Deciding to start a business is an unusual decision. It’s often considered irrational and yet for many it’s the best decision they’ve ever made. So we asked folks to think back to when they were starting their businesses and to tell us about their decision making process.

David Truong | Creative Director & Artist

As a wedding photographer, I strive to create stunning wedding photographs that capture the beauty and emotion of the special day. My goal is to provide a stress-free experience for my couples, allowing them to relax and enjoy their wedding without worrying about their photos. I understand that the wedding day is one of the most important days of a couple’s life, and I take great care to ensure that I capture all of the details and moments that make the day unique. From the first look to the reception, I strive to be unobtrusive and capture the natural beauty of the day. I strive to create images that tell a story and capture the joy and emotion of the day. Read more>>

Bilkiss Oseni | Sugar Artist & Cake Designer

Edibles by Kisses LLC began as a dream that slowly rose from a passion for baking. Upon completing my Bachelor’s degree in 2014, I found solace and joy in the art of baking. I began crafting delightful pastries and designed cakes for friends and family. My transition from a hobbyist to a business owner was prompted by a surge in demand of my cakes, which was as a result of referrals and positive feedback. Recognizing this opportunity in the market, having just completed my master’s degree in Acquisition and Supply Chain, I decided to officially register and start my business in May, 2021. Read more>>

Tosha Dearbone | Christian Counselor, Peer Recovery Specialist

My thought process behind starting Positive Express was awareness. Yes we know life experiences happen but to NOT see another girl go through what I encountered is worth doing something different. You see I come from a background of childhood trauma, abuse, absent father, mother and daughter issues, feeling rejected, suicide attempts,and not knowing my authentic identity. Those things made it very hard to find me. So if I can help someone else in those situations are be aware of those difficult situations, I am here for it. Read more>>

OYIN FOLAYAN | Luxury Event planner and Decorator

i have always had passion and flair for events right from when i was young and i started this in 2012 officially even though i have been doing it lowkey before then Read more>>

Nikki Taylor-Guidroz | Gym Owner & Coach

Mentoring to our youth in my community and providing an affordable competitive cheer and tumble gym and dance studio Read more>>

Carolina Jimenez | Licensed Psychologist, Immigration Evaluation Specialist

I decided to start my private practice part-time while working at the University of Houston’s counseling center. Being a bilingual (English and Spanish) psychologist, I often received requests to conduct psychological evaluations for immigration cases. Since I started working with immigrants conducting clinical interviews in 1998 as part of a research team studying immigrants’ mental health with the Center for Immigration Research at the University of Houston, transitioning to a psychological practice specializing in immigration evaluations was a natural next step. I draw on over 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist in outpatient settings, including in substance abuse rehabilitation facilities, university counseling centers, school districts, and non-profit organizations to offer the best services possible. Read more>>