Starting a business can be terrifying. Weighing the pros and cons, the risks, and other considerations can be so overwhelming that often promising entrepreneurs stop before they even start. We asked some phenomenal entrepreneurs about their thought process behind starting their own businesses. Our hope is that by making the thought-process less intimidating we can help more folks think through whether they should take an entrepreneurial leap.

Tinesha Davis | DFWs Natural Nail Technician and Skincare owner

When I was in nail school I knew that I wanted to be an entrepreneur but I didn’t have a clue about what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to booth rent, but I didn’t realize the work behind it. Now I am in the mobile nail services and it has been amazing and with Covid 19 it has been a benefit for me as people do not feel comfortable in a salon setting. So quarantine trained me to be more creative! Read more>>

Krystie Chisolm | Owner, Food ‘n Focus Photography, LLC

The journey to owning my own business blossomed out of the most painful time in my life. When my mom passed away in 2017, I was lost and found myself at the lowest point in my life. I needed something to help me grieve and keep my mind occupied, but had no idea what to do. My friends and family were always telling me how great of a cook I am and that I should use my love of food to start some type business. I heard them, but I just did not have a solid plan and had no idea what to do. Read more>>

Anthony Benjamin | Master Barber and Hair Stylist, dedicated Father, and martial artist

I wanted to provide a mobile service that would help benefit alot of the families and busy clients that I have. I noticed a need for this type of service, and I always wanted to make things more convenient and practical. That’s why I love what I do so much, helping people out and maximizing their time. Read more>>

Sarah Rees | Licensed Professional Counselor & Registered Play Therapist

Ever since I was in college, I always dreamed of owning my own business. After gaining experience by working in various environments, the timing felt right to explore implementing my own vision and dream for helping children and their families in a personalized way. Brave Space Counseling was formed to provide tailored support, focusing on the unique needs of the whole child. Read more>>

Chelsea Flaming | Owner & Pastry Chef

I started my business with the idea of connecting people through desserts. I love how almost any event has dessert to share and make people smile! I named my bakery Sugar Social because I didn’t want to limit my menu to only one type of item, I wanted to make and teach people how to make desserts that bring people together. Read more>>

Paula Bearden | Dance Company Owner & Higher Education Professional

My thought process was that I had to take a stab at creating my childhood dream. I knew that if I got too old and hadn’t at least tried to start a dance company, I would be disappointed with myself. After I had my daughter in 2017, there was a fire within me to really go after my dream of starting a dance company but I was afraid that I would have trouble getting back into dancing and teaching, I had doubts, I had not worked for a dance company in over 2 years, would someone take me seriously? Read more>>

Sudha Srinivasamoorthy | Home Baker & Cake Designer

I had a stable and decently paying Software Career for 7 years. But only after I took a break from my job, I found that my real passion is in Baking and Cake Decorating. The more I learned and practiced, the more confident I became in starting my own business. In any Art form, we need to have a thirst for knowledge and constant learning. Luckily for me I can spend hours researching and practicing cakes without getting bored which was the first time in my entire adult life. Read more>>

Holley Waughtel | Balayage & Blonding Specialist

Growing up my Dad always said, “The only way to work is for yourself!” I knew coming out of hair school that I would have to start from the bottom to learn about the business before I did anything on my own. I took an apprenticeship at a busy neighborhood salon in East Dallas. I was struggling though. I loved what I did but I hated my environment. I committed to completing my apprenticeship no matter what happened. I learned a lot about myself and the business through that process. Read more>>

Kinda Makini | Image Consultant

I have always worked in corporate industries that believed in exceptional customer service, building strong customer facing professionals, retaining repeat clientele all while making huge profits. If it could work for these industries, why couldn’t it work for me? So in 2017, I took the leap and began K. Makini Image Consulting where I work with high achieving professionals to create their own, custom style and enhance their communication skills to confidently achieve their wildest dreams. Read more>>

Lori Jones | Realtor

For several years I had a different career which I did not enjoy. One day my husband said that he wanted me to find a career that I did not view as a job and loved. I laughed and told him that was an oxymoron and did not exist. Several years later, I no longer had that career and was a stay at home mom. I decided to obtain my real estate license and finally discovered what my husband meant when he said finding something that I loved and did not view as a job. Initially, I think I viewed my business as a part time hobby. Read more>>

Jasmine Monk, MBA | CEO

My motto is to building long-term relationships, making connections, sharing resources and educating others! I truly believe that if we all work together, we can achieve so much more! Collaboration is key for me and my business – Jasmine and Co. started with a dream of financial freedom and flexible scheduling. That dream doesn’t stop with me as I am now able to provide financial freedom and flexible for my self and my family as well as my team! “Team work makes the dream work!” Read more>>

Leah Yarbrough | Eyelash Extension Specialist

I’ve always worked for someone else. Whether that was a corporate restaurant or the salon I started at 12 years ago doing lash extensions. When I thought about starting my own business, I was terrified! I didn’t know the first thing about doing this on my own. Luckily I have a great support system at home and with Ben Hudgins at Novak Hair Studios. Slowly I started from scratch building and working on my brand, Funky Town Lashes. I am so excited and thrilled I made the choice to be my own boss! Read more>>

Shequitta Kelly | Creator of The Hair Shield

As a woman who regularly wears hair extensions, I was spending a lot of money on new extensions every time I needed my hair done. Mostly because once I removed the extensions, I had no place to store them except either in a plastic bag or drawer. Ultimately this resulted in the hair becoming dried out and unusable. After wasting thousands of dollars by having to throw away ruined extensions, I begin to search for a storage solution. Unable to find any suitable solution, I decided to design and create my own. Read more>>