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.

Amber Holleman | Photographer

I fell in love with photography when I took a film photography course in high school. In 2008, I followed my passion, and started my career as a photographer at Glamour Shots. I truly loved it! I knew the corporate standards would hold me back artistically, so I opened Amber Starr Photography in 2012. I have owned my own business ever since. Read more>>

Brie Perks | Owner/CEO HAsty Distributing

Funny answer to this one. It was my husband’s idea. He is more analytical and tends to overthink things where I am a little more impulsive and go with the gut. He asked me what I thought and I was all for it but also thinking he would research and over analyze it and change his mind. Next thing I know we have a Wine and Spirit wholesale license and are on a call with out first brand Ghostwood Whiskey. After that call I asked him a few questions about what his plan was for selling and delivery and realized he had no idea what all this was going to entail. I took over at that point and kind of kicked him out (he was also pretty busy with his career at this time). That was three years ago! Read more>>

Kai Watson | Licensed Cosmetologist/Cranial Prosthesis Practitioner/MUA

I am a licensed cosmetologist and have been receiving a lot of clients that are wig wearers. Whether it be for cosmetic reasons or medicinal. My clients that wear wigs are mature and do not like “baby hair” and like a more natural easy flowing look. I too am not a fan of it either. I’ve noticed that most wigs that were brought to me were bought online and always needed to be customized for my clients. I’ve also noticed that those wigs were inexpensive and not the best quality because of their budget. Most did not know that their wigs could be covered by insurance if they’re dealing with hair loss. All they needed was to have a prescription from a doctor stating that a “cranial prosthesis” was deemed a necessity. I wanted to help women who come in my chair not only have their wigs look as natural as possible, but to also help their pockets in the interim. I had already been creating wigs. Why not make that my mission? Read more>>

Ashia Walker | Master Massage Therapist & Owner of Reformation Massage & Bodywork

Reformation Massage & Bodywork opened its doors in the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Just like the rest of the word I was laid off from my job and isolated away from family and friends outside of my home. I took on the role as caretaker & teacher to my daughter and granddaughter. During this time I had many of my regular clients who had been receiving regular massage therapy for pain management as well as mental and emotional stress relief reaching out to me in hopes that we could continue treatment throughout the shutdown. I decided to begin providing in home service for my clients. It provide to be beneficial for both my clients and myself. When the state of Texas relaxed it’s shutdown policy I decide not to return to my employment and open a private practice offering a reasonable rate keeping in mind the state of the economy and the need to provide a much needed service to my clients. Read more>>

April Elliott | Fashion designer and stylist

I believe whole heartedly in being the change you want to see. Starting my brand was just that. I was unfulfilled and honestly needed a creative outlet. Fashion was my choice. ❤️ Read more>>

Kachelle Kelly | Emotional Intelligence Coach, Author & Speaker

A sense of freedom. To create change in the world while monetizing my purpose and claiming my time. To do life with restrictions, to leave a legacy. Read more>>

Katheryn Kiker | Licensed Professional Counselor Associate

I have always been interested in business as an opportunity to create a life that is meaningful to me. Before I started my own and while I was getting my bachelors and masters, I managed several small businesses which allowed me to get an inside look without having to get a business degree. I see having my own business as a way I build the bridge between the reality of how the world is and the idealism of the way I want the world to be. Read more>>

Caitelyn Canals | Owner of Spiritual Nerdz Events and Car Meets

When creating Spiritual Nerdz Events and Car Meets, I wanted to make the focus all about creating great experiences for local businesses. I wanted to be able to create markets and car meets to highlight vendors and at the same time create free events for people to attend from all over Houston and Austin, Texas! Read more>>

Kevin Cooper | Innovative Story Teller

I started FanEase with a vision to enhance storytelling for the emerging generation. In an era where smartphones have become the new TV sets, I realized the need for a more personalized viewing experience. The idea stemmed from the desire to eliminate the need for audiences to search on external platforms like Google for relevant information while watching content. I aimed to create a platform where content creators could seamlessly inform their audience while integrating an e-commerce experience that benefits both the audience and the creator. Read more>>

David Brady | Executive Coach & Strategic Planning

There were really two factors that played into my decision to start my own business. First and foremost, I truly enjoy working directly with people especially as an executive coach and in strategic planning, The ability to support entrepreneurs, CEO’s and organization leaders, of small and mid-size organizations brings me the most satisfaction I have had in my professional journey. The second factor that really led to making the decision when I did was a desire to work when I want and with whom I want to work. Being able to choose who I am partnering with and when I work provides me the flexibility in my schedule to focus on personal projects and choosing my partnerships prevents me, most of the time, from being forced into unhealthy cultures or working with energy vampires. Read more>>

Ashley Taliaferro | CEO & Director

I originally never had any intention of starting my own business, it was not something that was in my consciousness. I had planned to build my brand as an actress and eventually gain enough notoriety to become a director. When I met my husband in 2015, he encouraged me to pursue a business in the performing arts sector, where I could build my career on my terms and with my values intact. My mentor always told me that successful businesses solve problems, should I start a business what problem would I be solving? This question caused me to think about the hardships I encountered while building my career and the compromises I had to make to find roles representing ideals and storylines I believed in. I thought about other performers and entertainers like myself and wanted to solve that problem. Read more>>

Joshua Grace | Amaru Farms & Events ; U-haul Rental Equipment – owner

My thought process behind starting my own business is simple. Everyone wants to be independent from companies and be their own boss. And that’s exactly where it stemmed from. Read more>>

Shannon W., MBA | Managing Director of CatapultConsultingGroup.com | Your Trusted Business Partner for HR Services & Solutions, Training & Development and Staffing

At Catapult Consulting Group our passion is people! We collaborate closely with our clients, serving as trusted partners to provide essential tools and resources to help their teams reach full potential. We specialize in providing sustainable business solutions that improve employee engagement, develop stronger leadership teams, and create thriving cultures. Read more>>

Kira Rai | Artist & Content Creator

I started my youtube channel right at the height of the pandemic. We were living in a time where everything was uncontrollable and there was nothing to do but sit and wait. Being stuck at home from school and unable to dance, I turned to youtube. It was an outlet I could use to create and express myself and something I could control the outcome of. It was a form of self care and therapy that kept me steady in a unsteady world. Read more>>

 Jacqueline Galarza | Cake Decorator

I began my journey in cake-making at the age of 16-17, crafting delightful creations such as ‘Charlotas,’ adorned with ladyfingers and fresh fruits, not only pleasing to the eye but also incrediblydelicious. Encouraged by my supportive parents, I embarked on this sweet venture. My first major project was crafting a cake for my sister’s Sweet Sixteen. I must admit, I was quite nervous! However, despite my limited skills at the time, the cake turned out wonderfully, boosting my confidence and setting me on the path to where I am today. Read more>>

Jonathan Tease | 👨🏾‍💻 Social Media Marketing Expert | 🎙️ Host of Expert’s Lounge | ✍🏾 Author of LxVE Notes

I’ve always been passionate about the intersection of creativity and entrepreneurship—what I like to call ‘artpreneurship.’ My motivation stems from a desire to empower creatives to leverage their talents in a way that generates income, enabling them to pursue their passions while achieving financial stability. Seeing many talented individuals struggling to monetize their skills, I recognized a gap in the market for strategic, empathetic marketing guidance tailored to creatives and entrepreneurs. This realization propelled me to start my journey, aiming to fill that gap by combining my expertise in social media marketing with my passion for entrepreneurship. Read more>>