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.

Somty Okoye | Texas Realtor, Interior Designer, & Occupational Thearapist

I wanted to help people feel good in their everyday environments. At home, and at work. Knowing that a good portion of adults now work from home, I wanted to focus on the home environment. As a Pediatric Occupational Therapist, majority of my work involved working with sensory integration, regulation, and input. In short, how the sensory input we recieve from our environments directly affects our mood, behavior, & stress level. I quickly realized overstimulation doesn’t only occur in children, but in adults just the same. Read more>>

Daidrien Johnson | Serial entrepreneur/ podcaster & aspiring model and actor

I wanted to create opportunities, I also Helping someone else holds profound significance in our lives and society. It is an expression of our shared humanity, a reminder that we are interconnected. By extending a hand to those in need, we not only alleviate their burdens but also foster empathy, compassion, and unity. Helping others can inspire a ripple effect, where acts of kindness propagate, creating a more compassionate world. Moreover, it provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment, contributing to our own well-being. Whether through small gestures or significant efforts, helping someone else reinforces the bonds that hold us together, making the world a better place one act of kindness at a time. Read more>>

Travis Cooks | A Houston Private Chef

Initially “how will I ever get anyone to start purchasing food from me” Luckily at that time of starting the idea of my business, I was still married. My ex wife had a presence in the city already for having a bakeries. We had one in Katy/fulshear. Then we had one 59 and shepherd área. “Dulce cakes and sweets” back then now just DULCE. She no longer practices her business but was in Houston cake scene for about 10 years. With that being said I would piggy back if you will, I’d sell a catering package for the people who already came in and ordered their cake with her etc. Read more>>

Aileen Warren | Designer & Owner – 50 Shades of Greed

Certainly, I’d be happy to share my story. I’m Aileen, and I co-founded ’50 Shades of Greed’ along with my husband. Our journey into the world of dried flowers began with a desire to create something meaningful that would belong to both of us. The inspiration for our store came from a simple act of love. My husband used to surprise me with fresh flowers, a gesture I always cherished. However, as beautiful as those bouquets were, there was always a sense of sadness when they eventually withered away, taking with them some of the memories they represented. Read more>>

Jenny Salazar | Photographer & Creative

I love working for myself and being hands-on in both the creative and business aspects. There are a lot of categories I photograph in, but I choose to eliminate some so I can perfect my craft in specific areas. For example, I shoot all entertainment, fashion, marketing, and portraits. I don’t offer wedding photography just because that’s not only another ball game, but it has little similarity to what I specialize in. Read more>>

Ashlee Pitts | Podcaster

Oh wow…I have never been asked a question like this, but I will say the thought of me starting my own business was not a far fetched idea. Like a lot of people who have started out in corporate America, I knew somewhere down the road that a regular 9-5 would someday no longer work for me. I knew I wanted to have a job (career) that I would enjoy doing, a job where i can push the limits without the fear of losing my job. I wanted to be able to express my ideas without someone saying that my ideas didn’t fit with their vision of the company. I wanted to have more free time to spend with my children. Read more>>