Starting and growing a business is hard, but often deciding to start the business in the first place is even harder. We asked some successful entrepreneurs from around the community to open up to us about how they thought about starting a business.

Estimé Aristomene, Jr.

The spark behind Brain Matched came from years of being the “career whisperer” in my circle. Friends, family, and colleagues constantly came to me for resume rewrites, job search guidance, and career clarity. I loved helping people not just get jobs, but feel seen and land opportunities that aligned with their true potential. Over time, I realized this wasn’t just a personal pattern. It was a widespread problem. Read More>> 

Kim Ann Soto

Hi! I was born and raised in the Boot—New Orleans, Louisiana! My upbringing played a huge role in my decision to start my own business. Growing up in New Orleans, food wasn’t just something we ate—it was part of every celebration, every gathering, and every memory. It was always about more than just flavor; it was about culture, music, family, and that deep-rooted New Orleans tradition. Read More>> 

Liz Willoughby

I wanted to do something as a side project to my regular 9-5 job. I thought it would be fun to post pictures and videos. I’ve always considered myself a foodie and people are always asking me for restaurant recommendations. I thought why not share it all with everyone on Instagram? Read More>> 

Amanda Cloird

I began writing poetry for fun at an early age. Later on I decided to write stories; but it was to share my story and help other people! I never initially thought about it becoming a business. Read More>> 

Jeffery Hobbs

Plain and simple, be your own boss. Read More>> 

Maiartmedia

Growing up it was always kind of engrained in me that I would be going the college route and probably working for a business when I was older. I became very involved in art at a very young age, from taking piano lessons to drawing and making music videos on my ipod. I knew I wanted to pursue art as my career, and had an interest in film/directing in highschool. I took a photography class senior year and fell in love with it and with the positive feedback i recieved, I could tell this is what I wanted to do. With art, you sort of have a sense of rebellion and doing your own thing, atleast that’s what I experienced as I got more involved.  Read More>> 

Amy & Dan Burgos

Dan grew up in an entrepreneurial environment and always had the itch to start a business. Over time, we started investing in real estate. Eventually, we both grew tired of our jobs. The spark was watching entrepreneurial shows like Shark Tank and The Profit.
We would talk about the freedom we felt during one of our vacation trips. We then started researching businesses that would be a good fit for our goals and skills.  Read More>> 

LaDawn Rhodes

I initially started back in November of 2022 taking extremely cheap photos for neighbors and friends to try and make some extra money for me and my husband’s wedding. I ended up falling in love with it and my books were full after only a few months, and I knew this could grow into something much bigger and better. I decided to go full throttle with it in April of 2023, and I haven’t looked back since. In June of 2024, I quit my 9-5 and went full time with photography. It is easily the best decision I have ever made. With our family growing in October 2025, I am blessed with the extra flexibility. I couldn’t picture working anywhere else or doing anything else. I truly love what I do!!! Read More>> 

Nicole Green

The thought process behind starting our business was deeply personal and purposeful. My spouse and I have always been passionate about helping couples strengthen their relationships—especially those navigating second marriages, blended families, or the everyday challenges of life. We recognized the need for authentic, faith-based resources that not only fostered communication and connection but also offered hope, humor, and healing. Read More>> 

Justin Paden

I’ve always been around sports all my life whether it’s playing sports or watching sports on tv, I developed a passion for it. I started a sports channel on YouTube because I was influenced by other Sports YouTube channels that tells stories, giving analysis, or reacting to a sports moment/game. I love to debate or talk about sports to friends/family. It gave me an idea to make a YouTube channel and see where it goes. Read More>> 

Jarmarion Jenkins

The idea behind Versatile Touch Beard Oil and Moisturizer stemmed from a desire to bridge the gap between beauty, health, and science—specifically for men. I noticed that while grooming products existed, very few truly addressed the educational aspect of beard care or promoted it as a form of wellness and self-respect. I wanted to create something that offered more than surface-level results—a product that educates, empowers, and elevates. Read More>>

Big Lando

Myself (Big Lando) have a phrase which says “Where We At Doe” and I put the phrase on T-Shirts and that’s when it came to me that I should start the brand and call it “Unkanny” with the slogan being “Be Your Own Hero”. We used the slogan of “Be Your Own Hero” to empower are consumers so they understand that they can believe in themselves which gives them an Unkanny Feeling. So from there I created designs that people can resonate with. I just want people to feel good when they wear the brand. Read More>> 

 Ashley Palos

For most of my professional life I worked for others gaining valuable experience and learning the ins and outs of different industries (from babysitting to becoming a medical assistant). Eventually, I landed a position at a surgeon’s office and it quickly became one of my favorite roles. I loved the work, the environment and most of all the opportunity to engage with patients and be part of something that truly made a difference in people’s lives. Read More>> 

Megha Shah

My journey into entrepreneurship began with a strong foundation in business and accounting. My first business was a partnership consulting firm in Seattle, WA. I moved to Texas in 2013, and a few years later, in 2016, a nerve injury left me sidelined for nearly a year. During that time, I began to rethink my approach to wellness, which ultimately reshaped both my lifestyle and business goals. I became deeply interested in clean-label foods and plant-based nutrition, which led to the creation of a sustainable start-up offering clean-label truffles and snack bites in 2021. Read More>> 

Jessa Romieleen Orden Wickman

I’ve always had a passion for baking and making desserts since I was in high school, and after years of working in the pastry industry, I knew I wanted to create something of my own. Jessa’s Bakehouse was born out of my love for high- quality, handcrafted cakes, desserts and the joy of bringing people together through sweet treats. I also wanted the flexibility to be creative while balancing my personal life, especially as a mom. My goal is to provide delicious, beautiful baked goods that make special moments even sweeter! Read More>> 

Maristella Bertram

Throughout my diverse professional journey in both the private and public sectors, organization has consistently been at the heart of every experience, job, and project I’ve undertaken.

I was the girl who preferred arranging Barbie dolls’ outfits rather than playing with them. I learned to read using desk calendars, and I took great pleasure in organizing the equipment in my mother’s chemistry lab. That was me.

Recognizing my passion for organization, I realized I could use my natural skills to help others. Read More>> 

Erika Bullock

I started my business because I saw a gap in the travel industry—especially for people who wanted the experience without the stress. After years of planning travel for family, friends, and corporate teams as an executive assistant, I realized that I had a gift for turning overwhelm into clarity. Travel planning came naturally to me, and I genuinely loved helping people feel taken care of from the moment they said, “I want to go somewhere.” Read More>> 

Brandon Compean

Every successful entrepreneur that I talked to would always tell me that they wish they started their business sooner. After leaving my last job instead of looking for another company, I thought to myself why don’t I just start my business now. If I fail at it, then I’m still young and could do something else, but if I succeed, then I successfully took the advice of other successful entrepreneurs. Read More>>