Deciding to work for yourself is often cited as the best decision folks in our community have made. Hearing the same response over and over led us to ask them about the next best decision folks have made and we’ve shared their responses with you below.

Kathleen Frank | Owner of Shoot It With Film

Showing up consistently has made such a huge impact on my success. The tiny, little steps really do add up! And even if you don’t have a lot of time, if you can find a way to build a little bit more of your business every single day or every single week and stick with it through the slow times, you will be amazed at what you can create. Read more>>

Sam Striker | Video Game Composer & Mastering Engineer

Bringing on more people and choosing to be a partnership of three rather than a solo venture. This, by far, is what supercharged the business and set us apart. There are plenty of sole proprietors who do what we do. But because we are only focusing on what we each do best, we can operate much more efficiently and no details fall between the cracks. Our clients always have someone they can speak with directly and I always have a strong team I can lean on. Read more>>

Devin M. Butler | Joy Cultivator & Earring Connoisseur

The sinlge most important decision I have made that has contributed to JoyPop’s success is deciding early on that success cannot happen on my own. When I started JoyPop it was literally me doing everything. I soon realized I needed help and there was no shame in asking for it. I realized help came in many forms. First, I needed bodies that could step into my production line and take some of the weight off of me. Now both my brother and mother work with me. I am about to hire my first outside-of-the-family employee as well. Furthermore, I needed help from my followers, friends, and family to continue to grow and get exposure. People I know are probably sick of me asking “hey, can you share this about JoyPop?” But the reality is you all have reach to audiences I don’t. I’ll never be offended if people don’t share, but I’m sure going to ask!. Read more>>

Steve Crider | Business Owner

This one’s easy, my family. I knew that I wanted to leave something for my son’s to fall onto. There young enough I can teach them the trade of metalworking to be able to continue the family business. Besides, out of having three son’s, I’m sure at least one of them will enjoy running the business!. Read more>>

Emily Green | Designer and Owner of Emilime

When I started my business, I was actually living in Peru. I ended up living there for ten years. I can’t imagine how different my designs and relationships to all my suppliers would be if I didn’t have that daily, face-to-face contact. Most artisan-made brands that I know do not actually live in the place they produce and I think that had a profound impact on every aspect of my business. Read more>>

Allisiana Davis | CEO & Founder of Leista Publishing & Company, LLC

The single most important decision that I made was to walk this journey fearlessly. I’ve already lived almost three decades in fear. I knew the best gift I could give myself for my 30th birthday this year was finally following my dreams. Read more>>

Narvia McDaniel | The Candle Chef

The most important decision I have ever made in regards to my business and my life is to continue to stay true to myself and my definition of success, no matter what. And to never give up on myself. Read more>>

Dr. Megan Pickens | CEO & Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor

When I started, I did not plan on being a group practice. After a practicum student sought me out, I realized the need for a group practice, especially one owned and operated by a Black woman. One of the rules of thumb that I have maintained throughout my growth is how to choose my office space. I have always leased offices that I could afford if I were the only one working in the practice. Doing this has kept my office within my own means and not dependent on someone else working for me. Read more>>