Thinking through whether to start a business – whether to take the risk, whether to go out on your own – isn’t easy. So we asked some entrepreneurs we admire to tell us about how they thought through the process of starting a business.

Dr. Jordan Thurston

I have always been passionate about finding unique ways to impact the local community, especially in underserved areas. From speaking at local Texas high schools, I identified a knowledge gap in understanding grants and scholarships, often with students telling me they can’t afford college. I took that as my call to action to create a nonprofit, the Neopte Foundation, to ensure we provide meaningful discussion around available resources and support, offer grants and scholarships with universities and trade schools, and bring underserved communities together to drive economic prosperity. Read More>>

Jasmine Hunt

Starting my own business stemmed from a recognition of a significant gap in the wellness space, particularly when it comes to truly serving diverse and intersectional communities. As both an individual with multiple identities and a diversity practitioner, I felt that the wellness industry, as it stood, often overlooked the unique challenges and needs faced by people from marginalized and underrepresented groups. Read More>>

Nikki Baptiste

Starting one’s own business venture is definitely a scary thought, but I knew I wanted to be in a position where I was available to my family and children while they were young. As a Mom, it was absolutely critical to me that I be present at their school functions and field trips, etc and working for myself allowed me to create my own schedule and still be available to my family. Read More>>

Lori & Jenny

We created Story Finders Books when, as moms, we struggled to find age-appropriate books for our own children who were strong readers. As our children got older, we realized that they were developing extensive reading vocabularies. However, just because a nine-year-old can read at a ninth-grade level doesn’t mean that he should read books written at that level. Read More>>

Lakendra Weaver

Starting my own mental health therapy private practice has been a journey of deep reflection, passion, and strategic planning. My motivation stems from a desire to create a space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and supported in their healing journey. I have always been drawn to the idea of working independently, allowing me to shape my practice in a way that aligns with my values, therapeutic approach, and the populations I feel most called to serve. Read More>>

Carolyn Morris

My son had a disability that cannot be seen. When I saw parents struggle with their children in education, I saw the need to educate parents by advocating for their rights in the educational setting. Read More>>

Parker Diffie

The thought process behind starting my own business was deeply rooted in my desire for independence and self-expression, especially in the wake of my father’s passing. Growing up as the son of country music legend Joe Diffie, I always felt an immense pressure to uphold his legacy while carving out my own identity. After his passing in 2020, I was thrust into the role of executor of his estate, which not only provided me with a unique opportunity to honor my father’s memory but also challenged me to step out of the shadows and embrace my own voice. Read More>>

Kelly & Joy Mccarthy

For a long time, we didn’t anticipate ever having our own business! After we worked a combined 10 years in the coffee industry, we knew we were passionate and had a love for coffee and the community that it brings, but we didn’t think we would ever own a coffee business ourselves. We had hopes to someday work in coffee again but had put those desires on the shelf. Our thought process, as believers, is simple obedience. Read More>>

Jyoti Kandel

I have been in the hospitality industry for last 15 year . Did my masters in hospitality management from California. Worked in many high end restaurant and hotels in London and Losangeles. Worked with great chefs and leaders. Read More>>

Ayisha Collins

Starting my businesses and podcast stemmed from a deep-rooted passion for storytelling and a desire to amplify the voices of others. My journey began in Flint, Michigan, and flourished in Atlanta, Georgia, where I grew up immersed in vibrant cultures and inspiring people. These experiences shaped my creative perspective and became the foundation for my career. Read More>>