Before she turned her affinity for style into a career, Valencia Holland was her friends’ “go-to girl” for advice on what to wear.

Sarah King, an independent musician, is currently on tour. But the steps getting to this moment have been challenging.

The pandemic almost sunk Manu Powers’ company. Though it’s mounted a recovery, the summer rush still isn’t what it used to be.

Come October, Latanya DeVaughn, owner of mobile bookstore Bronx Bound Books, anticipates author events and a permanent spot at the mall.

“I started out with just my backpack, and a boat that I bought for $2,000, and a dinghy and a hammer,” said broker Emily Greenberg.

Hard Hat Cats places feral cats in breweries, bodegas and other businesses looking for organic pest prevention.

Families of color must often take extreme measures to show the value of their home.

“As a Black business owner, often I’m asked to share a little bit about my story, or my journey, or my background. And so I get to facilitate conversations around these things while making candles,” said Colina Bruce of Noir Lux Candle Co.

As the job market starts to cool, young grads are learning the ropes.

“You go out there right now in our store and there’s a community,” said Jamie York, owner of Game Underground.