plants and Lillie caught the bug from Maya when we were living with each other. When the pandemic hit, our love for plants turned into an obsession and we went to an outdoor sale that our grower was doing. Maya was teaching from home and Lillie was recently laid off so we had more time on our hands and we met our grower David and it quickly spiraled into a business from there. Read more>>

Lupe Flores

My baking journey started years ago thanks to my beautiful niece, Jenalyse. She asked me to make her a 3 tiered cake and I had never baked a cake in my life! There was no way I could say no to her little face so needless to say, I did my very best and put out a tiered mermaid cake for her! Of course it wasn’t my best work, but I enjoyed every minute of that process and kept telling myself I know I can make this better! Read more>>

Teekwa Scarborough

First, I have to kick this off by letting you know that I never wanted to be an administrative assistant. I feel I have to tell you a little bit about the backstory leading up to my business. My dream was to have a business with a huge nice office. Because I always did events for family and friends, I thought celebrity event planner! I became a young mom at 19, with unexpected twins. Read more>>

Danya Artimisi

It was the winter of 2018 when I was covering a run of shows by St. Louis’ most esteemed Pink Floyd tribute bands, El Monstero. As a long-time topical writer, I documented “A Day in the Life of El Monstero” along side my friend and partner who was covering the photography aspect of the 7-date run. Read more>>

Ricardo Givens

While working in the tech industry I noticed a lack of minority owned places to have items serviced. I also noticed that this industry was very profitable and easy to break into. I decided to give it a try. Growling up I didn’t know anyone who serviced computers and devices and found myself going to major retail places to seek help when I needed it. I wanted to change that narrative. Read more>>

Britany McKneely

In 2017, I had an epiphany from God while I was window shopping at Saks Off Fifth looking at Prada glasses. I was so amazed by the detailing of the glasses and said to myself “Wow, details really matter”. And then BAM! The Lord dropped in my spirit the idea – what if I had an accessory business called Details. After years of planning, in 2021 I finally launched Details. Read more>>

Gretchen Spohn

I came up with the idea because of my last dog, Mogul, that was becoming immobile at the end of his life. I was hauling him to and from in the car to a rehab center then carrying him in, which made me realize most of the treatments could be done in the comfort of my home and the need for more mobile services. It was hard on my back and hard for him (emotionally and physically) to have to go in and out of the place. Read more>>

Cristina and Samantha Nse Edjang

Well, We have always been accessories lovers. But we wanted to create our very own pieces. Accessories that not only can be elegant but that embrace your edginess, uniqueness and simplicity at the same time. Prior to 333bodega, We used to receive compliments on how we style jewelry so creating them just felt like an expansion of styling them. We felt like we Have something to give to the jewelry industry and that’s just what incited us to start the business. Read more>>

Kenzie Perez

Fresh Cosmetic Studio was a vision/dream of mine to create a safe space where clients would feel comfortable & confident with our artist, & where artist could work in a space that was focused on artistry & skill, positive energy & growing in their craft. I started my career in tattoo shops across Austin & New Orleans, my hometown. After building my clientele over the years, I felt Austin was lacking in a ‘cosmetic tattoo focused’ studio. Read more>>

Val Kelly

In 2013, I attended a large voiceover conference and had such a great experience. I met so many cool fellow voice actors and industry pros. I live in Fredericksburg, VA and this event I attended happened to be in Atlanta. After that event, I thought, wouldn’t it be cool to start an event like this in Virginia…. only on a MUCH smaller scale?! So, in 2014, on a 9-hour flight to France with my best friend at the time, I proposed the idea to him. Read more>>

Steven Lindsey

During the pandemic, I had a lot of time to think about what my purpose in the world would/should be. I have always been the type of person who believes in being a source of inspiration and support for those who I believe need just a little extra help. So when I finally got around to where I could use my purpose and helping people out I gravitated toward the community I belonged to, which is the LGBTQ+ community. Read more>>

Sychoiya Hines-Rutledge

It’s all started from when I was a child my mom would always give me amazing parties so I wanted to do the same for my kids. I would always have them beautiful over the top parties and everyone would say you should do this for other people. One day I decided to do a sleepover party for one of my friends daughter’s and it took off from there. Everyone was in love with the teepees so this lead me to start a business. We have done over 50 parties in our first year and are so excited to what’s next. Read more>>

