Thinking through the whether to start something new

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.

Quitra & Jocelyn

When Black Box Soulfood Stop was just an idea, we wanted to allow consumers to enjoy the taste of great food for the soul out of a box. Read more>>

Jason Tramonte Jr. | Principal + Owner

It was really based out of necessity; the timing was right. I researched all options and all the firms in Houston and decided at that point in my career starting my own firm was the best move forward to challenge another one of my goals. Read more>>

Marina Dmitrieva | Subconscious coach

In my first profession, I worked for 20 years in Russia as a GIS analyst. For the past 17 years, I held leadership positions in the largest companies in the country, such as Roscosmos (which is like NASA here). I am a candidate of technical sciences in land management and land monitoring. Later, I received a U.S. green card for my achievements. Read more>>

Omega Benson | Photographer

My youngest daughter was born with a rare congenital heart defect and I was unable to go back to work for a while after she was born due to her needing around the clock care. I found myself taking pictures of her and her sisters with my cell phone, just capturing different moments for keepsakes because we didn’t know what the future held for my baby. Read more>>

K. Nall | DJ MagicMan/SprinterMagic Owner

We have been in the DJ entertainment industry for over 25 years, 12 here in Houston. We decided to add the Mercedes Sprinter business because we saw a need for fun, musical, and professional transportation services. Read more>>

Amanda and Nicole

Our thought process was pretty simple. We were playing so much Mahjong weekly in our neighborhood that we realized other areas of town should hop on board the Mahjong trend as well and thus “That’s Amahjzing” was born. We teach mahjong lessons in and around the Houston area. Read more>>

Russell Montgomery | Knife Maker

I started my own business because I wanted to work with my hands in a way that no one else in Houston was doing at the time. Knife making is a very niche business and in order to pursue it, I had to create something new. Read more>>

Ivy York | Through The I Owner & Freelance Videographer / Photographer

The initial inspiration behind starting my business was wanting to be proud of something that I made from the ground up. I have always had a passion for editing and videography and decided to pursue that passion in a business aspect. Read more>>