Are you thinking about starting a business? If so, we think you’ll enjoy reading about how these seasoned entrepreneurs thought about the question when they were in your shoes.

Sarah Guerra | Friends call me Vida, or Aka 1st Official Diamond Girl

It was all just an idea in my mind that became conversation with my friends. I contemplated on it for maybe 6 to 8 months. Shortly after thinking about it I had mentioned it to someone and later on down the line that someone came and presented my idea back to me but this time with a plan of action on how to move forward with getting it done. Read more>>

Ian Vandenberg | Artist

I have always wanted to work for myself and work from home. Being able to do that while also getting to express myself artistically every day is really a dream come true for me. I recently retired from my Engineering day job earlier this year and am now doing my art full time. I still do some Engineering and Architectural design work from home, but I finally get to put my artwork first and that was always my goal. Read more>>

Thalia Perla | Owner of Stevie the Photo Bus

In my mid 20’s I set a goal for myself to have my own business by the time I’d turn 30. I had been working in the creative field for some years but at the time I had no idea what I wanted that business to be or how I would make it happen. All I knew is I wanted to start a business from the ground up and be my own boss. In September 2018, I took a trip to San Francisco that left a mark on me, and between that and my love for vintage things, I was inspired to look for a classic Volkswagen Bus. I searched for buses online and in November of that year, I came across a Craigslist ad for a ‘77 Volkswagen bus that was on sale in San Antonio, TX. I took the trip to San Antonio and made the best purchase of my life. Read more>>

Elexcya Crawford | Photographer

I been taking pictures since I was a little girl, one day I was sitting around re-evaluating my life and my purpose and I felt like I was just existing in this world that I needed to do something to change that. I thought about all the things I could do, you know my talents and photography has always been something I was passionate about. At the time COVID had hit and I thought I got all this time let me start preparing. So I started. Read more>>

Ashley Hicks | Owner/CEO

The thought process behind starting my own business was that I would finally be able to combine my passion with my expertise. I am very passionate about making others feel and look amazing plus my entire career background is in the medical field. By opening my own non-invasive body contouring studio, I was able to combine the two plus have the freedom that comes along with owing a business. Read more>>

Valeria Urdaneta | Digital Strategist & Founder of Valesco Digital

I think the hardest part of answering this question is that I really didn’t have a thought process at first. It just happened naturally… or out of desperation. I was stressed looking for something to do after a significant internship was canceled my last semester of college (Thanks COVID!). Read more>>

Ashley McCray | Professional Makeup Artist & Beauty Educator

My thought process behind starting my own business was simple, the pandemic happened. I’d been employed as a full time makeup artists with MAC cosmetics for about 4 years and as a result of the pandemic we didn’t offer makeup services, my hours were eventually reduced and ultimately I was let go. During that time, people were still requesting makeup services. I didn’t feel comfortable with having people in my home, and I wanted to respect the safety of my client’s families and homes as well, it was a natural step to open my own studio and continue servicing clients. Read more>>

Jeff Djayasaputra | Virtual Tour Specialist & Architectural Photographer

My specialization has been an evolving process. I’ve always been a creative person and worked in a creative field in my career. In my early work experiences, I was exposed to different facets of multimedia production including web design, video production, 3d animation, trade show interactive kiosks, photography, architecture, freehand drawing and graphic design. Those takeaways allowed me to be flexible with what I can do, and I am always looking for new opportunities where I can leverage my diverse ability and experiences. Read more>>

Briana Lindsey | Founder & Owner: Bodied By Bri LLC

I started my own business to get me one step closer to financial freedom. Being a single mother and having graduated college during COVID, I had to learn to navigate life without the things I was used to. That means being able to take my daughter to daycare everyday because they closed during COVID, and now being an entry level job seeker competing with other wo had more experience but lost their jobs due to COVID. I needed to find a way to make money while still being able to be in control of my own time. Read more>>

