The first step to starting a business is deciding to start a business. They say the first step is the hardest and in our experience this is especially true when it comes to starting a business. Getting over the mental roadblocks can be tough, often harder to overcome than the challenges you’ll face once you actually start the business. Fellow entrepreneurs share their thoughts below.

Jason Keelan | Loaf of Bread GAA Podcast

The idea originated from an unusual source – a bus journey at the end of a holiday which began in Japan and ended in Ukraine! The bus was from Kiev to Chernobyl. I was listening to a podcast about Gaelic Games and they mentioned the GAA World Games 2019 and I was stunned that in all my travel to over 100 countries that I hadn’t come across a Gaelic Games team outside of Ireland! Read more>>

Jared Dalton | Founder / CEO of The Jared Dalton Agency

Starting my own business was a culmination of various experiences, observations, and a deep-rooted desire to make a difference. Initially, my journey into the world of social media began quite organically. I was a musician with a flourishing social media presence, and it was evident that I had a knack for it when a friend approached me to manage his accounts. Read more>>

Josh Ray | Owner & DJ/MC

My thought process, in the beginning, was to do something I really enjoy and make enough money just to support my family. As time went on, I wanted to do more. Go bigger. Provide more, for our clients and for myself, really. Read more>>

Angel Bender | Graphic Designer

Starting a business is not easy…and starting a business alone is not easy. My thought process behind starting my own business was actually quite simple. I knew that I had to pick a niche, solve a problem, and provide something useful to clients. Read more>> 

Felicia Jackson | Founder/CEO

The thought process behind starting CPRWrap was deeply personal and rooted in a powerful life-changing experience. In 2002, I found myself in a situation where my own child was choking, despite having CPR training due to my work in a hospital. Read more>>

Stacy Rule | Salon Owner & Hair stylist

To be honest when I left my old salon family and client 4 years ago in Ct I had no thoughts on opening my OWN salon. I figured I would find my spot in a new establishment salon here in Tn and continue doing chair rental. But it wasn’t that easy, nothing was felt right or fit what I was looking for. Read more>>

Ryan Price | Singer/Songwriter & Producer

The whole idea of Six Gun Music Group started in 2017 when I was wanting to record some songs I’d written, but didn’t have the money. I decided to invest in some recording equipment and start recording myself. After a few trial runs, I started recording for a few friends of mine, as well as myself. It kind of just grew from there. Read more>>

Danette Mahabeer-Turner | Serial Entrepreneur

As a serial Entrepreneur, I have explored multiple arenas to ensure authenticity, quality, and extraordinary service to my clients. Starting my own businesses have given me the flexibility, freedom, and accessibility that I’ve always desired while helping people in various capacities. Read more>>

Justin Frazier | Pop-up record shop owner & vinyl enthusiast

My initial thought was that I wanted to pursue something that I was passionate about. Read more>>

Shane Hite | Film Maker & Photographer

I truly feel like this path I have chosen was meant to be. I have always had an interest in film and production. Straight out of high school I followed the footsteps of my father and grandfather and started working in the studio industry in Hollywood, CA. Read more>>

Eric Bluestein | Experience Developer

I didn’t always want to have my own business. After working for large and small companies, I realized I craved the freedom to do what I want, but I needed to really understand how a new business starts. I took the first step on this journey by being the first employee for a start-up. Read more>>

Megan Pfeffer | Owner of Voodoo Chiropractic, Diplomate of the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians

Honestly, I just didn’t love how everyone else was doing it. A lot of chiropractic offices are “high-volume”; that means they see dozens and dozens of patients per day, typically just adjust them (so spending very little time with them), and having staff do generic supplemental treatments and exercises with the patients. Read more>>

Lonnie Ford | Owner of Wings On The Fly Food Trucks

If you can work hard for others, why not work just as hard for yourself. I always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I didn’t know early on what I really wanted to do but I knew I wanted to be my own boss. I was fortunate to grow up and be around other business owners and have a couple of role models in my life that was transparent with their entrepreneurial journey. Read more>>

