Many books on startups and business talk about how there are right and wrong reasons for starting a business. So, we asked a handful of successful founders about their reasons and the thought-process behind starting their business.

Sherry & Darryl Wade | Owners/Writers/Performers, The Black Fedora Comedy Mystery Theatre

Many (many!) years ago when Darryl was in his early teens, his parents took him on a month-long vacation out west that included a stop in Deadwood, South Dakota. Spending such an extended length of time with his parents was quite special as his Dad was a long-haul trucker who wasn’t home as often as Darryl would have liked. The family certainly didn’t get the chance to go together to movies or plays very often, so it was a bonus treat that while in Deadwood they attended a live, interactive show called “The Trial of Jack McCall” (which still runs today.) Read more>>

Harby Diaz | Life Agent & Lead Generator

I’m a licensed life insurance agent, and while in the career field, I noticed other agents and myself experiencing hardship and dishonesty about the quality of leads we were purchasing. The life insurance industry is a great career field, but it’s cutthroat. When I was purchasing leads from these large corporate lead vendors, we noticed some leads were fake, disconnected phone numbers, or had already been sold a life policy. While still being sold to hundreds of agents across the country. Read more>>

Brett Ensley | Owner & Composer

The thought was based on learning music with a community. Growing up I never had a lot of opportunities to have a place where I could play with other musicians, student and pro level, in the art of performing live at nice venues or to record music with artist at a pro recording studio. In addition, having a community to support artist with their original music being performed live and recorded at a studio. Read more>>

Shaylin King | LMFT; ADC

Growing up, I had to figure out my sexual identity through google searches and buzzfeed quizzes. So when I was in my graduate school program for Marriage and Family Therapy, I knew I wanted to create the therapeutic space that I, and so many other LGBTQ individuals didn’t have. I shared my dreams of creating an inclusive and affirming practice with Carrie Morris, a fellow cohort member who had an interest in pursuing sex therapy. Read more>>

Sarah Mudder | CEO, Field Trip Traveler’s Rest

We were two working moms, working really hard to build something that we didn’t own and didn’t benefit our families long term (aside from a paycheck). We wanted to build something of our own, while simultaneously freeing up more time to spend with our kids. After researching several opportunities that could have been lucrative, but just not really “us,” we stumbled upon the outdoor hospitality industry and the whole idea made us come alive. Read more>>

Kim Butler | Pilates Instructor & Personal Trainer

Starting my fitness and Pilates studio was a dream that ignited a fire within me, driving me to turn my passion for health, wellness, and movement into a thriving business. The idea of creating a space where individuals can transform their mind, body, and spirit through exercise and mindfulness excited me beyond measure. I knew I wanted to share my purpose and passion by impacting the lives of others through fitness & Pilates. So I took a leap of faith. Read more>>

Allison Roman | Interior Design

I was always one of those kids who was rearranging my bedroom furniture and begging my mom to let me repaint my room! My love for interior design started early. Over the years I found myself decorating and designing spaces for our own homes as well as for friends and family and it was one of those tasks that never felt like work! About a year ago, I realized that I had enough experience and potential clients that I could start my own design business. I launched with a total home renovation job and never looked back! Read more>>

Kerry Owen | Retired partner of Bee Well Honey Farm INC.

Being raised in rural NC/SC mountain region I was exposed to the farmstead lifestyle by default. Farming was just what we did. We bartered or traded gifts with each other and our gifts generally were handmade, homemade, and was just a way of survival. After I moved out of the rural area into more of a metropolitan lifestyle, I realized many people had no idea what a real farm life was like. I would get many laughs and strange looks when I spoke of squirrel hunting or plucking a chicken. Read more>> 

Ashby Gale | Owner and Chief Paleontologist

The idea to start Charleston Fossil Adventures (CFA) came to me while I was working at the State Park on Edisto Island. While at the park, I led environmental programs and a fossil hunting and history walk where I engaged members of the public and showed them how to find fossils on our beaches. This program quickly became one of the most popular tours that I led at the park, which encouraged me to consider it as an option for a future business. Read more>>

Heather Coggins | Artist

My journey into starting a business was quite unexpected. Initially, I simply wanted to revisit an old passion I had for painting, a joy I had set aside while raising two kids and juggling multiple jobs. When I started painting again, I specifically wanted to paint dogs. The overwhelmingly positive response from fellow dog lovers was both surprising and inspiring. This spontaneous appreciation sparked the growth of my venture into dog-themed art and dog portrait commissions. Read more>>

Ann O’Leary | Interior Designer, Author, Distiller

Necessity is the mother of invention. When I was in my early 20’s living in a NYC 3 bedroom with 5 college friends (all boys), I was making $9,000 a year and eating cereal for every meal. I wrote my father a letter asking if he could see his way clear to send me some $$$. His response was “it appears your outgo is more than your income. I suggest you decrease one and increase the other”. Read more>>

Kennedy Kole | Fingerstyle Guitarist, Performer, Music Producer & Teacher

My name is Kennedy Kole, creator of KK Productions. I’m a live performer, music producer, and teacher who specializes in fingerstyle guitar, and is based in Greenville, SC. The goal behind KK Productions is to provide a selection of high quality music-related services within the local community; Greenville and other surrounding cities in Upstate SC. Read more>>

Tony Keely | Private Chef

I have spent the last 28 years working towards owning my own private chef business. I didn’t set out 28 years ago to once own my own private chef business, I just knew that hospitality is in my blood, and this is where I belong. I love the kitchen and meeting new people who love to eat good food! Some of my favorite experiences over that time have been building relationships and developing my skills to create personalized menus focused on the clients’ likes. Read more>>