The first step to starting a business is deciding to start a business. They say the first step is the hardest and in our experience this is especially true when it comes to starting a business. Getting over the mental roadblocks can be tough, often harder to overcome than the challenges you’ll face once you actually start the business. Fellow entrepreneurs share their thoughts below.

Katie Daugherty | Color Consultant and Lead Designer of Palmer Lane

There were a few things in play when I thought about starting my own business. I always knew that doing my own thing would work best for me and my family, versus a traditional 9-5. This is because my husband is a firefighter/paramedic, and works 24-48 hours at a time. With three kids, I knew I needed to be able to work around our busy lives. Read more>>

Brae Richardson | Brand + Creative Manager & Creative

My primary motivation for starting my business was community. I believe in creating a space in Charleston where all minorities feel welcomed and included. Throughout my life, I’ve observed a disconnect in opportunities and representation for people of color, and I wanted to address that. My goal is to foster a sense of belonging and support, allowing everyone to thrive together. By prioritizing community, I hope was to create not just a business, but a movement that empowers and uplifts voices. Read more>>

Kadeisa Izzy Hankins | Realtor

When I decided to become a realtor my mission was to guide clients through every step of the journey, with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to their dreams. As a family-oriented business, we value the freedom to shape a career that prioritizes meaningful relationships, balancing professional excellence with time for family. For me, real estate isn’t just about transactions—it’s about building lifelong partnerships, helping others find a place to call home, and making the process smooth, enjoyable, and rewarding. Read more>>

Mekenzie Love | Painter

While my husband and I were going through fertility treatments for 4 years before getting pregnant with our daughter, I would distract myself with work or painting on the weekends. I’ve always loved to paint but rarely did I ever show anyone my work before starting Paintings by KLove. Read more>>

Ashley Brickner

I’m not sure it was a conscious decision actually. Being a business owner has always been something engrained in me even as a child. When I was about 9 asked for a calculator with the receipt tape to pretend I was checking people out at my pretend music shop. Around the same age I also started a neighborhood newsletter and typed them up on my typewriter then had my dad make a few copies at his office to put in my friends mailboxes. I just always loved the idea of owning a business. Read more>> 

Chuck Gainey

I wanted to find a way make a living doing what I love while bringing awareness to the impact we have on the natural resources we interact with in my field of work. Read more>>

Jackson Bailes

Leaving a stable job in accounting wasn’t an easy choice, but I knew my true passion was in the photo and video industry. With my business degree and a desire for something more fulfilling, I teamed up with my roommate, who was skilled in marketing. Together, we started Restart Creative, our own agency, right from our small two-bedroom apartment. Read more>>