Dr. Demetria Banks | Author, Evangelist & Certified Life Coach

My thought process behind starting my own business originated from my desire to empower others to live their best life. The emotional pain and mental turmoil I witnessed individuals experienced during life challenges always made the “rescuer” in me rise and want to help in any way I can.  Read more>>

Duncan McDaniel | Artist/Business Owner and Operator

After graduating from art school in the mid 2000’sI moved back to Nashville and found work as a free lance harthandler helping the Frist Center with their exhibit turn arounds. Over the next 4 years or so I was added clients like Cheekwood and the Airport and the TN State Museum. Read more>>

Destiny Starks | Beauty Artist & Birth Assistant

I knew the Gifts God has given me, and given many opportunities! I have dreams and goals. Plus there’s a few people who inspire. I see black women on the big screens, do something and say “ I can do that!” And I know I can. My dreams and goals pushes me to keep going in my business. Read more>>

Michele Conley | Baker

Success has always been an important factor for me. As time passed I still wanted the success, but personal freedom became second most important to me. I realized that work-life balance was a priority for my physical and mental well-being. Entrepreneurship gave me that opportunity. Read more>>

Ever Kipp

My first songbook stretches all the way back 4 years old, right around when I started learning piano. My mother is an artist, my father plays drums and guitar, and my older brother grew up playing music and having bands, so I had a creative and constantly loud household growing up. Read more>>

Justin and Devon Cotton and Neison | Podcaster

Devon and I thought there needed to be a platform and more resources for expecting dads and just dads in general. We wanted to create a community of dads that could rely on each other and reach out to one another for support and help when navigating the dad life. Read more>>

Lyndzy Gordon | Artist

When I started designing apparel back in 2015, it was difficult to find fun fashion for plus-size bodies, so I started making my own. Even today, I roll my eyes when I see the limited and boring selection we have for extended sizes. Life’s too short to wear boring clothes! Read more>>

Kenya Dalton | Entrepreneur & Holistic Esthetician

I never imagined starting a business, I always wanted to pursue something medical to help others. Until one day, I was faced with the worst acne I’ve ever encountered. Must have been the stress of the world & negative influences triggering a breakout. Read more>>

TrapSet Network | Media Outlet/Podcast

When a mass of listeners received our name for the first time (Trap Set) many thought we were giving off a negative condensation of our environment and culture. Trapset the name was chosen because of what it represent it shows culture, passion, and creativity through the content the name produces. Read more>>

Lance Carter | Property Management & Real Estate Development

That’s a great question! It is one I often ask myself. Every time the question comes to my mind, I remind myself of what urged me to start my business and what keeps me motivated to continue. To be transparent as possible, it was my need to be different. Read more>>

Steffon Seay | Recording Artist, Writer & Composer

Wanting to have ownership of my work was a key factor behind the process of starting label. Taking all the necessary steps to get the business legitimate was first. Obtaining all the equipment required to get the business going, as well as the software that was required.  Read more>>

Shauna-Gaye Martin-Boothe | Travel Advisor & World Traveler

I wanted to begin a business doing something I truly enjoy in hopes that one day it will bring me financial freedom. Read more>>

Ashley Gladney | Founder of Mobile Mommy

There was a great need for type of childcare that I provided in Memphis. I was already working in my degree field, healthcare management, but I was fulfilled. It really just made more sense for me to start my own business in what I was passionate about. It was always a dream of mine to start a nanny agency. I felt like it was the perfect time. Read more>>

Christy Lynn Hicks | Holistic Yoga Teacher & Educator, Wellness Advocate, Artist & Entrepreneur

In my last year of college I worked as an intern at a small television station and worked my way up the corporate ladder from entry level to high level management over the course of 10 years. Read more>>

Larry D. NuTall | CEO – Larry NuTall Productions, Inc.

My thought process behind starting my own Production Company was ultimately due to the opportunities given to me from various artists that saw something unique in my ability to preform. There, I realized how fortunate I was to be a recipient of advance training. Read more>>