Readers often email us asking us for advice about new businesses they are thinking about starting and we often find that many of them don’t have a framework for thinking about a more fundamental question: why should or shouldn’t you start a business?

Below, you’ll find how successful entrepreneurs from across the city thought about this very question when they were considering whether to start their businesses.

Dustin Ryan | Entrepreneur / Yacht Captain

I moved to Charleston from Hawaii in 2006 where I loved sailing, surfing and water sports. With a background in residential real estate sales I’ve always been a self-employed with an entrepreneurial oriented lifestyle. After my first 6 months or so in Charleston I realized that the Charleston harbor was very underutilized for recreational use especially sailing. The winds are always perfect and the waves are always calm creating a perfect balance for comfortable sailing. Read more>>

Tiffany Norris | Owner & Instructor

Before starting my business, I didn’t think of myself as an entrepreneur. I grew up surrounded by several friends and family members who struggled with obesity or eating disorders, and I saw the way it affected not only their lives, but the lives of the people who loved them. It was very heavy on my heart to create a safe, nonjudgmental place for people to come and work on their physical and mental health. I am very passionate about positive body image, and I want Adrenaline to be a space where people feel seen, where they feel loved on, and where someone is excited to see them every time they walk through the door. Read more>>

Jessica Jones | Master Hair Care Stylist & Wig Maker

I have always had a love/passion for doing hair as a young child. In my early 20’s I had a young child to care for. It wasn’t hard to find a job but it was hard to keep my interest in the job. So I found myself going from job to job. One day I thought to myself “girl you love doing hair and people will pay you!” That was in 2014, I haven’t applied for a job since! Read more>>

Kelly Lucarelli | Artist, Designer & Art Educator

My thought process behind starting my own business was inspired by the amazing local art galleries I’ve visited with my husband over the years during our travels to other towns near and far. I realized how our own town was in need of more places to support local art, and I was fortunate to have my family’s support as I dove into this new journey. I had several goals in mind when opening Luca Studio & Gallery in September of 2023. Providing a place for area artists to showcase their works, teaching art workshops and lessons, and working as a full-time artist are included in those goals. I am truly hoping to make a strong connection between artists and our local community. Read more>>

Megan DeVault | Creator of My Pleasant City

I fell in love with Charleston, South Carolina the first time I visited here back in the 90’s. And just like all visitors to our beautiful city, I knew I had to make it my home. The passion I have for the city and surrounding areas only grows more with the population. I created MyPleasantCity.com to share my love for the city and all there is to do here. I wanted to create a user-friendly experience for locals and visitors to find their next great memory. I focused the site on where to eat, where to drink and “kidvenient” things to do from a locals point of view.  Read more>>

Sarah Rosenthal | Owner of The Wag Factor, LLC

After moving to Mount Pleasant, I quickly learned how many people had dogs and how absolutely loved their dogs were! At the time, I was working 9-5 in an office job, and rushing home to walk my own dog during my hour lunch break. It was stressful and it often took longer than anticipated. 2 things that I love are being outside and dogs. Being in an office environment wasn’t a dream of mine and after brainstorming for a few months, I decided that a dog walking business would be perfect for me! I saw a huge need for it and I knew I could fulfill it! So many people work long hours and don’t want their beloved pet to be alone for so long. Read more>>

Sydney Pope Long | Founder & Designer

These hands needed to create! SOMETHING! I’ve always been a dreamer and a DIYer- whether it worked out like I hoped or not haha! I’ve always painted, and by college was learning to sew and design my own clothes, sketching out ideas for making chandeliers/sconces/lighting accents and decor, and occasionally jewelry for myself and for friends. A light bulb moment happened when I was beginning to feel exhausted of the fashion retail sales floor after close to 12 years, and I wanted to combine my passion for creating jewelry, connecting with people, and using my energy for good by giving back/spreading awareness to something that I realized I was also called to dedicate my purpose to: Human Trafficking. Read more>>

Stacia Powell | Entrepreneur/Refuel of Abbeville

As long as I can remember, the desire to own my own business was within me. As I have gotten older, the desire has grown. Design has been my true love. But in a small town, the support for that would not sustain me. As I read social media threads regarding community wants/wishes in Abbeville, my heart stirred. People in the community would discuss what was wanted/needed in Abbeville. An Ice Cream Parlor, Place for families to enjoy, etc. Therefore, the stirring started in me to open my own business. The jobs I have had throughout my life gave me much knowledge in what it takes to be a business owner. I knew it would be hard. Read more>>

Ja’Von Anderson | Athlete & Entrepreneur

My thought process behind starting my own business started by asking myself, “how can I make an impact in the community, along with fulfilling my purpose, and express my creativity aside from being an athlete?” My ultimate goal is to be my own boss, have the freedom to be myself, and work on my own terms. In this process, there comes a demand of maturity and wisdom in order to achieve the vision I have cultivated. I believe every one has a story, but not everyone has accumulated the skillset of turning their trials and tribulations into lessons of empowerment through visuals, quotes, and eventually–merchandise. Read more>>

Karen Hopper | Business Owner

It all started when we rescued our dachshund Cashew. The first night she slipped through the fence pickets and we were devastated! We were lucky that we were eventually able to get her back but from that moment on, that desperate feeling of losing our pup stuck with us. We came up with a fix for the problem and shared it with a few friends and family. We quickly realized dogs escaping through fences was a fairly common problem. We then realized that we should help others that were in our same situation. We didn’t want them to experience that feeling of loss that we did with Cashew. Read more>>

Liz Love | Poet and Spoken Word Artist

The genesis of Liz Love Traveling Speakeasy took root years ago when I co-founded a writer’s group known as, The Speakeasy Sisters. Together with three other women and a few others, we would gather weekly in our living rooms. During these gatherings, we would write, share our latest poems, and provide feedback to each other. Gradually, we began performing spoken word at local venues, which not only brought us closer but also deepened our appreciation for the art form. The idea to start my own business, Liz Love Traveling Speakeasy, sprang from these foundational experiences. Read more>>