Meet Kourtney Rincon, MS & Nikki Carney | Founders

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kourtney Rincon & Nikki Carney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kourtney & Nikki, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The thought process behind starting our business stemmed from a deep recognition of the gaps in the industry. Nikki saw firsthand, growing up with a mother who worked with special needs children, how crucial support and care were. Her later work with adults with disabilities further solidified her desire to start a business that could offer families the help they were looking for.
Kourtney has always had a knack for seeing how things could be better. What I [Kourtney] used to think was just me complaining, I later realized was my way of identifying gaps and holes that needed filling. I loved making things better. Growing up, I experienced firsthand what it feels like to not have what you need, and that desire to help others stayed with me throughout my life. The more families I served, the more I heard the same problems over and over, and I knew something needed to change
Then one day, while sitting in service, the sermon series title hit me: ‘The Missing Piece.’ That was my moment of clarity. The ‘Missing Piece’ became our mission, both literally and symbolically. We wanted to create a platform where families could find everything they needed in one place—and where they could also find the peace that comes with having support. That’s when I knew it wasn’t just an idea; it was a calling from God.
Together, Nikki and I also wanted to create a legacy for our families—something that would be bigger than us and could leave a lasting impact. Building this business wasn’t just about solving problems; it was about creating something that could help others long after we’re gone.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We’re still in the early stages of our business, and it’s been a journey full of mistakes and valuable lessons. When people say entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint of heart, they’re right. We’ve tried to do too much at once, and we’ve spent thousands of dollars on a platform that ended up not being usable. There’s been a lot of trial and error, but these challenges have taught us lessons that no book could cover.

What truly sets us apart is the impact we’re making. Nikki is incredibly proud that we’ve been able to give people hope. Recently, we spoke with a family with a 30-year-old child who was thrilled that The Missing Piece App is creating something for families to feel seen and supported. It’s moments like these that remind us why we started.
Through our other business, HopeDealers.io, we also had a recent client express how life-changing it was to work with us—he’s now in a new position with a salary increase, which has transformed his life. For Kourtney, the most exciting part is the potential: the small, intentional steps we’re taking, the growth required to carry out this mission, and the vision to positively impact 1,000,000 families worldwide.

It’s an honor and a blessing to see the ripple effect of our work, and even with all the challenges, every bit is worth it. Our story is about resilience, hope, and creating a legacy that supports families on a global scale, and we’re just getting started!

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” — Proverbs 3:27

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Wynwood Arts District

Visit: Wynwood Walls
Lunch: Naruto 88 Bistro
Evening: Rooftop bar in Wynwood
Day 2: Frost Museum of Science

Activity: Explore interactive tech exhibits, aquarium, and planetarium
Dinner: El Tucán in Brickell for dinner and live entertainment
Day 3: Beach Day at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

Activity: Beach day, lighthouse visit, and sunset views
Day 4: Little Havana & Cuban Culture

Coffee: La Colada Gourmet
Lunch: Versailles Restaurant
Evening: Live music or salsa bar
Day 5: Everglades Adventure

Activity: Airboat tour of the Everglades
Dinner: Juvia in South Beach for rooftop dining
Day 6: Art Deco and Ocean Drive

Activity: Walk Ocean Drive and South Beach
Lunch: The Front Porch Café or Big Pink
Evening: The Faena Theater for a show or dancing
Day 7: Relax

Brunch: The Deck at Island Gardens with skyline views

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We have to give the biggest shoutout and credit to God because, without Him, none of this would have been possible. He’s been guiding us every step of the way, and we’re incredibly grateful for His presence in our lives and in our business.

We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our families, who have been our backbone through all the highs and lows. We couldn’t have made it this far without their unwavering support. We’re also deeply grateful to the families who have so graciously let us into their homes and trusted us to be a part of their journey.

A huge thank you to the entire New Orleans entrepreneurial community, Regal Resilience, Latimer Ventures, and everyone who has offered their support, guidance, and words of encouragement along the way. You all have been instrumental in helping us grow, and we’re truly thankful for the role you’ve played in our story.

Website: www.themissingpieceapp.com I www.hopedealers.io

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-carney-036464176/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kourtney-rincon-ms-822612167/

Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-warriorher-podcast/id1475176603