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.

Jontue Stansbury

Starting GrippedbyTue as a Black college student at an HBCU was driven by the desire to turn my passion for braiding into a source of income and financial freedom. I saw it as a way to not only express my creativity and cultural identity but also gain flexibility and control over my schedule while balancing school. The support of my HBCU community has been crucial in helping me build my client base and expand my network. My goal is to create a business that reflects empowerment and financial independence, showing that young Black entrepreneurs can succeed on their own terms. In the long term, I envision GrippedbyTue growing beyond just braids, possibly offering beauty products, tutorials, or expanding into a full-service salon. Read More>>

Jessica Gibson

My thought process behind starting my own business was a call to action. I had been in corporate america 20 plus years. I became unfulfilled and began a soul searching journey to discover my next. I discovered that God wanted me to leave my 9 to 5 to serve his people through human service. I left my job of 15 years to start a nonprofit Just Do It Movement. Read More>>

A’myrah Bates

I’ve spent a considerable amount of time learning the human body. I started with Athletic training, moved to OT and PT then tried Group fitness, finally ending in corporate finance. After getting pregnant with my first I noticed a need for moms of color to have a safe environment for birth. An anchor to voice their concerns and be listened to. I started my doula career while still holding my 9-5 profession. After two years of gaining a solid client base and partners, I was able to venture out to have Doula work as my full-time career. Read More>>