We reached out to some of our favorite entrepreneurs and asked them to think back and tell us about how they decided to start a business. Check out their responses below.

Kalvin Hot Sauce” Henderson | Professional Boxer and Fitness/ Personal Trainer”

I knew that being a Professional Boxer isn’t just about fighting and collecting checks. I knew that I had to start a business that I could highlight different sponsorships and am avenue to display different workout attire, workout equipment, supplements, recovery products that a professional uses daily to be at peak performance. Thus, Team Sauce, LLC was created. Read more>>

Pedro Rocha | CEO // Found of Caramel Productions

Caramel Productions started when I first noticed the lack of diversity I was seeing in the film scene in the DFW. The thought process was to build a business and a brand centered on the representation of minorities and LGBTQ+ in film, commercial and media overall. Read more>>

Art Ortiz | Photographer

I think like most photographers, starting my own business grew organically. My hobby grew as an obsession. Every part of the photography process was and is something that I can’t get enough of. I genuinely enjoy the process, from developing a concept and idea, taking the shots and spending countless hours in the editing process. Read more>>

Madiha Khan | Wedding designer

I have always been very creative in designing small events and interior decor. I did my bachelors in Secondary education but never wanted to persue this carrier seriously. I knew I wanted to do something more fun creative that makes me happy. Eleven years ago I did my daughter’s first birthday and realized that my mind is full of creativity. Read more>>

Jessie Craig | Wedding Planner

I was working a corporate job that wasn’t fun or something I necessarily enjoyed doing. After planning my own wedding and helping friends and family plan theirs, I realized I had a knack for wedding planning, and more importantly, I LOVED it. I did this for a while as a hobby/side hustle and finally decided to jump in with both feet instead to do it full time. Read more>>

Ankana Haldar | Artist-Abstract Contemporary Art, Indian Art

My passion for art has grown as a strong part of my identity in the last decade. I always wanted to connect people through my creativity. Starting my own business was the only key to open the door where I could connect the world by exhibiting and selling my art. Read more>>

Raul Garcia | Founder & Owner

At the beginning, it was very much the usual mindset that you hear through most mediums. – Work like someone else is trying to take it from you – Do everything that it takes to “succeed” – ETC… Read more>> 

George Davis | Business Owner and Entrepreneurial Investor

Independence. And utilizing an existing platform that I previously created to help others get to their inspired levels. Taking select networks and combining them through meaningful interactions and long positive partnerships. Read more>>

Bridget Santos | Licensed Interior Designer & Owner of Emerson James Studio

It’s important for my design studio to have a personal touch throughout, and I wanted to make sure our clients know who is providing them with their interior design services. I am a career driven mother of two, Emerson and James, happily married to my incredible husband, Dalton. Read more>>

Aniya Clark | Realtor

I knew this was something I always wanted to do for some years. I knew it would be way different than a 9 to 5 job. There wasn’t going to be anyone to tell me what to do and when to do it.. So I had to realize all the ins and outs of basically being my own boss and running my own business even though I’m under a broker. Read more>>

Jon Rhiddlehoover | Lead Community Pastor at Central Bible Church and Director of the Central Storehouse food pantry

In 2020, during the pandemic, the government created a program to distribute food boxes to families in need using local business, organizations, and churches as hubs for distribution. Central Bible Church in Fort Worth, where I currently serve as one of the pastors, agreed to be a hub. Read more>>

NewBrese Dance Project | Physical Dance Theatre Company

NewBrese Dance Project was born out of this love we (co-directors Rachel Calabrese & Sawyer Newsome) both have for physical dance movement and collaboration. We graduated in 2020 during the pandemic where there wasn’t much happening in the dance scene. We were so excited to get out there and found ourselves needing to fulfill that artistic craving we had. Read more>>

Jameka Johnson | Lead Realtor

The thought process behind starting Griffin Locations was to positively impact families with the resources my husband Douglas and I created. We established the real estate business in 2016 with a vision to give back in a way that can be multiplied through time. The education we provide to our clients have been carefully structured for their success towards home ownership and/or real estate investments. Read more>>

Tralysia Dixon | Lash Artist / Influencer

My thought process behind starting my own business wasn’t what I picture it would be . As a first timer business owner I step out on faith I knew what I wanted and what lifestyle I wanted it . I knew if I wanted a change in my life that faith and dedication would have to be taken in place . Read more>>

Kaili Rose | Founder & Creative Director

I am a filmmaker, photographer and music industry photojournalist, and I am also the owner and founder of Kairo Media Creative Agency (www.Kairo.Media). I built my agency to support small businesses, Creatives, musicians and entrepreneurs as they launch, Read more>>

Alex Hamel | President at Can Correct Nonprofit

Identify a problem, propose a solution, take action. Read more>>

Parker Forte | CEO & Owner, MS, LPC, LMHC

Starting my own private practice was an idea that came out of emotional frustration stemming from the companies and practices that I had previously worked in. Unfortunately, subpar business practices forced me to leave those environments. I had one plan in mind. To succeed and thrive in a business, servicing people that looked like me, Read more>>

 

Priscilla George | Fashion Designer & Stylist

I knew that I wanted the next chapter of my life to be more about my goals and dreams. It was time for the gardener to become the garden. I combined my passion for fashion with my African American roots in an effort to create a lane for POC to shine in haute couture / African street wear from my point of view, Read more>>

Erick Lawson | Forklift & Automotive Technician

I have been in my industry for almost 30 years and during a conversation with my wife, we decided that we wanted to take this venture together. We recognized that we could offer customers the same or even a higher level of service, with less expense for their business. Read more>>