Starting a business can be terrifying. Weighing the pros and cons, the risks, and other considerations can be so overwhelming that often promising entrepreneurs stop before they even start. We asked some phenomenal entrepreneurs about their thought process behind starting their own businesses. Our hope is that by making the thought-process less intimidating we can help more folks think through whether they should take an entrepreneurial leap.

Dr. Kate Cleveland | Doctor of Physical Therapy

My personal challenging postpartum experience ignited my passion to support families during this sacred season of transition, trials and growth. My son’s birth 3 years ago led to a pivot in my career, my life, my identity, purpose and to the birth of my private pelvic health physical therapy practice, Enso Mama. Read more>>

Julian Vela | Founder of JV Painting Services

I started my own business to create something of my own and be able to show my work and what I am capable of doing. Read more>>

Michael Carruba | Owner of 360 Recording Studio

I have been playing piano since i was 10 years, and I was in 2 different bands when i was in high school. Music has always been in my life, when I was in a rock band Vertical 360 we went to recording studio here in Houston and was amazed at how everything came to together. Read more>>

Jewan Jacob | Photographer

The thought process of starting my own business was deciding to earn better income off of my own passion as a photographer than to live off of paycheck to paycheck and to have much more of an adventurous experience within my journey as a business owner, I also feel life has much more to offer that way than to work under the wings of other business owners. It’s best to be my own boss. Read more>>

Marquis Jonkins | Founder of HipHopstreets Livestream Music App

I wanted to create financial freedom for myself and family. I always been a creator and knew one day I wanted to own a business. Read more>>

Katrina Carpenter | Author & Entrepreneur

I’ve always wanted to have my own business even as a teenager I wanted to design clothing but never really knew where to start. I worked for a major insurance company for 12 years and was laid off due to downsizing. After the shock and fear wore off I decided I didn’t want to work doing just some job I didn’t absolutely love. Read more>>

Joe Whitledge | President/Founder & law enforcement professional

I was raised to have respect and to honor the sacrifices of our first responders, military and veterans. I was also raised to help any way I can when someone is in need. I am a 13+ year police officer, and my wife is a Marine veteran that served overseas after 9/11. She also goes through pain daily like so many veterans that served. Read more>>

Christian and Renee Cantu | Parents and owners

Starting a business has definitely always been a desire for my wife and I But there was always the uncertainty that held us back. We wanted to start something that we both are passionate about, while also showing our two kids that anything is possible and to not be afraid of following your desire or stepping outside the box even if failure is a possibility. Read more>>

Paige Acuna | Hair Stylist & Salon Suite Owner

My thought process about starting a business was really just the desire of becoming my own boss! I liked the idea of being in charge of my day to day work life so I could try to be more flexible for my family. It’s literally been the best decision I’ve ever made for my career! Read more>>

Taylor Nai | Recording Artist-Songwriter

Coming up with a strategy. For myself, there were many restless nights because once I have a vision my focus is to accomplish that. Writing out blueprints and trusting my intuition. Once I have that plan, I have absolute tunnel vision. Staying self-motivated and confident is a natural skill for me, so I have the upmost gratitude. Read more>>

Polow Mob Tv | Photographer & Videographer

To Be Honest Mob Tv Was Presented To Me By A Friend Who Wanted To Start A Business With Me. So I Never Came With The Name I Just Had Money & All The Resources He Needed. Things Really Took Off But As All Good Things They Always Come To A End. We Grew Apart & Had Different Ideas For Mob Tv & Decided We Would Part Ways. Read more>>

Princess Paris Ndu | CEO/Founder of Open Door Initiatives ,Human Right Advocate and Humanitarian

As an 8 years old, some people said, I should be playing with my dolls. I had a million dreams in my head that kept me wondering, after I saw Nigerian news with kids of my age selling fruits to help their families financially. I screamed, why are the kids on the street, they are supposed to be in school. Read more>>

Jessica Pates | Therapist

I wanted to be able to provide therapy services to help people become the best versions of themselves and in my community, there is a stigma that we don’t get therapy and just manage our problems. But the truth is everyone needs help and it is okay to need help and not feel like you have to be strong all the time. Read more>>

Flavia Gois | Kitchen Chef

After working for several big catering companies and restaurants in Brazil, I have notice it that a lot of people wanted a more intimated experience with a Chef. After some trials with friends, I have designed an exclusive concept and started my catering company in 2016, Flavia Gois Personal Chef. Read more>>

Jonathan Penright | Chef

I knew that I wanted to be successful and wealthy, and I realized that working for someone else would not make that happen for me. So, I knew I would need to go out on my own and make the kind of money that I wanted to make by betting on myself. Read more>>

Tamra | Certified Cosmetologist

My thought process behind starting my own business, was me wanting to be independent like my mother. Wanting to be my own boss and not working for anyone else. Read more>>

Tre’Von Lewis | Entrepreneur & Artist

I wanted to break the “traditional “ cycle of working a 9-5. I wanted to build generational wealth and leave a legacy behind. My grandfather asked me a question when I was younger that stuck with me “what will your legacy be”? I often thought about it and even to this day I think about it. Read more>>