Ashley Le Valerie Rudd

Ashley and Valerie have been friends since their freshman year of high school (which was 14 years ago, but we don’t want to think about how old we’re getting) A few years down the road, they both ended up getting jobs working for a floral department in a grocery store, and were lucky enough to have Valerie’s mom as their boss and mentor. She taught us everything we know today. Read more>>

Tudian Payne

The idea for P916fit LLC. Came from my struggles with depression, childhood traumas, poor nutrition choices, and terrible physical health. My mental health was suffering and once I saw the power in my journey, I wanted to help others overcome similar struggles! Read more>>

Kayla Moles

Bluebird Hats was built from a hobby. During my freshman year at the University of Utah in 2013, my next door dorm-mate asked if I wanted to learn how to crochet with her. At first, I was horrible. I really thought I should quit my hobby all together because nothing I made looked remotely wearable. After finally making a hat that didn’t look like a sad attempt at a knit cone, I finally could wear a beanie that I was proud of. Read more>>

Olamide Afolabi

My business, Start Saying More, is an idea that was birthed during my second year of undergrad. You know how sometimes you want to talk to someone who has also experienced what you’ve been through? Duing my sophomore year I attended therapy for the first time with a University assigned counselor. She was well meaning, but she really just didn’t *get* what I was talking about. Read more>>

Anna Scherer

I have dreamt of owning my own business for as long as I can remember so starting Eight Sixteen wasn’t something that just happened overnight. I had been preparing for and working towards it for years! Growing up, I didn’t enjoy school very much and I definitely didn’t like the idea of going to college, especially if It wasn’t necessary to pursue the career I was interested in. Read more>>

Whitney Hawkins

1. How did you come up with the idea? I was shopping at Hailee Grace Boutique in Denver, Colorado when I saw The Notorious B.I.G., a.k.a. Biggie Smalls, graphic t-shirt that changed my life. Designed in the pop art color-block style Andy Warhol made famous, an image of the rapper wearing a crown cocked to the side appeared in the center of four colorful squares. The depiction was fun, confident, and visually satisfying. Read more>>

Matt Korsky

The whole story starts in 2013 when I was training for an Ironman triathlon and came across a book called Finding Ultra by Rich Roll. It outlined his evolution from an alcoholic drug addict to a world renowned athlete, author and podcaster through switching his diet and lifestyle to being vegan. At this point in my life I was feeling pretty stuck in my career as a health & physical education teacher. Read more>>

Brian Lindsay

Just over 20 years ago a couple brothers in Amsterdam made a float for the Queen’s Day Parade, which is the largest party in the city each year. Since The Netherlands is the world headquarters for the bicycle it was only natural that they incorporated bikes into the float. What they ended up with was what is now known as a Pedal Pub – the combination of a Pub and a Bike! The float was such a hit the brothers were asked by people if they could ride it in traffic on a normal weekend. Read more>>

William French

In 2007, my brothers and I moved to NYC to work for a record label. After a few years, we decided to take the skills we had learned and start our own business by making a creative studio. I was the pre-production graphic designer at The End Records where I laid out artwork for print, designed TV shirts, posters, sales material, web graphics etc. From there, one of our first major clients as our own business was for an experiential marketing company where I designed all of the marketing material for the special events they were running. Read more>>

Crystal A. Pratt

Envision Bliss Coaching, LLC was created as a result of working professionally for nearly one decade within various colleges and universities. While serving as a college recruiter and admissions specialist, I discovered my life’s purpose which is to assist other people with finding their own. Read more>>

Norma Pérez

Coming up with The Salvi Vegan was something unexpected that came into my life. When I got diagnosed with osteoarthritis on my lower back, I thought my passion for my craft, at the time dance, it was long gone after 20 years working in that field. Once I became vegan, due to wanting to see if I could cure my condition with food, I immediately began loving to cook. Read more>>

Maegan Calle

As a writer, I wanted to figure out how I could use the skills I’m best at to make money. After tons of thinking and applying at jobs, I realized my resume was really good. I also got contacted back and had three different resumes for different areas of work. My friends started asking me for help when suddenly I realized, there’s probably hundreds or thousands of people who need help with resumes too. Read more>>

