Starting a business is a commitment and requires dedication, resources and sacrifice. We asked some of the rising stars in our community how they thought through the idea of starting their own businesses.

Christopher Neill Bailey, Sr. | CEO/Founder of B-Creative Enterprises LLC.

While I was in college, I was very active in the theater department at the University of Louisville. I had recently appeared in the stage play “Ma Rainey‘s Black Bottom” by August Wilson, playing the role of Sylvester. It was my first major stage play that I participated in outside of church. When the show run was over, the school was holding auditions for another show in the upcoming season. I decided since I had a successful run in my last show why not try it again. After the audition, the Director of that show gave me feedback, that I never forgot. He was extremely rude, belittling in his tone, his directives were filled with racist overtones and negative stereotypes. I left out of that audition, extremely devastated, but I also energized. Read more>>

Samantha Gallien | Live Wedding Painter

Ever since I was a young child I have loved everything artistic. I took many art classes throughout high school and instantly fell in love with creating acrylic paintings. I loved capturing memories for others through art and often found myself gifting my paintings. Friends and family loved seeing their special moments captured in a unique and artistic fashion and I began to realized that I wanted to spread my reach further. I began offering custom portraits and knew I absolutely loved capturing wedding moments. For a while I considered live wedding painting but wasn’t completely sure how to get started. I began practicing at home and eventually dove in. Read more>>

Zachary Goodman | Hot sauce maker

For me it was really simple, would i rather work for myself or someone else? And the answer has always been 10/10 times that i would much rather work for me. Read more>>

Arthur Straus | Small business owner

Ever since I was young my parents have instilled so many qualities like leadership, dedication, hard work and problem solving & respect into me which I’ve taken and used while working full time jobs since high school. When I first started in the windoe Tinting industry all I was, was a promoter for a gentlemen that tinted my first car when I was 17. After a short period of time I then asked him for a job which I got hired full time learning and helping tint 6 days a week! Since 2009 I’ve learned so much and have tinted thousands of cars boats and homes! Every day is a learning experience and I love what I do everyday Read more>>

Kristin Ellison | Food Nutritionist

I started Smarter Than Medicine as a health and nutrition resource. I have older family members, and even friends, who would reach out and ask, “What should I eat to lose weight?”, “How much protein is too much protein?”. I have elderly family members such as my late grandmother who was a cancer survivor, and she would ask me to come with her to her doctor appointments. It was in those appointments that I discovered there is not much talk about nutrition and even less communication between doctor and patients as far as what medicines should be discontinued and what medicines interact (positively or negatively) with each other. I decided to obtain a Master’s degree in Nutrition Science and take everything I have learned to family/friends, social media, networking events etc. I found my home in food nutrition and I have been here for 5 years officially as an LLC. Read more>>

Tyanna West | Public Historian

As a public historian, I knew that I didn’t want to only remain in academia, but I wanted to find a creative way I could engage with communities. Being that I am an artist first, I wanted to find a way I could merge my love for performing arts and history. That was the birth of my brand. Read more>>

Shinika McKiever | Strategic Leadership Consultant

When asked about the inspiration behind founding The McKiever Group Creative Company, the response reveals a deep-rooted commitment to making a meaningful impact and fostering intentional growth. The core idea was to establish a business that resonates with purpose, blending leadership, strategy, and creativity to help individuals harness their natural talents and align them with their goals. The McKiever Group was born out of a desire to go beyond conventional methods in problem-solving and leadership development. This innovative firm stands out by offering personalized solutions that are not just cookie-cutter approaches but are significantly shaped by the unique experiences and backgrounds of each individual. Read more>>