Are you thinking about starting a business? If so, we think you’ll enjoy reading about how these seasoned entrepreneurs thought about the question when they were in your shoes.

Michelle N Briggs, Realtor® | Realtor

With two decades of experience in the title industry, I have cultivated a deep understanding of the intricate processes involved in real estate transactions, and I am passionate about bringing that expertise to both buyers and sellers. Over the years, I have successfully facilitated thousands of residential transactions, often working alongside Realtors who were unfamiliar with the critical role of title companies or the details of the documents their clients were signing. Read more>>

Bryan Bonilla

My thought process behind starting my own business stems from a deep drive for financial freedom and a desire to help others achieve their goals. Growing up, I was inspired by my father, who is a business owner. His mindset and work ethic taught me the value of perseverance and entrepreneurship. At just 20 years old, I’ve committed myself fully to real estate while pursuing a degree in Business Administration. These dual roles help me stay sharp, balancing theory with real-world practice. My ultimate aim is to empower others—whether by guiding them to their dream homes or helping aspiring entrepreneurs build their own paths to success. Read more>>

Jessica Garcia

I experienced such healing with my journey through my own Yoga practice that I felt drawn to share the healing benefits of Yoga with as many people as I could. I had such big ideas for my offering that I thought it would be best to open my own business and go as far and as wide as I wanted. I currently offer Yoga classes, Sound Baths, Wellness Workshops, Retreats, private Yoga/Sound Bath sessions and corporate Yoga/Sound Bath/Wellness sessions. Read more>>

Charles & Christine Atkinson

Starting our own business was born out of a life-altering experience in 2016. My husband Charles and I, were thriving in corporate America, with established careers and a solid six-figure income. We were young, ambitious, and thought we were secure. Then, unexpectedly, we were both laid off in the same year, leaving us with only about $400 each a week in unemployment income. It was a wake-up call that highlighted just how vulnerable we were despite our hard work and dedication. At that moment, we knew that relying solely on corporate jobs was no longer an option; we needed to build something of our own that would give us control over our future. That realization became the foundation for our journey into entrepreneurship. We committed ourselves to creating a business that not only provides stability for our family but also empowers others to take control of their own financial futures. Having a “Plan B” became essential! Read more>>

Tamekah Bost

At the time, my main thought process was financial stability. I was working in the medical field, and although my position was safe, the hospital that I work for laid off 700 people and it kind of really put a fear of instability in me which encouraged me to focus on starting a business to sustain my life if I ever happen to lose my job. Read more>>

Amanda Kelly

In the Fall of 2007, two young mothers who grew up in Tomball, TX were discussing their frustrations of having to pack up their kids and drive into downtown Houston’s farmers markets weekly to purchase truly local produce, meats and prepared foods. Read more>>

Nelson Santibañes, Jr. | Owner of Santi’s Party Supplies

Growing up, my parent’s house was always the “party house” for family events such as Christmas and New Year’s, and my siblings and I had birthday parties almost every year, so the party business just naturally latched onto me. My mom especially has always had an eye for detail which I would like to think that she passed on to me, While I was in graduate school, I kept having this idea in my head about wanting to have a side business, and initially I wanted to do table and chair rentals, but then after going to a cousin’s quinceañera, I thought, “Why not rent out a 360 Photo Booth?” It really elevates any party or event, it leaves a lasting impression, and it’s a great way to engage all the guests. That is how Santi’s Party Supplies was created. Read more>>

Kaylee Raquel Ellison | Make up artist / content creator

I started my business back in 2020.
I had worked previously under a makeup and hair company who is known as honey bee, lovely beauty.

It was a wonderful experience.
I learned and gained so much knowledge through this company and for that I’m forever grateful. It definitely was the foundation and starting point of my journey. Read more>>

Jeremy Hines | Hip Hop Artist, Cinematographer, Videographer, Photographer, Basketball Trainer

My thought process behind starting my own business stemmed from a desire to supplement my 9-to-5 income by utilizing the talents and skills I already knew I possessed. I’ve always been drawn to film, music, and basketball since I was a young child. Expressing myself through these mediums and connecting with others through videography, cinematography, photography, music, and mentoring young athletes became the perfect way for me to give back. Read more>>

Mauricio Morales | Rare Book Dealer

Ever since I can remember, I’ve had a deep passion for history. Learning about our presidents and our nation’s past fascinated me, and I spent hours immersing myself in it. At the same time, I also discovered an early love for business. Around the age of seven, I would create paper models of businesses and fill our living room with imaginary companies, from fast-food restaurants to movie rental stations. Without realizing it, I was cultivating a love for entrepreneurship and management. Read more>>

Lucky Idike | CEO Afroflavour

We realised that African cuisine had a limited market outside Africa and we wanted to change that. We want billions of non-Africans enjoying and benefitting from the healthy, varied and diverse flavours of African cuisine. From the different flavours of Jollof rice, to the spicy taste of suya to the sour taste of Injera, Africa offers amazing food that the world needs to taste and enjoy. Read more>>

Julia Cloud | Master Craftsman

My husband and I have always liked working with our hands and we are nerds. His family would make wooden wands for gifts inspired from the Harry Potter book series. We started out our business making magical wands out of different types of wood. As we grew, more and more types of exotic wood were added. We turned this into a side hussĺe that helped us save for a down payment for a house. Eventually we wanted to go full time with our business and we did in 2020. We shifted from wands to sword displays as the magic of the Harry Potter series has slowed down. We have a few swords that we wanted to display and thought, “we can make that.” We did and we decided to see if other people would like our design. It was a success and is a major part of our business today. Read more>>