Cortnee Lane

Let’s go back four and a half years. At this time, I am completely overwhelmed in my corporate position as a Director of Marketing and Events for a popular tourist and destination venue in Michigan. I have an addiction to doing too much. This role was nothing short of that. I was an interim General Manager at a second location, lead six departments at the first location, while selling, detailing and coordinating all of the weddings, social and business events that were attracted to both locations. Read more>>

Gerkys Triana

I have been struggling with some health pathologies for many years. I didn’t know these problems were so serious until they started getting out of control after I got COVID twice. The principal cause, the way I used to eat. I decided to radically change my bad eating habits. I am improving my health by being more aware of how I eat and through nurturing myself, I am achieving healthier skin and a stronger body and mind. Read more>>

Marquise Spencer

I’ve always have the mind of a business owner, watching my father on his own business. My father been into the movie entertainment allow me access to a lot of actors , rappers and entrepreneurs. Having a uncle Like DB who showed my how to run a successful clothing business. S/0 my big homie Crid Bo he showed me how to build a brand. Read more>>

Patricia Legette

I have always loved anything fashion related. I remember at the age of 6 years old standing in front of my mom’s full size dressing mirror and wearing one of her heels and colourful scarves as a top thinking I was hottest thing ever The feeling that I felt back then (wholesome), pushed me to put one of my talents on display right after being temporarily laid off work in 2020.  Read more>>

Khamisi Benford

Blackfokapparel was started in 1998 by two art school students that were in need of supplies for the upcoming semester. We came up with the idea to design and sell two original t-shirt designs at a local art fair. Inspired by the enthusiastic response, we decided to keep going and Blackfokapparel was born. Read more>>

Jill Robbins

My son is one of the approximately 32 million people with food allergies in the United States. As a clinical psychologist and a mom, it was difficult watching my child watching everyone else enjoying treats at social gatherings. I thought, “If only there were treats everyone could safely eat together, people like my son could be included.” Read more>>

Jenny Rainey

Ladies of Alpha and Omega Inc was birth from a broken place. In my broken place, I learned that I was not the product of what has happened to me or the bad decisions I made but I was a child of the king. The more I learned about the love God had for me the more I transformed into what he wanted for me. I had a mentor who encouraged me in ways I never image. Read more>>

Curated Threads

We are the Two Courtneys of Curated Threads…. born out of our love for fashion and getting dressed. We were already helping our friends find things to wear to events and parties. We were constantly asked, “what are you wearing to X event..” We also understood how difficult it is for people to get rid of items in their closet. We wanted to make getting dressed easier for everyone. Courtney Russell had started the business right before Covid, mainly for friends and word of mouth. Read more>>

Ivory Bryan

The inspiration for BlackGirlChemist Cosmetics came from being involved in arts, education, and science. Basically the framework of COAS (College of Arts and Science). I, well ‘BlackGirlChemist’ because that’s what everyone calls me. Just forget my actual name at this point lol…. I am kidding. My name is Ivory. I am a small town county girl from Vanceboro, NC. Read more>>

Yahaira Stewart

Prior to the Pandemic, I curated Vendor Showcases in and around our Community. We had monthly events, showcasing small Businesses’ products and services. As many know, with the pandemic, everything social came to a screeching halt. And during this time many Businesses either survived with drastic changes or unfortunately didn’t survive at all. We chose to pivot and create a virtual platform that would essentially mimic the experience of going to a local Vendor Event. Read more>>

Cord Jones

It was all a dream… Well, not really. You see, my mom and I started making cookies together as a way to spend more time together. Neither one of us had any desire, let alone a dream to start a cookie business. We found our time together in the kitchen to be valuable, and we fell in love with the joy that our cookies brought to people’s taste buds. Our cookies are made with love to spread love. Read more>>

Kelly Martinez

I have been a practicing permanent makeup artist for a few years, the industry is always evolving and continued education is very important. I had an idea that it would be nice to get a dozen or so master artists together for networking and teaching newer artists the skills they need to master the art of permanent makeup. Read more>>