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.

Paige McPherson | Disney Travel Planner

I have always had a love for Disney! From going to Walt Disney World and Disneyland as a child, to going back as an adult, it has always held a special place in my heart. There is no magic like Disney magic! I tend to be a planner by nature, and after using my own resources to plan my trips, I thought what a great adventure it would be to be trained and help others plan and experience the happiest places on earth! I found M&M Magical Adventures and jumped into getting started in planning Disney Vacations! Read more>>

Rodrick James | The Coffeeman, Mr. Metroplex

I was Executive Chef in some of the largest casinos throughout the United States. After over 28 years of being an Executive Chef, making over $120,000 a year, in 2016 I woke up one morning and decided I did not want to do that anymore. And thus began the start of establishing myself as “The Coffeeman”. Read more>>

Macole Moody | Licensed Esthetician & Certified Yoga Instructor

My thought process behind starting my own business came from the first week of esthetician school. Our very first exercise at school was to write a letter to ourselves stating what we wanted to accomplish from from the esthetician program. I wrote down 3 goals, the first one was to become a traveling esthetician which I did, and the second one was to open my own spa. . The third goal is still on the horizon, but I’m currently living out my dream because I truly believed that skincare was my path to the life I truly wanted to live. Read more>>

Sam Swenson and Taylor Nash | Videographers and Photographers

Prior to the pandemic, Sam and I were both stage performers. So, when the world shut down we decided we needed to find a different way to be artistically creative. This is when Sam picked up a camera and hasn’t put it down since. We fell in love with a new artistic medium and decided this would be an amazing way to put the work into our own hands. Along with that, we agreed that this business could also give back to the Dallas theater scene, who was being forced to navigate live theater through video. Read more>>

Jennifer Sands | Filmmaker

When I started Gayborhood Dallas, I was tired of the rat race of Corporate America. After getting fired from my last job, I decided to write a Web Series about the experience. I came to the conclusion that if I’m going to get fired, it’s going to be me firing myself. My mindset is simple. My business will not succeed if I don’t work hard enough and grow as a business woman. I’m finally at a point to where I’m confident in my storytelling and confident in making better decisions for the business. I’m eager to see what the future holds. Read more>>

Jaime Seigle | Editor/Founder of Lone Sound

My passion lies in the arts—particularly in live music but also writing and other visual media. As an avid magazine reader and as a member of the creative community in DFW, I wanted to highlight the infinite well of talent in Texas and demonstrate its influence on mainstream culture. *English/spanish Read more>>

Ms. PD Poetic Designs | Entreprenuer, Creator, Designer & Author

My business Poetic Designs started over 20 years as hobby. I found I had a knack for creating unique gifts that family and friends wanted me to create for the special occasions. As years passed my passion to create grew stronger so after working my job of 16 years I decided it was time to make the jump and give it my full attention. Read more>>

Dr. Danyell Russell | Doctor of Physical Therapy & Owner of Strong Foundation Physical Therapy

For me, opening my own practice started because I wanted to be able to provide the best quality of care for my clients and patients. I came from a career in insurance-based physical therapy where seeing as many patients as possible took priority over the quality of care that we were providing and where insurance dictates what a plan of care looks like. By opening my own self pay practice, it allows me to give the highest level of care and not be limited by what insurance companies determine is “medically necessary.” You and I determine what your care looks like, not a third-party who knows nothing about you. Read more>>

Felicia Jones | Leadership Coach

The thought process of me starting my business came while I was working for company that was very toxic. I saw how difficult it was for women in an environment of dominating men to use their voices in Corporate America. I wanted to help those women that were smart, empowering yet afraid to speak up for themselves or on company issues that needed to be resolved. Read more>>

Justin Galicz | Co-Owner of The Little Gay Shop

We started The Little Gay Shop as a way to uplift, promote, and center queer artists and makers. Too often, queer people are unfairly compensated or overlooked for jobs, so The Little Gay Shop serves as a one-stop shop to amplify the work of the entire LGBTQIAP+ community. Read more>>

Alyshia Brown | Balloon Stylist

Starting Balloon Babes actually happened accidentally on purpose I would say. Between playing with a diy balloon kit, and the pandemic becoming our new normal-my new found love emerged. So when I say accidentally on purpose that is what I mean. Balloon Babes Events was started to help families have beautiful parties even in the midst of covid. Event venues were shut down, and that’s when the creativity and magic started to unfold. Read more>>