Starting a business is a commitment and requires dedication, resources and sacrifice. We asked some of the rising stars in our community how they thought through the idea of starting their own businesses.

Louise Latham | Producer and Actor

I met my business partner, Travis on the first night in a new class. After we talked we both decided we were going to make movies together. We decided to create a production company and make our own content. We started it in the midst of the Covid shutdown which seems kind a crazy but it did give us time to build a foundation for the company. Read more>>

Pavel Kanstantsinau | Tattoo Artist

As a tattoo artist, my thought process behind starting my own business was driven by a few factors. Firstly, I wanted the freedom to express my creativity and artistic skills in my own unique way. Having my own business allows me to have full control over the designs I create and the style I want to specialize in. Finally, starting my own business gives me the opportunity to build a brand and establish a reputation in the tattoo industry. It allows me to showcase my portfolio, participate in conventions and art shows, and collaborate with other artists. By having my own business, I can continuously grow and evolve as an artist and establish myself as a trusted and respected professional in the tattoo community. Read more>>

Jasmine Barnes | Entrepreneur/ A&R

Ownership ownership ownership. With great responsibility comes great reward. Not exactly sure whose quote that is but that was my thought process . I won’t say I’ve always wanted to work for myself but once I started working , I think that gave me the will to go after what I wanted for my life . There is absolutely nothing wrong with working a job . I have worked in several fields from labs to fast food restaurants to construction companies to flagging companies . A multitude of different things but nothing feels as great as getting up every day and going after my passions . Whether it’s gaining new buildings for my cleaning company , Graces Clean or working on pictures , videos , music or shows for my A&R portfolio. I may be creating new merch or events for my mental health non profit Shine Through. Read more>>

Claude Robinson | Founder & President. Onyx Strategic Partners, LLC

Over the past 28 years, I’ve been honored to serve in the nonprofit sector to build economic, social, moral and life impact for youth, children and families. I was blessed to be able to build bridges between the philanthropic, nonprofit, corporate and government sectors. In November of 2023, I decided it was time to build greqter success as a business owner and I started Onyx Strategic Partners.. I felt a great sense of urgency and purpose given the vast needs of so many nonprofit leaders across the country. Read more>>

Stephon Williams | Founder and CEO

Being that I’ve been in leadership roles for over two decades in the United States Marine Corps and have experienced the good, the bad, and the ugly of leadership. I decided to embrace the charge to influence, educate, and inspire leaders to see their people as valuable assets. So I created a leadership development training company. H.A.B.U. Leadership Development Training LLC Read more>>