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.

Charnessa “Lashell” Curb

When I started Face By LashellBee, LLC, it wasn’t a planned venture; it was truly an orchestration by God. This business emerged as a sanctuary for healing after I left an abusive relationship, both verbally and physically.

The idea of pursuing makeup artistry seriously was further solidified by close friends who not only recognized but also encouraged what they saw as God’s plan for me. Soon after, in 2016, I began to legitimize Face By LashellBee, LLC. It felt more like fun than work as I created the logo, designed the website, established a price list, and drafted policies. Read More>>

Lindsay Dixon

Starting my own business was honestly one of the most personal and practical decisions I’ve ever made. When my son was born, I knew I wanted to be present for all the little moments of those early years. But I also didn’t want to lose myself or give up on the creative dreams I had. Photography had always been something I loved, and turning it into a business felt like the best way to blend both worlds. Read More>> 

Tamela Denton

When it came to starting Office Hours, my goal was to bridge my love for reading and yapping. I wanted a space where people wouldn’t feel pressured to read a particular book, but rather come together and form a community to engage in conversations about the books we’re reading and the lives we’re living. Read More>>

Bridgette Han

My decision to launch Ktang wasn’t merely about opening another eatery. It stemmed from a
desire to share the authentic flavors and communal spirit of Korean dining with the diverse community of Houston. “I wanted to create a place where people could not only enjoy incredible
Korean food but also experience the warmth and hospitality that are so central to our culture,”
Kim explains. “Ktang is more than just a restaurant; it’s an extension of my home, a place where
everyone feels welcome.” Read More>>

Cindy Gomez

I wanted to do something creative for a living. Read More>>

Philly Weeden

I noticed that the topic we were interested in discussing wasn’t included in the conversation. Perhaps we could reframe it to focus on “how the tour began.”

The Charg’d Up tour was born from a surge of excitement and inspiration among participants in the class. As individuals engaged with the innovative concept and dynamic structure, their enthusiasm sparked a fire that ignited the journey ahead. The palpable energy and eagerness among the attendees set the stage for a remarkable adventure, paving the way for the tour’s inception. Read More>> 

Dr. Jenny Le

It’s always been a dream to open my own business. I wanted to provide a safe space, where patients felt welcomed and not have to be tied down by the limitations of their insurances and be able to afford chiropractic care. Because I see a vast amount of people, ranging from newborns to powerlifters, I wanted to create a space that was easily accommodating to each patient. From having toys and books for my little ones, and weights for those who are working on regaining strength. Read More>> 

Norma Garcia

Creating wealth for my kids. And most importantly showing them the importance of showing up and aiming for your dreams. That a dream can become a reality as long as you keep your mind on it. Read More>> 

Laura Poshard

Starting my own business is deeply personal—it’s about building something lasting for my children, a legacy that shows them strength, purpose, and possibility through the lens of a woman leader. I want to create a space where all women, no matter their age, body type, or stage in life, feel seen, celebrated, and empowered through clothing they genuinely love. It’s not just about fashion; it’s about freedom, expression, and belonging. This journey is my way of rewriting the rules—offering choices that honor every woman’s story while planting seeds of resilience and pride for the next generation. Read More>>

Tiffany Thompson

I was feeling completely burnt out in my medical sales career. While it was financially stable, it lacked the sense of purpose and fulfillment I was craving. I wanted to create something that felt meaningful—something that made a real difference in people’s lives. Read More>> 

Elysia Janae Gonzales

Starting my business came from a deeply personal place. I didn’t get newborn photos of my daughter, and it’s something I’ve always wished I had. I wanted to create a space where new mothers and families could have those memories—beautiful, lasting images they’ll never forget. It means so much to me to be able to provide what I once missed: a way to preserve the sweetness of this fleeting season. Read More>>

Myanah Simmons

Honestly, it started with a deep need—mine and the women around me. I saw how many of us were showing up for everyone else while silently carrying emotional weight, burnout, and generational trauma. I didn’t want to just create a business; I wanted to create a space where women, especially women of color, could take a breath, be seen, and be reminded that healing is possible. Read More>> 

Kirati Amin

My thought process? Simple—I was tired of the afternoon snack guilt trip! You know when you’re craving something crunchy, but your only options are deep-fried, artificial-color-laden junk food that makes you feel like you need to apologize to your body afterward? Yeah, I wasn’t having it anymore. As someone who moved from India to the US in 2015, I missed those guilt-free munchies from home, especially water lily seeds, which are basically nature’s answer to the perfect snack. Despite climbing the corporate ladder as an engineer, I found myself burning out without any real fulfillment. Read More>>