The first step to starting a business is deciding to start a business. They say the first step is the hardest and in our experience this is especially true when it comes to starting a business. Getting over the mental roadblocks can be tough, often harder to overcome than the challenges you’ll face once you actually start the business. Fellow entrepreneurs share their thoughts below.

Valeriia Koltsova | Sourdough baker

I’ve always struggled to find good quality bread in the States, having come from Europe. Most options have endless ingredient lists, which I couldn’t settle for. After discovering some sourdough videos, I was mesmerized by the delicate and complex process of making it. I started baking for family and friends, who loved it and encouraged me to start selling. I created an Instagram account, and it took off from there. Read more>>

Zuwa Edobor | CEO/Founder of Royal Priesthood clothing

My first thoughts were that i wanted to have a company that represents people like me. A child of immigrant Nigerian parents, that grows up in Queens New York. I wanted to fuse my Nigerian culture with my New York urban culture through fashion. I was also inspired by my father who is an entrepreneur, and wanted to start my own business in a field that i am very passionate about. My passion for fashion also comes from my mother who always kept us looking right growing up. It is not a common thing in a Nigerian household to pursue business in fashion, but I loved fashion so much and wanted to express myself through the pieces i create. Read more>>

Evelyn Noyola | Fitness Coach & PIlates Instructor

My motivation to pursue personal training stems from my desire to help my Latino family embrace a healthier lifestyle. Growing up in a family where high cholesterol and diabetes were common, I witnessed how these conditions were often managed with medication. I’ve seen my mother add more and more medications as different health issues arose, and I wanted to show her—and others—that there’s another way. They can still enjoy their favorite foods and incorporate regular exercise without feeling restricted. My goal is to prove that a healthy lifestyle can be enjoyable and that you can live life to the fullest without being limited by health issues. Read more>>

Captain Dwayne Green | Coast Guard Captain

The inspiration behind launching Totally Texas Outdoors LLC was to establish a welcoming retreat where families and friends could partake in exceptional whitetail deer hunting, duck hunting, spring turkey hunting, and premier Gulf Coast fishing. Our aim is to provide an inclusive environment that is affordable for everyday individuals who seek to immerse themselves in the outdoors without the burdensome expenses typically associated with such adventures. We strive to create lasting connections that extend far beyond the time spent in the field or out on the water with us. Read more>>

Catherine Nwora | Nurse Practitioner

Starting my own business was with the intent to help those who are struggling and in need of help! We all have life challenges at times and it can affect the mind and body so that’s what Soul Serenity is here for! Read more>>

Ashley Toman | Music Business Consultant

To be honest, I didn’t put too much thought into the planning process of starting my own business- because starting my own business was never my initial plan. My plan was to sing and write and make music, which i am still doing- however about 3 years ago I had posted an ad on instagram about co-writing and the next day my inbox was full. I was working with producers at the time where we were shopping records to major artists with hopes of landing major placements, but I was tired of being let down and being told “no” and realized there are independent artists out there that need my assistance with songwriting. Read more>>