Gilbert Guzman’s journey to owning Pope Photo Records wasn’t a simple one. Initially working for a competitor, he had a passion for the industry but lacked the financing to make a purchase when the business went up for sale. A conversation with a friend, who had the capital to invest, changed the trajectory of his career. Together, they worked out an agreement where his friend would finance the purchase, and Gilbert would operate the business with the option to buy it at a later date.

Lidya Mandala’s journey into the spa industry was inspired by her time in the high-tech world, where she saw the toll that stress took on people’s lives. She realized that in the pursuit of success, many neglect their well-being. This insight led her to create Spa Réveil, a sanctuary where people can restore balance, rejuvenate, and prioritize self-care.

For Kenneth Ellis, owner of A+ Tree & Crane, tree work has been a lifelong calling. His passion for the industry was solidified after assisting with Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts, where he saw firsthand the impact skilled tree service could make.

Bobby Robinson’s journey into web design began in 1994 when he immersed himself in Adobe Suites, HTML, and Flash. This early exposure laid the foundation for his future career and eventually led to the creation of Black Anchor Design.

Paul Harrison never set out to enter the home improvement industry, but when he saw friends struggling through high-pressure sales pitches just to buy windows, he knew there had to be a better way. That realization sparked the beginning of Innovative Home Improvements, a locally owned company built on fairness, quality, and customer-first service. Instead of overwhelming homeowners with aggressive sales tactics, Paul set out to offer a stress-free experience with top-tier products at fair prices, and that mission has driven his business ever since.

For LaTasha Carter, becoming a business owner wasn’t just about career growth—it was about reclaiming her time, helping others, and making an impact in her community. After spending 16 years as an accountant, she always dreamed of running her own firm. In 2022, she took the first step by officially establishing LC Taxes and More with the state of Texas. However, balancing her demanding day job kept her from fully diving into the business.