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.

Marisol Miner | Certified Personal Trainer & Certified Nutrition Coach

We had been doing workouts at our home and several of our friends kept asking if they could come and workout with us. I eventually started inviting other women and they would invite their friends and I realized that I loved seeing them reach their goals. I began to help women who were post natal and then started personal training women that wanted to learn how to get stronger and lift weights properly. I had always been passionate about health and the relationship between food and health. And for many of my clients they would see results but when we would talk about nutrition and set goals for that then the big results would come. I decided to get certified in nutrition and began helping people reach their goals of weight loss and overall health. Read more>>

Amanda Esquivel | Owner & Lead Counselor

I began working in the mental health field when I was 19 and still in college. I worked in various levels of care including a rehab for adults with addiction and with suicidal and psychotic clients in the hospital setting. I saw a lot about the field that I didn’t like. I saw how the people who needed help the most didn’t have access to it and I saw how some of my peers were burned out and unable to provide the quality care people deserved. 10 years ago this experience merged with becoming a mother and something had to change. So with a newborn I quit my job and started my practice. I remained solo for a few years and began expanding in order to employ counselors in training. We now have 4 locations and 32 counselors and counting! Read more>>

Corey Jones | CEO

Nowadays, it’s practically impossible to resist the charm and appeal of social media. However, a critical factor in achieving success is having your own business. The COVID-19 pandemic served as a wake-up call, reminding us that nothing is guaranteed and everything can be lost instantly if we are not ready. My business partners and I brainstormed and explored various industries that could generate profits regardless of the circumstances. Interestingly, while the world was in lockdown, janitorial businesses offering disinfecting services experienced a significant profit surge. Fortunately, we had already been saving money as we explored business opportunities, and with the guidance of mentors from a similar industry, we hit the ground running. — We created DACT Way Read more>>

Alexis Walker | Healthcare Professional|Lash technician|Makeup artist

I have always had a niche for making others feel good about themselves and helping those when ever I could. Starting Beat By Lex has helped me service everyone from all backgrounds in many ways from skin to makeup to just overall feeling great about themselves. Read more>>

SEEK VALEUR | Artist

I grew up as a creative individual and always knew since I was a child that creating art was the life for me. I’ve always been somewhat of a rebellious person and wanted to do things my own way and the only way I concluded I could do this was through my own business. I’ve never been afraid of failure that shit is just apart of the journey. Anytime I get down I always pick myself back up and that’s what you need when it comes to owning a business- resilience and grit. You can’t spell billionaire without a couple L’s. I’m determined to make it work out despite the trials and tribulations, nothing good comes easy, but those things r worth the sacrifice. Read more>>

Natalia Clark | Trauma Specialists

Counseling is such a big part of who I am. I pride myself in retaining the knowledge techniques that will help my clients reach their goals! I knew I would be a therapist from a very young age and I’ve always felt motivated to listen and be with others as they share. It was an easy decision for me! Read more>>

Derek Avery | CEO of COIR Development

COIR Development was founded to be a catalyst for a new style of real estate development. Out development theory is based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. We focus on making sure we develop projects around the needs of people. Typically development is solely based on the financial bottom line. We make sure to center people when we plan developments. COIR was born out of the need to address the affordable housing crisis. We need more people participating in the economy, so our goal is to create more homeowners and affordable places for people to rent comfortably. Read more>>

Emilye Schmale | CEO and Founder

I was a single mother working in in marketing focused on consumer product goods in the corporate world for almost 17 years, then I had a child with special needs. Boy did that change my view of what is important in this life! I saw families in the DFW area struggling with finding multi-disciplinary care in one location, I saw them struggling with finding ABA that was ethically provided with a focus on QUALITY of the services, I saw families have to give up homes and jobs to care for their special needs child just to get them from school, to therapy to another therapy to a Dr etc in an endless loop! I struggle myself with finding a clinic for my son that could provide consistent, quality service. Read more>>

Paul Foster | Founder of Second Hand Productions

When we kicked off Second Hand Productions, the aim was to have a centralized entity for all my work. The cool part was that we had income from an older YouTube Channel, which was enough to set up the LLC. However, we only did that when the production company was ready to gather funds for projects. At first, we operated as a Sole Proprietorship and later made the switch. Over the past 7 years, it has grown and earned a reputation that I’m proud of. The independent films we represent have received recognition both nationally and internationally through festivals. I’m really proud of our achievements so far, and the future looks promising. Read more>>

