Readers often email us asking us for advice about new businesses they are thinking about starting and we often find that many of them don’t have a framework for thinking about a more fundamental question: why should or shouldn’t you start a business?

Below, you’ll find how successful entrepreneurs from across the city thought about this very question when they were considering whether to start their businesses.

Jazmin Jett | Business Owner, Consultant & Curator

B.W. Country Club was conceived back in 2020 but came to life over the course of a few years. Read more>>

Lori Peltier | Artist & Teacher

My love for the ocean was what started the thought process behind me starting my own business. Everything I created had something to do with the ocean and all of its beauty. From the colors of the water and sky to the significance of the meaning of water and how relevant it is to all life. Sea of Life was created. Read more>>

Tess Davies | Artist
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I have always been a visual artist, but after managing a gallery in town for a couple of years, I decided to pursue my studio work full time. I owed it to myself and my clients to give my art my full attention, and owed it to the artists the gallery represented to find someone to manage them who could fully commit their time to them. It was a win win for everyone and felt like a really smooth transition as the demand for my studio work and mural work had really picked up. Read more>>

Stephanie Barrett | Event planner/coordinator/decorator

I was a teacher for 20 years. While I learned so much in this field of work, I decided to venture out and focus on my passion…event management and booking. I was given the opportunity to “get the inside scoop” on weddings in the summer of 2022, and I am still so grateful for that opportunity. Read more>>

Ericka Mitterhofer | Entrepreneur & Owner

Starting Electric Feels Company was driven by a passion for creativity and the desire to turn a hobby into a full-time job. During quarantine, I found solace in illustrating and graphic designing, which eventually evolved into a business. I wanted to create unique, handmade products that people could connect with, from stationery and glassware to apparel and accessories. The idea of bringing my designs to life and sharing them with others was incredibly motivating. Read more>>

Jojo Trumbly | CEO The NET Level Up Networking

It took me awhile to finally decide on founding my own networking company. It was a collective thought process with the team that I had at the time. I really think that we all came together to take ownership of this network. I have always been raised with the responsibility to “give back” and given all that networking has done for my other business (Affordable Air Repair)…I really wanted to create this opportunity for other small business owners as well. Read more>>

Eno Acha | Visionary Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, ABA Therapist, Clinical Research Advocate, Mental Health Advocate, Leadership Mentor, Devoted Family Woman & Faith-Driven Christian Leader

My husband and I own several businesses together, with him being the visionary behind every establishment and me handling the day-to-day operations under his leadership. His ability to see the big picture, sets the foundation, and then trust me to run with it has created a great partnership that has allowed us to build successful ventures. This dynamic, where we complement each other’s strengths, has been central to our success. Read more>>

Edward And Jody Revak | Owner – Ed’s Bistro restaurant and bar

The City of La Porte has been in need of more food venues for quite some time. When we moved here it was obvious that we needed to do something to help the community and Main Street. Read more>>

Sherri S Wick | CEO, Visionary + Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor

As a child raised by a working Black, single mother, I learned at an early age how brutal corporate America could be to people who look like me. My mother and I have always had an open relationship. However, she was not willing to expose me to the harsh realities of work. I witnessed firsthand the toll that corporate work was taking on my mother. I recall at fourteen seeing her break down in tears due to the distress caused by work. Read more>>

Karoll Guerrero | Professional maternity, newborn, and baby photographer

As a mom of two and someone with a bachelor’s degree in arts, my journey into photography felt like a natural extension of both my personal and professional life. Becoming a mother gave me a deeper appreciation for how quickly moments with our children pass by. I wanted to freeze those fleeting moments not just for my own family, but for others as well. This desire to preserve memories is at the heart of why I started my photography business. Read more>>

Jessica Smith | Licensed PMU/Tattoo artist & trainer

After years of working in healthcare, raising my family, and opening several small businesses I decided that it was time to fuel my passion and dive in 100%. It was time for a big change! Read more>>