Deciding to start a business is an unusual decision. It’s often considered irrational and yet for many it’s the best decision they’ve ever made. So we asked folks to think back to when they were starting their businesses and to tell us about their decision making process.

Monet Mcknight | Houston Hairstylist

My thought process behind starting my own business was very anxious, nervous, happy, etc.. I think for the most part I was going to go through with my whole thought process because it always has been something that I could take my time with and love doing none stop. I knew that I would do my job great but just didn’t know if I had what it took to be successful at running my own professional business a such a young age. Also, I didn’t know how people would look at me for trying to do something that no one else was doing around my peers. Read more>>

Sherman “worm” Johnson Jr | Music Producer/ Engineer/ Recording Artist

The thought process came from recognizing in the moment what I offered in my market of Music Production and Sound Engineering. I’ve always taken pride in being self made. When getting it out the mud you find yourself doing a lot a jobs that you don’t normally do, in-house. Read more>>

Gregory “gc” Coppens Ii | Professional Baseball Player Development through Biomecahnics

Ultimately, following my dreams. Educating or liberating myself in areas that I already specialized in while obtaining as much information as I could about business along the way. When you started a young age, you make many mistakes, but that’s how you learn in many cases. Read more>>

Myke Miller | Musician & entertainer

I had always had a passion for music. I sang in the church as a child, classically trained in shcool and at 14 my parents got me a guitar for christmas. i continued to perform until i joined the Navy performing at local Venues. After leaving the Navy as a young man I went to work in the refinaries while continuing to perform on the weekends whenever possible. All that performing showed me one thing. if you wanna perform 90% of your shows will be in bars. I wanted to change that and be more inclusive to the amount nad types of live music we brought to the public. Read more>>

Yael Bittone

My primary motivation for starting my own business was to help people improve their lives through organization. I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that an organized environment can have on a person’s well-being. When spaces are tidy and functional, individuals often experience reduced stress, increased productivity, and a greater sense of peace. I wanted to create a service that empowers others to achieve that transformation in their own lives. By providing professional organizing and cleaning services, I aim to not only enhance the physical spaces of my clients but also contribute positively to their mental and emotional health. Read more>>

Salima Kassam

The thought process behind starting my own agency, Sustain and Grow Digital, was driven by a desire to elevate the quality of advertising services offered in an industry that can sometimes be viewed as transactional or unreliable. I wanted to create a company that deeply cared about business growth and scaling brands sustainably. With over 8 years of experience running ads and generating results, I knew there was a better way to serve clients. Read more>>

Adaeze Achinivu

Flexibility, creative freedom. The multifaceted nature of running a business will also keep me learning and engaged long enough not to get bored. Read more>>

Aaron Lewis

Construction is something that I always felt drawn to. Its just something that I always felt that was a passion and skill of mine that just came naturally to me. My desire to want to take things apart and put them back together, take something from nothing and see it made, or fix something that was in bad condition also seemed mesmerizing. My mother is a very successful realtor and I would see the investors she had do “flips”. Read more>>

Keely Villa

Growing up, I knew hair was more than just a passion, it was my calling. In 2017, I made the bold decision to leave behind a unfulfilling job and reconnect with my true purpose.With unwavering trust in my intuition, I took the leap. No elaborate business plan, just a clear vision and determination. I secured a suite in Arlington, TX, and began marketing myself.That’s how my journey as a hairstylist and entrepreneur began. No formulas or blueprints, just pure passion and dedication. Read more>>

Tanner Quick

The Performance Collective was created to help transform the lives of athletes by offering a comprehensive approach to sports chiropractic care. By specializing in world-class rehabilitation services designed not only to treat injuries but also to enhance athletic performance and prevent future issues. We have a deep passion for sports and wellness, and want to serve as a trusted partner on the journey to peak performance and long-term health. Read more>>