Thinking through whether to start a business – whether to take the risk, whether to go out on your own – isn’t easy. So we asked some entrepreneurs we admire to tell us about how they thought through the process of starting a business.

Colton Purscell | Performance Chiropractor

When it came time to start my business, I wanted to find a way to help the patients and the community in way that was bigger than me or making
money. I chose the name “Patriot” not only because I love our country but I
wanted to serve a higher purpose. The goal of Patriot is to eventually offer
veterans and active duty the best care on the market but have practice
members cover their bill. Read more>>

Whitney Daniels | Owner, Gather + Gab

I started Gather + Gab out of a desire to see women have a fun avenue to cultivate their closest relationships: romantic, friendship and parenting. I have always been a lover of hosting and throwing parties but, like everyone else, covid lockdowns forced me to rethink the many ways gatherings can look. For me, the ambiance of the table setting, good food and great conversation are keys to a memorable time. With those elements at the forefront of my mind, I set out to create Gather + Gab, a luxury and pop-up picnic business. Read more>>

Jessica Johnson, OTR/L, CIMI | Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Certified Infant Massage Instructor

I have been a pediatric occupational therapist for a decade now. My career has allowed me to experience multiple avenues of reaching families, mostly through larger, hospital-based systems. Since the pandemic, the demand for pediatric therapy has grown and unfortunately, so have the waitlists and insurance limitations to access therapy. Imagine being a parent who needs help for your child who is struggling developmentally or is having difficulty eating. You needed support yesterday but are sometimes met with a 6 month wait list or insurance visit limitations when you try to access support. Read more>>

Tami Smith | CEO and President of Eye Paparazzi, LLC

I started the company because I wanted additional income and I honestly feel it’s necessary to have! But my ultimate reason is because I simply have a passion for glasses! I’ve had this passion as a very young woman! I truly feel glasses/sunglasses help you feel empowered, confident and they make any outfit pop! So my thoughts process was why should I buy glasses from someone else when I have have my own! So Feb 2019 I started my own business! Read more>>

Lauri Schoonover | Face and Body Painting Artist, & Agent

I had a special needs son in the autistic spectrum and was looking for something I could do in order to have more time to help him, as well as having more time in general for my children. Read more>>

William Hennessey | Law Firm and Donut Shop Owner

I started my first business in 2006 juts a few years after graduating law school. I have worked for myself since. I was more led to entrepreneurship than consciously deciding on that path. I don’t recall ever sitting down and pondering. An opportunity arose and i went forward with it. Read more>>

Tamara Washington | Nurse Practitioner Entrepreneur

The thought process behind starting my own business was that I wanted to serve my community. I wanted to be a provider that provided great care, that looked like, and was someone that my patients could relate to. Its more than just being your own boss. I wanted to serve at a higher capacity. Read more>>

Karen Ray | Insurance Agency Owner

When I opened my business, I was retiring from a career I had held for 25 years, public education. Throughout that time, I always answered to someone above me and followed the plans and dreams they or the state had. I had been in a leadership position most of the time in that career; however, I was still not the ultimate decision maker. I had to do things I didn’t agree with sometimes, had to get approval for a day off, and then felt guilty when I took that time away. As I neared retirement, I knew I needed to find something else to keep me busy, I was too young to fully retire! Read more>>

Rajalakshmi Sridar | Self taught home baker

I started because my family don’t eat egg cakes so thought to give it a try for baking soon I started baking for my family occasions like birthday this became passion to start my baking business Read more>>

Layla Grace | On behalf of the owner of GK by Layla Grace

My daughter, Layla Grace asked to start her own lip gloss line at 6 years of age. Surprisingly, she was serious about it. She told me that she wanted to be able to pick out her own colors, design her labels and make sure that kids and mommies would be able to wear her lip gloss. As a mom, that was a proud moment for me and saying no was not an option. Read more>>

Latoya Foster | Instructor at Dallas College and Blessed Hands Phlebotomy..Nationally Certified XRay Technician, EKG Technician, Phlebotomy Technician

At blessed Hands Healthcare we are wanting to provide total healthcare. We are a mobile service provider. We come to you in the comfort of your home or office to assist you with your Laboratory needs. We have a patient service center where patients can come into our office for Laboratory needs. We offer CPR and first aid training in our facility or Mobile services. Read more>>

Allison Evans | Co-founder of Branch Basics

Branch Basics is so much more than just a best-selling soap brand. For me, the journey to creating a massively successful wellness business started with a health scare. While a senior in college, my PCOS diagnosis turned into debilitating pain and total body breakdown. After seeing dozens of doctors, I turned to my Aunt Marilee – an environmental consultant who has spent the last 30 years researching how everyday chemicals impact our air quality and physical health. Read more>>

Dr. Sue Ojageer | Clinical Pharmacist, Concierge Healthcare Practitioner, Precision Medicine Specialist

Throughout my years of working with the majority of it being a community pharmacist, I’ve noticed a change in my profession, especially in the retail setting. I chose to become a pharmacist because I wanted to be the most accessible healthcare professional for my patients. But many brick-and-mortar locations are scaling back in terms of attainable patient focused outcomes. Patients are still looking for a genuine patient -practitioner relationship with their pharmacist. They want that dedicated time to review their medications, and they’re very appreciative of my passion in up-keeping this mentality. Read more>>

Mike Jones | Co-Founder and Executive Director

My thought behind starting Lighthouse Recovery was that I had worked for other people in the field for years – and every day – I was thinking about how it could be done better. I believed love, patience, and tolerance could coexist with accountability and support. I felt that I didn’t have an option – that if I wanted to share my treatment philosophy with others – the only way to do it was to start my own business. Read more>>

Chelsea & Danielle Posey & Slaten | Evolving Aesthetics Vintage

Our thought process behind starting our own business was to be able to get our feet in the sustainable fashion industry. We both have always had a love for all things vintage. We also are both passionate about saving our planet from over consuming fast fashion. Together the idea formed to create Evolving Aesthetics where sustainability meets vintage meets affordability! Read more>>

Jamie Easton O’Neal | Founder of The Mom Walk Collective

As a new mom, coming home from the hospital, I felt so alone and a little crazy. I was dying for my husband to relate to me, but it was clear that he will never understand what it’s like to be a mother. Why, because he’s a father and I’ll never understand him in that way. so instead of not doing anything about my sorrow, I decided to be the solution. With my background in social media, i created a TikTok inviting any local moms to grab a coffee and go for a walk. Read more>>

Dr. LaToya Thomas | Non-profit Founder | Author | Healthcare Executive

I have always been driven by being my own boss, because I have always had an entrepreneurship mindset. Even at a young age, I wanted to own a car wash! I can remember I was about 12 years of age and that’s the answer I would always give when people would ask me what I wanted to do when I grew up. I’m sure you’re probably wondering, “Why a carwash?” And the answer is…I have no clue! Lol! At a young age, I prioritized value by the smaller. Read more>>

Dwayne Kidd | Chef Dj & Scholarship Fund Owner

It was very easy because I always cook for everyone from 17 years old. So I already had clients 😆. But I took my time and got everything I need little by little I work doing home help care at the same time I was starting my business. I learn alot through my grandmother she was always my rock. So she told me how to do things she help me open my 1st business a janitorial company she did the bill and ect. So I was bless to have her. Read more>>