Are you thinking about starting a business? If so, we think you’ll enjoy reading about how these seasoned entrepreneurs thought about the question when they were in your shoes.

Aaron Comstock | Founder: Uplift Charleston

When I first moved to Charleston, SC and was working and teaching in North Charleston, I noticed a large amount of homelessness and suffering. It bothered me deeply that in the “Holy City” so many were in need and sleeping on our streets. I started out helping on my own but slowly became a community activist and I began to ask for assistance from our community to get the clothing, food, and toiletry assistance that was desperately needed. I then began to build an online group and presence to get the word out, raise awareness, and encourage volunteers to help. Through these efforts we built a community of those willing to love those in need and the homeless. We inspired other groups to be formed as well to lead this effort. Read more>>

Nico Romo | Chef/Owner Nico Romo Hospitality Group

To create a community space where people will feel like they are home, no matter what the concept is. The base of the concept was the community and the location. Read more>>

CYNTHIA WILLIAMS | Owner / Broker in Charge of Lifestyle Real Estate, Charleston SC

I guess it was I wasn’t happy with the way my work life was going. I didn’t feel anyone really cared about me. I was just supposed to turn out the sales and pay the fees. I needed someone to notice my efforts and give me a thank you every now and then. I’m not a big words of affirmation person, but I know that small things matter. I felt like I didn’t matter. I prayed about it long and hard; and deep down in my soul, I knew one day I would start my own company as much as I tried not to do it. I woke up one morning and decided “I’m doing it!” “If it is to be, it is up to me to create the work environment I always wanted to have.” I try very hard to always notice everything my agents do and to tell them how proud I am of them. My company is based on their success – not mine – and I know this and never take it for granted. Read more>>

Joanna Sinbandit | Founder and CEO of New Horizon Tax and Financial Services

Tax preparation began for me as more than just a passing interest—it was a hobby that naturally transformed into a professional calling. Even before I formalized my role in the industry, I was the go-to person for friends and family, assisting them in preparing their taxes and explaining the complexities involved. Building on this foundation, I seized an opportunity with a local tax company to deepen my knowledge, gain hands-on experience, and broaden my horizons within the industry. My deep-rooted confidence in my skills empowered me to establish myself as a trusted expert in the tax industry. However, as I explored deeper into the profession, I identified a significant gap: there was a demand for tax services that prioritized not just accuracy but also customer service, education, transparency, and trust. Read more>>

NILAY YUCE SENGUN | Co-Founder

You know the saying, “It’s always darkest before the dawn”? Well, our journey is a perfect example. Fahri used to run an Etsy store selling copper items, but unexpectedly, Etsy closed it down. Meanwhile, I had a job as a marketing manager at a major media company in Turkey, but I was pregnant and wanted to be with my baby. During this time, Fahri came up with the idea of selling Turkish towels. We didn’t have money to experiment with, or anyone to tell us if we were doing it right or wrong. We had $ 1,000 worth of towels and blankets that we thought we could sell online. Our main goal was to share the beauty of Turkish textiles with the world. Read more>>

Latrina Holmes | Chef & General Manager

We had the desire to feed and Cater to the world. Read more>>

Allie Barbera | Numerologist

Temini112 was the third business I’ve started and currently own and operate. (Yes, that is too many! But I make it work.) My other businesses are in the beauty industry, but Temini112 offers Numerology services, so it’s completely different. Temini112 is the grownup version of the Numerology readings side hustle I had in the early years of my first business. I had to stop offering those readings on a larger scale when my first business got too busy, but I continued to do them for friends and family. In 2023, I decided to resurrect the Numerology services on a larger scale, and Temini112 was born! I started this business because, well, I enjoy doing Numerology and helping people learn more about themselves. And at my (undisclosed) age, I’ve realized I want to do more of what I enjoy. I think that’s a good enough reason. Don’t you? Read more>>

Lisa Jean Walsh | Founder and Creative

My thought process behind starting ‘ the BUZZ skin” involved a combination of factors and considerations: Passion for Skincare and Outdoors: I have always had a genuine passion for skincare and a love for spending time outdoors. This passion likely fueled the idea of creating a product that addresses both of these interests, offering a unique solution that blends beauty and bug protection. Identifying a Niche Market, I recognized a gap in the market for products that cater to individuals who enjoy outdoor activities but also prioritize skincare. This insight sparked the concept of BUZZ skin, positioning it as a distinctive brand that meets the specific needs of this niche audience. Read more>>

Nikki Gregoire | Artist/Owner – Bespattered Facade

I can’t really take credit for having any sort of brilliant idea to start Bespattered Facade, it sort of just “happened,” and I like to (jokingly) call it my “accidental business.” I’ve always been creative in one way or another, and I’ve always enjoyed painting. I started toying around with a painting technique I saw online, called “fluid art” or “pour painting.” It involves a visually interesting painting process that I thought it might be fun to film and post online, so I created the Bespattered Facade Instagram account and things took off from there. I never expected to gain the popularity that I have on social media, and things just grew from there. Read more>>

Okurut George | Yoga/Dance Instructor

As I grew up working for my family and then I started working with construction companies according to my professions. I could work for many hours a day then get so much problems in side myself that made me feel so much tired of working so hard without getting any positive results as I had to work for so many hours. I would apply a lot energy but I wasn’t growing. That’s why I decided to quick and start to do something I am passionate about which is dance and yoga. I had also a big thoughts that if I start up my own business that will help me to reach out the exact people in the community as i need than working for others as they won’t deliver as I need it to be done. Read more>>

