The first step to starting a business is deciding to start a business. They say the first step is the hardest and in our experience this is especially true when it comes to starting a business. Getting over the mental roadblocks can be tough, often harder to overcome than the challenges you’ll face once you actually start the business. Fellow entrepreneurs share their thoughts below.

Tyra Garcia | Functional Nutritionist, Classically Trained Chef

Starting my own functional nutrition business was a deeply personal decision rooted in my own health journey. I faced a debilitating health condition that traditional medicine struggled to address effectively. It was during this challenging period that I was introduced to the transformative power of functional nutrition. Experiencing firsthand the positive impact of a “food is medicine” approach, guided by a skilled Functional Nutritionist, inspired me to delve deeper into the field. The profound changes in my own health fueled a passion to share this knowledge with others who may be navigating similar challenges. The decision to start my own business in functional nutrition was not just a career choice; it was a calling born out of a desire to empower individuals to take control of their well-being through personalized, holistic approaches. Read more>>

Anna Parke | Owner

Trilogy is the brainchild of three sisters: Joi, an exceptional tattoo artist; Kiki, a seasoned piercer; and Anna, the entrepreneurial spirit and business manager. Our shared vision led us to establish our own tattoo shop, where we could leverage our individual strengths to foster a creative and safe work environment. Our goal is not only to create a space that resonates with our passions but also to provide a welcoming haven for women and members of the LGBTQ+ community in our local area. Read more>>

Aashi, Anvi, Ellen Oswal, Saxena, Li | Co Founders of Rallying for Refugees

Our journey with Rallying For Refugees, a 501(c) nonprofit, initially started out as.simple volunteering initiative the three of us, Aashi, Ellen, and Anvi took on with a refugee center as we tutored refugee kids for an after school program. However after volunteering at the refugee center we realized that there were many other issues that refugee families faced during resettlement, issues that many centers were struggling to solve all on their own. So we took it upon ourselves to spark initiative for change in our own community and bridge the gap between the community and the refugees in order to allow for harmonious integration for refugees in the DFW area by founding Rallying For Refugees. In just a short year, we have grown to new heights, expanding our outreach to financial, educational, and mental help for refugees. Read more>>

Alondra Mercado | Cookie Artist and Owner at Aly’s Sweet Spot

So, picture this: growing up I was hooked on those baking shows. It 100% was my guilty pleasure. And you know what? I’ve always loved baking, but never thought I had any real talent for it. Until one day, I decided to whip up some cookies for a baby shower I was helping out with. Now, I’m no pro, but I thought, why not give it a shot? Lo and behold, I discovered I had a knack for using a piping bag. Who knew, right? The cookies turned out pretty neat, and people at the baby shower were digging them. That’s when the lightbulb went off. Folks started saying I should sell these cookies. At first, I laughed it off, but then I noticed something. There was a serious demand for good cookies in the neighborhood. That got me thinking – maybe this could be more than just a side hustle. Read more>>

Lily Ha | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist & EMDR Certified

Starting my own business has been a goal of mine since I started graduate school. During my graduate program, I was able to train at a professor’s private practice, which really inspired me to pursue my dream of opening up my own practice. At that time, I also met several other clinicians operating successful practices, which gave me even more confidence that this is something I could do too. After I completed my graduate program and relocated back to Dallas, the dream of starting my business became more real, and I was willing to do everything I could to make my dream become a reality. A part of making my dream a reality I thought it was importance to have more experience. Specifically, I wanted t to gain more clinical experience and administrative experience so I wouldn’t be walking in blind as a business owner. Read more>>

Ruby Bhandari | Founder, Silk Threads Designer Collection

I wanted to bring the traditional Indian designs and embroideries to a western audience and create a fusion Indo-western range of high-end dresses. I am happy to share that 30 years later, our vision is still the same – now we also work with some of the most reputable Indian designers to showcase their creations. Read more>>

Eliger Clarity Coach EJ Crenshaw | Ceo of The Communicators College and of Elite Teams Training

YES and IMMEDIATELY…lol. I believe starting a business is actually more spiritual than most realize; when business is conducted correctly, it’s a genuine energy exchange and an equally beneficial situation for all involved, which is our purpose ❤️. Read more>>

Rachel Crosby | T Shirt Company Owner

My thought process in starting my business had a lot to do with my history. In 2016 I was in a horrific car accident that left me permanently disabled. I had broken over 20 bones in my body, and was blessed to be alive. Then I realized I could no longer do my previous jobs. My amazing Mother in Law gave me a vinyl cutter in August of 2021. I started by making shirts for my family of 5. Then my extended family saw my shirts and asked me to make them shirts. By Christmas I was so busy I realized that this was becoming an actual business. This is a business i can do with my feet elevated for 95% of the day. I was finally able to contribute to our family’s income. Read more>>

Steven Pizzini | Restaurant owner

I wanted to reincarnate the restaurant my father founded in 1958 names the Taco Hut. A Southside institution that was in business for 40 years! Read more>>

Cheslie Thompson | Master Licensed Educator

My thought process was definitely a roller coaster of thoughts flowing through my head on a daily basis. All I could think about is make something happen so I would be able to spend more time with my family. Starting a business involves careful consideration and planning. Some of my common thought processes behind starting my business includes, My Passion and Purpose. Many entrepreneurs begin their own businesses because they have a passion for a particular product, service, or industry. They want to turn their passion into a career and make a difference in that field. I also took Independence and Autonomy into consideration because Starting a business allows individuals to be their own boss, make their own decisions, and have control over their work. Read more>>