Readers often email us asking us for advice about new businesses they are thinking about starting and we often find that many of them don’t have a framework for thinking about a more fundamental question: why should or shouldn’t you start a business?

Below, you’ll find how successful entrepreneurs from across the city thought about this very question when they were considering whether to start their businesses.

Ashley Nicole Stone

My journey into entrepreneurship wasn’t necessarily a straight path—it was a mix of divine direction, life experiences, and a little bit of stubbornness. I’ve always been someone who sees opportunities where others see obstacles, and I knew early on that I wasn’t built for the traditional 9-to-5 life.

I started my first business out of necessity—I needed flexibility, financial freedom, and the ability to create something meaningful. But over time, I realized that my businesses weren’t just about making money; they were about making an impact. Whether it was in the beauty industry, media, or brand consulting, I found myself drawn to helping women build something of their own, whether that was confidence, a business, or a new season of life. Read More>>

Heather Hall

Photography has always been my passion. In high school, I dreamed of turning that love into a career. However, life led me down a different path—I majored in architecture in college and worked in the field for several years. But after becoming a mother, I realized I wanted to spend more time with my children. I decided to stay home and rediscovered my love for photography by capturing everyday moments with my kids. Read More>>

Emma Anderson

Eating healthy and living toxin-free is extremely important to me. After being diagnosed with Celiac Disease, an autoimmune disease activated by gluten, 7 years ago, I discovered just how hard it is trying to find delicious, tummy-safe restaurants and experiences. After years of focusing on what I can’t eat, I decided to create an Instagram account filled with celiac-safe foods and experiences! Thus Oh.Em.GlutenFree was born! Read More>>

Molly Polus

Starting my own business wasn’t something I planned—it happened organically, almost by accident. At the time, I was working full-time at Apple and attending the University of North Texas, where I studied psychology and sociology. Photography started as a creative outlet in 2019, something I picked up because I wanted to try something new and express myself in a different way. I didn’t have any grand ambitions for it; it was simply a way to explore the world and capture moments that felt meaningful to me. I taught myself photography by watching YouTube tutorials, experimenting with my camera, and learning through trial and error. I’d wander the streets of Dallas with my camera and headphones, finding beauty in the ordinary and slowly developing my own style. At the start, street photography became my way of seeing the world differently, of noticing the small, quiet moments that often go unnoticed. Read More>>

Blake Ainsworth

I was motivated to start my own business because I liked the idea of being my own boss, having unlimited potential, and being able to create a positive environment to work in. Read More>>

Fernanda Vega

Starting my own photography business in 2017 was both exciting and terrifying. I had already been working in photography for years, but taking the leap to build something from nothing came with a lot of risks and uncertainty. What kept me going was my passion for capturing meaningful moments and the drive to keep creating.

Running a photography business is a constant learning experience, you have to evolve, adapt, and reinvent yourself over and over again. The industry changes, trends shift, and clients’ needs vary, so staying creative and persistent is key. Even after all these years, I’m still growing, improving, and finding new ways to connect with people through my work. Read More>>