Readers often email us asking us for advice about new businesses they are thinking about starting and we often find that many of them don’t have a framework for thinking about a more fundamental question: why should or shouldn’t you start a business?

Below, you’ll find how successful entrepreneurs from across the city thought about this very question when they were considering whether to start their businesses.

Gauri Junnarkar | Integrative Dietitian, Ayurveda Practitioner, Certified Diabetes Educator and Founder AyurNutrition

Let me share my story. In my childhood home, in the heart of Mumbai, I regularly helped my mother with preparing our family meals. Food was aromatic, full of spices, and delicious. By helping my mom in the kitchen throughout my childhood, I was lucky to be introduced to cooking and proper nutrition at a young age. Read more>>

Rose Guzman | Dallas Proposal Photographer

I was inspired to begin my photography business as a surprise proposal photographer when I captured a friend’s daughter’s surprise marriage proposal. The genuine emotions captivated me as a photographer to capture such a one in a lifetime moment for other’s to relive their story through their portraits. Read more>>

Madeline King | Owner of Kava Kava Mobile Bar

After having been a stay at home mom to my four kids for over six years, I felt it was the right time to channel my creativity and passion into a new venture. My dream has always been to have a business that not only stands out but also enriches peoples’ lives. I discovered Kava, a traditional drink that acts as an alternative to alcohol without all of the negative aspects.I felt myself being pulled by a strong inner calling to offer something truly beneficial, and the understanding of a growing need for a sober alternative to alcohol in the event industry. Read more>>

Meagan Moshpit | Owner of MoshPit Entertainment

When I started MoshPit Entertainment it came purely from wanting to represent and support my friends. I loved music and had been going to shows and hanging with my band friends for years and had always been doing different forms of promotion already. Just to help wherever I could. I even did promo for other friends who had promo companies like My girlfriend Barbie of Black Tooth US management. I remember just always wanting to do as much as I could to help and get involved. So I decided to start my own company to do that. Read more>>

Dan Ali | T24 Club

The concept came about when researching options to support the republican candidate. I realized that wasn’t an option other than the MAGA hat, plus sometimes that may be too loud for some republicans. T24 caters to the classy republican who wants to support Mr. Trump but wants an alternative option. Read more>>

Diego Santana | Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt, First Degree

It had always been one of my goals to support myself and live through Jiu Jitsu. One of my life-long dreams was to be able to open my own martial arts school. While I have been a professional Jiu Jitsu athlete most of my life, I also have a huge passion for coaching and changing people’s lives through health, fitness, mental wellness, and self-defense. Being able to teach and train Jiu Jitsu is my channel for that, whether it be to help a 40-year-old dad or mom get in shape, or to teach a kids that are being bullied in school how to stand up for themselves. Read more>>

Jordan Karnes | Married, Dog Dad, Future Girl Dad; Real Estate Professional

I needed something different. Before starting my Real Estate business, I was in the “Corporate World” working for a global freight logistics company. The day to day was competitive and exciting, which I loved, but I was working 60 to 80 hours a week – zero work life balance, sporadic sleep schedule, and constant stress. Not fun! Read more>>

Sheena Smith | Lash Artist / Entrepreneu

It offered me the opportunity to pursue my passions, create something meaningful, and achieve financial independence for me and my kids. Being a single mom, I wanted to make sure my kids future is bright and successful, and they live the most comfortable life possible. Read more>>

Meghan Davis | Floral Designer & Shop Owner

I never actually thought about starting my very own business. I was a teacher for 15 years when I joined Mary Kay as a sales consultant for fun. As I worked my way up in that business, building a team and experiencing some success, my mind was opened to working for myself. I retired from teaching to pursue my Mary Kay business full time. When Covid shut the world down in the spring of 2020, I had to pivot away from in-person, party based sales and went back to work at the florist where I worked all through my college career. Read more>>