Decision Makers Series: to start or to not to start

Deciding to start a business is an unusual decision. It’s often considered irrational and yet for many it’s the best decision they’ve ever made. So we asked folks to think back to when they were starting their businesses and to tell us about their decision making process.

Claudia Revilla | Christmas Tree Decorator

“My inspiration for starting my own business came from my love for Christmas, something that has been very special to me since I was a child. Growing up in Mexico, my family and I would always decorate our home with care; it was a tradition that brought everyone together, and every detail was filled with love and joy. Read more>>

Jarrell Ford | Artist

At first I didn’t know how to begin so I started doing research to start the process of doing it the right way. I was hoping that when I started it, it would be successful. Read more>>

Keliko Gonsalves | Window tinter

My thought process behind starting a business was pretty simple. It all starts with what are your goals? Once I’ve figured out what my goals were my next obstacle was what can I do to achieve them? Creating a business plan with lists of things I enjoy and things I’m good at while figuring out what can I do to create a business out of it was my final step before committing and starting my new journey! Read more>>

Sonali Sikdar | Realtor | Dallas, Texas

It was to help people. I used to help people with different queries and requirements. I used to connect people with different vendors. I couldn’t stop my self from helping others. I realized that there that this could a perfect profession where I help people with biggest investment of their lives. Read more>>

Jayne Angelo | Fashion Designer, Stylist & Owner of BY•JA ATELIER

Starting BY•JA ATELIER was driven by a blend of passion, purpose, and a vision for a better future in fashion. My thought process centered on creating a brand that reflects who I am as a creative and as an individual who cares deeply about sustainability, self-expression, and innovation. Read more>>

Alyssa Flores | Licensed Massage Therapist, Ashiatsu DeepFeet Bar Therapy® Certified Instructor of Texas

Starting my business, ashidojo Barefoot Massage Studio, was the culmination of my years of dedication to holistic healing and barefoot massage. My journey began just under two decades ago, motivated by a deep passion for the transformative potential of barefoot bodywork. I envisioned a space where clients could experience profound relief and therapists could thrive in a supportive, ego-free environment. Read more>>

Sapna Rad | Parenting Success Coach

I started my business as a conscious parenting coach after realizing the challenges I faced in connecting with my own child. My experience led me to dive deep into conscious parenting principles and NLP techniques, which transformed how I approached parenting. Over the years, I’ve grown my practice, helping hundreds of parents shift from stress and control to connection and understanding. One obstacle I faced early on was balancing my cultural upbringing with modern parenting approaches. By integrating both, I’ve developed strategies that resonate with a diverse range of families. Read more>>

Rodney Lyles | Executive Director

The thought process behind starting Feeding Kids by Faith Inc. is rooted in a deep-seated desire to address a glaring need in our community – to provide more than just sustenance for the bodies of our children, but positive nourishment for their spirits as well. We believe that a hot meal has the power to open hearts and ears, creating a space where meaningful connections and guidance can flourish. In my previous work with youth, I saw firsthand the limitations of relying solely on pre-packaged meals. While these filled immediate physical needs, they lacked the warmth and care that comes with a home-cooked meal shared in community. Read more>>