We reached out to some of our favorite entrepreneurs and asked them to think back and tell us about how they decided to start a business. Check out their responses below.

Hilda Pazmino

My thought process began with identifying a gap in the market. I realized that many people, especially women, were afraid of public speaking. I kept thinking about how to build more confidence in them, or why, despite being professionals or experts, they weren’t entirely confident in what they were offering. It became clear to me that there was a real opportunity to offer one-on-one workshops or communications consulting services, supported by my experience in sports, in a better way. I was driven by the idea of ​​launching an innovative product on the market that could give them the tools they needed. Read More>>

Leara Brown

Well I was suffering from alopecia and thyroid disease. With Alopecia, I was developing bald spots and thinning hair. With the thyroid disease, I had Radioactive iodine treatment that dried out my skin, scalp and hair and made my skin sensitive to chemicals. My hair was dry, my skin was dry due to the medication also. I could no longer use soaps, shampoos or lotion that contained chemicals. My doctor recommended a betadine bath or a sits bath for the rest of my life. After about a month, I couldn’t take it anymore. I needed a solution to my problem and fast. My co worker at the time, brought me some blacksoap and raw shea butter. I bathed with the blacksoap and moisturized after with the raw shea butter. I had not felt that comfortable in years. I wanted everything I needed to feel like shea butter. Read More>>

Jessica Li

I graduated from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine with a doctorate degree. Early in my career, I moved from China to the United States to study at the Houston Medical School, where I later stayed to conduct research in neuroscience. My research focused on the mechanisms of acupuncture for pain relief and the anti-tumor effects of Chinese medicine on brain tumors. In my spare time, I am passionate about practicing acupuncture. Whenever my friends, colleagues, or neighbors experience illness or pain, I am happy to provide them with free acupuncture treatments, which have been well received and highly praised. Read More>>

Jake Burton

I didn’t want to open another tattoo shop in Houston or a big city in general. Don’t get me wrong…Houston is a great city and I’m more than thankful for my time there and the opportunities that came with it. But I just love Galveston…it’s its own vibe…slower pace of living laid back island style. I love the beach and the long history of Galveston. But in 2023 i bought a house in Galveston county and the next step was to work closer to home. And i opened Broadway Tattoo Parlor on January 5th 2024 Read More>>

Stevie Hosey

Starting my business was a blend of passion, purpose, and recognizing a need in the market. I’ve always believed in helping people feel confident and empowered in their own skin, and the beauty industry—especially waxing—felt like a natural fit. I took time to reflect on what kind of experience I wanted clients to have: one that felt safe, welcoming, and consistent. Read More>>

Latasha Thurston

Starting my business was truly a leap of faith. I made the decision to take the risk and go for it; even though I had never built something from the ground up before. It was intimidating, but I felt a deep pull to create something of my own. What made all the difference was having a mentor and being part of a community of event space owners who reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Their support gave me the confidence to believe in my vision. Read More>>

Laure Lemboumba

When I launched my own business, I initially thought it was just about registering the business and building a website. I had no clue about the comprehensive process involved in building up a company.
Starting a business involves much more than just the basics. It requires a deep understanding of market research, developing a solid business plan, and creating a strong brand identity. I learned that securing funding and managing finances effectively are crucial for sustainability. Additionally, sourcing products, developing a marketing strategy, and setting up operations are essential steps. Providing excellent customer service and continuously adapting to industry changes are also key to long-term success. Read More>>

Christopher Zaino

My thought process behind starting my own business was rooted in a desire to create a life on my terms, aligned with my personal definition of success and freedom. To achieve that, I knew I had to take full responsibility for my path by building my own business. Working for someone else, even in a great job, often means contributing to their vision rather than pursuing your own. I believe we’re here to evolve, expand, and create progress. Starting a business is challenging, but the growth and fulfillment that come from that journey are part of becoming who you’re meant to be. Read More>>

Avery Schneider

I wanted people, women, to feel confident and beautiful coming into my tent/space and feel confident and beautiful coming out! I love being tan and it just makes me so happy and I wanted others to feel the same too! Read More>>

Milton Garcia

It was a hopeful moment to launch MonkYou with a completely independent album, but I fear today that the distinction between artist and producer is noticeable, since it’s a film producer taking charge of a musical album out of pure creative enthusiasm. And that duality still creates professional suspense for me, even though it remains a very original work, never before explored by me or anyone else I know. Read More>>