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.

Darrius Littleton | Entrepreneur & Business Consultant

The thought process behind starting Encapsulated Productions started with my background in marketing. I had a vision to help those that struggled to bring their ideas to reality. I always wanted to have a brand/business that represented my values and could be attached with to me forever. Read more>>

Mike Lutey | Owner & Adaptive Fitness Trainer

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and only knew it was a matter of time once I found something I was passionate about. It also allows me to instill core values that I feel is lost in some businesses. Read more>>

Damion Alexander | Health & Wellness Consultant

As human beings, we have the ability to live a healthier lifestyle by eating healthy, well-balanced meals, regularly exercising, frequently detoxing, and boosting our immune systems with daily recommended vitamins, minerals, herbs and other nutrients. Many people I know have declining health, are battling sickness or illness, or have passed away due to health-related issues. So, I declared to change that narrative. After changing my own diet and lifestyle, I naturally lost 30-40 pounds of weight. Which leads me to believe that we can all make healthy changes, based on my own experiences. For the past 4-5 years, my lifestyle has been all about health & wellness. And, I eventually knew that I would start a business centered around this newfound lifestyle. Because, it had become very difficult locating “nutritious and delicious” foods, without the unhealthy additives and filler ingredients. And, the same goes for the health, beauty and household products that I use on a daily basis. So, I figured the only way to control what I consume and use is to create my own. Read more>>

Chimere Bacon | CEO | OWNER

When I started Boss Up Houston Network, it was meant to be a platform where small businesses, entrepreneurs, and ministries could promote, advertise, encourage, uplift, and build their brand. I felt that there was a lack in resources for many small businesses and especially start ups. I wanted to be the network that provides resources as well as promotion to get the entity to the next level. It has been a journey, but well worth it. We are now a full scale network that streams local, national, and international. We are steadily growing and hope to compete with major networks in the near future. Read more>>

Hannah Smith | Hair Stylist

My thought process for starting my own business was to be my own boss & not having to depend on others to make a check that cannot withhold my needs. Read more>>

Titus Byrd | Former Basketball Player & Sports Network

My thought process was that I use my the resources that I have gained throughout my basketball playing days. Read more>>

Mike Lutey | Owner & Adaptive Fitness Trainer

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and only knew it was a matter of time once I found something I was passionate about. It also allows me to instill core values that I feel is lost in some businesses. Read more>>

Ashley McClendon-Reese | Interior Designer

Towards the end of college, I was looking for a job in this field and was having a difficult time locating opportunities based on my skill set and level of experience. Being a minority in this field presented its own challenge and really had me second guessing my career choice. Then I met Christopher Charles and he introduced me to the founder of the Black Interior Design Network, where I met Kimberly Ward. That introduction opened me up to a new world of connections and allowed me to become familiar with designers who looked like me owning their own business within this industry. Read more>>

Hauvy Frank | Artist

I have to stop working for other people I have so much in me to give and put out my own business was the perfect way to express myself. Read more>>

Myla Lott | Doula & Flight Attendant

How can I do something that I love but make an income while doing it!? With the thought in my head……how does the saying go???? You’ll never work another day in your life if you’re doing something you love?! I wonder if I can make that happen twice, but this time it’ll belong to me?!. Read more>>

Edward “Nick” Brown | Real Estate Developer

Like with every decision in life the decision to start a business is a mix between gut instinct, logic and passion. Read more>>

VENISHIA MARTHREL | Author & Entrepreneur

Initially, I thoguht I wanted to create a brand that no one else could control. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset, so the creative thought pattern has always been there. I’ve worked in a lot of different areas, but entrepreneurship is definitely the most confortable realm for me. Moods By Monet was created so that I could live a more free and creative lifestyle, while helping others along the way. Read more>>

Alyssa Weekley | Owner & General Manager

Starting my own business had never actually been on my radar until I met my husband. Clint is the one who brings the entrepreneurial spirit to our team and it has rubbed off on me in the ten years we’ve been together. When we were dating and didn’t have a ton of money while in high school and college, we would try and find fun little dates that were inexpensive. Finding local shaved ice trailers or shacks was one of our favorites. We grew up in Manvel, Texas our whole lives and it didn’t have anything like that close by. If we loved shaved ice so much, we new children and families would too. Manvel is a growing community and we wanted to be a part of it with this idea. Read more>>

Hauvy Frank | Artist

I have to stop working for other people I have so much in me to give and put out my own business was the perfect way to express myself. Read more>> 

