Many books on startups and business talk about how there are right and wrong reasons for starting a business. So, we asked a handful of successful founders about their reasons and the thought-process behind starting their business.

Chantell Garrett | Founder & Chief Wanderlust

Travel has always been a part of my life, beginning from childhood. Experiencing different places, cultures, and people gave me a profound appreciation for the world’s beauty and diversity. That love of travel planted a seed in me—one that grew into a desire to help others discover the magic of exploring new destinations. I knew I wanted to create something that not only made travel easier but also helped people create memories that would last a lifetime. Read more>>

Kirsten Deleon | Lead Designer/Owner

My transition from being a corporate professional to a stay-at-home mom, and eventually pursuing the path of entrepreneurship, has given my family and me a healthier work-life balance. My desire for flexibility in work hours, the ability to spend more time with my family, and the pursuit of personal passions is what really drove me to start my own business. Read more>>

Lorra Brown | Accounting/Tax professional

When I decided to launch my business the few factors that fueled my decision-making were quite essential to me. Initially, I noticed a deficiency in the knowledge of many small business owners; specifically among women and minority groups. These entrepreneurs were adept at creating top-notch products and delivering services; however, they often struggled to sustain their ventures due to a lack of comprehension regarding their finances and the tax consequences of their choices. I was confident in my ability to make a difference by offering resources, consultation services, and practical assistance to address this issue effectively. Read more>>

Adriana Sanders | Mental Health Therapist, Entrepreneurial, Change Maker

The inspiration behind SanaMente Wellness, PLLC (formerly Thriving Beautifully Counseling & Supervision, PLLC) is the culmination of my entrepreneurial drive, passion for mental health, and desire for balance. With an entrepreneurial spirit from childhood—from having a orange slices stand instead of a lemonade stand to being the “Mexican candy dealer” in middle school, and selling Avon in high school—I’ve always loved connecting with people and making their day a little brighter, all while building a life I love. Read more>>

Hou Si Wong | Piano Teacher & Music Therapist

Over the years of learning and teaching music, I’ve seen many passionate students lose interest in piano due to a lack of motivation or understanding of how to truly engage with the music they love, this often was a result of the traditional ways of teaching. I wanted to change that by creating lesson plans that inspire students and help them connect more deeply with the music they’re passionate about. I incorporate songs that resonate with each student and use those songs to teach essential concepts that empower them to recreate and explore music independently. Read more>>

Lekhitha Ammaresh, Bharathi Caldwell, Isha Kondapalli | Samsara Co-founders

Our story starts not just with a dream, but with a lot of heart—and a dash of chaos! We knew we wanted to create something special—lightweight, stylish South Asian wear that feels as good as it looks. So, we took a leap of faith and launched Samsara, driven by the desire to merge tradition with a modern twist. What really got the ball rolling? It was the realization that our community had our backs every step of the way.  Read more>>

Veronica Corona-barker | Bilingual Trauma Therapist

I have over 20 years of experience in mental health, with the first 12 years spent in Mexico City, where I established my own practice. Throughout this journey, I was fortunate to be guided by my mentors and supervisors, who played a crucial role in shaping my professional development. Read more>>

Toy Laster | Founder & CEO of DFW Pole Dance Parties

I wanted to create a space where women could create unique memories and step outside the traditional celebrations like dinner and going to a club. After being in the fitness world, I realized pole dancing had the perfect combination of fitness, creativity, and celebration. I saw an opportunity to bring women together for unforgettable experiences, especially for milestones like birthdays and bachelorette parties. Read more>>

Jessica Boutwell | Licensed Esthetician

I’ve always had the desire to build something of my own and creating the salon allowed me to express my creativity and to educate myself on the importance of healthy skin and importance of self-care. Read more>>

Natalie Thomas | Therapist, Consultant, Speaker, and Trainer

I started my mental health practice, The Remix Center, after experiencing several clients coming to me feeling stuck. They had often seen other therapists and were frustrated that they didn’t make any progress. This shined the light on the need for a results-driven approach that truly focuses on helping clients meet their goals and transition from pain to purpose. Additionally, I wanted to create a full-service practice that offers mental health services to companies and organizations. Read more>>

Courtney Floyd | Freelance Photographer

It has always been my dream to become a professional photographer. When I was about 12 years old my mom had gifted me my very first camera, and from then on I would practice and take pictures of everything. That was when I found my life’s passion and I knew then that was what I wanted to, I wanted to start my own photography business. So I never gave up and I continued to take pictures and continued to grow my outreach. Read more>>

Taylor Waters | Event Planner

I spent several years working in corporate events and marketing before a friend asked me to coordinate their wedding. I absolutely loved it and soon found myself planning more weddings for friends! That’s when I had my ‘lightbulb moment’—people actually get paid to do this (who knew? LOL)! In 2020, I decided to start charging for my services (though probably not enough at the time), and by 2022, I took the leap and officially formed my LLC. It’s been an amazing journey, and I’m so grateful for all the experience along the way! Read more>>

Kim Wallace | Salon owner and Monroe Hair Extension Owner

When I set out to start my own salon, it was a natural progression in my career—one that felt both exciting and necessary. After 9 years as a salon manager and 15 years in the industry, I had experienced the highs and lows of the industry, learning valuable lessons about business ownership while often feeling limited in my decision-making. Read more>>