Kevin Miles | Herbalist

My Thought process behind the creation of Mindnbodyherbsllc was to do my part in helping out my community Health wise in all aspects, and for those who are in search of plant based wholistic alternatives for a healthy lifestyle. Read more>>

Andrew Rittler | Digital Marketing Specialist

In 2014, the inception of Ravenstreet Partners Digital Marketing stemmed from a vision to empower small and medium-sized businesses, equipping them with tools to compete effectively against larger enterprises. The goal was to harness the potential of digital marketing to help these businesses connect with clients and customers through strategic online initiatives. Ravenstreet Partners Digital Marketing was founded with the mission to level the playing field and foster growth for businesses of all sizes. Read more>>

Michael Crisp | Author & Filmmaker

I wanted independence, control, and the opportunity to pursue my passions. Starting my own business provided me a platform to shape my destiny, make decisions independently, and potentially achieve financial success. This also allowed me creative expression, as often my businesses allowed me to provide a unique product or service that could make a positive impact with my clients.
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Re’Chonnise Means | Professional Tutor

The reason I started ReLearn With Means Tutoring Company was to provide students with more one on one opportunities to grow. I am a certified school teacher and we have to tend to a certain curriculum. Although I may have students that don’t fully understand I have to stay on track with the curriculum. Creating this company allowed me to help focus on what students need in that moment. Read more>>

Tiffany Bond | Photographer

I started my business after working as a RN in the ICU through the 2020 pandemic. I really needed something to offset the sadness of my full time job and photography became my outlet. Now in 2024, photography is my full time job! I have always loved photography and taken photos of my children constantly, but I knew I wanted to work with babies. Newborns & motherhood/maternity are where my passion has always been and I just love it so much. I immediately began taking newborn photography classes and acquiring a client closet of maternity dresses. As of right now I specialize in maternity and newborn as well as photographing milestone sessions and families. Read more>>

Jennifer Yepez-Blundell | Co-Founder, DRAFTED

As a Latina, former DII athlete and sports marketing strategist, I’ve seen firsthand the untapped potential of Latina sports fans. We are a powerhouse market brimming with passion, loyalty, and a well of untapped insights. Yet, mainstream media paints a different picture, leaving this audience voiceless and underserved. That’s where DRAFTED comes in, we are harnessing the power of Latina Sports Culture. Built by us, for us, we are igniting a community and generating insights that have never been touched before. We’re actively working with brands, leagues and teams to co-create a more inclusive sports industry for Latinas. Read more>>

Tinsley Merrill Paul | CEO & Founder of HerStory

HerStory Market emerged as a heartfelt endeavor to assist small, women-led businesses in navigating the challenges of the pandemic by facilitating the sale of surplus inventory. Originating as a passion project, the company’s initial goal was to establish a platform that fostered empowerment and mutual support among women-led brands, allowing them to share their narratives during a period marked by the looming threat of small business closures. As HerStory gained traction and expanded its reach, a noteworthy realization emerged—many brands resonated with the mission of uplifting women in the fashion industry. Read more>>

Tom More | Video producer and freelance cinematographer

Starting down the road of entrepreneurship was totally unexpected but driven by seeing no enjoyable future where I was headed, and a resentment of management that stifled innovation. I’ve always been happiest with projects where I had the freedom to improve what was being done and build more efficient and effective frameworks to deliver the best result. If I can fully immerse myself and bring all my knowledge and experiences solve the problem I will definitely find the most personal and professional satisfaction. A vast majority of corporate and government jobs are…..not that;-) The flip side is that you can fail, of course, even repeatedly, and you will own that without the “safety” of an established organization and procedures. Read more>>

Dr. Relius Johnson | Higher Ed Professional & College Access Specialist

Starting Geaux D.R.E.A.M. was a deeply personal and purpose-driven decision rooted in my own collegiate experience during undergrad. Having had to navigate the intricate process of pursuing higher education and striving to graduate debt-free, I recognized the challenges that many students, particularly those of color, face in accessing resources and support. My motivation stems from the realization that the system isn’t always equitable, especially when it comes to students who look like me. Drawing from my background as a higher education professional, I’ve gained insights into the disparities within the application process, financial aid packages, and overall navigation of the system. Read more>>