Mikhail Goryachev | Owner and Chef

always loved to cook and want it to be independent, Read more>>

Jovan Phillips | BCBA LBA-TX, Owner and Clinical Director of The Outcomes Place

The current credential for that role, a registered behavior technician (RBT), wasn’t even thought about. In fact, my supervisors weren’t even board-certified behavior analysts (BCBA). They didn’t have to be at the time. I started off in the field’s earlier years and in a position that left a lot of room for me to grow and learn. That is exactly what I chose to do. I fell in love with the field of ABA and haven’t looked back since. Now as a board-certified and licensed behavior analyst, I offer the community ABA services backed by nearly 15 years of experience across age groups ranging from 18 months to 64-years of age, various diagnoses from autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to rare genetic disorders such as MEF2C and Syngap1, and across environments from home-based to day habilitation centers. Read more>>

Daniela Cruz | Sugar Cookie Artist

I actually never thought of making this a business! I just baked for fun and for family and friends. It sort of just landed on my lap so I just went along with it. Read more>>

Racquel Shelby | Content Creator & Influencer

Since the sixth grade, I knew I wanted to be in the field of journalism or become an attorney. I chose the journalism route. I decided to create a brand and business because I wanted to do things my way. Working for someone else would mean I would have to use my abilities within the boundaries set for me by that particular company. Intentionally using propaganda in media isn’t a practice that I ever want to take part in. I wouldn’t truly be able to leave an imprint of my thought process and personal knowledge that has been gained from my life’s journey. Shining my light wouldn’t come freely working for someone else. Read more>>

Kimberly Luviano | Pastry Chef

I grew up seeing my dad start his own business, and I always admired that. I found my own passion and always knew I wanted to be my own boss. I decided to attend culinary school, and had jobs relating my career to gain experience. Therefore I was at a point in my life where I could actually pursue my passion, and make it a business for myself. I knew it was going to have its ups and downs, that sometimes its going to be difficult, but I refuse to let that keep me from pursuing my dream. Although im not where I want to be yet, I know these things take time, and if i don’t give up I will get where i want to be. Read more>>

Sunni | Yoga & Meditation Strategist, Cannabis Enthusiast, Motivational Speaker

I knew there had to be another way to approach my self care, my overall health and wellness. Over the last ten years I’ve battled severe anxiety, bipolar disorder, insomnia, unresolved emotions in result of trauma and physical health issues were triggered by these things along with the medication prescribed. My thoughts were that I couldn’t be the only person experiencing this and made it my business to do the research, go to school to become a certified yoga instructor and then on to study cannabis as business. The average corporate employee deals with a sense of overwhelming anxiousness and even other challenges that doesn’t allow them to work a full job and use prescription medication with endless side effects. Read more>>

Jim Bagley | Hair Dresser, Salon Owner, and Day Maker

I wanted to create a space that was happy, fun, and allowed growth for others. I took a lot of the ideas and concepts that I did love from previous employers and used them in my salon company. The things that I did not care for were not used. I am a casual guy and I wanted a casual space, but we are a luxury salon. Read more>>

Tricia Waechter | Founder and CEO of Blind Girl Designs

In the last decade, I have lost 90 percent of my sight to a rare genetic eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa. This vision loss meant that I could no longer work in fashion, the career I have been in for over three decades. I still have all the skills from my global career in fashion and I wanted to put them to use. Starting my own business was the only way to be able to stay in the fashion industry and work within my sight limitations. Read more>>

Wes McMahan | Tax Expert

It was something my dad and I always talked about after I graduated with my Masters in Accounting, but it was just an nebulous idea “in the future.” I got my accounting experience in the private sector for 6 years until I was surprised by a lay off in the summer of 2018. “The future” had arrived sooner than anticipated, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise because we’ve been in business ever since then. Read more>>