Medea Duffy | Local Retail Business Owner

Shelly and I both had our own separate businesses prior to starting Local Love CHS and really enjoyed the creativity and independence of it. Plus, it gave us the flexibility to prioritize our kids and their crazy schedules. But after rolling solo, we both knew that we wanted the benefit from a partnership. A perfectly matched partnership is the Holy Grail of business ownership! Read more>>

Cory Hines | Artist and Graphic Designer

I wanted to be able to create the artwork I wanted to see in the world. It gives me an opportunity to express myself without the restrictions of someone else’s opinions and ideas. While I do take on clients from time to time, I use my business as a platform and catalyst for my own artwork and creativity. Read more>>

Tyemerica Gbandawa | Bartending Instructor & Bartender

There were many reasons behind creating Kocktail Kulture. The first reason was when I first began working in the service industry there was no one that wanted to help me. Bartenders were extremely catty. I recall my first night working at a club, as a shot girl, down in the Vista. The club manager introduced me to two girls that I would be working along side of. The first night they were somewhat helpful by showing me around and getting me acquainted in becoming a shot girl. However, the second night I worked the completely ignored me, and I was on my own. I messed up a few times trying to recall functions of the POS systems, but soon got the hang of it. They felt that another shot girls was intruding in on their money and customers, which was not my intent. Read more>>

Adriana Richardson | Business Process Consultant

It honestly wasn’t a first choice. I’ve always done side gigs, but I never thought to start my own business. A mentor actually pushed me to start a business when I was pregnant with my second child. From there, it was pretty much a “do or die” situation for me. I wanted to bring in some extra income for my family and maintain a level of freedom so I wanted to be successful with it. Read more>>

Tony Morgan | Director/DP

The thought process behind starting Coastal Cineworks was a combination of my passion for video production and a desire to create a business that aligns with my values. I wanted to have the creative freedom to produce high-quality videos and work with a wide range of clients, while also building a company that treats employees and clients with respect and professionalism. It was about turning my passion into a business that could positively impact the local and national community. Read more>>

Rakiem Walker | Music Exec & Producer/Music Director

There were two trains of thought that was a true revelation to me. 1. Realizing that I didn’t want to work for anyone for 20 years. 2. We spend all of our lives having faith in all of these companies SO why don’t give I give myself a shot. I can’t believe that the only value that I have in life is to bring someone else all of the value and think that all of my validation and affirmations must come from them. Read more>>

Arif Mills | Founder, Creator Director

When I decided to start my own videography and photography company, it was driven by a deep passion for visual storytelling and a desire to create exceptional content. I wanted to turn my artistic vision into a thriving business that could make a lasting impact. Working with brands across the world allows me to explore different cultures, collaborate with diverse teams, and deliver creative content that resonates with global audiences. It’s a fulfilling journey where I get to capture moments and bring brands’ visions to life through the lens of my camera. Read more>>

JW The makeup nerd | Content Creator/ MUA/ Lash Tech

Growing up I was very artistic, I always knew that I wanted a career that involves art. Watching my mother run her own business also played a part in the process! She made me realize that I didn’t want to work for anybody, I wanted to work for myself. As I got older, I started getting into makeup, I started to feel more confident and free to be me. I took it as a way to express my artistic side and use people’s faces as a the perfect canvas. Read more>>

Jimmy Sorrells | Liberty Networking founder

I was in 5 different networking groups as well as being a member of an organization called Businesses For Liberty. I have never seen a networking organization for like-minded Patriot entrepreneurs and I got the idea to start one. After talking with some close friends about the idea, I decided to start Liberty Networking. It has grow by word of mouth every since then. Read more>>

Kiera Johnson | Serial Entrepreneur

My thought process for achieving my entrepreneurial and generational wealth goals is marked by resolute determination. I have maintained unwavering faith in my vision and dreams. I am motivated by a long-term perspective, understanding that building wealth and realizing your dreams is a journey, not a sprint. My approach involves careful planning and risk management, while remaining adaptable to the challenges that consistently comes my way. The idea of leaving a lasting legacy for future generations serves as a powerful driving force, and you draw strength from a support network to overcome obstacles. Your thought process embodies resilience and a relentless pursuit of your goals, inspiring others to follow their own path towards success and legacy-building. Read more>>

Cortney Hornyak | Owner, The Bookworm Used Bookstore – Myrtle Beach

I have always loved to read! My husband and I left professional careers in Pittsburgh and moved to Myrtle Beach in 2010. Unfortunately, the job/company we moved here for ended up not being a good fit for me, so I had to move on. After being at loose ends for a few years, we decided to take a chance and open The Bookworm! It took us about two years to collect enough inventory for the bookstore and find the perfect location. Read more>>

Dawn Oliver | Birth and Postpartum Doula

When I started my business my goal was to be a supportive person to people who were pregnant and giving birth. I had no idea how it would blossom 25 years later Read more>>

Jada Segaard | Lifestyle Blogger and Influencer

When I started my own influencing business, it was 2020 and I was looking for a creative outlet during the Pandemic. I had no idea that my little blog would turn into something so much more! I love creating outfits and sharing my favorite beauty and home products. I knew that I had the inspiration to offer others, so turning it into a blog seemed like the perfect way to spend my free time in 2020. Read more>>