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.

Cassidy Caulk | Founder of Kindred Label

The entrepreneurial spirit is deeply rooted in my family. From a young age, my father always encouraged us to find solutions to problems and when necessary, create solutions ourselves. The idea behind Kindred Label started during my college years when I often needed a convenient, foldable sandal to switch out of my heels on the go. Noticing the absence of stylish yet functional options in the market, I saw an opportunity to create my own solution. Read more>>

Sharyl Sutton-Troiani | Owner/Director & Executive Producer Drama Kids Charleston South

Johns Island traffic is notorious, and we sorely need youth-centric activities on our island, so we don’t have to cross a bridge. The clincher to launch a South Carolina Drama Kids came when I substituted for Mr. Taylor at Angel Oak Elementary. He used team dramatic storytelling to learn new vocabulary words. Students loved it. I used it to motivate the students to behave when he was gone. This was a fun end-of-class game. The students told me they wanted a year-round drama program, so I bought the Drama Kids Charleston South franchise focusing on Johns and Wadmalaw Island children. Read more>>

Kea Simmons | CEO/Founder of Traverze Culture

As a mother and woman who has travelled to 45 countries and lived in 7 of them, I wanted to offer these same opportunities to people who don’t feel like they have this choice. Once I realized this, I created my first company, World Views, that offered travel and investment services. Read more>>

Dylan Kill | Mobile Gym and Personal Trainer

I had been training in outdoor fitness for a little while loading 600lbs of dbs, medicine balls, cones, and other toys in my car every day. A mentor of mine who runs a veteran non-profit called the WarriorWOD introduced me to the BeaverFit Trailer concept and I was sold. I loved being able to add strength training to the BootCamp setting. I can take my gym to other businesses, races, and host events to advertise! It has been such a game-changer, I’m so glad I did. Read more>>

Stephen Powell | Weightlifting & Strength Coach

I am an International coach with USA Weightlifting which is the governing body that runs weightlifting throughout the country. We have a strong team going into this years Olympic Games in Paris. We should bring back 1 gold and a few other medals for sure. I have been coaching for 26 years or so. In that time I have been blessed enough to learn from former head coaches of very successful teams such as South Korea and Poland. Read more>>

Patrick Garlock | Water person and business owner.

I had been an ocean lifeguard, served in the military, and been a firefighter for 15 years. I had always felt a call to serve in some capacity and I think that shelf life is different for everyone in those careers. I had checked a lot of the boxes I wanted to checked. I was ready for a change. Read more>>

Charity Dent | Photographer, Graphic Design, Producer, and Song Writer

Ever since I was little, I always knew I wanted to be my own boss and work for myself someday. As I got older, I knew I wanted to start my own business but what exactly? I researched cosmetics, apparel, technology and so many other things. I didn’t know what my business was going to fully consist of until God gave me the name and literally showed me what it would consist of. Everything I’ve needed business wise, He’s been giving it to me. I’ve put a lot of thought into it but I’ve prayed over it too. Read more>>

KP Simmons | Escape Room Owner & Project Manager

I’ve always had the desire to start a business not necessarily to work for myself but to have the opportunity to solve problems freely. Ultimately, every business I start in some way helps solves a problem and provides connection. Read more>>