Deciding to start a business is an unusual decision. It’s often considered irrational and yet for many it’s the best decision they’ve ever made. So we asked folks to think back to when they were starting their businesses and to tell us about their decision making process.

Craig Charles | President/ owner Crowncutz Academy

For me, it’s always been. You have a great attitude you work hard, build solid relationships along the way. I do believe great things come from that. And in business having a great name with a friendly environment gives people comfort and make them want to come back. Read more>>

Raven Brown | Wedding Day Content Creator, Hashtag Engaged

I’ve been deep in the social media world for the past seven years, managing brand’s social media channels and influencer campaigns. When I got married in 2022, I wanted someone to capture our wedding in short, shareable snippets just for TikTok and Instagram – something no one offered in the South. I thought, “Others must want this too!” And so, Hashtag Engaged was born. Armed with my iPhone, I now bring a “guest’s view” to weddings, sharing the full, fun, raw footage with the couple. With that raw footage, I also edit fun videos that are optimized for social media sharing! I’ve captured nearly 40 weddings this way, letting couples relive the magic in just 24 hours. Read more>>

Odeil Kimble | Lawn Care /Maintenance

Lawn are has always been apart of my journey I can remember back to being 12 years old and cutting grass , cutting grass started as my very 1st hustle when my mom transitioned over when I was 10 years old and I was under my grandparents care being raised in South Memphis Tennessee hustle is seen in many different ways mine was cutting grass . As I got older I always keep grass cutting in my by pocket until now .i remember working for FedEx and losing my job . I had just gotten married and losing a job and needing to provide for my household definitely couldn’t stop. So lawn care became my hustle , I’ve always dreamed of having something of my own besides my own family and Kimble Lawn Care is just that I plan to expand and turn this hustle into something I can one day leave for my children this hustle has turned into my passion. I want to thank my wife for pushing me also to turn my hustle into my passion. Read more>>