Starting a business is a commitment and requires dedication, resources and sacrifice. We asked some of the rising stars in our community how they thought through the idea of starting their own businesses.

Natalie Alexander | Licensed Professional Counselor and Relationship Coach

I started my counseling career as an intern at a moderate security residential facility for adolescent boys. During their 4 month stay, I noticed that they would adopt the therapeutic tools that we discussed during the mandatory individual session. However, when they went back home, several of them recidivated due to returning to the toxic environment that they lived in. I then decided to go into private practice knowing that a parent would bring their child to my office, in which case I would be able to consistently treat the whole family and thereby positive influence the whole family. Read more>>

KillA CAD | Rapper/Graphic Designer

Before heading to college I knew I wanted to be more established as an artist with a clear vision by the time I graduated. With that in mind, I grew more patient with my progress. I knew and still know that everyday I will experience something in some way that will help me navigate through this path that I’m on. Read more>>

Clare Pravato | Wedding & Event Floral Designer

I always knew that I wanted to work in a creative industry. From childhood dreams of being a makeup artist or personal stylist, to high school me wanting to plan weddings – which led me to study event management at Grand Valley. Throughout college, I explored so many facets of the event industry, from wedding dresses, to venues and planning, to working for a few floral design companies. Thinking I needed to pursue a “real” job (silly Clare didn’t know that the dream job could also be the “real” job), I spent the first year and a half after college working for the University of Michigan in events. While the people and opportunities were amazing, my design loving heart knew I had to get back into something more creative. Read more>>

Joannna | Social Worker & Diy creator

I started my Instagram account in early 2022. By that time, we have been living in our house for just about two years and I have been redoing spaces already. I was posting before and after pictures on my personal Facebook, but felt that something was missing. Since I was already following diy accounts on my personal Instagram, this got me thinking that I should start an account and showcase my projects. It honestly took me a few months before I got the courage to sign up. Would I be good enough? Would people like my projects? I started diydominicana because I wanted to be part the diy community and I wanted an outlet to post my finished and in-progress projects. Read more>>

Mande Bybee & Sarah Khan-Williams | Co-Owners/Co-Founders

Mande and Sarah’s journey was certainly one filled with adversity, but it was their resilience and determination that truly defined their success. After undergoing surgeries and navigating the often-stressful terrain of balancing work and raising a family, they realized there was a significant need for reliable and trustworthy support personnel among other busy professionals and families. They noticed that many others may be facing similar or even greater challenges, and they devoted themselves to creating a solution that would make their lives easier. That’s how BYN was born – as a platform that provides support to people who need it the most. Their inspiring story of overcoming challenges and devising a solution out of sheer necessity stands as a testament to the innate resilience and ingenuity present in the human condition. Read more>>

Anquinett Pope | Founder of Pursue Hope Foundation

Prior to formally establishing my business, I had been engaged in the work for an extended period. I single-handedly managed all the tasks using my personal funds and assistance from willing individuals. Throughout the years, I collaborated with non-profit organizations and was aware of the abundance of resources at my disposal. However, I consistently justified my decision to work alone. After careful contemplation and thorough investigation, I concluded that it was imperative to register my business legally in order to fully leverage the available resources for non-profits. Read more>>

Jeremy Burl | Photographer & Songwriter

Being a creative has made it tough to work a 9-5. It’s amazing that I have been able to do so for as long as I have. There’s always an idea you want to get out. Lots of great ideas have come to mind just while being on the clock. If being a business owner could help me get one thing, I would say that it is time. I want as much time as I can have to be creative and build and break things until I’m truly satisfied. It’s still early into this road on entrepreneurship, but I would say my main thought so far is to take back control of my time. Read more>>

Karine Pierson | Director of Education, The MiMusic Scholarship Fund and Owner of the Traverse City Violin Company

I have always been a little different and taken the road less traveled. Because of my independent nature as a leader I have always been drawn to starting my own business. I have been self-employed for almost twenty years, however this is my first brick-and-mortar business. In particular, I saw a need that was not being met. For many years I wondered why there wasn’t a string shop in the area with all of the arts around us (Interlochen), and so I began to formulate a plan to make this happen. When the opportunity came for me to be able to acquire a music studio that was in need of a scholarship program, it was the perfect storm! Read more>>

Okiymo Manica | DJ & photographer

That this will help me pay for my Doctorate Degree and I will be able to earn money to be a blessing to my family and community. Read more>>

Monica Harris (aka The Doodling Duchess) | Instructor of Meditative Doodling

For starting the Doodling Duchess business, I felt confident allowing it to progress organically. I didn’t want to rush the process or over-extend myself. Since my other profession is as a children’s writer, I have already had experience working on my own time schedule and reaching out to others. For Meditative Doodling, it’s a process that involves recognizing emotions and visualizing them. I kept that in mind while developing my business goals and Doodling Duchess persona. Read more>>

Jeff Voth | Content Creator & Influencer

When i was first starting my Photography/Videography business, my thought behind it was simple. What is something i enjoy doing as hobby, and what would benefit the people around me. Photography is a great hobby of mine, and it something i love doing even if it’s not for a client. There is a huge variety of people who are interested in Media work such as other businesses and influencers. It’s a great way to make connections, and make a living. Read more>>

April Hiatt | Strategic Website Designer & Branding Expert

My business evolved over time. After graduating from college, I worked full-time for several years. But as our family began to grow, I decided that I wanted to stay home with our kids (we had 3). So I quit my job and was a stay a home mom (and LOVED it!) When our son was in high school, he had some very specific mental health needs. I started researching and looked online for help, but struggled to find a company or person that could help him. I found one business that kind of looked promising, but, to be honest, I wasn’t very hopeful. Their online presence and website did not inspire any kind of confidence. However, with no other options, I called them. Read more>>

Kelsey Andres | Health & Wellness Coach

When deciding to start my own business, I wanted to create a positive atmosphere where people could feel safe, welcome, happy and be able to have a healthy option for breakfast/lunch as well. I knew what I was good at, and that was helping others feel good about themselves and reach their health and fitness goals. I wanted a space to be able to provide that. Read more>>

Tramaine Seay | Visual Storyteller & Apparel Brand Owner

Honestly, initially it was a hobby turned career. I was in year 14 in a dead end position in public school education and knew I needed to make a move. The only thought was it had to work. What I didn’t know was how my life would change as a full time entrepreneur. The only plan I had was to not return to working for someone else. This was fall of 2016. Read more>>

Audra D Carson | Environmentalist

Solutions. Upon beginning my journey to business ownership in 2010 there were countless wilderness moments as I had ventured into a non traditional space for a woman, not to mention a Black woman. Leading my first business De-tread, I handled evironmental & hazardous tire waste and regularly talked about how my social enterprise would notably solve the global issue of tire waste. De-tread folded. Now as the CEO of Izzie Global, a company that provides “Environmental Services for People & Planet” three certainties have always undergirded my work. 1) I want to be a solution & positively impact the physical conditions & environments where Black and marginalized people live and play. 2) I want to be able to express my creativity and smile while being in service to humanity and mother earth. 3) I want the approval of the elders and my fellow Detroiters to be proud. Read more>>