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.

@HTX_LeatherFace, @JasonTakesTexas, @BoBo._.TheClown, @713GhostFace | The Slash Talk Podcast

We created the Slash Talk Podcast as a way to interact and meet new members in the Horror/Cosplay Community. We are very passionate about horror media and have always wanted to create our own form of horror content. Read more>>

Helen Spaw | President & Circle Leader, Healing Art Circles

I started my business to reach more participants. I have been creating and leading art, outreach, and contemplative programs for 12 years with my work- including Healing Circles. I was also a therapist before that. Read more>>

Bria Walker | Custom Handheld Fan Creator

I wanted to create some thing that would be beautiful and beneficial. Living in Houston can be overwhelming when it comes to different ideas and what consumers will actually pay attention to. Read more>>

Justin Flakes | Adaptive Fitness-Students with Disabilities

One of my life mottos is, “when tasked with a problem, seek a solution.” I have been in the classroom for 15yrs working with students with disabilities. These students lack social, emotional and sometimes physical skills and my job has always been to bridge a gap between society and reality with each student having different needs. Read more>>

Cleveland Shinn | Automotive Specialist

There is a certain spark of happiness that comes from being able to do what you love for a living. I love helping people and I love working on vehicles. I was able to combine the two into a business that is very satisfying for me and my customers. Read more>>

Lesley Nelson | Houston Photographer, Oil & Gas Associate, & Mom

Starting in middle school with a trusty disposable camera (omg and that horrendous wait to get them developed!), then graduating to a hot pink digital Canon in highschool, I’ve always been the friend with the camera. When I graduated, I got a Best Buy credit card for the sole purpose of buying my first DSLR, a Canon Rebel (I had no patience or money to save ha!). Read more>>

Lauren Duke | Mobile Bar & Bartending Service

I honestly found something I really enjoyed doing and ran with it. I am a full time School Teacher that enjoys many hobbies, explores new experiences, and loves sharing good energy with my inner circle of people. I never imagined “With Good Spirits”- Mobile Drinkery being a full time gig at all. Read more>>

Ashleigh Bennett | Founder & Executive Director of YP3

As a youth watching my father successfully operate and run his own business, I admired him, I believed in him and wanted to follow in his footsteps. Although this was the first spark to ignite my desire and fire for entrepreneurship, the next would follow years later. Read more>>