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.

Jennifer Newbold

I was brought to a crossroads in my career as a chef, and I came to the realization that if I was going to continue down the same path, it was going to be on my terms Read More>>

Ali Haji

I came to yoga during a difficult chapter in my life — working in film and TV in New York City, struggling with depression as I reckoned with having chosen the wrong career path, and searching for something that would help me feel connected again. What began as a personal coping tool became a much deeper path once I decided to go back to school and get my masters degree in clinical mental health counseling. Read More>>

Uchenna Njoku

The best thought process I can think of in starting my own business is a balance of identifying a real need for me, aligning it with my passion and skills, and basically creating a solution that delivers value. I will focus on analyzing market gaps, assessing the risks, and definitely developing a sustainable model that will work for me, while staying committed to innovation, resilience, and long-term growth. Read More>>

Amy Washington

My thought process behind starting our own baking business stemmed from my family’s shared passion for baking, which has always been a way to bring us together. Growing up, my sister and I cherished our family recipes and loved creating different cakes together. During the Covid pandemic, what started as a hobby began to evolve into something more meaningful. We saw an opportunity to spread joy and help others celebrate special moments through our baked goods and treats. To enhance our skills, we took decorative classes and invested in our business, allowing us to share our love for baking while creating delightful experiences for our customers. Read More>>

Krystal Jackson

The Vision Behind DJ Kodak Entertainment
The inspiration behind starting DJ Kodak Entertainment came from a desire to create unforgettable experiences through the power of music and live entertainment. From the beginning, my goal has been to offer a professional and reliable service that caters to audiences of all ages and event types, from birthdays and weddings to corporate events and community gatherings. Read More>>

Michael Rouyre

For years I managed restaurants, working long nights, missing out on vacations, and constantly being called in on my time off. I reached a point where I knew that lifestyle wasn’t sustainable—I wanted more freedom and control over my life. Read More>>

Bryan Hungria

I’ve been performing as a DJ since I was 15, and music has always been my heartbeat. Growing up in New York City, I looked up to legendary DJs like Alex Sensation, Funkmaster Flex, and DJ Camilo. They showed me how powerful music can be when it’s played with passion and skill. Read More>>

Ylonda Johnson

Oshyn Holistics was born from my own journey with autoimmune challenges—transforming natural ingredients into sympathetic blends that soothe, nurture, and heal. I wanted to create more than skincare; I wanted to bottle courage, self-love, and healing. What began as natural remedies to manage my own struggles blossomed into golden goddess products that empower and remind everyone that self-love is the greatest luxury. Read More>>

Ann Skaehill

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit and have run a couple of small businesses over the years. When our son was born, we were weighing the high cost of childcare against the idea of one of us staying home, and that’s when I started a custom scrapbooking business in 2002. It was such a joy to help families preserve their memories, and I still keep in touch with a few of those customers today. Read More>>

LaRihanna Brown

Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey isn’t just about having a great idea; it’s about recognizing a problem and having the audacity to solve it. The thought process behind starting a business begins with identifying a gap in the market, a pain point that needs addressing. It’s about asking yourself, ‘What can I offer that doesn’t exist yet?’ or ‘How can I improve upon existing solutions?’ This initial spark of inspiration is followed by rigorous market research, validating the concept, and assessing its viability.  Read More>>

Rana Cho

We wanted to provide a place for an elevated, modern Pilates experience that also incorporates wellness. Pilates has been taught as a mind, body, spirit connection but there are few places that help educate the clients about their health as a whole. We wanted to address that gap. Read More>>

VALERY

Starting The Roll & Berry Co. was truly a leap of faith. God placed this dream in my heart, and I’ve trusted Him every step of the way. My thought process was rooted in both passion and purpose—I wanted to create something that combined my love for baking with my desire to build community. Through vendor markets, pop-ups, and catering, I saw how much joy people found in our handcrafted desserts, and that inspired me to take the next step. With God on my side, I had the courage to turn this vision into reality, knowing that this business is about more than just desserts—it’s about creating joy, connection, and a sense of belonging. Read More>>

Taylor Casino

My thought process behind starting The Bronzed Boutique came from a rather meaningful place. I used to be someone who loved tanning beds and baking in the sun without sunscreen not fully realizing how much damage that was doing to my skin. Then in 2022, my dad was diagnosed with skin cancer, and that completely shifted my perspective. I knew I wanted to create a healthier way for people to get that same confident, bronzed glow—without the risks. Starting my own business gave me the chance to offer something safe, customized, and uplifting, while also helping others feel beautiful in their own skin. Read More>>

Nichole Jackson

Honestly, the thought process behind starting our counseling group really started with my mom, Anita Henrichson. She had been a counselor in Oklahoma for years, and when she moved to Texas in 2011, she wanted to build something here in Rockwall that could grow into more than just her private practice. Her heart was to create a place that she could one day pass down to her kids. Read More>>