Starting a business can be terrifying. Weighing the pros and cons, the risks, and other considerations can be so overwhelming that often promising entrepreneurs stop before they even start. We asked some phenomenal entrepreneurs about their thought process behind starting their own businesses. Our hope is that by making the thought-process less intimidating we can help more folks think through whether they should take an entrepreneurial leap.

Jessica Tidwell | CFO of DTown Vinyl

Sidney and I met in high school and have always enjoyed crafting as a hobby. As we began expanding our crafting, we noticed there was not an option to purchase craft vinyl or supplies in the city of Detroit. When completing projects, we were forced to go to a big box store or order online. This shopping experience was not personal and many people working in the big box stores are not crafters, making it difficult to bounce ideas off of another person. We decided to open a store to provide a personal shopping experience with other crafters. All of our employees are crafters themselves and enjoy helping our customers find the best products and techniques to complete their projects. Read more>>

Adan Mosqueda | Food Truck Owner/Operator

I’ve had an entrepreneur mindset since childhood. Growing up, I was surrounded by hustlers. My parents and grandparents on both sides were not lazy by any means! My grandfather Jose, on the Espinoza side of my family, worked for GM building cars and would sell Tamales, Breakfast Burritos, and homemade salsa to his co-workers. My grandmother Gloria C. Mosqueda on my father’s side of the family, worked multiple jobs and sold tamales and homemade salsa on the side as well! So for me it was the same. I worked jobs and had to hustle tamales on the side to support my growing family! I’ve worked in many local restaurants even managed a few. Read more>>

Adrianne Gammie | Flower Farmer & Florist

It was a circuitous path that lead me to starting Marilla Field & Flora. I was a fashion designer, living & working in Toronto, and I was laid off when I was 6 months pregnant. It essentially ended my career, because no one was going to hire me knowing that I was going to pretty much immediately take my 12 months of maternity leave that mothers are entitled to in Canada. So I started looking for a part-time job, and worked for an event designer who took a chance on me. When I came off of maternity leave, I started working for another floral design studio that used some product from local flower farmers, and I fell in love. I had no idea that was a thing you could do (I thought most flowers were imported, which is true)… Grow flowers for florists to use in creating gorgeous weddings! I grew up on a fruit farm, so have always been a farm girl at heart. Combined with my background in design, growing flowers and designing with them was the best job that I never knew existed. So we moved back to my parent’s farm for a season, grew a field of flowers between some rows of apple and cherry trees, and started Marilla Field & Flora. Read more>>

Degaryia Witten | Founder, Owner, CEO, & Maker

Throughout my life, I have faced challenging situations that have tested my resilience and ability to find positivity. However, my passion for meditation, self-love, affirmations, and candles has helped me find peace and comfort during difficult times. As a college student, I discovered the power of candles to create a warm and calming atmosphere in my home. Unfortunately, my joy was overshadowed by a life-threatening stroke my mother suffered while attending my graduation ceremony. Her long recovery period left me devastated and struggling with depression and anxiety. Read more>>

Courtney Joesel | Speech and language pathologist

There are points in careers the phrase “When a door closes, another one opens” seems all too real. I had a decision to make when I knew a change was needed. I could either continue to work for others in my field and experience the challenges with little ability to be an agent of change, or I could take matters into my own hands. I had been experiencing burnout from the high demands for being a healthcare worker and knew that this was not sustainable for me or for many of my colleagues. I decided to start a business/private practice where staff are excited to come to work creating high quality care, prioritize the client experience and relationships, and be an agent of change. Read more>>

Dee McQueen | Author, Murder Mystery Writer, Self-Publishing Consultant

I have always loved to write and entertain people so that was the main reason I started my business. I wanted to be immersed in doing what makes me happy and making other people happy. Reading and writing has always been my escape from the harsh and cold reality of this world so I wanted to give people that same escape if only for a little while. Having my business has enabled me to do these things. Read more>>

Gabriela Rodriguez | Co-founder

We started Soldadera Coffee to be able to share our Mexican heritage over something everybody can immediately resonate with. Who doesn’t love a good cup of coffee? We were inspired by our grandmother Cristina, who was a social activist in Mexico and a voice against injustice towards others, especially women. Read more>>

Jordan Hliebay | Illustrator

I knew in high school that I wanted to pursue a creative career, but I didn’t have a direction on where that would be. I was accepted into College for Creative Studies in Detroit and was able to learn about all kinds of opportunities creatives had in future careers. While being apart of a company or agency definitely had its perks, I couldn’t help but desire the challenge and freedom of freelance work. Read more>>

Shayla Unik | Certified HR Professional, Entrepreneur, Author and MotivateHER

I honestly didn’t think about my business being an official “business” until I attended a networking event at The Craft Cafe Detroit. I shared my story of homelessness to climbing the corporate ladder. I honest, wanted to know and learn how to share my story with others on different platforms. At the time, all I wanted to do was share my story and encourage other people not to give up on their dreams and goals. It was the women in attendance at the event who poured into me and encouraged me to brand myself. They encouraged me to use the same tools that helped me during my transition to help others. It was at that moment at that event, Unik I Am was created. I figured, if I’m genuinely sharing my story and empowering other, I want them to remember not only me, but I want them to remember “we all have a story, but your story is what makes you Unik”. My birth name is Shayla Unik (first and middle name), but Unik I Am is a reminder that we are ALL Unik! Read more>>

Yanae Williams | Creative Director and Photographer

The steps I took before launching my business have been nothing short of a progressive journey. From humble beginnings, where I dabbled in freelance gigs with family and friends, to securing my first career role in news and television post-college, every step has been a building block toward realizing my true potential. Yet, despite these achievements, balancing part-time roles as a video production technician and waitress was a juggling act that diverted my attention from my true passions. Then, I made the bold decision to take the leap, from traditional employment to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. This leap opened doors to a world of possibility. I dedicated myself entirely to nurturing my creative talents and honing my skills in visual storytelling through photography. Whether capturing culinary delights in food photography or immortalizing precious moments through event photography, my journey has been one of continuous growth. Creating spaces where individuals and brands can authentically shine has become my purpose. Every click of the shutter is an opportunity to craft narratives that resonate deeply with my clients and their audiences. Like millions of others, I have a story to tell. But the privilege of capturing the stories for others propels me forward as a creative entrepreneur. Read more>>

Elaine Bussema, LMSW | Owner/Therapist Enlightened Counseling & Wellness, PLLC

I started in the world of social work over 17 years ago. I shifted through a variety of positions within that time span and one thing i would see over and over again was a need for a variety of resources not just one service. As i transitioned into the world of private practice counseling I envisioned a place that housed several of these resources, a one stop shop with several holistic wellness and counseling providers to support an individual. It would take several years before this would occur and the vision continues to shift and grow but what came from that initial realization is now the wonderful space I call Enlightened Counseling & Wellness. Read more>>

Ebony Graham | Mixologist & Entrepreneur

My decision to launch R Bar Iz Mobile stems from a fusion of my extensive bartending experience and entrepreneurial drive. With over 15 years in the industry, I saw the potential for greater financial success in establishing my own mobile bar business. This endeavor allows me to express my personality and expertise while taking charge of my professional journey—a commendable blend of passion and practicality. Read more>>