Shayerrica Sampson was eager to start her own business.

She wanted to write poetry as gifts and perform poetry as an entertainer at events.

Starting a business was a challenge at first, but she was prepared to overcome it to make her dream come true.

“There’s massive paperwork and legalities that must be taken care of to ensure that everything is done decently, orderly and legally,” said Sampson, a senior psychology major.

But Sampson said nothing compared to the satisfaction and joy she experienced with making it all happen.

Today, she is the owner of Eternity’s Pen.

Owning a business may not be an easy task, but it is not impossible.  Students and faculty members have become business owners outside of their day-to-day job.

These businesses range from restaurants to self-employment.

According to “The Millionaire Next Door,” 64 percent of American millionaires have become wealthy by becoming business owners.

Since 1977, the AMBI reported that there are over 30 million businesses in the U.S. alone.

From those 30 million businesses, some ULM professors are amongst them.

Virginia Eaton, a computer science professor, owns Eaton Rentals, LLC and Live Oaks Bar and Ballroom. Eaton has been a business owner for three decades now.

Eaton Rentals was originated in Paris, Texas, in the late 1970s.

Eaton said owning rental property seemed like the right thing to do at the right time.

“My husband and I were thinking about how to invest our money and have a better return. And neither one of us was brave enough to play the stock market…I enjoy managing it and working with the people,” Eaton said.

After moving from Texas to Monroe, Eaton and her husband decided to open more rentals.

Now, Eaton owns commercial buildings and homes.

Enoch Jeter, an instructor of fine arts print making, is a proud owner of Enoch’s Irish Pub and Cafe.

Jeter also has a business for his artwork that is available across the world.

Enoch’s Irish Pub and Cafe opened in 1980 near the university and is a family-owned business.

The pub has dedicated its theme to an Irish influenced atmosphere that gives locals and tourist a taste of Ireland.

The family owned business is managed by Jeter’s children.

Jeter said the pub is the lively hood of his family and after 34 years of business he’s ready to turn the pub over to his children.

The Jeter family works seven days a week at the pub.

Though Enoch’s devotes its theme to the Irish Culture, Louisiana’s spices and music has found its way into the food and entertainment.

Jeter said he can’t name a country that they haven’t had a visitor come play for them.

“They keep us in touch with different cultures…and different ways of thinking. That’s a motivation to say the least,” Jeter said.

Jeter gives advice for the up and coming business owners to have fun and never lose your purpose.