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.

Maven Rucker

I’ll begin by saying to give me true freedom. Creatively, emotionally, professionally. I struggle with rigid, traditionally-cultured & boring a$$ work environments. Work settings that cut-off individual creativity and authenticity in exchange for professional safety and top-down philosophies. You know, spots where people are afraid of their managers or being fired for stepping outside the cultural norm. Kind of like the work culture of those rigid, boring a$$ investment firms you see in TV commercials. Maybe everyone’s suit is too tight? Read more>>

Moffatt Gordon | Business Consultant

It was evident in the beginning to start one for more freedom, the money was alway the byproduct for me. Read more>>

Kathryn Currey | Lifestyle Manager

Starting my own business was rooted in my passion for service and my drive to help others succeed. For as long as I can remember, I’ve found fulfillment in making life easier for those around me, whether it’s through solving everyday challenges or creating systems that bring order to chaos. I believe that genuine support—whether in home management, business operations, or concierge services—can transform lives by freeing people up to focus on what truly matters to them. Read more>>

Christina Porcelli-lester | Baker & Hospitality Worker

My thought process behind starting my own business was how can I share my passion. love & creativity for baking outside of my family & friends?
I wanted to share all of the delightful, delicious flavors that I grew up with in Brooklyn New York with diverse customers here in Nashville. Nashville has a lot of residents from all parts of the U.S. who may have never been introduced to desserts like mine. I want them to fall in love with a new flavor. Read more>>

Jason Ahlbrandt | Home Builder

We initially started our construction company out of a need for efficiency in the process of home construction while working with investors. We really wanted to stream line the process and remove any unnecessary decision makers from the equation. Being from the real estate sales business, we are able to communicate directly with our owners/investors and make construction and sales decisions in real time as we build. Read more>>

Andrea Davis | Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist

Starting my own business was deeply rooted in a desire to turn my personal experience with grief into a meaningful way to support others. I realized that society often leaves grievers without clear guidance on how to heal, and I felt compelled to bridge that gap. My own journey of losing my husband and mother taught me the importance of proper tools, safe spaces, and compassionate guidance in navigating the pain of grief. Using the principles of the Grief Recovery Method, I saw an opportunity to not only help individuals but also to educate professionals and organizations on how to better support those in mourning. That clarity and sense of purpose became the foundation for my business, Your Grief Solution. Read more>>

Lavonous Byars | Artist

Since I was a little boy, I had always dreamed of becoming a professional artist. I can remember sitting in front of the TV and watching Bob Ross create brilliant art. I knew deep down in my heart that this is what I wanted to do with my life. Read more>>

Josiah Jones | Photographer & Content Creator

Starting my own photography business didn’t become a thought until the beginning of 2024. As a child, I was always the subject in front of the camera whether it was modeling for magazines or simply being a photogenic kid for family. As I grew older, I continued to be the subject because I played basketball in high school and possessed an interest in fashion. I purchased my first camera with the intent of just making photos of me look better. After I received my camera, I started taking portraits of family and friends. I quickly became more interested in capturing the best of others than taking pictures of myself. The more I took pictures, the more I realized the significance of what I was doing. I realized that I was responsible for making memories last and seeing others happy with the final product. The more positive feedback I received, the more confidence I grew to take the risk of investing more into photography equipment and start my own business. I am glad I took this risk because photography ended up being a creative outlet and passion for me. Read more>>

Amina Zukanovic | Realtor

1. Empowering Minorities: I wanted to help minorities, like myself, own property and build generational wealth. Owning a home is often a significant step toward financial security, and I felt called to make that process more accessible and less intimidating for others. 2. Personal Fulfillment: I’ve always found joy in helping others, and real estate allows me to guide people through one of the most important decisions of their lives. Being a trusted resource during this pivotal moment is incredibly rewarding. Read more>>

Dana Lapeze | Physical Therapist, Orthopedic and Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Pelvic Health Provider

My thought process behind starting Reform Physical Therapy was that I wanted to provide a service that was different from the traditional healthcare model and conventional physical therapy. Unfortunately, in the healthcare system, it is rare to have quality, one-on-one time with a healthcare provider. It is also uncommon to receive a comprehensive conservative care approach that takes into account your lifestyle habits, nutrition, movement/exercise, job, stress level, where they look at a whole person and multiple factors to help resolve the symptoms someone is having. It was important to me to be able to provide a level of care where people felt listened to and cared for, not rushed and given a “one size fits all” approach to the symptoms they are having. Read more>>

Archer Astrology | Tarot Reader

I’ve started and operated a few companies over the years this one was the latest idea my mind came up with. From car accessories to musician and property management and now tarot, I’ve always trusted my ideas whenever they come to me. I’ve always believed when one can’t pursue their dreams they sometimes lose a spark for life. It’s about finding that thing that excites you when you think about it. This business came from the facts that I have read the tarot since I was an child and am a third generation reader. Read more>>

Tenura Steiner | Founder & Proprietor

My thought process behind starting my own business was implanted in me as a child. My parents always told me that every job I work should be viewed as an opportunity to earn the necessary seed money to start my own business. Read more>>