Starting a business is a commitment and requires dedication, resources and sacrifice. We asked some of the rising stars in our community how they thought through the idea of starting their own businesses.

Danay Slaughter

As someone driven by creativity, my mind thrives on exploration and innovation. I often find myself asking “what if,” pondering, “what about trying this instead?” and imagining, “maybe we could…” This unending stream of ideas makes it difficult for me to accept conventional rules, especially when they dictate actions simply because “that’s just how it’s always been.”
Before launching my brand, I spent time working in some gyms where rigid adherence to established protocols was the norm.  Read More>> 

Taylor Martin

I realized early on that I could trust myself to stay motivated and to take excellent care of my clients without needing someone to tell me what to do. Real estate felt like the perfect fit—not just because I enjoy the work, but because I thrive on the challenges it brings. I love building and maintaining relationships, negotiating on behalf of my clients, and marketing my brand in creative ways. While not having a boss is definitely a perk, I’ve learned that true success comes from treating myself as my own boss and holding myself accountable every day. Read More>> 

Jazmine Hall

Starting my own business came from a mix of passion, purpose, and vision. I wanted the freedom to create an environment where clients feel truly cared for, not just treated. My thought process was to build something that reflects my values—personalized care, education, and lasting results. I knew that by working for myself, I could choose the products, techniques, and services that align with my philosophy, while also creating a space that feels warm, welcoming, and results-driven. Read More>> 

Micah Beasley

I didn’t start brokebeat with the idea that I’d be starting a business. I started making music from a perspective of wanting a creative and technical outlet, where I could explore musical ideas with full control and complete freedom. That desire has led my output to be stylistically broad, which has had the unintended result of a pretty solid portfolio! Most of my professional work has come from people who were impressed with what I was doing for personal fulfillment, which is a fulfilling thing in its own right. That work has shifted my understanding of what brokebeat is and what it could be in the future, and has caused me to view myself and my work from more of a business standpoint Read More>> 

Kamille McCollum

When I started my first BODYBAR Pilates studio, I was wanting a business in the health and wellness space because exercising is one of my favorite things and Pilates is working on bettering people’s quality of life. I also wanted a place where I could build a community that was truly welcoming to all people. Many people need to be motivated to exercise and I believe community does this.  Read More>> 

Svitlana Vasylenko

Honestly, it started with motherhood. When I became a mom, my world shifted — but so did my creativity. I realized I wanted to build something that allowed me to be fully present for my kids and still have a voice, a purpose, and a creative outlet that was mine. I wanted to show my daughters that it’s possible to chase your dreams, even while chasing toddlers around the house! Read More>> 

Ruby Lopez

My passion for photography started at a very young age. I had an uncle who was constantly filming or photographing something, which sparked my interest for it. I started going to photo-booths constantly to take pictures with my cousin, I started filming or pretending to film concerts or shows we would put together at home. I also loved to take pictures on disposable or film cameras and polaroids, which are still some of my favorite ways to take pictures to this day!  Read More>>

Josh Bucio

I’ve always been that person who’s building something — I’ve started different businesses since I was young. In 2020, when COVID hit, my software company took a hit and I knew I had to pivot. I’d run a mowing business before, and with how fast Austin was growing, I saw this huge opportunity to create something bigger in outdoor design and construction. That’s when Urban Oasis came to life. For me, it’s about more than just projects, it’s about growing a team, making spaces people love, and having the kind of freedom you only get when you’re steering the ship yourself. Read More>>

John Graham

I moved to North Texas about 10 years ago and brought my 1965 Lincoln Continental with me as a project car. I am originally from Southern California and have always loved Mexican culture and their food. As my corporate career flourished, COVID-19 required me to work from home for nearly 2 years. I am naturally curious and had more free time to work on my project car without having to commute each day to and from work.  Read More>> 

Lacedrick Brantley

I was working fast food jobs, making $1,000 a month, doing everything right — showing up early, leading the team, going above and beyond — but I still felt stuck. I kept asking myself, “How am I putting in this much effort and still broke?”

That frustration pushed me to start looking for a better way. I didn’t want to clock in and out for the rest of my life. I wanted freedom. I wanted control. I wanted to be in a position where my effort actually matched my income. Read More>>