Many books on startups and business talk about how there are right and wrong reasons for starting a business. So, we asked a handful of successful founders about their reasons and the thought-process behind starting their business.

Diamond Chapman | Nail Technician & YouTuber

When I first started my business I was in college in a small town, Huntsville TX. Being on such a large campus with a limited amount of jobs in town made me have to figure something. I come from a family of entrepreneurs. Both of my parents and my grandparents were entrepreneurs. Read more>>

Dani Haas | Interior Designer

I always imagined working for myself one day, specifically as an interior designer. I was fortunate to have nearly a decade of incredible training in New York City, where I worked for the renowned firm, Cullman & Kravis Associates. It took dozens of projects, triumphs, and mistakes to get to a point where I felt comfortable spreading my own wings without the safety net of a big firm behind me. Read more>>

Serenia Jefferson | Healthy Natural Hairstylist & Licensed Cosmetologist

The thought process behind my business started when I transitioned into being natural. After being able to bring my hair back to a healthy state I thought “I can help other women achieve healthy hair!” I came to this realization when I was a freshman in high school. Since then I knew I wanted to become a hairstylist. After graduating high school I went to cosmetology school and created my business officially taking on the name Slayed Crownss. Read more>>

Saniya Smith | Owner of Majesti Cosmetics

I have a passion for lipgloss because I love my lips. My favorite feature about myself is my lips and smile. When applying a perfect coat of lipgloss or lipstick I notice how beautiful my smile appears and I love the confident boost I feel on the inside. So I turned something I love into something great so that every young girl or woman feels that confident boost that I felt when I applied my gloss. Read more>>

Laurel Uko | Business owner, tech professional & MPH candidate

The thought process behind starting my business originated from a passion I developed at the age of 4; braiding my Barbies’ hair. By the time I turned 12, I was on the dance team at my school which required us to wear make up on our performance days. Read more>>

Chris Williams | Creative • Graphic Designer • Movement Influencer

I wanted to create a space for other creatives in Houston who not only loved the Arts but also Loved God to come and mesh together. I believe God gave us all gifts without repentance, so we need to act on and operate in those giftings while we have the chance! Read more>>

Jaae | Recording artist & songwriter

The thought process behind starting my business came from me wanting to build a legacy and an empire. I always knew that I wanted to be in business for myself as well as create some thing that can be passed down from generation to generation. After all that is the American dream right Lol? Read more>>

Donna Champagne | Home Organizer & Interior Stylist

As someone who has a passion for motherhood, as well as organization and design, I believed I could start something that allowed me to invest in all three. I slowly began my business about nine years ago, about three months after becoming a mom and not wanting to return back to my 9-to-5 job. Read more>>

Amber Jaynes Casanave | Brand Architect & Marketing Strategist

Before launching CAS + COMPANY, I often thought, “There has to be a better way!” A better way to juggle motherhood, work, and excelling as a marketing executive. At that time, I was the Vice President of Consumer Marketing for one of the world’s largest and most notable public relations consultancy firms. Read more>>

Tyreq Miles | Staff Accountant & Artist

After being a financial analysis and building out pitch decks for other businesses I realized how easy it was to start a business. I also wanted to monetize my talents and hobbies. Since I had such a strong financial background and talents it sounded insane to not go into business for myself. Read more>>

Corlisa Hockless | Pageant Queen, Pageant Director, new Entrepreneur. Youtuber, aspiring author, and student

Originally It was used it as a pageant platform to help create a voice for myself and others. I have always loved fashion and hoodies, well graphic hoodies and such so I felt the need to create a brand that speaks volumes to myself and those around me. Unmask The Truth helped me truly soul search and with doing that I was able to confidently conquer every fear. Read more>>

Thaisy Backes | Business Administrator & Photographer

After working 16 years as a business administration at big companies in Argentina, we move to Mexico and them US because my husband job. Photography was my passion since I was 17 years old. So I took classes in Mexico to improve my Knowlogy and them in US during pandemic I think about start photography as a business. After doing as a hobby for family and friends. Read more>>

Patrick Moss | Owner aka Santa Pat

My thought process behind starting my own business began with an seven month game plan. I created deadlines that led up to my start date. More specifically, the date it would be official and available for the public. Read more>>

Jodi Trrvino | Cookie Artist

I really enjoyed creating art with my cookies. I was excited to keep creating sets, so my husband encouraged me to start selling. When I felt confident enough, I just jumped right in! Read more>>

Semaj Davis | Photographer & web designer

I wanted to be my own boss ! I’ve worked under people and their rules and horrible actions since I was 16. I wanted to be my own ceo ! i wanted to have some people working under me , forming a good photography team with they own payroll as long as they treat customers right ! then I wanted to form a good name that rolls off that tongue & that has a bit of Semaj in it (me) and that’s where CAPTUREYOBEAUTY came into play ! Read more>>

Sophia Ramos | Insurance Agent

Overtime i never thought of becoming an Insurance Agent, Ive always loved make up and hair. In the past 5 years I worked for an insurance agent on and off. One day i just decided I am tired of working a simple 9-5 not being able to grow, I was hungry for knowledge. Read more>>

Daveed Rodriguez | Rock Band

When we first started our band, our thought process was just to express ourselves by making great music and having fun jamming out with others. However, as time went on, and as people started takin interest in us and inviting us to play at venues, our mindset shifted one from entertainment, to a more professional mindset. Read more>>

Osiris Gutierrez | Mother and Event Enthusiast

Gshotz Photo Booth was an idea given to me by my best friend Mars after venting to her about how tired I was of working from home at an administrative job, while also taking care of my baby. I felt like I had no time to spend with him during the day and was feeling very burnt out. Read more>>

Deloris Akins | Director, Writer, Producer, Coach

I can remember when I was a young girl my brother and I would collect cans to make money. We would use the money to have small little parties and also make lemonade and snack stands. I also had garage sales out of the things that my grandfather didn’t use anymore. So for me, the business has always been there. Read more>>

Tamra Scott | Life coach, braid teacher and boutique owner.

I think everyone should start a business. There is so much freedom in running a business after you establish it. If you take the proper steps when starting your business, you’ll have free time to do other things in your life. My advice is to make sure that you have all legal documents for you business and to build business credit. Read more>>

Samantha Davis | Professional Organizer

I’d been working for other people for years. I was sick of the American corporate culture, glorifying overworking and busyness, being expected to sacrifice your life for a company that wouldn’t return the favor much less offer you the pay you deserve… And with my chronic pain, it was very difficult. I had to take a lot of time off, using up my PTO very quickly. Read more>>

Chanaé Jones | Mother, Pediatric Occupational therapist and doctoral candidate

My thought process behind starting My own business was that I knew I provided a specialty service and if I got enough information and background on it I could provide that service on my own coming from a family of entrepreneurs Read more>>