We reached out to some of our favorite entrepreneurs and asked them to think back and tell us about how they decided to start a business. Check out their responses below.

Tasha Abrams | Owner & Operator

Kuber Transportation Service’s mission is to provide unparalleled safety, reliability, and compassion in the transportation industry for children up to the age of 19. We are dedicated to ensuring every ride is a secure and nurturing experience by aiming to employ mothers, who bring a unique blend of care, understanding, and commitment to each journey. Our goal is to support families by offering a trustworthy service that gives parents a peace of mind and children a comfortable, pleasant travel experience. Through personalized attention and a steadfast focus on safety, we aim to build lasting relationships with our communities and set a new standard for child transportation. Read more>>

Lamia Hassani | Baker, owner of Oven Fresh Delights a Sourdough homemade bakery

I studied finance and worked as a financial advisor for over ten years in Paris, France and in Montreal, Canada. I loved finance, but have always had a passion for cooking and baking.

When we moved to North Carolina five years ago, I couldn’t find delicious, healthy bread at a good price, so I started making my own bread from scratch using store-bought yeast. Those first batches were not great, but through trial and error I quickly learned to make improvements. I was so happy with my homemade bread that I began making extra loaves and sharing them with friends and neighbors. Read more>>

Sher Segal | Hair Colorist & Salon Owner

I’ve worked in nearly every aspect of a salon. I started at the front desk while continuing my freelance makeup and styling work in the production industry. Eventually, I made the decision to attend cosmetology school and pursue hair full-time behind the chair. During school, I worked as a salon assistant, which gave me invaluable experience and set me up for success in an apprenticeship training program after I graduated and earned my license.

Once I began working behind the chair, I gained a wide range of experience: from being a commission-based employee to a booth renter, a solo suite renter, and now a salon owner. These different roles gave me a complete perspective on what works—and what doesn’t—in our industry. Read more>>

Amy Magrinat | director, The Lupine Community School

I worked in a couple of area early childhood educational environments and I just felt there had to be a better way to do things. When the opportunity arose for me to go back to UNC and get my Masters in Early Childhood Education I jumped at the chance! While in grad school, yet another opportunity appeared-I received an offer to start my own preschool on a local farm! This was a dream-I immediately dove in and haven’t looked back. I’ve always wanted to bring children, animals, and the natural world together….now I do that everyday. A couple of years ago a group of parents approached me about starting a non-profit with the goal of expanding the school through elementary, I said yes and now we have purchased our own small farm and are in the process of fundraising and building out our new farm school, The Lupine Community School. Read more>>