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.

Melissa Fontenot

The thought process behind starting my own business was about being able to do meaningful work to help others, while also having the ability to live in a way that aligns with my values. It was always a goal of mine to start a private practice after completing graduate school and gaining some years of experience as a therapist. Read More>>

Xuan Vo

I want to help small businesses grow their online presence so that their business could grow and thrive. Read More>>

Ashley Dillingham

We started our fence business after seeing how frequently our family was left waiting on a variety of home service companies for weeks just to get an appointment. The communication and service quality were also lacking. We knew there was a better way to provide the quality work our community deserves. Read More>>

Aqunita Barnes

Starting my own business came from a desire to do meaningful work that truly helps people. I wanted to build something around what I enjoy, but more importantly, something that filled a gap I kept seeing over and over again. Too many people—gig workers, single parents, families, and first-time filers—feel intimidated, confused, or even fearful when it comes to taxes and finances. Read More>>

Kenneth & Carolyn Thomas

Starting our own business wasn’t just a decision — it was a calling. We saw a need in our community for honest, high-quality plumbing services delivered with care, and we knew we had the skills, the work ethic, and the heart to meet that need. But more than that, we wanted to build something of our own — something rooted in family, integrity, and pride. Read More>>

Suzy Hankins

My husband, Keith, and I had always wanted to work together. As our children graduated from high school we decided to make the steps necessary to finally do that. In 2011 we purchased our first lodging property, Ant Street Inn in Brenham, Texas. Read More>>

Lauren Bernhard Toledo

The idea didn’t come from wanting to “be an entrepreneur.” It came from frustration. After years in the POS industry catering to payment processing agents, Michelle and I kept seeing small business owners pushed into expensive, long-term systems that didn’t actually work for their business. The incentives were backwards; selling mattered more than helping. Read More>>

Kristen Thierolf

Starting my own practice came from a very personal place. Read More>>

Amber Wilcots

My decision to start my own business really began with family. I initially got into real estate to help my family navigate their own real estate needs and make informed decisions. Through that process, I realized how much I genuinely loved the work; from educating clients to guiding them through such an important life milestone. Read More>>

Chef Danny Chef Pam

The Houston food scene is a vibrant one! Lots of restaurants, food trucks, hole in walls places, mom and pops, etc. But the Catering side was a little bit stagnant. Being from Mexico, where the heart of every home is the kitchen, we thought a great way to share our culture with this amazing city would be though food experiences! Read More>>