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.

Torri Bonner | Owner

I’ve always dreamed of owning my own business; a successful business the problem was that I didn’t know exactly what type. I asked myself “what would make me happy long term? What would make others happy? What type of business could I start that I could build into an empire”. I tell myself if I have to work hard I’d rather be working hard for myself and my clients to bring excitement and enjoyment to life. That’s why Jump in party rentals was created. Currently I offer inflatables, custom yard signs, soft play rental, ballon services, concession and party rentals. My vision is to eventually offer almost anything party related but that takes time. I know I have the continued support of family, friends and my clientele I’ve built so far. Check out my website at jumpinpartyrentals.com Read more>>

Jessica Hatch | CEO, Founder of Infinity Diagnostics Centers & Infinity Med Spa

My thought process behind starting my own business was fueled by the desire to always want to be the best. Although you can be the best working for others when owning your own business you have to constantly push yourself vs having others push you which creates inner strength. Growing up as an athlete you’re consistently pushed to achieve the best possible results which is what I strive to do day in and day out. Additionally, as a business owner, you are able to give others the opportunity to grow and be successful alongside you while collectively building something greater than any one person can ever create. Keeping in mind the motto there is no I in team truly magnifies this. Read more>>

Jazmyne Byrd | HBCU Business owner

I started The Divah Filez because I wanted to give back to the community that gave me so much. I’am a product of Central State University a small HBCU in Wilberforce, Ohio. I absolutely loved my time there, the relationships that I built and the family structure. Once I got into my journalism career, I wanted to reach back and give back. It was important for me to create a company that focused of helping students and give them experience in this fields. The HBCU community that is undeserved and very often overlooked and my company put us at the forefront. Read more>>

Ronnie Burton | Manager, promoter, choreographer

I wanted to help people build their careers and protect them from dangers in the business. Then I love bringing my creativity into the world. Read more>>

Jessica Trosper | Hairstylist

It was very hard trying to raise my son and work at the same time. I was never comfortable sending him to daycare so I quit my job back in December of 2017 to take on my career full time. I had my daughter December 2017 and that was the wake up call that I need to become a full time entrepreneur. Before I left my last job I would work on clients part time, go to work, and then take care of my son. I wanted to do something that I loved and a career that made me look forward to work the next day. Read more>>

Christian Mitchell | Photographer

I can’t actually say I started my business, the business end of photography more-so started with me. Being payed as a photographer was a lifelong pipe dream that I never expected to come true. I just initially enjoyed taking photos and had never sat down and thought about having a full on business. It wasn’t until I was asked “How much do you charge” did I actually take this far fetched dream seriously. Read more>>

Hillary Washington | Parish Vending Owner

My thought process behind starting Parish Vending was to create a source of passive income. There are numerous different avenues to produce passive income, but I wanted to focus on providing a product that is a day to day necessity. What better necessity is there than food and beverages? Read more>>

Abagail Baker | Photographer

I guess you could say I have always had a bit of an entrepreneurial spirit. Being a business owner really runs in my blood, both of my grandfathers were entrepreneurs, risk takers, and extremely hard workers. I got my love of photography from my Poppa, who was always encouraging me to pursue any and everything that made me happy. Photography as a job, or business, was never on my radar though. While attending Sam Houston State, I began taking real estate listing photos as a part time job to fill extra free time and make a little money. Read more>>

Niesha Fuentes | Photographer & Web Designer

Photography actually saved my life. When I started my business back in 2016, I was depressed and really struggling with a lot of things. In 2014, I had a stillborn baby boy named Carmelo. We called him Melo for short and so of course, as you can imagine, I was really devastated. We had took photos at the hospital and I remember rushing to print them everywhere I could. I made like 3 copies of each photo, because I wanted to remember him. I wanted to know my loss wasn’t in vain. Read more>>

Courtney Lindsay | Pilates Coach and Business Owner

To make Real Classical Pilates accessible in atmosphere, instruction and price. Read more>>

Bree Manning | CEO of Seaux Pretty Hair & Serial Femprenuer

I started my own business because there was a lacking presence of quality hair extension suppliers in my region. I’ve always been a person that invest in my hair. I decided to take matters into my own hands and start my own business so that other ladies such as myself who enjoy wearing extensions would be able to purchase quality hair extensions without breaking the bank. Read more>>

Princess Diggs | Home baker and sky goddess (flight attendant)

Initially, I would have never thought I’d start a home bakery. I’ve always enjoyed making desserts for family and friends but starting a business doing it? Nah, not me. People say it’s in my genes and it just comes natural because my granny was a baker. The part that feels natural to me is creating something that will bring joy and happiness. I enjoy putting a smile on someone’s face. My granny was like that too. I spent alot of time watching her in the kitchen. I was her little helper and taste tester. She absolutely loved making good food and even more baking something sweet for her loved one’s. Read more>>

Brittney Northrup | Professional Organizer

When the pandemic hit, I was the first to lose my job. With the hiring freeze and the economy in a state of panic, I worried about providing for myself and my children. With encouragement from my sisters, I reached out to our community to see if my passion for organizing could be profitable. Minutes after advertising on Facebook I had over twenty inquires! More than a year later my hobby of decluttering and beautifying spaces is a thriving business! Read more>>

Cecil Van Lare | Hip Hop Artist & Producer

I love music. All of it. Singing, Rapping, Songwriting, Producing, composing. Everything about music I always loved but I wanted to be the captain of my own ship, especially when music was the topic, so I wanted to build my own studio, and perhaps start my own label so I can do things my way while making money for the services I can provide for others too. Read more>>

Megan Che | Accountant & Owner of MTea & Coffee

I started the business to become independent and follow my passion. I started working as an accountant for a company in down town Houston. The job become more repetitive, so I want to be innovative and independent. I have worked in the tea shop for few years when I fishing by bachelor degree, and I was good at and happy when I was working there. I finally quitted my job to tried out a new business. There was a risk I have to take opening the business, but like school work, you have to spend the time and effort to researching the business and what it will reward. I felt the reward was worth the risk the time and investment I put in. Once you put your mind into it, you needed to follow through and be learning and adapting to the customer. Read more>>