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.

Sarah Reyna | Owner & Stylist

I wanted to change the salon experience for women with textured hair. Growing up I was never able to enjoy going to the salon, I always felt like the stylist didn’t know how to handle my hair or that my hair was a burden. Read more>>

Rasheedah L | Creator, owner & operator of Shea Cafe

My inspiration behind starting Shea Cafe came from wanting three things; delicious smelling products made with simple ingredients & an emphasis on great customer service. Read more>>

Larry Choyce | Photographer

Starting my photography business was driven by a deep passion for storytelling and a desire for creative freedom. Photography allows me to capture meaningful moments and underrepresented narratives, providing a unique way to inspire and connect with others. I saw an opportunity to fill a niche by focusing on culturally significant stories and creating work that resonated both personally and within my community. Building my own business gave me the flexibility to pursue projects aligned with my artistic vision while gaining control over my time and career direction. Despite the challenges of entrepreneurship, I embraced the chance to grow, not just as an artist but also as a professional managing marketing, client relations, and finances. Ultimately, my goal was to create a legacy of impactful work that reflects my values, fosters meaningful connections, and leaves a lasting impression. Read more>>

Lalo Montoya | CEO to Mr Balloon Events

My thought process in starting this business was to build a better future for myself, establish my own path, gain independence, and focus on personal and professional growth. Read more>>

Sumitra Mukherjee | Fine Art Photography Artist

My thought process behind starting my own photography business was deeply personal. As a parent, I’ve always cherished capturing every little moment with my own children, from their tiny newborn days to their energetic toddlerhood, and joy-filled childhood. Those photos became treasured memories, and I realized how much I loved the art of storytelling through photography. Read more>>

Kwame Sankofa | Licensed Massage Therapist & Therapeutic Tool Provider

For over a decade, I’ve been a licensed massage therapist, driven by a deep desire to help people find relief and relaxation. Witnessing the transformative power of massage firsthand ignited a spark within me. Read more>>

Heather Rice | Founder and President of Lucky Penny Rox Rescue

I was volunteering at a local shelter and saw how big the need was for animal rescue organizations to help homeless animals. I decided to start my own non-profit animal rescue organization so I could help more animals in need. Read more>>

Nolan Peña | Broadcast Director & Cinematographer

After spending four years in the stage production industry, my first step was to draft a business plan, outline strategies, and identify my target audience. I recognized the importance of building a portfolio, so I offered free work for a few months to gain experience, establish trust, and grow my network. This approach allowed me to build meaningful relationships and generate word-of-mouth referrals. Additionally, I dedicated time to understanding the market—analyzing trends, identifying high-demand services, and projecting growth areas. Through this process, I discovered my niche and defined the unique video services I could offer. Read more>>

Claudia Chicas | Freelance Photographer

Coming from a low-income family, I know that professional photography can feel out of reach for many. That’s why I’ve prioritized incorporating accessibility into my business model—whether it’s through flexible pricing, special packages, or community collaborations. Everyone deserves to have their memories preserved beautifully, and I aim to make that possible for as many people as I can. This perspective not only keeps me grounded but also reminds me why I chose this path in the first place. Read more>>

Julie Tran | Lash Extension Specialist

My thought process before starting my own business started with a realization that I can either help someone else build their empire or build my own. I was working at another salon at the time and realized I wanted to do my own thing. I’m a mom of 4 so I knew I needed to have my own business where I can control my own hours and be there for my kids. That’s when I made an extensive to do list and went to work. Read more>>

Jessica Defeo | Your small business CMO

My life changed pretty dramatically late 2019 into 2020. I lost a very good friend of mine unexpectedly when she died at 38, and then immediately going into a pandemic set the stage for me to take a hard audit of how I was spending my time. When it became clear to me that I was letting fear dictate my decisions in a big way, I knew that it was time to make some drastic decisions. Definition of insanity, you know? Read more>>

Brian Nguyen | 4 owners total (all co-owners): Brian Nguyen, Linda Mai, Jonathan Nguyen, Diane Nguyen

When our family first thought about what kind of business concept we wanted to bring to the Tomball community, we immediately thought about boba tea. We knew that boba tea was a growing industry but the Tomball area really didn’t have much to serve. Therefore, we wanted to bring the best boba tea cafe (Gong Cha) in the world to this area to serve this specific region in Houston! Read more>>

Elle Caldwell | Co-Owner

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of community and connection, especially in areas like Hiram Clarke and Southwest Houston. Recognizing a gap in accessible, affordable, and inclusive event spaces, my business partner and I launched JM Studios Inc in 2020. Our goal was to foster a sense of belonging by providing a venue where local residents could safely gather, celebrate, reconnect, celebrate milestones, host meetings, and build relationships. Read more>>

Stephanie Castro | The Pet Guru & Content Creator

To help as many pets from being stressed out while their parents travel while being at home in their space stress-free. Read more>>

Karen Kowenski | PT, DPT, WCS Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Women’s Health

My thought process behind starting my own business stemmed from my passion for women’s healthcare. Men and women are not the same—so their healthcare shouldn’t be the same either. Women’s health is so complex, influenced by so many factors, and there is no standard formula that works for everyone. Women’s healthcare needs to be multifactorial and personalized because one size does not fit all. Read more>>