Why Entrepreneurship Could Be Your Next Big Move
Photo of Mark Cuban.
Use allowed for educational purposes under US Code, Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 107
Photo of Lisa Price
Use allowed for educational purposes under US Code, Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 107
Not everyone dreams of working a 9-to-5 job. If you’ve ever imagined starting something of your own—like running a bakery, designing websites, or opening a fitness studio—you’ve already taken the first step toward entrepreneurship. Owning a business isn’t just about making money; it’s about creating something meaningful and carving your own path
What Does It Mean to Be an Entrepreneur?
Entrepreneurs are people who turn ideas into reality. They’re problem-solvers, risk-takers, and creative thinkers who work hard to build businesses from the ground up. The best part? Entrepreneurs have the freedom to set their own schedules, follow their passions, and decide how they want to grow their income.
But let’s not sugarcoat it—running a business is challenging. Unlike a regular job, where you get a steady paycheck, entrepreneurs’ earnings depend on the success of their business. It’s a lot of responsibility, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.
How Do Entrepreneurs Earn Money?
Business owners make money in all kinds of ways, depending on the type of business they run. Here are some common examples:
Selling Products: Whether it’s handmade candles, clothing, or custom sneakers, selling products is one way entrepreneurs bring in income.
Providing Services: Photographers, graphic designers, and fitness trainers earn by offering their time and expertise.
Renting Assets: Entrepreneurs might rent out spaces, tools, or equipment to others.
Subscriptions or Memberships: Businesses like gyms or online content creators often earn through recurring payments from customers.
Why Start a Business?
There are so many reasons people choose to start businesses, and they’re all personal. Here are a few of the most common:
Freedom: You get to decide when, where, and how you work.
Passion: Being an entrepreneur allows you to work on something you care deeply about.
Impact: Many entrepreneurs love the idea of making a difference in their communities or industries.
Unlimited Potential: The sky’s the limit when you’re in charge of your own success.
Learning From Successful Entrepreneurs
Take Mark Cuban, for example. He started small by selling garbage bags as a kid and eventually built his first business—a software company that he sold for millions. Today, he’s best known as the owner of the Dallas Mavericks and a star on Shark Tank. What can you learn from him? Hard work, curiosity, and a willingness to take risks can go a long way. In addition to being an excellent entrepreneur and investor, Mark Cuban has demonstrated leadership nationally.
Another great is example is Lisa Price. Lisa Price is the founder of Carol's Daughter, a beauty brand that began in her Brooklyn kitchen. With a passion for natural ingredients and creating products tailored to Black women’s needs, Lisa turned her homemade hair and body care products into a multimillion-dollar company. Her success story is a powerful example of how creativity, hard work, and understanding your audience can lead to extraordinary achievements.
These are only two examples of successful entrepreneurs, but there are thousands of examples of successful people of all nationalities, races, and income brackets.
Supporting and Learning From Local Entrepreneurs
In fact, you don’t have to look far to find inspiration. Local small business owners in your area are often some of the most successful entrepreneurs. Whether it’s the coffee shop owner who greets customers every morning or the landscaper who’s built a thriving business from scratch, these people are proof that entrepreneurship starts with a simple idea and grows with determination.
One of the best ways to learn about entrepreneurship is to connect with small business owners in your community. Here’s how:
Start a Conversation: Ask local business owners about their experiences. Most are happy to share advice about what worked for them—and what didn’t.
Look for Mentors: Some entrepreneurs are open to mentoring young people. They might even let you shadow them for a day.
Support Local Businesses: Shopping locally not only boosts your community’s economy but also gives you a closer look at how small businesses operate.
Volunteer or Intern: Offer to help out at a small business to get hands-on experience and see the day-to-day challenges entrepreneurs face.
This article coincides with the 2021 National Standards for Personal Financial Education Earning Income Objective 4-4
