Entrepreneurs tell us about starting their businesses

Thinking through whether to start a business – whether to take the risk, whether to go out on your own – isn’t easy. So we asked some entrepreneurs we admire to tell us about how they thought through the process of starting a business.

Kelsie Key | Co-Founder

As filmmakers and creatives, we decided to start our own business after working together for several years. We met on the Hulu/Freeform series, Cruel Summer during the pandemic. Over time, we worked on many commercials and various productions together before I, Kelsie Key, took a job as the Creative Director for Dallas-based nonprofit, EarthX. During my time working there, I often hired Brey to help me edit promotional videos, graphic designs, create branding, and we collaborated of various campaigns. We realized we had incredible synergy and made some fantastic collateral together. Last fall, in 2023, my son had his first shot at being a starter for the Aledo Bearcats pee wee football team. We decided to capture some highlight reels and mid-way through the season we found ourselves creating a documentary together. This really catapulted our decision to take a risk and start our business. Our film, Bearcats: We’re Still Here, will be premiering at the Dallas International Film Festival on April 27th at the historic Texas Theatre in Dallas. Read more>>

Birgit Fink | Birgit Fink – Insurance Agency Owner

Independence: Running your own insurance agency provides you with a significant level of independence. You have the freedom to set your own hours, choose the types of insurance products you want to offer, and tailor your services to meet the needs of your clients. Operating my own agency enables me to develop meaningful relationships with my clients. By offering personalized service and building trust, myself & my wonderful staff can establish long-term connections that lead to repeat business and referrals. Read more>>

Dana Chantal | Creative Entrepreneur

My thought process behind starting my own business was driven by a passion for creativity and a desire to share my unique vision with the world. I wanted to carve out a space where I could express myself freely and bring my artistic ideas to life. Building my own business allowed me the freedom to pursue my creative endeavors while also making a meaningful impact on others through my work. Read more>>

Adriana Narvaez | Radiofrequency technician

My journey began at the Texas Laser Institute where I specialized in skin tightening, fat dissolving treatments as well as radiofrequency and infrared collagen building devices on the face and neck as an alternative to a surgical face lift. Thereafter, I continued to work for a New York based company in Las Colinas where I expanded my skills to a variety of cutting edge noninvasive aesthetic treatments for those individuals not looking to go under the knife for pricey cosmetic procedures. Along the way, I realized the market was short in these non-invasive procedures in the southern sector of the city where I reside specifically in Cedar Hill. I also recognized the need to introduce and educate men and women from all walks of life to the med spa world and more so my Spanish speaking clientele. Often times, prospective clients are turned away due to lack of knowledge in their own language or due to high treatment cost. During my long commute to and from the med spa I decided to take a leap of faith and open The Sculpting Room in Cedar Hill. This would be my way of giving back to the community by supporting other local businesses through women empowerment events as well as providing services I whole heartedly believed in at an affordable price and in a more personalized, welcoming environment. Read more>>

Mandi Kudrna | Dough-Nation President

The concept for Dough-Nation Non-Profit bakery started with a desire to be creative in the kitchen but with no real outlet. Many people like myself enjoy baking in their free time but do not have an excuse to do so. The idea of finding a GOOD reason to bake began to grow when I reached out to a few family members and close friends and asked them if they would be interested in baking for fun and selling the goods to raise money for local charities. The response I received was overwhelming and almost overnight a small group gathered to brainstorm and create what is now Dough-Nation. Read more>>

Lucie the Light Malette | Prosper with Purpose Coach, Facilitator and Speaker

When I found my own true purpose, their was no doubt in my mind that I needed to start my own business. I followed my calling to inspire and guide women to embody their self-worth and believe in their valuable contributions. When we discover our mission on earth we cannot unlearn it. My life depends on it, not following my purpose is not an option. I was guided from the start, I even intuitively received the names of my professional page and my group. It was very inspiring to be a co-creator with the Universe and realizing that I was not alone anymore. It came clear to me that I was an instrument, a tool that the Universe was using to convey it’s message through me. Read more>>

Monica Wallis | Copywriter + Founder of Copy That

My business is Copy That, full-service copywriting and content writing for brands in food + beverage, destination, retail/clothing, beauty/skincare, weddings and health/wellness. It was born in October of 2022. I primarily work with female-owned and -operated brands. Read more>>

Latiqua Love | Licensed Beautician

I knew I wanted a career and fulfillment. I wanted to do what I love and be of service to others at the same time. Read more>>

Taevia Norris | Owner of Books and Brown Sugar Co

I have always been an avid reader. My love of black literature coupled with the need of representation was the foundation to the creation of Books and Brown Sugar Co. I joined bookstagram, a community of people sharing their love for reading via social media, there I found so many others like myself. I wanted to wear merchandise to show off my love for reading and the authors I enjoyed reading. When I looked for products that represented me, my culture, and our stories I didn’t see much out there. I did not see “bookish” products that I could wear in my community that resembled our stories. I remember seeing a quote by Toni Morrison that said “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” It really resonated with me. I believe that principle can be applied to anything. I felt like I could not find anything that represented my culture and my history, so I decided to create my own. I started to research how to create products, I took a class, and learned through trial and error. Shortly after the business was birthed all from a void in the community. It is one of the best things I have ever done. Read more>>

AJ Sarcione | Visionary Internal Branding Leader

Following the success my team had with reigniting our culture at Yahoo during a challenging transformation, and Verizon’s commitment to this work by having me support the integration with AOL globally, I wanted to take an opportunity to refine my philosophy and process, and support other leaders, teams and companies on developing positive work environments with strong internal brands, efficient internal communication and greater employee engagement. Read more>>

Katie Chavez | Life Coach for Post-Abortive Women

When I saw women struggling mentally and emotionally after having abortions, I saw the reason why and knew I could help. I had been a life coach giving general coaching services to clients since March of 2017. But after becoming certified with The Life Coach School in January of 2023 I knew I wanted to specialize in a niche that was near and dear to my own heart, as I too had an abortion in my younger years. Read more>>