Starting and growing a business is hard, but often deciding to start the business in the first place is even harder. We asked some successful entrepreneurs from around the community to open up to us about how they thought about starting a business.

Olasunkanmi Thanni-Wright

My wife had the idea to start our restaurant, OlaTee African Mart (Groceries Store)/ Cafe. Before we opened our cafe in August 2020 during COVID-19, we started by catering out of our backyard in 2015. The rest of the story, as they say, is history. Read More>>

Geneva Foster

I wanted to create products that truly nurture the skin. We’ve become so accustomed to commercial beauty products that we often don’t think twice about what’s in them. But, through my research, I discovered that many of these products contain a staggering number of chemicals that offer little to no real benefits for our skin. Everything we touch, ingest, or apply topically is absorbed to some extent into our bodies, which is why using natural skincare and hair care products is so important. I use high-quality, natural ingredients that work in harmony with your body, helping it look and feel its best—naturally. Read More>>

Samuel Gorashko

Our vision for Galveston Lighthouse Productions was born from a passion for live performance and a desire to bring the arts to spaces where they might not otherwise flourish. What started as a small group of friends with a simple idea—a mustard seed of inspiration—quickly grew into a mission-driven organization dedicated to cultivating the arts in Galveston.  Read More>>

Salicia Carter

I wanted to create a Beauty School that felt more cozy rather than institutionalized. Where students feel welcomed
I wanted to create and environment where students are seen seen and heard and celebrated for their individual talents. Read More>>

Martin

Photography has always been my passion because it allows me to freeze a moment in time—something you can cherish forever. I started taking pictures at an early age, and what began as a hobby naturally evolved into a business. In the beginning, I didn’t charge for my work, but as demand grew and life brought new responsibilities—like paying for school—it became necessary to turn my passion into a side business to help me stay afloat. Read More>>

Sabra Grubb

I had dreamed of being a business owner for years. My plan was to take over for a company that I had been at for 11 years, reshaping it to best serve my vision. That plan I had didn’t work out and it made me realize I wanted more for myself and my future. I knew I had to do this on my own—not just to build something new, but to prove to myself that I could. Starting my own business was driven by a combination of passion and opportunity. I saw a gap in the market and I knew I could offer something unique! From that moment, everything moved quickly. I started with a name, mapped out the services I wanted to offer, identified my ideal clientele, sourced the right products, and worked on getting my business legal. Read More>>

Cody V

Jonny had a vision—a brioche-based donut that was soft, rich, and unlike anything you’d find around here. While he wasn’t the first to dream up a brioche donut, he took his baking experience and crafted his own unique version, ready to bring something new to Southeast Houston. Read More>>

Kevin Bulli

For me, I’ve always had a love for cooking Jamaican food. I watched my mother and older sister cook in the kitchen growing up, and I just took that on into my adulthood. I never knew how much my food impacted people until I met my wife. I cooked for her on our second date, and I think that’s what won her over. Throughout the years, people would ask me “how much would you charge to make this or that,” and eventually my wife said, “If they are asking to pay for your cooking – charge them!” Lol. So that inspired me to finally start my catering business in 2019, and I’ve been doing it ever since. At the time, Houston needed more authentic Jamaican food options in the area, and I helped meet the need. Read More>>

Dr. Cindy Amakwe

Starting AGErite Pharmacy & Wellness Center was the fulfillment of a long-held dream my husband and I shared. After over 10 years in the pharmacy industry, I grew frustrated with its direction. The monopolization of the field by large pharmacies had tarnished the profession’s reputation, with poor customer service and a missed opportunity to fully utilize our clinical expertise in ambulatory care. Pharmacies were no longer seen as integral pillars of the community, and the chance to offer meaningful service was diminishing. Read More>>

 Tasauna Noelle

When I started my business, my thought was to create affordable glueless luxury hair units for the ladies. Hair that was beautiful and effortless to wear. Read More>>

Nyckisha Jones

I wanted to make cakes that were primarily affordable, and taste as good as it appeared. Read More>>

Alina Amlani

I never intended to start my own business, but after having my baby, who is now 10 months old, I began to consider the idea of returning to work. I was looking for flexibility in my schedule and the ability to travel when it suited me. I craved the independence of being my own boss and the opportunity to grow personally and professionally. Read More>>

Amber And Asia Mason

The thought process behind creating Leaders of the Nu World was to make an impact on consciousness and for one to go within themselves to heal and awaken their potential and power, In which we refer to as “return back home”. Back in 2019, Solange released an Album “When I get home” which my sister and I loves, she highlights Houston, areas of her upbringing, the culture, and more. Hints the album name. In 2020- 2021, during the pandemic everyday we dedicated our time to learning more about who we are.  Read More>>

Matthew And Kelly Dittman

We have always had a heart for hospitality and amazing food. We have enjoyed the privilege of working in a coffeehouse together and providing catering for various organizations. Being the owners of a family operated business, we are dedicated to and passionate about our customers. Our decision on “Magnify” as the name of the business is two-fold: the desire to elevate each event they get the opportunity to be involved in and to magnify the Name of the Lord and His Goodness by following Jesus’ example of Loving and Serving. Read More>>