Readers often email us asking us for advice about new businesses they are thinking about starting and we often find that many of them don’t have a framework for thinking about a more fundamental question: why should or shouldn’t you start a business?

Below, you’ll find how successful entrepreneurs from across the city thought about this very question when they were considering whether to start their businesses.

Dr. Corey Hillman | Headache and TMJ Physical Therapist

As a creative, I’ve always had a desire to put a personal stamp on work. In my specific field of physical therapy, practices are often set up in large loud gyms with individuals doing route exercises by themselves. Personalization and specificity are often lacking due to this business model. This is particularly the case in my area of specialization: headaches, neck pain and TMJ pain. Individuals suffering from these conditions often have tried “everything” and are looking for an individualized experience and a doctor who has the time to listen and offer tailored solutions. In opening Gate City Physio, I wanted a practice focused on the patient as a whole, emphasizing true rebuilding rather than basic restoring of physical capacity, and one that reintroduced and reinvigorated the central importance of the Doctor/Client Relationship. Read more>>

Magda Guth | Designer Goods Curator & Consignment Brand Owner

I’ve worked for a handful of companies within the fashion field, and I’ve always thought how much I could excel on my own from my learnings and experience with these companies. Some were huge international brands and others were small start ups. That has given me a wide range of skills from multi-unit management, big budgets, and mass clientele, to starting from scratch, learning as you go, and very little budget. I’ve always been a confident person and thought “I can easily be in that role”, or “I can build something like that”. So, I did! I like that fact that I only answer to myself and I am responsible for my path moving forward. Bonus, although I work a lot of hours, I can still flex when and where I can get my tasks done. With a husband, two young sons, and three dogs… this is the ideal way to manage a life and work schedule. Read more>>

Taura Johnson | Beauty Enthusiast | Content Creator | MUA

When I embarked on the journey of starting my business, I was driven by a deep passion to empower women through the transformative power of beauty. I believe that every woman possesses a unique radiance that, when acknowledged and enhanced, can empower her to conquer the world with confidence. Read more>>

Gershom Ejoni | Tech Enthusiast & CEO

My decision to start my own business was driven by a personal journey intertwined with a larger realization. During my college years, I noticed a lack of mental health resources amongst my peers. It struck a chord within me as I navigated my own path toward embracing my true self. Read more>>

Phylicia N. Barker Nelson | Fashion Model & Farmer

When I started my own business it was never a question about it. I come from a family of business owners. So I have my modeling business and a livestock business as well. Read more>>

Mayra Salonga Davis | Beauty Therapist specialist/ Esthetician/ Esthetic Educator

Upon moving to the United States in 2018, I faced the challenge of adapting to a new environment and understanding the dynamics of the beauty industry in North Carolina. With a background in Esthetics and Beauty therapy since 2008 in Hong Kong, I encountered the setback of needing to obtain an NC state license, which required going back to school for a year. It was frustrating, going back to school for the same thing. But because beauty is all I’m passionate with, I pursue my plan to get in esthetic program. It was so hard for me as I don’t drive, no bus services for commuters in the city where I lived. Despite the absence of convenient transportation options, I persisted and overcome the challenges. In June 2019 I finally graduated at the program and eventually passed my Board exam with flying colors and got my Esthetic license. Read more>>