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.

George Brown | Owner – Creative Director

Starting a creative arts company to help small businesses and startups was born out of a deep passion for creativity and an unwavering belief in the power of design to transform brands. I saw the incredible potential that lies within small businesses and startups—those with big dreams but often limited resources. These are the ventures that have the most compelling stories to tell, yet they often lack the means to express their vision in a way that captures the luxury and sophistication they aspire to. Read more>>

Chef! | Artist & Event Coordinator

The way most of us live always seemed a bit odd to me. We spend most of our time making someone ELSE money, while never having enough resources for our own endeavors. I decided that I rather enjoy the fruits of my own labor. Read more>>

Middleton & Emmaline | Co-founders | Saltwater Disciple

We launched Saltwater Disciple in August 2023. That summer, taking many of our friends out on the water in Charleston showed us how much joy it brought them and highlighted the unique experience of seeing Charleston from the water. We quickly noticed that each friend or group had their own idea of the perfect day—some wanted to relax, others were eager to explore the beaches. This insight inspired us to offer unique and customizable experiences to cater to these preferences. Thus, we launched Saltwater Disciple with the goal of bringing hospitality to the boating world, catering to each customer’s unique desires. Read more>>

Cherika Williamson | Founder and CEO of Knavii Rose

During the pandemic which was in 2020, the normal world as we knew it was completely changed. Years prior I was diagnosed with SLE Lupus and I would have flare ups often. The Lupus Flares would affect my skin a lot, leaving it with dry flaky patches, burning skin, dark spots and some blemishes. I would spend a lot of money buying different skincare products from different companies only for them not to work most of the time. The amount of money I was spending trying different products started to become expensive and became a waste of money. During the pandemic, I noticed how certain areas of my face would flare up but I blamed it on the germs in the air and wearing a face mask often. Since I had more free time, I decided that I would research different ingredients that were often found in some skincare products because I wanted to see what would work best for me. Of course, the specific ingredients that I wanted in skincare products were not all found in one product. I decided to reach out to different companies and manufacturers to see if I could create something with specific ingredients, such as a line of skincare products. I sampled products, spent hours, weeks and days on zoom calls, with manufacturers creating a specific formula. There were some manufacturers that I really wanted to work with but they did not want to give me creative control of the product I wanted to create. This was very discouraging and I felt defeated. There was one manufacturer that I decided to reach out to and I explained to them the ingredients that I wanted in my skincare products. This was the only company that was willing to work with me and allow me to create a skincare formula that I wanted and they would do mass productions fro me. It took well over a year of me sampling the product and making sure it was to my standards. The manufacturers were so patient and so helpful and thesis how Knavii Rose Skincare was created. Read more>>

John Weber | Associate Broker, Realtor

I have been in the real estate business for 37 years. I would say most of that time I spent in “Developer sales”. We developed large tracks of land that included golf courses and other amentias. I managed sales team sometimes as large as 24 agents. Our job was simple. SELL everyone who came in the door a lot or a home. Read more>>

Javon Talley | Tribal Chief

The goal was never to create something that would make me quit my 9to5 lol that’s to much paper work. I wanted to create something that reminded everyone, they are good people in this dark work. Read more>>

Krista Garrand | Photographer, Videographer & Planner

When I started Chantilly Lace, I was working a regular 9 to 5 job and it came at a sacrifice to my time spent with my children. I decided to become a business owner primarily so that I could find success without that major sacrifice. In addition to being able to do what I genuinely love, I’m able to set my own hours and be available to my children. My primary working hours are on the weekends, so I’m free to my children on weekdays. Being a business owner allows me to travel with my children, attend school functions and field trips and give them my undivided attention. Being able to have that work and home life balance is paramount to me. Read more>>

Julie Kelley | Jewelry Designer & Creator

Probably like many, it grew organically. I started making pieces for friends and family and slowly started putting myself out there by attending local markets. I was, and still am, buoyed by the responses of people visiting my booth. Whether they buy or not, their comments and encouragements are gold – but buying is great too! Read more>>

Austin Brunner

I really loved the idea of being my own boss. Having the [creative] freedom to be able to work when I wanedt & how I wanted really resonated with me. That being said, working whenever you want really means working 24/7 when starting & running a business! Read more>>

John DiLeo

When you work for someone else, you can’t always express yourself or operate completely the way you want to, even for an Executive Chef. When my wife and I decided to move to the Charleston area from New York, I saw it as an opportunity to start fresh on my own terms. Read more>>