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.

Azucena Flores Aranda | Photographer

Honestly, it started when I just wanted to be in control and make sure no one was able to delegate my “fun time.” or tell me what to do. I always dreamt of being my own boss, of having that control. The whole concept of wishing away my weekdays to only enjoy life on the weekends seemed absolutely crazy to me. Life moves slow but it goes by fast, and at my core, I wanted to enjoy it with those around me, both clients and loved ones alike. Read more>>

Brittney Jean | Boutique Owner

The main reason I created Daisy Acres was to connect with others. I believe everyone should feel beautiful and loved no matter what and I encourage others to feel confident in themselves as well. Clothing is the means in which I choose to do this because it’s something I’m good at and I think clothing is a really fun and interesting way to explore who you are and express yourself however you may feel that day! Read more>>

Crystal Godette | Occupational Therapist

I am an Occupational therapist, Certified Aging In Place specialist and Certified Fall Prevention Specialist. During my travels throughout the country as a traveling therapist, I treated patients who had fallen at home, were seriously injured, and even left on the floor for days because they could not call for help and had no emergency plan for such situations. When it came time for discharge, patients would ask me the same questions before leaving, like “what can I do at home to feel safer? Read more>>

Bilal Rehman | CEO & Principal Designer of Bilal Rehman Studio

Starting my own interior design studio and gallery was a no-brainer as I’ve always seen a missing piece in Houston’s interior design scene. Other major design cities like Los Angeles and New York tend to have extremely dramatic “experience-based” designs that leave visitors wanting more, but being that Houston’s design scene isn’t as developed in comparison, I knew that I needed to bring that approach to design into this market. Read more>>

Margaret Alvarez | Artist & Creativity Coach

There is a shift happening in our world today. There is a need for relief from stress and anxiety. A need for people to be more mindful and take a break from all the craziness. I personally use gratitude and creativity to relieve my own stress and anxiety. So I thought, “Why not share this idea?” It has helped me out tremendously and being a creative guide is so rewarding. Read more>>

Don Gaskin | Dj D-Rae

The initial thought process was not that of starting a business. It was for me to do something that I love and have a passion for, which is music. Read more>>

Daniel Ramirez | Artist

It has always been my dream since I was a kid, I always knew I wanted to be someone and do something with my life. I never imagined it would be in the music industry but that’s life, you never know what it’s going to bring you. I didn’t start taking music seriously until 2020 and that is what’s crazier to me how much music grew into me in a short amount of time. It’s my art and it’s my way to express myself. Read more>>

Jerold Jones II | Fashion Designer

I initially just needed another creative outlet. Something I can get into and put out into the world. I truly believe the cornerstone of life is to create and it’s something everyone should do, even if it’s just a hobby. One day, a friend and I were having a conversation about brand recognition and how people are easily swayed by symbol. I jokingly said I bet I could draw a random animal like a fish on a shirt and people would buy it. You know how Polo Ralph Lauren has a horse and a man. They said “Alright. Then do it.” It wasn’t a serious response, but I gave it some thought the next day. I told myself you know what? Why not? Let me put this creative energy to use. Read more>>

Ashley Albert | Boutique owner/Stylist

I always love fashion from a little girl, but I was always afraid to step out. I will always screenshot pictures of different pieces and put different outfits together and send them to my friends asking for opinions. My friends always asked me for opinions on their outfits or ideas. So one day I told myself I need to stop sleeping on my self and finally make my dream happen. So start by doing a lot of research on how to start my online boutique. I sample from different vendors until I found the vendor that was a best fit for me. I really took my time to create the vision I wanted. By the grace of god I was able to launch my boutique November 2, 2022 Read more>>

Monica Landry | Owner/ Executive Chef

The key to being successful in anything you must first love what you are doing! Cooking is my first love having started cooking at the young age of six, which comes natural for me! My second love is Guest Services, where I worked in Retail Leadership roles for over 30 years! Now I have the best of both worlds. Read more>>

Alayssia Guidry | Master Beauty Professional & Studio Owner

Perseverance. In business you will not always feel your best or be in the best personal circumstances. Society will change as trends shift and the economy will not always be your best friend. However, you must adapt and learn to keep your goals at the top of your concerns. The best part about becoming a flexible entrepreneur is the new experiences and changes it will bring to you personally. Read more>>

Daniel Ginsberg | Co-Founder & CEO of Utrain Inc.

As a former basketball player and coach, I’ve always been passionate about the sport and helping others improve their skills. When I started looking for ways to manage my basketball training business and connect with private trainers, I found it difficult to find a centralized platform that made it easy to search for and book sessions. That’s when I realized there was an opportunity for us to create a marketplace for basketball trainers and clients. Read more>>

Danni Ervin | Owner, Premier Stylist & Haircare Specialist

My thought process was simple, my goal is to empower women and individuals through beauty. Seeing that enhancing someone’s natural features and giving them an unmatched confidence, helps them radiate from the inside out. “When people feel better about themselves, they seek to make others feel better.” Read more>>

Chez McGavock | Creator of Canna Town

After working in multiple industries, I felt it was time to stop working for other people dreams and start working on mine. I’ve always been a t shirt, jeans, converse kind of guy so I thought it would dope to start my own t shirt brand. Canna Town was created to bring hometown pride and the love for cannabis together. The main logo is a skyline embedded into cannabis leaf which symbolizes how we want to break the stigma of cannabis one town at a time. Read more>>

Erika Moreno | Makeup artist/hair stylist

As a young child I’ve always dreamt of starting my own business in the cosmetic industry since I enjoyed all things beauty at a young age. Read more>>

Roma Williams | Therapist and Found of Unload It Therapy

Starting my own business was always a dream of mine. Growing up, I knew what I wanted to do, and how. I knew that going into private practice was the way I would go. Growing up I heard stories of how the elders in my family had their own businesses including schools and restaurants. I also watched my parents work hard for their respective companies and longed for the day when I could become successful under my own entrepreneurial endeavors. Read more>>

Sana Malik | Sana Malik, OD

We are two sisters who started this business together. We are not only the first business owners but the first female business owners in our family. We are about 6 years apart, and when I graduated (6 years later), big sis called and recruited me over to Houston so we could start our business together. Knowing we both wanted to start families, and build our careers, we decided this would be the right move for us. Read more>>

Kaleb Allison | Owner

There are a few reasons why I decided to start my business, most of all I realized that I didn’t want to be stuck in the monday-Friday 9-5 work schedule going back and forth to a mundane job. Not because I am afraid to work, but because I really wanted to be able to do something that would give me the ability to spend more time with my kids. I feel that the more time I can spend with them physically being there is far more valuable than I high paying corporate position. Read more>>