Starting a business can be terrifying. Weighing the pros and cons, the risks, and other considerations can be so overwhelming that often promising entrepreneurs stop before they even start. We asked some phenomenal entrepreneurs about their thought process behind starting their own businesses. Our hope is that by making the thought-process less intimidating we can help more folks think through whether they should take an entrepreneurial leap.

Kiki Parke

My goal in starting this business is to empower underrepresented minorities, particularly those in low-income communities, by providing them with opportunities to further their education. Education is a powerful tool that can break down barriers and open doors to better career opportunities, and I believe everyone, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, should have access to it. Read More>>

Key Gibson

For me, my own business was born out of necessity. As a single mother, I needed a way to provide for my household without the constant fear of losing a job simply because I didn’t have childcare. Traditional employment wasn’t flexible enough for me to accommodate the unpredictable demands of motherhood, and I realized I had to create my own path. Read More>>

Mary/diep Queen/nguyen

Girlhood-Charlotte (GH-C) was started on a soccer field. As mothers of two best friends, we had a conversation while watching our then 11-year-old daughters play a soccer game that we needed to talk to them about puberty. We both realized that puberty was already starting for each of them, yet we hadn’t had “the talk”. Read More>>

Christina Edwards

The inspiration behind starting Nest Egg Home Services LLC was rooted in finding the right opportunity for my husband, Dale, who had spent five years out of the traditional job market as a stay-at-home dad to our two boys. He was looking for a rewarding career that aligned with his skills and passions. But the story of how Nest Egg came to be took a few more pieces falling into place before we found the right fit. Read More>>

Richa Dolia

Starting my own business was deeply personal—it was about aligning my work with my passion and purpose. I spent years in corporate project and product management, honing my skills in problem-solving, innovation, and collaboration. But I felt something was missing. As a former educator, I missed the energy of a classroom, the spark in a child’s eyes when they discover something new, and the joy of hands-on learning. Read More>>

Kayla Celeste Grant-dixon

After years of working in the club as a bottle girl and bartender and hustling as a makeup artist, I grew tired of feeling undervalued and the physical demands of the service and beauty industry. While I loved serving people and had always been passionate about all things beauty, I knew I wanted more—something that aligned with my skills, allowed me to help others, and positioned me for long-term success. Read More>>