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.

 Jennifer Kidd

I was a teacher for 16 years and when we moved to the DFW area, I felt is was time for a new career path. Prior to moving here we lived in Austin Texas and like all moms, I wanted to find a great location for my two kids to receive a quality haircut and a chill environment. I was over joined when I found that at Sit Still Kids – Austin and how they checked all the boxes. Read More>>

Xyon Marley

The thought process behind starting X-Designer Breeds was deeply personal and emotional. It all began when I adopted my first dog, a Maltese I named Zaire. At the time, I was going through a particularly dark period in my life, struggling with depression and anxiety. Zaire came into my world and, without even trying, became a source of comfort, healing, and companionship that I didn’t even realize I needed. Read More>>

Katie Weiss

For years, people would say, “You should be doing this on your own,” but I kept putting it off. Deep down, I was waiting for a clear sign from the Lord. So, I finally asked Him—if this was what He wanted for me and my girls, to make it unmistakably clear. And in His faithfulness, He did just that. Within days, multiple clients reached out, asking for help. That’s when GoldenEdge Strategies was born—rooted in faith, grit, and a desire to help small business owners grow with clarity and confidence. Read More>>

Karmen Ryals

When I first embarked on the journey of starting my own business, the motivation behind it was clear and personal. From a young age, I felt a deep sense of purpose to uplift others, particularly women. Growing up, I struggled with confidence, especially when it came to my style and appearance. I often wore things that didn’t quite fit in with my peers—sometimes due to financial limitations, other times because of my desire to express creativity. Read More>>

Justin Highland

I’d always struggled with working for other people. It never felt like I was able to work to a standard I could truly stand behind—there was always some compromise due to management or workplace conditions. So I tried working for myself a few times, and eventually, I learned how to make money outside of a traditional W-2 job. Read More>>

Calista Irene

I have 3 young kids that I stay at home with and I wanted some way to help out with finances and give back and be able to contribute. I have always gone over the top for parties and events and one day a friend reached out to me wanting help with some balloon decor and she asked how much she could pay me which really just lit a lightbulb in my brain that I could be getting paid for this while also sharing my gift with others to get to enjoy their special moments! So from there is where the idea was born and it’s really taken off! Read More>>

Nikki Smith

It all started organically—I was creating jewelry to wear to my corporate buying job, simply because I couldn’t find pieces that felt modern, affordble and wearable every day. People constantly complimented my designs and asked where they could buy them, which made me so excited- so I kept creating! Soon I was setting up at pop-up shops, realizing there was a real demand for affordable, stylish jewelry. That inspired me to take the leap and turn my passion into a full-time business after doing it part time for many years. Read More>>

Clarissa Trevino

My thought process was really about creating something with purpose. I wanted to build a space that not only offered affordable, stylish clothing but also made people feel good about themselves – no matter their size or budget. This boutique also serves as a place where victims of domestic violence can come shop for free through a voucher. They will receive this voucher once they sign into the women’s shelter. I saw a need in the community, God gave me this vision and provided the provision to make it happen. It simply started with love and a desire to make a difference in my community, and here I am. Read More>>

Marie Temomo

Initially, I built The Tasty Picnic to help me pay for my college tuition, little did I know, it was so much more to me than that. At that point in my life, I did not truly understand the importance of building strong relationships with people, which today is the driving force of my business.

After hosting just a few picnics a couple months into business, I felt overwhelmed. I told myself it was too hard and thought about giving up.  Read More>>

Kyka Drake

What was my thought process behind starting my business?

Honestly, it was all God. I felt unfulfilled in my corporate healthcare role and prayed for clarity on my true purpose. One night, in my sleep, God revealed it to me:

*”Kyka, you’ve always been the person people turn to, friends, family, even strangers, seeking guidance, support, and advice. Helping others has always been your passion. Why not turn it into your purpose and become a Life Coach?”* Read More>>

Holly Gaske

The Gaske Cat Foundation’s inception arose from a profound and persistent observation. While many groups were actively rescuing and caring for cats, a critical funding gap existed for their crucial needs. I dedicated considerable time to volunteering at animal shelters across the United States and discerned this funding disparity. Seeing how many cats can’t be helped because of a lack of money just broke my heart.  Read More>>

Vini Lafayett

At first, my thought process went to make more money, at the time, I was living in Brazil and we saw an opportunity of making more money without abandoning our 9-5pm job, until we figure it out that we wanted more than just make money out of it. Read More>>