Starting and growing a business is hard, but often deciding to start the business in the first place is even harder. We asked some successful entrepreneurs from around the community to open up to us about how they thought about starting a business.

Julia Simon

I wanted to build the kind of kitchen I wanted to work in – queer friendly, no misogyny, killer vibes and a great mission. Read More>>

Shani/ Alley Ferguson/ Dean

Shani wanted to have her own boutique since she was 19 but having her own business changed over that time and started with her own jewelry line. At a pop up, she met Alley who also had her own jewelry business. The two became friends and both joined Charlotte Collective. After a few years, they both outgrew their spaces there and decided it was time for the next step. They each had complementary styles and decided to choose community over competition, join forces, and open their own store together. Disco Honey opened in September of 2022. Read More>>

 Keivon Hardy

My thought process behind every business I’ve ever started was being the solution to a problem and how can I serve with the gifts God has given me. Also, asking myself how does this align with the life I want to live? I don’t believe in starting a business just to create another job for yourself that you may resent later on in life. Read More>>