Deciding to start a business is an unusual decision. It’s often considered irrational and yet for many it’s the best decision they’ve ever made. So we asked folks to think back to when they were starting their businesses and to tell us about their decision making process.

Jenese Adams

Since my early years, I have cultivated a deep passion for creation, and I have found that I thrive in leadership roles, enjoying the independence of building and directing my own team. Cooking has always been a sanctuary for me, and after many years of practical experience as a chef, kitchen manager, or hospitality director, I decided it was time to develop products that could be used daily to promote joy, good health, and self-care. Read More>>

Nika J.

You know what’s crazy, if I’m referring to my first and original business, I didn’t think about it much. Hair is something that always came natural to me and was pretty much a hobby until people started to ask me how much I charged. I loved it so much, I didn’t think about the money. That was also probably because at the time, I didn’t need anything. However, once I became a mother, I had a bigger need for money. So, I was lucky, I loved hair, and it provided money. I went to beauty school and found a booth to rent. So that was my thought process with business number 1, there wasn’t one. Read More>>

Nya Wilburn

When I started my business, I knew I wanted to create more than just a service I wanted to create an experience. Lavish Skn was born from a deep passion for skincare and a desire to provide a space where clients feel seen, valued, and pampered. My goal has always been to make luxury skincare and waxing approachable, without compromising on quality or care. I built my brand with intention every detail from the name to the atmosphere is designed to reflect softness, confidence, and empowerment.  Read More>>

Mallory Anthony

To be quite honest I don’t think there was too much of a “thought process” that went into starting my own business. I would describe it more so as a slow burn. Floral design initially started as a hobby during COVID, which involved growing my own plants indoors, landscaping outside, and foraging gardens to create arrangements. And it seemed like one day I woke up with an actual company under my name doing these things that continue to fuel me creatively but also challenge me to learn and grow in other ways that I’ve never experienced before. Read More>>