Thinking through whether to start a business – whether to take the risk, whether to go out on your own – isn’t easy. So we asked some entrepreneurs we admire to tell us about how they thought through the process of starting a business.

Untayia Chizer | CEO/Supervisor, Patient Accounts and Accounts Receivables

Introducing Sassy Classy Sophisticated T-shirt clothing line! We offer a collection of stylish and sophisticated t-shirts that are perfect for the modern and confident individual. Our designs are chic, trendy, and exude a sense of elegance. Whether you’re dressing up for a night out or going for a casual look, our t-shirts will make a statement and elevate your style. Experience the perfect blend of sassiness, classiness, and sophistication with Sassy Classy Sophisticated T-shirt clothing line. Read more>>

Lin Olive | Owner / Artist : The Abstract Olive

Originally, I just wanted to make myself a pair of earrings for Autism Awareness because my son is on the spectrum but I never made jewelry before so I didn’t really know what to do or use. I’ve always been into DIY and any creative activity so went to the craft store a few days later and found polymer clay so I decided just give that a try and see what happens. I ended up really enjoying the process and I made extra earrings for myself just to wear everyday. When I started wearing them, I was super shocked but also excited that friends and family actually wanted to buy some! So I started making earrings here and there to sell but at the time I never thought I would be able to start a business. Fast forward to COVID 2020, I was let go from my job but saw it as a sign that I should be doing something I really love so I decided to commit 100% of myself in to starting my own business! It really opened this whole other world of creativity for me and has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Read more>>

Jaquana Moses | Momprenuer & Small Business Owner

The process and decision to start my own business stemmed from a personal place. As a single mother, I found myself in a position where my job wasn’t providing the financial stability I needed to adequately support my daughter. I was determined to create a better life for us, so I embarked on the entrepreneurial journey to establish an additional stream of income. Read more>>

Caroline Long | Owner & Chiropractor, West University Wellness

I wanted to build a better customer service experience. All too often I visited doctors’ offices that were cold and outdated. Not only that, but you got very little time with the doctor to actually have your questions answered and issues addressed. My desire was to build the type of practice where everyone felt welcome and where we could be a resource for our community. I wanted it to be the type of place where people could feel confident in referring their loved ones to. Read more>>

Bianca Chapa | Non-profit organization founder

The thought process behind starting Bianca’s Buddies was initially to help put smiles on kids’ faces. When filling out paperwork it meant more than just making kids happy, it’s a rewarding feeling when the parents are grateful for a small act of service provided for their family. Read more>>

Maya Hood | Public Relations Professional

Although academics were a priority of mine, I was raised on entrepreneurship and the older I got the more I valued financial freedom. Simply acknowledging the state of the world and economy I knew that going to college and obtaining degrees would be a stepping stone to leverage the many ideas I had to eventually run my businesses. I knew I wanted to help other people bridge gaps of opportunity and I had a gift for teaching so I decided to combine the two and build an agency that did both. Read more>>

Matthew Mulvany | Home Inspector and Building Science Consultant

It didn’t take working in the real estate industry very long for me to recognize that home buyers, particularly in new home construction, were in need of honest representation by someone who would present all of the facts and not leave out important details to please a realtor or builder. My primary goal in starting Home Data Inspection Services, PLLC was to provide just that. I knew before I even started my business that this would be an uphill battle because home inspectors largely depend on realtors for referrals and most realtors do not prefer a thorough or picky inspector. My wife and I operate Home Data as a team and are passionate about building science and helping people through what is often a very stressful process. After seeing how so many other inspection companies operated, performing an inspection, sending out the report, and then often not being very available to follow up or answer questions – I knew that we could provide a better, more personable, and in-depth service to each of our clients. I encourage our clients to consider me as a resource and call if they ever have any home or building science related questions that we may be able to assist with. Read more>>

Latrice Sumuel | Unapologetically Motivational Speaker & Life Coach

When I was in the 5th grade, my teacher at the time had a sleepover for all the girls in my classroom, but she did not invite me and two other girls. The only thing we had in common was our skin complexion (dark-skinned). This particular situation crushed my self-esteem at a very young age, and I always felt like I had to water myself down to allow other people to shine because I never wanted to offend people or make people feel a certain way. This inspired me to create Unapologetically Becoming Motivational Speaker and Life Coach, to be the voice and reasoning for individuals who have unspoken and unheard trauma that has shaped and affected their lives at some point. Read more>>

Norman Oates | Wedding/Portrait Photographer & Content Creator

As far as I can reminder I was entrepreneurial. I started my first business at 11yrs old as the local lawn and shovel removal kid in my neighborhood. Ive always enjoyed making money but as I became older the allure of business ownership came from the freedom of my schedule. Being able to decide when id like to work and have the flexibility to be present for my children and wife, not stuck to a fixed schedule was ideal for my life. Read more>>

