Going from idea to execution isn’t easy. Part of the difficulty is that often there is no playbook to follow and while we can’t offer a playbook either, we wanted to create a space where aspiring entrepreneurs could read the stories of how some very smart, very thoughtful entrepreneurs form the community got started.

Iris Abreu

Turning my idea of being a business owner into reality involved a series of strategic steps. I began with creating a vision board that reflected all the little milestones that must take place in order to achieve bigger and smarter decisions. I then did research to understand my target audience and the competitive landscape. I then created a detailed business plan outlining my vision, goals, and self expectations. Read more>>

KESSA GOODEN

Hi I am Kessa Gooden! I want to tell you how I go from just the idea of owning a business to actually owning multiple companies. I was an entrepreneur since I was eight years old but at the age of 16 I got a job at McDonald’s after work in two months, I realize this was not gonna be my lifestyle or the life that I want. Read more>>

Jessica Cheeks

I started my journey in the body contouring industry after visiting a local spa for a treatment. The owner, who also had a shop in Atlanta, Georgia, gave me great vibes during our conversation. After my session, she invited me to dinner. Over dinner, she told me, “You’re in the wrong industry. You have so much drive and talent. You need to be in the beauty industry; you will thrive.” Read more>>

Megan Marshall

I actually didn’t start the company but I did feel as though the concept needed to expand and grow into a new direction. I think the hardest part for me was taking on something that already existed and thrn putting my spin on it and hoping people would still want to be a part of it. The biggest thing I wanted to do was create new events that didn’t exist already. Read more>>

Brandy Nicole

It was towards the end of Covid when I realized I wanted a safe place for people to celebrate special occasions when the city was still somewhat shut down. I was decorating people’s homes and realized if I had a space we could still celebrate safely. Read more>>

Late Kids

We actually started in the middle of covid lockdown. Myself (Travis Moore) and Ryan Bergeron had collaborated on previous projects, but it had been some time since we had worked on anything together. I think boredom drove us to start texting again and it turned out we had the same vision of a sound and style we both wanted to create. Read more>>

Denise Mobley

I had the idea to become a Curl Specialist after 30 years of being proficient in hairdressing. I went to a introductory class for Devacurl in 2017. The class blew my mind! We had models with varying degrees of curls. What I learned in that class changed my mindset! Read more>>

Kyla Wadleigh

When I reflect on my journey from a seasoned industry professional to a successful salon owner, I am reminded of the quote, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” My path wasn’t a straight line, but every twist and turn led me to where I am today. Read more>>

Yari Ari

I was formerly known as Ari B The Creator as a graphics designer from 2021-2023, then I decided to pivot to digital marketing and selling digital products for influencers and small businesses. I started to want to branch out to helping others with disabilities, stay at home moms and even college students that have difficulties finding work or consistent work to have the funds to handle their responsibilities. Read more>>

Tisa Anderson

Wow, it’s hard to write this without shedding a tear—happy tears. This all started in my kitchen, cooking for my daughters’ dance team and friends. I wanted to promote healthy food options to family and friends, not knowing my health kick would lead to beloved beverages instead. Read more>>

Kristen Belveal

Ideas come pretty easy for me. Whether I’m coming up with concepts for a marketing campaign at work, topics for books, or something else creative, I come up with more ideas than I can count. But making those ideas into reality takes a lot of discipline. Read more>>

Jason Taylor

Well, it all started from a call to prayer! Interestingly enough, I was not looking to start a church at all. I was already a Pastor at a church where my wife and I served for 11 years. When God told us it was time to go, it was one of the hardest decisions of my life. Read more>>

Hannah Thomes

I began my photography journey about 11 years ago when my husband and his parents gifted me my first DSLR camera for Christmas. I began learning the trade and taking photos for family and friends. As the years went on I became a mom and my three daughters became the main subjects of my photos. Read more>>

Evalye Alexander

From Vision to Reality: The Journey of Community Outreach and Advocacy Corporation Discovering My True Purpose Growing up, I never envisioned myself as an entrepreneur. My career path was firmly rooted in higher education, with aspirations to become a campus president at a major university. Read more>>

April Hiatt

I was feeling isolated in my current business, so I created a new one to fix that.For nine years, I owned and ran a website design business. And I loved it… until I started to feel alone. After my kids all grew up and moved out, I started feeling like I needed something more in my life, I needed connections. I needed business friends. Read more>>

Ximena Morales

I’ve always had a passion for design and creating things with my hands. So when I saw others turning their creativity into successful businesses using Cricut machines, a spark ignited within me. My cousin’s constant encouragement to start selling my t-shirts was the final push I needed. Read more>>

Yajaira Martinez Navarro

Following my time in a research lab amidst the pandemic and experiencing burnout in the medical industry, I recognized the need to return to a fulfilling pursuit. It was then that I discovered my love for mixology and bar management, leading me to envision a mobile bar business. Read more>>

Khristopher Fields

Introduction to My Work and the Foundation Wise Up To Rise Up Foundation,Inc. is dedicated to fostering a generational impact by teaching children that their lives are shaped by the decisions of those before them, and their own choices will impact future generations. Read more>>

Gabriel Olokunwolu

For almost a decade, I worked in the tech industry and consistently noticed a common struggle among small businesses: building functional websites. It wasn’t just about having an online presence; they needed platforms to manage customer databases, handle email campaigns, and integrate payment systems. Read more>>

Alfred Milan

Going from idea to execution is the beginning of a light bulb moment for our organization. As a CEO of another organization, I was asked about this idea from an employee, and it got me to realize if we could pull it off, we will be able to build a great company. Read more>>

Beth Humbert

My husband and I have 3 daughters, with our youngest labeled with autism. Raising a child with a disability can be a blessing and a curse. It’s certainly not something one plans for ~ it’s like your plane reroutes in mid-air without a discussion. Read more>>

Brandi Gilstrap

I remember it was March 2020, I had been sent home from my corporate job to work from home in the middle of the pandemic. I kept getting ads from a program called ‘The Knowledge Broker Blueprint’ with Tony Robbins, Dean Graziosi and Jenna Kutcher as the mentors and coaches… Read more>>

Mouche

So I’ve been making films since I was 13 years old with my iPod touch. I’ve been writing since 14 screenwriting that is I’ve been working as an actor and production assistant in the industry since 15 years old and I worked with some of the grays like Samuel Jackson, Adam Sandler, Lautner Lizzo, after I went to LA to pitch some of my screenplay, Read more>>