Starting and growing a business is hard, but often deciding to start the business in the first place is even harder. We asked some successful entrepreneurs from around the community to open up to us about how they thought about starting a business.

Taylor Johnson | Owner, Taylor Johnson Interiors

I love to work. I knew I couldn’t be a Stay at Home Mom although I am in awe of how hard they work and how much they juggle. I worked in corporate America for about 10 years before my daughter was born. After she was born and I went back to maternity leave, I felt the calling to do design. If I was going to continue to work, I needed to absolutely love my job. Read more>>

Meagan Warren | Boutique, luxury wedding planner and interior decorator

While studying ceramics and painting at Clemson University, I started a jewelry business and had pop-up shows to make money during the summer while home from college. After graduating with a degree in Fine Arts from Clemson, I joined the development team at the Columbia Museum of Art, where I planned numerous black-tie affairs and donor parties. As much as I loved planning the parties and galas, I did not love the fundraising and asking people for money (my goal was to raise $500,000 annually from donors.) In 2009, I decided to get a certification in Interior Decorating. After completing that, there was an opportunity to become a certified Wedding & Event Planner. I took that course and Meagan Warren Weddings was launched in 2009. I left the Museum in 2011 and have been planning weddings as my full-time business since then. I knew I always wanted to be my own boss and make my own schedule. It does sometimes become a 24/7 job; however, it’s better than someone telling you what to do from 9-5. Read more>>

Jamie Thomas | Co-founder and CEO of Cognito Forms

I am passionate about solving complicated problems and building things, which drove my aspiration to build custom software solutions. It’s essential for businesses to have the tools they need to solve challenges easily, quickly, and effectively. In 2010, I worked as a consultant for custom software development, and I saw a lot of similarities between the types of applications customers were requesting. I noticed the trends in the problems they were trying to solve, the solutions they sought, and how much they were willing to pay for them. I realized most clients needed custom development to meet their needs but often could not afford the cost. Read more>>

Brandy Zadoorian, CSP | CEO & Principal Safety Consultant

There were a few deciding factors on why I started my own business. The first was a desire for independence. I wanted to work for myself doing the things I wanted to do. In my last job, I managed environmental, health, and safety. Now in my own business, I only focus on health and safety, which is what I have a true passion for. I now have more control over my service offerings. I also have an entrepreneurial spirit! I saw an opportunity to build something of my own, driven by the prospect of creating a successful business that delivers real value to clients. Read more>>

Karen Williamson | Proprietor

When I first envisioned launching my business, there weren’t many mobile businesses around. To start out, I wanted a store, but I didn’t want the really expensive overhead that came with it. I thought it would be pretty nice to be able to sell my products at different events and areas, so an online presence with a mobile store just made sense. Read more>>