Many books on startups and business talk about how there are right and wrong reasons for starting a business. So, we asked a handful of successful founders about their reasons and the thought-process behind starting their business.

Caroline Phillips | Owner of PC Cookery

Honestly, I never thought that starting my own business would be something I would do. My mom and I have always baked, and friends have always told us “You should open a bakery!” I would always kind of brush it off like “no, I don’t think we are good enough for that” or “it’s just a hobby.” Read more>>

Susan Pham and Tony Trammell

Starting Corvo Martial Arts stemmed from a deep belief in our capabilities and a strong desire for independence. We noticed gaps in the market where people’s needs weren’t being adequately addressed, and we felt confident that we could fill those gaps more effectively than others. Read more>>

Chinyelu GINIGEME | Make up artist / Portrait photographer/online store owner

There was really no thought process that went into it at the beginning but I wanted to allow my gift/talent find expression .Make up was my first business and I knew I liked it so I decided to hone in on my skill by getting a proper training for it , so I got the training that I could afford which I think was either 3 days or 1 week I can’t remember from a lady who was also a law undergrad named Abisola. Read more>>

Rolf Ruiz | Founder of Spicy Pedals & Guitar Effects Artisan

Starting Spicy Pedals was born out of necessity, curiosity, and a deep connection to my cultural roots. It all began when my Digitech RP21D broke, and I couldn’t find anyone to repair it. Instead of giving up, I took this as a challenge to learn about guitar pedals and their inner workings. Read more>>

Jackie Jouett | Press On Nail Artist & Audiologist

The inspiration to start my own business stemmed from a lifelong passion for nail art and press on nails, which began in childhood. My parents nurtured my creativity, even when it led to mishaps like spilling nail glue down my leg at the age of 7 years old. Read more>>

Mercedes Henke | Personal Trainer and Health Coach

Honestly, it all started with a bit of dissatisfaction in my corporate job. I was in the traditional 8-5 desk job role for several years, but I felt something was missing. I wasn’t waking up excited about my work. Another big factor was the desire for more freedom. Read more>>

Haley Naegele | Owner and Designer of 29 AND 11

29 AND 11 was born out of a desire for me to find something I could wear on a daily basis that would help display my journey of faith (And I wanted to do it stylishly if I’m being honest). This idea started several years ago while we were on vacation in Charleston at this beautiful jewelry store on King Street (Croghans) and I was wearing this cross from my mother, and I was looking to add something to my ‘stack’. Read more>>

Christie Wiggins | Former college instructor, current mom of two

Honestly, I never thought of starting my own business until the idea came to me when a fellow preschool mom said tongue & cheek “can I just venmo you and you do my goodie bags for the next party?” In my mind I wondered ‘wait…if she hates doing them, does that mean other moms do too? What if I did goodie bags FOR people!?” Read more>>

Tori Johnson | Creative Director

My thought process in creating DRTY LAUNDRY was to inspire people to be who they are and wear whatever they want to wear, regardless of what other people think. Because everybody is unique in their own way, so why not have your own style to express yourself? Read more>>

Victoria Medel | Florist

Starting your own business comes with the fear of uncertainty, especially in the competitive flower industry. It’s natural to worry about whether your flowers will sell or if customers will be satisfied, risking financial loss. However, persistence and a strong desire to succeed are key. Read more>>

Anthony Carpenter | CEO/Owner StreetMadeTV

I’m an artist who works constantly on creating , and to be honest I couldn’t afford the ridiculous prices most videographers were charging for the amount of work and content I was trying to put out for the world to see, and hear. I have kids and a family so it’s a bit of a struggle trying to finance my life and my business. Read more>>

sheenal singh | Makeup and Hair Artist

My thought process behind starting my own business was opportunity and passion. I grew up being obsessed with makeup and fashion. It was the one thing that kept me hopeful throughout my childhood up until I finally started my journey. Its not just about makeup, it’s also about using makeup as a form of expression. Read more>>

Ebony Burks | Owner and Founder of Golden Blk

Starting my own business during the pandemic was an opportunity to bring some positivity into a challenging time. Self-care and wellness were paramount for me, and I wanted to align my business with these values. I saw a gap in the market for a subscription box concept that centered around candles, which hadn’t been widely explored. Read more>>