Readers often email us asking us for advice about new businesses they are thinking about starting and we often find that many of them don’t have a framework for thinking about a more fundamental question: why should or shouldn’t you start a business?

Below, you’ll find how successful entrepreneurs from across the city thought about this very question when they were considering whether to start their businesses.

Valeen Cooper

My journey into entrepreneurship was driven by a desire for independence. I never envisioned myself as a business owner, let alone achieving success in it. In my hometown, entrepreneurship wasn’t a common topic of conversation. The business that I’m in is a help to the community helping young girls and women look beautiful rocking their own hair and loving it. I really enjoy providing my clients with the history, the process and what products to use on their beautiful locs. Today, I’m filled with pride and joy to demonstrate to my children the fulfilling reality of owning a business and making a difference. Read More>>

Kelle Capewell

For me, starting my own business was a natural extension of my creative identity. I’ve always been drawn to pushing artistic boundaries, and I wanted complete freedom to explore that without constraints. I saw a gap in how fashion illustration could be reimagined—not just as a beautiful representation of clothing but as a powerful commentary on identity, sustainability, and human emotion.
I asked myself: What impact do I want my work to have? How can I create something meaningful while staying true to my artistic values? I knew that to build something authentic, I had to embrace risk, trust my vision, and commit to evolving along the way. Read More>>

Brittany Rivera

My vision for Orange Superior Cleaning LLC is to build a life of stability, financial security, and independence — creating a safe and welcoming space for both clients and employees. In the next 5 to 10 years, I see myself debt-free, enjoying the freedom to take vacations, and fostering a strong sense of community, fellowship, and togetherness. Through honesty, hard work, and dedication, I am committed to growing a successful business that not only provides for me but also uplifts those around me, helping others achieve their own stability and success. Read More>>

Tania Raudales

Starting a business is a commitment and requires dedication, resources and sacrifice. All my experience working in retail led me to start my own business. My thought process behind starting my own business was how I will help customers to feel good about themselves in their outfits. Read More>>