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.

Vanessa Rodriguez | Owner and Dog Baker

I’ve always loved animals, grooming and overall holistic health care of all animals. I am also proud of being a Mexican American and sharing my Mexican culture with everyone, so I thought why not form these two loves into a business? Paw’naderia & Shop is dog bakery and shop inspired by the colorful traditions of Mexican culture.My dog treats are authentic Mexican pastries and desserts that are 100% dog safe. Read more>>

Tori Butcher | Christian Integrative Nutrition Health Coach

Well, I started researching holistic health and nutrition information after having experienced being an intermittent caregiver for my husband. Through the medical care he received, he was never fully healed from chronic issues. I knew there was more to it that could help support him. We were blessed to be led to some functional nutrition practitioners near us that were able to identify triggers conventional medicine could not. Read more>>

Dylan & Maranda | Houston Food Bloggers

Ever since we started dating 3 years ago, we always loved trying new types of food/restaurants on date night. Both of us love all types of different food, and we enjoy experiencing food from all types of cultures. Maranda always loved taking photos of the food we ate, and one day we decided to make use of those pictures she took and share them with other people. We then decided to create our own Instagram account @eatwithushouston with the sole purpose to share with others the amazing food we try around the greater Houston area. Read more>>

Anna Gryglewska | Founder & CEO of The Elevated Collective

Ever since I could remember, I was always planning parties, get-togethers, vacations, dinners – you name it. I absolutely loved the concept of researching and organizing a special moment for my friends and family. Fast forward to college where I studied Business with a focus on sports management & hospitality. Throughout college, I interned for my school’s athletics marketing internship, where I managed multiple ticketed sporting events and got my first official experience of the event planning world! I was hooked! Read more>>

Andromeda Williams | Holistic Health & Wellness Professional

It’s strange to reflect on my life and the many paths I’ve taken to get to where I am now. I’ve always had a nagging interest in the healthcare field. It started in high school when I took a pharmacy technician course, then completed a nursing aide course after high school. Life took another turn for me, so nothing ever came to fruition after those courses. Read more>>

Jonathan Grimes | High Ticket Closer

I was already operating an Ebay reseller business before opening my newest business selling my hight ticket closing service. I got hired working for Sony in their call center for a year and quickly moved up the ranks to train all new recruits on the art of sales, upselling, and customer service. An opportunity to work for a growing small business presented itself and they became my first paying client by taking over their hight ticket calls. Read more>>

Diamond Gordon | CEO of Irie Tov! Juice

My thought process behind starting Irie Tov! Juice was creating a juice bar that assists in making healthy life choices affordable. In 2020, at the brink of COVID-19, I found myself making cold pressed juices and milks more often. I saw and felt the immediate response in my body once I removed artificial drinks. I began to think about how there are so many people trying to kick start or even enhance their health journeys, and how conducive cold-pressed juices and milks would be. Read more>>

Shelby Marie Blocker | Interior Design, Wedding Coordinator, and Event Stylist

I started my business in the midst of the pandemic- I had been looking for a way to make additional revenue aside from the salary job I had prior to the pandemic anyhow, and when they were no longer able to support me I figured the best person to look out for my back was myself. I also found it really appealing to be in a position where I could employ other artisans who I knew were on hard times, create a collaborative environment, and have more control over my schedule. Read more>>

Micka and Mo | Pole Dance Fitness Instructors and Owners

Mo-I always thought about becoming a business owner, but I had no idea in what capacity. As I became successful in my healthcare career, I realized that I wanted to try something outside of healthcare. I challenged myself by getting a master of business administration degree to give myself the knowledge needed to be successful at starting my own business. Pole dancing has been a part of my fitness regimen since 2012 and it eventually evolved into a passion. Read more>>

Adetiloye Oluwatosin Jekami | Creative Director, Content Creator, & Project Manager.

It started out of rebelliousness. In Nigeria you are expected to get a job under an employer of labor after National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). But I wanted to explore my talents and do more than wake up every morning and go to work as an employee. I wanted to be able to make money and enjoy my independence which includes working at my own time and deciding my own income. That pushed me to start mine. Read more>>

Sam Martinez | Prop Artist/Designer

We started out on a small scale replicating small props every now and then. The first prop we ever made was a ditto machine (a very early copy machine), that we made out of a toaster oven. After that, we picked up a few odd projects here and there. Eventually, we realized we were onto something, since most of our props were foam replicas of antiques that were hard to find and even more expensive to buy, and we kicked off our business officially in late 2019. Read more>>

Jennifer Ligon-Gaston Dorothy Cooper | Jennifer Ligon-Gaston, MSN, APRN, FNP-C; Dorothy Cooper, MSN, CRNA

Dorothy Cooper and Jennifer Ligon-Gaston have been friends and colleagues for over 14 years. While they are both advanced practice nurses they chose different career paths; Jennifer a Family Nurse Practitioner and Dorothy a Certified Nurse Anesthetist. The experience and knowledge they gained from their careers provided the opportunity to start their business, Genesis Aesthetics and Wellness. Read more>>

Briana Barrientos | Small Business Owner

Hi! I’m Bri, the owner, and creator of Crystal Wood Shop. The thought process and reasoning as to why I started my small business were never planned. It just happened! Through manifestation, I was able to determine the path I should take to pursue my own life’s purpose. The birth of my small business began to blossom as I discovered my own aspiration to help others and to create a positive space for all, to heal, educate, and aid in their own spiritual journeys. Read more>>

Michael Leonard | Entrepreneur

My thought process behind our business was to bring something unique and inclusive for all ages to bond over. Most of the times there’s a split age difference at parties/events but through my games I hope that all generations can connect together. Read more>>

Sophia Meghani | Nail Tech, Instructor, & Nail Supplier

I have always been business minded. From a lemonade stand when I was in elementary, to selling baked goods, to an Etsy shop, and to now having my own successful running business in the beauty industry while still being in Highschool. My dad has taught me a lot about the ins and outs of running a business. I also chose to start my own business because I have always loved being independent. And once I found what I loved, I did what I needed to expand. Read more>>

Kaycie Marks | co-founder

Growing up I was never able to find anything personalized due to the unique spelling of my name, so I started learning how to make things myself as a hobby. My friends started wanting to buy things from me, so I thought why not make a few extra things to sell and try to at least offset what I was spending in supplies. Read more>> 

Richard “Joe” Holmes | Managing member.

I’ve been in the hospitality industry since I turned 18, I’ve accumulated 31 years of experience. Throughout those 31 years, I’ve had the privilege to work for some of the most prolific operators in the country. While working for these great operators, I took it upon myself to learn as much as I could from them. I finally achieved a financial position that could launch my own venue. It only made sense to implement what I’ve learned to try to obtain financial freedom with my own business. Read more>>