Our city is home to so many incredible businesses and so we asked the founders how they came up with the ideas for their businesses and have shared their responses below.

Catherine & Carmyn Freeman & Thompson | Speech Pathologists

My daughter Kensley is the reason we started our business. Kensley was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3. We noticed a lack of fun activities and resources in our area for the autism & special needs community. We started providing sensory friendly birthday parties and events for children with autism & special needs. Read more>>

Jennifer Miramontes | Cancer Exercise Specialist

My mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 1998. During one of her many oncology meetings, I asked her if she had a “bucket list” item that I could help her fulfill. She replied, “Yes, I would like to hike in and out of the Grand Canyon”. With my approach as a fitness trainer this seemed very doable, but with the added element of cancer, something so physically strenuous can quickly become daunting. Her oncologist definitely looked at us sideways when we asked about this endeavor, but he seemed comfortable with the idea as I worked in fitness. Gulp! I set out to understand what it meant to train a person battling cancer, and to my dismay I found absolutely nothing. To deal with this, I began creating my own protocols with some input from her oncologist. As soon as I felt we had hit a groove with her fitness, I realized that we needed to focus on her nutrition, and what that even looked like for somebody fighting cancer. I worked closely with a nutritionist who quickly got to work on a plan – once again, we discovered that there were very few resources available, but we had a goal and got to work. Read more>>

Sanders Hand | 501c3 Public Charity, Servicing Over 3,00 Youth From Texas TOklahoma Through Education & Community Programs.

Sanders Hand was created & founded from a charity drive event for back to school season for Alief Texas. The idea was birthed, but soon realized there was a larger need in our communities of color with social & economic gap and ongoing educational issues. It was time for a change, the modernize of our educational system, a curriculum for the students by the students. Read more>>

Rob Eppolito | Video Marketing & Community Suppport

I’ve produced 400+ videos for all types of businesses, but when COVID-19 hit and I saw so many restaurants and stores closing, I knew I had to do something. So I partnered with with local business owners (Sponsors) to drive foot traffic to smaller brick & mortar businesses that desperately need support. Now I produce Community Videos that promote buying local and I provide the video advertising too, all at NO CHARGE to the brick & mortar business! . The Community Video and video advertising component features BOTH the brick & mortar business AND the Sponsor. So it’s truly a WIN-WIN and it’s a WIN for the community too. Read more>>

Kailyn Edmonson | Board Certified Christian Counselor

I came up with my business idea because of personal issues within myself as well as some of my family members. I felt lead to use the tools I had to motivate or inspire at least one person. Read more>>

Kaitelynne Bell | Cosmetic owner & MUA

I alway loved makeup as a little girl I remember watching my grandmother do her makeup everyday and wishing i was old enough to do mine .So when i got of age to start doing my makeup I literally stayed up all night just watching YouTube videos of girls doing there makeup and the next day practicing on myself.So i knew makeup was my passion and my Great Granny (Nanny) is my biggest inspiration my grandmother had her on Beauty business and I just loved hear stories about her journey and having her on business doing what she loved . So when i was taking the first baby steps in staring my business i just remember knowing what i want to sell and how i want to become a MUA but i couldn’t come up with a name and i was seating in my Great grandmother living room 3months pregnant and she keep telling me if the baby a girl you need to name her Viola and the name just stayed with me. I did some research on the name and it was also Great Grandmother middle name i just felt like God was leading me and guiding me to my purpose in life and he still is to this day. Read more>>