Signae Mckeiver | BLACKpreneur Media Mogul

I initially didn’t know that I wanted to start a Business. AlI knew was that I loved to write untold stories and that i’ve been writing since I was 13 years old. Once I started writing those stories it took 2 years to be paid to do it. The request started coming in so fast that my business went international in 6 months. It’s amazing to really look back now on all the work that has been accomplished from a childhood passion. All I knew was that I had to write and do it as best as I could because other small businesses were counting on me. Read more>>

Teri Leatherman | Floral Artist

I really had no thoughts on starting a business after I retired in 2020. I had spent 18 years working on staff at Community of Faith in Hockley, TX and knew that I wanted to continue being involved in supporting mission work taking place locallyand internationally. I thought that if I could do something creative, stay busy and be able to support some great organizations I’d be in a great spot.My business evolved quickly from simply pressing and drying different types of flowers just to stay busy and explore my creative side. Read more>>

Lizzet Aguillon | Charcuterie and cheese aficionado

It felt like happenstance. I love cheese, and i love beautiful displays. I had seen charcuterie boards online and fell in love with the idea of beautiful snacks. It really started as a fun project for date night and friendly gatherings but everyone encouraged me to pursue it professionally. So I threw caution to the wind and went for it, haven’t looked back since. Read more>>

Rebeca and Nicole Mejia | Charcuterie and Cheese Stylists

My sister and I have always had the dream of starting a business together. We are originally from Honduras and if you know hispanics you know food and entertainment are LIFE. I (Rebeca) started creating boards for friends and family and quickly got my sister (Nicole) hooked. I asked her if she wanted to do this with me and she jumped. I have to admit both she and I did not know everything that goes into this business but we are so glad to do this together. We laugh, cry, fight, make-up and eat cheese while at it( pun-intended!) We started thinking this was going to be just a hobby for us and never would we imagine what it is now. Customers have trusted us for all their special occasions. Starting from appreciation fun-size boxes to our grazing tables to Corporate Private Charcuterie Classes. Read more>>

Justin | Founder of Pic Houston

After years of considering opening an online store, the main questions have always been: What do people want? What do they love? I’ve attempted starting my own clothing store twice before establishing Pic Houston. With those two attempts, my brand was always undefined and undesired. To circle back and answer those two questions definitively, I’ve drawn focus towards my location and the people around me, Houstonians. Read more>>

Bernadette Walls | Owner- Makeup By Beauty Bee, LLC

For as long as I can remember I have loved makeup. During college I worked as a makeup artist, but after graduation I left the profession to pursue my degree in Music Education. In 2019, after suffering a devastating loss, I was searching for joy and reconnected with my love of makeup. After a few months of posting makeup looks online and doing my friends makeup for their special occasions I created Makeup By Beauty Bee, LLC. I wanted to create a business from passion where I could bring joy to others. Read more>>

Candace Shaw | Cosmetologist & Wax specialist

I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur but I never had confidence in myself. Everyone would tell me I was more than capable but I was so hard on myself and scared of failing. Then one day I woke up and I told myself I was tired of making companies successful and in the meantime I’m getting pennies. I knew it was time. I knew it would be difficult and I was afraid of failing but I literally talked myself up and I just stepped out on faith and did it. It’s slow and steady but it’s coming alone. I’m booking people and I’m grateful for that, even if it’s just one person a day it’s a blessing. Read more>>

Alicia Morgan | Owner and Cook

My thought process behind starting my own business was driven by the success of 2 smaller businesses i owned that did really well. In addition, In addition, I wanted something that I could not only leave to my kids, but to make them apart of. My mother owned her own restaurant, looking back i saw her downfall that contributed to her failure that could have been avoided. I’ve made it my business ensure that i avoid those same mistakes. Read more>>

Jestine Woods & Sarah Wright | Sisters Events and Co

Sisters Events and Co was created out of passion for helping clients, and creating impactful experiences. Sisters Events knew we had unique capabilities so we joined together to make it happen. During hard times, that we faced last year motivated us to pursue this mission to creating unforgettable memories. Read more>>