Lucia Dargam | Dance Director from LD Dance Company

I’ve started my company as side gigs first because being and immigrant was so hard to just live from dance , I had a total of 5 jobs and every penny I will earn was just to save for company studio rentals and invest in my dream. After 5 years I’ve decided I wanted to take the risk and just dedicate myself to dance , because I was all ready making a name opportunities were more available for me , I invested in my vision and started full time as a business owner. Read more>>

Ashley Gillen | Photographer and Owner of Ashley Gillen Photography

I started my business almost 16 years ago. I have always had a passion for photography. Growing up I always had a camera in my hand. I can’t pinpoint exactly why I loved it so much. I loved the thought of freezing a memory that can last forever. I was the head photographer of my yearbook in high school and when my parents made me get in a job in college I decided to develop photos at CVS. After graduating from Texas A&M with a marketing degree and sitting at a desk all day, I decided I wanted to do something creative and different. While planning my wedding, finding a photographer was the most important part for me. After the wedding I thought to myself “I could take wedding photos and I would love it!” That’s where it all started. I slowly built a portfolio and photographed sessions and weddings for free or next to nothing. I built a website to showcase my work and word of mouth was my best friend. In the beginning I didn’t know if it would take off or just be a hobby. My husband and I didn’t have much money then and investing in a camera was a big deal for us. I am very grateful that my husband believed in me more than I did myself. We opened our first credit card to purchase my first DSLR camera and I honestly just jumped into things. The main thing that has gotten me where I am is that I never quit. I made the decision once I started making money that this is what I really want to do, it is what makes me happy and the old saying “if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life” was my main thought process and what always kept me going. Since then, technology and the industry have changed over the years and so I have had to adapt and change strategies. Read more>>

Nicolette Travis | CEO & Mom

I wanted to start my own business because I wanted to provide a great place for people to work and a great place for people to do business. I had so many thoughts and ideas that I couldn’t help but want to do them myself! I also have always had a love for leadership and I believe that is what owning a business is, the ultimate role of leadership. I was excited to get to use that in my own company. Another motivating factor was that I wanted to build an empire for my family, something that they could have opportunity in when the time is right. My husband and I needed an opportunity where the sky is the limit and owning your on business is exactly that! Read more>>

Mustafa Asif | Certified Optician & Frame Stylist

Our family has been in the eyecare industry since the 1940’s, a profession spanning 3 generations. After moving to the United States, we started EZ Optical, in 1993. We initially started with a mobile optical model, where we brought the frames to the patient’s home or business. Something that is common today, was practiced by us 30 years ago. Since we made it easy for the patient to purchase eyewear, we named it EZ Optical. Read more>>

LeKeya Weir, MSN, RN | Owner & Certified Aesthetic Injector

I worked in “corporate nursing” for 13 years, 10 years at the bedside pulling long 12 hour shifts and then 3 years in leadership after attaining my Masters degree in Nursing Leadership and Development. I wasn’t a huge fan of my schedule after having kids and transitioning into leadership. While I absolutely loved what I did I disliked that someone else was always in control of my time. When to get to work, when to leave, when I could take time off, how much time off I could have. I was working in nursing leadership when COVID hit and between pulling 12 hour bedside shifts and still having to keep up with my administrative tasks I was exhausted. By the time I got home I had nothing left for my husband and kids. Climbing that corporate ladder and having those fancy job titles didn’t seem as attractive to me anymore. My thought process was if I can grind this hard to ensure that my hospital and my employees are successful then certainly I can grind even harder in a business that is all mine. I can still use this nursing degree and put the same effort, time, and energy into curating a business of my very own that I love and enjoy doing day in and day out. Something that would allow me to be my own boss, determine my own schedule, and make executive decisions about how I operate and reach the epitome of success. I ultimately wanted to redefine what success looked like for me. Read more>>

Elizabeth Alvarado | Realtor

I was nervous but at the same time I believe in turning challenges into opportunities, and I’m dedicated to building a brand that reflects my values of integrity, creativity, and customer satisfaction. I aim to contribute meaningfully to the business world while embracing continuous growth and learning. Read more>>

Jana Frost | Mixed media artist

Starting my own artistic journey and turning it into business was a natural progression for me, stemming from a deep desire to share my unique perspective on the world through mixed-media art. I believe that art is a powerful medium for expression and exploration, and I wanted to create a platform where I could freely blend symbolism, surrealism, and social commentary to invite viewers into the hidden depths of reality. By establishing my own artistic venture, I aimed to create a space where I could freely explore these themes without constraints of a company, or “a boss”. Read more>>