Ye the Artist | Visual Artist & Creative Consultant

In 2017 I knew that I needed to step outside of my comfort zone to grow. After completing this drawing of my favorite rapper, I decided to take a leap of faith upon graduating with my Bachelor’s of Science. The rapper, Big Sean has a song titled “Nothing is Stopping You”. I must’ve listened to it a thousand times. Moving to Houston showed me what can happen when one is truly inspired and empowered. I want everyone to experience that. Own Your Throne Creations is about art that inspires, elevates and empowers one to be themselves, whatever that may look like to you!. Read more>>

Fox Piacenti | Founder of Artconomy.com, a platform for commissioning character art

Like many business owners, I’m here to scratch my own itch. I had a personal frustration with how art commissions worked– especially in regards to how they worked for personal, original characters. I had a vision in mind of how I could fix it– how I could solve the problem. And I had the skills to do it. I’ve always been of the mind that if you want to see something change you have to put in the effort, so I took all the skills I’d learned over my career, learned a few new ones, and did it. I wanted to see the end of artists having their pay stolen out from under them. I wanted to see the end of people paying for art they’d never get. I wanted to make my living making better tools and opportunities in this space. Read more>>

Daniel Leal | Chef/taquero/podcaster/private chef

In the industry I’m in, every cook or chef dreams of opening their own spot(restaurant). Only a small percentage of them actually do open their own spot(restaurant). So knowing that, I wanted to make sure that I was part of that small percentage. Read more>>

Hosea Jackson | Artist, Business Major & Entrepreneur

I am fortunate enough to have been raised by two highly educated parents. They instilled in me that I could attain anything I want in life as long as I am willing to work for it and that always stuck with me. When the pandemic first hit, millions of people were suddenly at home more than usual and $1,200 richer. I saw this as an opportunity to bring something different and safe to the candle market. My candle company Vibes Handcrafted offers lovely scented candles made with eco-friendly wax, and sustainable packaging for the betterment of our earth. Read more>>

Stephanie J Medina | Accountant

My thought process behind starting my own business was to have faith and know that I could do anything if I only believed in myself and team. Read more>>

Samiya Boyd | Candle Enthusiast

Growing up my dad always taught me to be independent and self-sufficient, although he ensured that all of my needs were met, I always had a desire for more. Once I moved on my own, I worked two-three jobs in college and later decided that I was too burned out and didn’t have time for anything and I did not want to feel that anymore. One day a group of friends and I were talking about side hustles and being supportive of those around us who’d already started businesses. I thought to myself, “Samiya, what’s stopping you from starting a business?” and I found myself at a loss because I knew anything that I put my mind too, I would be able to do. So, the week before Christmas I toyed with a few thoughts of things that I could do then it hit me like a ton of bricks….CANDLES! Everyone loves candles, so why not start a business making your own. Three days later, I was ready to start a business–granted, I had not a single clue of where to begin or how to even start, I was determined. My mindset was just start and you can perfect it later. And 14-months later, here Pretty Lit Candles, LLC is. Read more>>

Portia Milan | Queen of Treats

It was pretty simple….. I consider myself to be ” over the top mom” I don’t like plain and simple when it comes to pretty much anything , especially a party. I used to spend so much money ordering different little items for my daughters party and when I receive the item. I would want to return it lol, in my mind I would be like ” I could have done this for what they charge”. So from that point on, I stepped out on faith and starting making ” theme chip bags” I posted it for feedback, and lets just say it took off from there. Read more>>

LaShonda Johnson, CFEd | Certified Financial Educator, Financial Professional, Insurance Broker

I’ve always desired to own my own business. My father was an entrepreneur and it’s a gift I believe God blessed me with through his genes. I started my professional career in corporate America and found myself looking out of my corner window wishing that I was out in the world paving my own path versus traveling down a manufactured one. I spent 16 year’s marching to the beat of someone else’s drum before I decided to make my own music. Entrepreneurship is an art and your business is your creation. Read more>>

Devron Smith | Rapper, Singer, Engineer

I’ve always wanted something I can finally call my own. I always support other businesses and brands, but it was time for me to start my own. Read more>>

Kev o Razo | Cinematographer from houston

The phrase “square business” has been around forever, and I felt like I’m the definition. I don’t burn nobody and screw people over I always do good business with everybody. Read more>>

Simone Smith | Houston’s Luxury Hair Dealer

I have always been interested in hair care, hair products, and making women feel and look beautiful so I was always searching for a business where I could build an empire doing what I love!. Read more>>

Mark “Muk” Odom | Blacc Business owner

My thought process behind starting my own business was simply to create a way for me to have financial freedom without working the traditional 9-5. My business was just an idea for a long time until I actually lost my job, and was sort of forced to bet on myself!. Read more>>