Starting a business is a commitment and requires dedication, resources and sacrifice. We asked some of the rising stars in our community how they thought through the idea of starting their own businesses.

Brandon Usrey | Certified Applicator

Growing up my family owned a chain of fireworks stands in East Texas. We were taught from a young age to be self-starters. Once, I obtained the necessary certifications and licenses, I knew I was ready to go off on my own. The freedom it has brought to my life is indescribable. Read more>>

Shamar Williams | Disabled Army Veteran, Early retired Land Surveyor & Entrepreneur

Building a legacy, financial security, to work when I feel like working and as hard as I wanna work. My main goal has always been making money while I sleep. And that money making more money. Read more>>

Bigfoot Beverage Club | Adventure-inspired coffee and cocktail pop up experience

We’re a team of three childhood best friends who love cocktails and coffee. After working in the industries, we wanted to provide our own twist and unique flavor profiles. Bigfoot represents exploration, curiosity, and mystery. We’re foodies at heart, and enjoy the culture that a bar and coffee shop provide. Our goal is to give our community a place where people can network and socialize with a specialty cocktail or coffee drink in hand. Read more>>

Andrea Iriarte Dent | Bookstore Owner

Bookstores have been my happy place since I was a child. I have loved reading since I learned how to do it. When I travel I visit all the independent bookstores in that city or town. They are my great love. I do believe that books are portals to new worlds, catalysts of change, and the best way to transmit culture and ideas. I was at a point in my career and life when I wanted to start something I love, and wanted to share it with others. Read more>>

James LeBlanc | Owner, Publisher, editor, content director

In starting the publication side of my business my thought process was that the arts in the Shreveport Bossier area were under represented from a publication standpoint. Many of our local publications lean heavily into advertisement sales and transactional content features and what I wanted to do was offer a space for entrepreneurs and artists in the creative community to be celebrated, recognized and represented without the condition of payment. Read more>>

Madiha Bobat | Bobarista and Owner of Pearlz

My name is Madiha, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share the story behind Pearlz, my beloved boba catering business that’s all about crafting moments of pure joy. You see, I’ve always had a thing for fun drinks. Whether it’s mocktails, coffee, or the one that truly steals my heart – boba, I’ve been experimenting with crafting new beverages for myself, family, and friends for years. Read more>>

Karla and Fatima Aguilar | Cowtown Snow Ball Owners

My sister and I worked at a local snow cone stand one summer and one day we were sadden by the news that it was going to be sold. Our fun summer job was gone. When we broke the news to our parents, our Dad (jokingly) said “Find a snow cone stand and I will buy it for you.” Little did he know we actually would find a stand and he would be buying us the most expensive gift for a 16 and 13 year old. Read more>>

Madeleine | Zelie Crafts Creator

Three people inspired me to start Zelie Crafts. The first person who inspired my shop was my midwife for both my children, Rebekah Knapp. She brought over 1,000 babies into the world and served her community selflessly because she believed it was her mission from God. Read more>>