The Early Days: why did you start a business

Are you thinking about starting a business? If so, we think you’ll enjoy reading about how these seasoned entrepreneurs thought about the question when they were in your shoes.

Shakeira Smith | Graphic Designer and Content Creator

My thought process for starting my own business was rooted in the desire to regain and maintain independence, bolster my sense of self-worth, and establish a platform for growth as a mother for my children. As I envisioned my path forward, I gravitated toward entrepreneurship, aspiring to be a creator, mother, and provider by pursuing my passions in art and design. Read more>>

World Wide Radio | Byron Morant & AJ Johnson founders of World Wide Radio, LLC

Byron and AJ founded World Wide Radio with the vision creating a global platform where voices from all corners of the world could be heard andizing the power of music and its ability to bridge cultural gaps, they aimed to provide a space where diverse artists and musicians could showcase their talent and connect with a global audience. Read more>>

Brandon Taylor | Health and Human Performance Specialist & Fitness Trainer

When I first embarked on the idea of starting my own fitness business, I felt there was a need for a training company with the focus on the foundational skills of working out. There were many children who lacked the basic skills of fitness growing up. Read more>> 

Jaylon Moore | aka DJ Kolossus

I’ve always been deeply passionate about music and its ability to bring people together. As a DJ, I saw an opportunity to not just play music but curate experiences and create unforgettable moments for people. Read more>> 

Cameo Bobo | TV Show Host & Executive Producer

My bussiness is The Cameo Bobo Show Live in Music City – A late night talk show hosted by myself Cameo Bobo. Certainly, let’s refine your answer to make it more polished: “I embarked on the journey of creating The Cameo Bobo Show – Live in Music City with a distinct vision in mind. Read more>>

Cody Bartels | Alt-Country Artist

Growing up, my Dad owned a rain gutter company in the Seattle-Tacoma, WA area. I knew from a young age that I wanted to be able to set my own work schedule. Being your own boss also opens up the opportunity to make as much profit as you’d like, you just have to put the work in. Read more>>

Bailey Cooper | Farmer & Baker

Treats & Chill has evolved and taken on a life of its own over the years. In the beginning I was inspired to bake dairy free desserts so that my mom could enjoy the holidays without getting sick. When neighbors heard I had taken an interest in allergy friendly baking they asked me about gluten free and vegan options as well. Read more>>

Dr. Kym Moyer | Family Physician

I wanted to create a business that simplified our healthcare system and removed the “hassle” that should not be normalized. I thought of old times, when your physician spent time with you, knew you personally and even made house calls. In order to do this, I created a relationship that only involved the patient and physician by removing corporate medicine and health insurance billing from the primary care setting.  Read more>>

Rea Frey | Bestselling Author & Book Doula

Over 80% of ALL people want to write a book, but so many of us don’t know where to start or how to make it happen. As a published author myself, I have insight to help others navigate this industry in a way that really works. Because there isn’t a one-size-fits-all with publishing, I can help others “birth” their books into the world in a strategic way. Read more>>

Marc Weber | Audio Engineer & Producer

During my final semester at Belmont University, I immersed myself more deeply in Nashville’s Hip-Hop & RnB scene. I religiously attended shows and concerts showcasing the local talent. Despite the evident talent among the artists, I couldn’t help but notice the consistently low turnout and subpar audio quality at some performances. Read more>> 

Jyoti Pugalia | Customized Gifts for Clients and Teams

I was thriving and building a very successful corporate career doing everything that was necessary to achieve success while the majority of my family was back in India. Then, in 2019, I lost my mom and it was evident that I could have all the success and it was minute in comparison to the emotional need for true connection.  Read more>>

Lisa Kurtz | Professional Potter and Teacher

I started my business “Highland Pottery” after getting my Masters and Bachelors degrees in college in Ceramics at The University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky. I worked a full time job in advertising for 7 years while going to school and after getting my degrees I was just ready to jump in and do what I loved to do and had been training to do.  Read more>>

Lindsay Cooke | Psychic/Medium

My thought process behind starting my own business was to spread spiritual awareness while helping others on their journey. Read more>>

Victoria Asante | Tattoo Artist

Initially when starting my own business, my thought process began with the “why”? Why would you want to take the harder route; the route that will essentially take some time to build up. And for me personally it was always the chance of freedom.  Read more>>

Christian Scalise | Country Stars Central

Country Stars Central was founded in 2007 by Christian F. Scalise out of his pure love for traditional country music and desire to honor numerous country greats due to a severe lack of coverage of their storied careers. His first interview was with Gospel music icon Dottie Rambo and Country Music legend Pam Tillis. Read more>>

Austin Bryan | Influencer/Collector/eBay Seller

When I was younger, probably between 7-8 years old I was collecting Pokémon Trading Cards for fun and enjoying the chase of finding holographic cards. After some personal struggles post-college, I recently rediscovered my love for collecting Pokémon Trading Cards and thought, “why not buy/sell/trade/grade Pokémon TCG cards exclusively!  Read more>>

Bryard Huggins | Composer, Record Producer, Contemporary Jazz Recording Artist | Founder/CEO Muse Entertainment

Muse Entertainment, my indie music production company and record label, began unofficially in 2014. I was hired by now Boston-based production company Butter Pecan Productions LLC to create and produce original songs for a children’s book series by author Gloria Respress-Churchwell (founder/CEO of Butter Pecan Productions).  Read more>>

Brooklyn Jones | Photographer

Starting a business can be stressful. Weighing the benefits and disadvantages, dangers, and other factors can be so onerous that many promising entrepreneurs give up before they ever begin. We asked these incredible entrepreneurs how they came up with the idea for their own company.  Read more>>

Justin Wright | Entrepreneur

I started this business to solve a problem I was facing in my own life as a Christian parent. I needed an easy way to get my kids excited about taking baths and reading Bible stories. Read more>>

Townsend | Musician/Singersongwriter/Mental Health Advocate

Taking the leap from full time therapist to music full time was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made. I think society has taught us that if you don’t have a blue collar job, you will not be successful. I was raised hearing that art and music are hobbies, not careers. These outlooks and comments are hard to overcome!  Read more>>

Lamont Livingston | Moment Curator & Entrepreneur

We wanted to create something special and unique. It was our desire to share our love of all things creative through scent. We also wanted something that we could do as a family. Something our kids would enjoy doing, creating and elevating as the business and their lives progressed. Read more>>

Ben Cole | Owner/CEO Rooted Television

The concept of starting my own business was derived from being bored of working a 9-5. I knew there was more to life and there is a lot more reward when it comes to owning a business. I will say though that my success has been solely through God blessing what we are doing. Read more>> 

Nathan Harvey | Owner of Nate’s Mounting services & Co founder of Wee Mount

I initially started my business to make ends meet. I also did it in hopes to inspire my children and others. Read more>>

Onoleigh | Artist

I come from a family of entrepreneurs, so self employment was instilled in me at a very young age. My parents have started 4-5 corporations from landscaping and ostrich farming to equipment dealerships and coffee cafes. Although none of them were music related, the core values instilled in me are what drive me today with my own business. Read more>>

Sophia Murphy | Owner & Operator of Imperium Stretch & Recovery

I was a ballet dancer who suffered from chronic pain. When I experienced fascial work, my pain disappeared. As much as I truly never saw myself as a business owner, I needed to share the gift of Fascial Stretch Therapy with my community because it completely changed my life. Read more>>