Tami Espinoza | Interior Designer

I’ve always been creative, organized, and entrepreneurial, with a deep desire to help people. After 20 years in corporate retail project management with brands like Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Walmart, and ModCloth, I realized my favorite days were spent collaborating with designers and producing photoshoots. Outside of work, I co-launched a women’s clothing line with friends, giving back to organizations fighting human trafficking. Read more>>

Hashem Al-ghaili | Science Communicator & Filmmaker

My business started as a passion project back in 2008. I was driven to share evidence-based content about science, technology, health, and medicine—topics I cared about deeply. At the time, I didn’t see it as a business; I just wanted to provide my audience with reliable, well-cited information. As my social media channels grew, I realized there was an opportunity to turn that passion into a sustainable business. So, in a way, my business naturally evolved from something I loved doing. Read more>>

Charlie Stevens | Founder, Stevens Independent Coins and Collectibles

I, Charlie have been in the industry the last 20 years and I’ve seen clients being sold what wasn’t in their best interest, which was my main motivation to start my own Precious Metals Company, Stevens Independent Coins and Collectibles. My grandfather inspired me with his love of coins and the Houston Astros, which my son Hunter has enthusiastically accepted the role of expanding our collectibles brand. During a typical evaluation, it is a walk down memory lane for our clients, who share personal stories of obtaining and passing coins down generation after generation. Coins unlock memories or a significance in history. We support the purity of the hobby, access to building investors generational wealth and providing a transparent white glove 1:1 service for every client.

Ashley Willis | Ashley The SEO Strategist | Your New SEO Bestie

My journey to starting my own business, SDM Online Solutions, has been an enlightening experience. I’ve always been driven and entrepreneurial, and my passion for empowering women has been constant. Initially, this manifested in my own beauty brand. However, despite my passion, I struggled to connect with my ideal clients online. I felt frustrated and confused, much like many of the businesses I later worked with at the marketing firm. Read more>>

Jasmine Hernandez | Kissmylashstudio

I started my own business because I wanted to combine my passion for lashing with the freedom to create something that’s truly mine. After 4 years of experience, I knew I had the skills and dedication, but I also wanted to challenge myself and prove that I could turn my vision into reality. Building this business has not only been about making my clients feel confident and beautiful but also about showing myself that I can make things happen when I trust my abilities and work hard. Read more>>

Aderinsola Oshadipe | Business Owner & Creative Head

When my daughter turned 5 in 2023, my events designer/planner friend and I were working together on finding unique party decor and furniture for the party. We had a difficult time getting unique pieces of furniture around me. Most of the party rental companies that we found close by offered everyday furniture. This made it clear that there was a need and that i could enjoy meeting that need. Read more>>

Michael Borchers | Entrepreneur & musician

I have always liked to call my own shots and to do things the way I like to. Starting my first business allowed me to work on my own time and to do the things I love. I was able to perfect my craft and to offer great service to my clients while remaining in complete control of the outcome. I also could not settle for working a minimum wage job and wanted to seek something bigger and better. Read more>>

Amy Shorrosh | Makeup Artist & Beauty Coach

Starting my own business was a deeply personal decision, born from my own journey and the stories of so many women around me. As I got older, I began to notice changes in my face that didn’t just reflect aging—they reflected life. These changes, though natural, sometimes made me feel like I was losing a sense of myself. I realized I wasn’t alone in feeling this way, and it sparked something in me. Read more>>

Elise Bynum | Owner and operator of Majestic Hair & Accessories and Minks By Elise

I launched Majestic Hair & Accessories October 18, 2019 it was always something I was passionate about starting. I’ve always been very intrigued about the beauty industry since as far back as I can recall. I remember seeing a beautiful woman as Jet beauty of the week in a magazine I went through when I was younger and I remember wanting to wear some lipstick exactly like hers to school. So I went in the bathroom and practiced how I would do my lipstick in the school bathroom the next day. Long story short I put way too much on and took it off before going home for the day, but I had got a lot of compliments from friends. Having my own black owned beauty supply is something I always told my mom I would bring to fruition and a few years after her passing I launched Majestic Hair & Accessories where we specialize in delivering exceptional customer service and an experience you won’t forget. We have all things beauty, anything a woman needs to add to her beauty as well as self care products Read more>>

Kris Bryant | Media Personality and Content Creator

Starting my own business came from a deep desire to create something that could impact others and offer them the tools for personal and financial growth. For years, I’ve been passionate about helping people amplify their voices and build their brands, which led me to launch The City Highlights podcast. Through this platform, I’m able to share the stories of entrepreneurs, artists, and visionaries, while simultaneously learning from them and seeing the gaps where people need more support and knowledge. Read more>>

Mike O | bean here coffee

Growing up I’ve always wanted to have my own restaurant or coffee shop, primarily to do something i love and enjoy and hopefully pass down to my kids, but more importantly to have an avenue to give back to the community. Food & coffee is about people first and foremost, what better avenue to give back than through this medium. Read more>>

Akeem Williams | Professional Coach, NBA Trainer & Entrepreneur

Being that I have been a journeyman throughout my career I’ve gained much knowledge that’s been deemed useful, and through my business I want to empower those who inspire to do the same by sharing lessons I’ve learned. Read more>>