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.

Courtney Craig

The thought process behind starting Lively Luxury Designs came from a desire to bridge the gap between high-end interior design and quality construction. I realized that clients often struggled to find a team that could not only design a beautiful vision, but also bring it to life—seamlessly and professionally. So, I created a brand that merges both worlds: where design meets execution. Read More>>

Tashara Parker

Starting my own business wasn’t just about stepping out of corporate news. It was about finally stepping into my full voice.

After years in traditional newsrooms, I learned how to navigate spaces that weren’t always built for women who look like me, speak like me, or show up like me. I spent a lot of time trying to fit into boxes that were never meant for me. But eventually I realized that shrinking to be palatable wasn’t sustainable, and it definitely wasn’t purposeful. Read More>>

AJ The Alchemist

To be completely honest, I’ve been throwing my skills at the wall and seeing what sticks, lol. I’m big on “just trying”. Over time, I think I’ve been able to bridge the gap and not be so all over the place. At the end of the day, I wanted to do my best to make a living on things I’m genuinely passionate about and it’s led me to this space. Read More>>

Hanane (Tina) Solorio

My thought process was, I have an expensive hobby I should try and make some money to support this hobby. That is pretty much the thought that went into it. Besides the fact that my husband had already created an LLC, so we just added a DBA to that company that was already created. Read More>>

Tamara

Starting my own business wasn’t something I planned from the beginning — it was something I felt deeply called to do.

When I moved to the U.S., I had to start from zero: no connections, no clients, and in a completely new language and culture. But I brought with me my experience, my hands, and my love for beauty — especially nail care. I’ve always believed that even small details, like well-done nails, can make a woman feel confident and empowered. Read More>>

Jessica Elleman

Starting my own charcuterie business was the result of a deep passion for food, creativity, and bringing people together. I’ve always loved the art of entertaining—there’s something truly special about seeing friends and family connect over a beautiful, thoughtfully arranged spread. After seeing my aunt share her beautiful boards I wanted to give it a try. What began as a hobby — creating boards for friends’ parties, holidays, and small events—soon became something people encouraged me to pursue professionally. Read More>>

Porcsha Lloyd

Starting my own business wasn’t just about selling products — it was about purpose. I wanted to create something that reflected who I am at the core: faith-filled, passionate, and committed to empowering women. What started with a desire to offer stylish, comfortable clothing turned into a calling — to pour into women, build confidence, and show that you can walk purposefully with God at the center. My thought process was simple: use what’s in my hands and trust God for the rest. Read More>>

Sofia Martinez

I started this business because I saw a real need for professional, high-quality cleaning that people could actually trust. Families were overwhelmed, homes were being neglected, and I kept hearing the same story from friends and neighbors. They didn’t just want help with the mess, they wanted peace of mind. I already had years of hands-on experience, so I knew how to deliver that level of service. But I also wanted to create something bigger than just a cleaning job. Read More>>

Shyy Hunter

My thought process behind starting my own business was I seen what I was doing for OTHER companies and businesses and knew it was my time to do what I intended on doing when I first moved to Dallas ….starting my own business but not just as business. DYS will be my BRAND. Read More>>

Kayla Pruitt

I’ve never really thought about just starting a business. It’s always been more I naturally have been able to see opportunity for business and then took my skill sets and nurtured a business to grow. I think any thought process I had was to trust my entrepreneurial spirit, have a strong work ethic, and believe in myself; business would follow. Read More>>

Trinity Sorrells

I never set out to become a business owner — I just followed what felt meaningful. I was originally planning to become a flight nurse, but somewhere between college and real life, I fell head over heels in love with the power of documenting memories. What started as a creative outlet became something I couldn’t ignore — capturing emotion, movement, and the little moments that often go unseen. Read More>>

Libby Hanrahan

This has been a dream of mine since high school and speaking honestly was something I always saw as happening much later in my life. But as I graduated High school I prayed about the next step in my life and that next step didn’t include a traditional 4 year college. Instead I took classes to further advance my knowledge of sewing, and the fashion business model. Now I find myself consistently thinking about what I want my brand to be about and how I can have a positive impact on the fashion industry and my consumers. Read More>>

Nicolas Marquez

The hair industry is a crazy place, I have always had the plans to start my own salon as soon as I started cosmetology school. That why my IG handle is “Not that blonde” I came up with NTB with the intention of opening a salon and possibly other business/brands.
I have worked at a few different salons and during and after those experiences I want to make a space where stylists and clients have an amazing experience and everyone is welcomed. Read More>>

Tiara Curtis

My thought process behind starting my own business was rooted in a lifelong love for nails. Ever since I was young, I was fascinated by nail art and design, but I never explored it deeply enough to recognize it as my true passion. Over time, I realized how much joy and creativity this field brought me, and I decided to pursue it seriously by becoming a licensed nail technician. Starting my own business allowed me to combine this passion with the desire to create something of my own—a space where I could connect with clients, express my creativity, and provide high-quality services. Read More>>