Inspiring Stories from Far North

Diane Lovin

My writing journey started in the 7th grade when I won a University Interscholastic League (UIL) essay writing competition. I was slotted as the alternate and notified at the last minute to board the bus to the local college hosting the competition when the primary fell ill. Weeks later, I was shocked to learn I had won when my first-period teacher held up my blue ribbon for the class to see.  Read More>>

Amber Chrissy

As you can tell, I am a believer of all things healing and emphasizing internal well-being. Although I have a strong focus in the wellness area, I didn’t always implement it on my own life. But here I am, enjoying rocking a heart to serve others on such a deep and meaningful level. Read More>>

Rebecca Werts

I am originally from Denver (Glendale), Colorado, and moved to Dallas, Texas, when I was 15 years old. While growing up in Glendale, I struggled with my self-esteem, confidence, identity, and mentaal and emotional health. However, I was not familiar with counseling or mental health resources. Hopeful for support, my mom sought help through one of her friends, and they helped me navigate my experiences.  Read More>>

Taylor Amos

I’ve had a passion for creating things since I was a child. I can remember going to my dad’s and we would re-draw the cartoons from cereal boxes and the daily newspapers. Over the years, I took any class I could that involved creating, from your typical art classes to things like fashion, web design, architecture, and even Lego robotics. I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do as a career, but I did know it would be something in a creative field. Read More>>

Elsa Yao

In my early 20s I was working with underserved youth and young moms in Chicago. The things I saw there – the systemic trauma, the love and brilliance of the people I met, and how much beauty they brought to the world, just broke my heart. I kept imagining how they could live their lives if only they didn’t have to constantly worry about their next meal, their next bill, or staying alive in the midst of gang and gun violence.  Read More>>

Amy Hardin

My plans changed after I had a key lime pie from Buttermilk Sky Pie. I was at a baby shower, and someone had brought one. I am a key lime pie lover and was always on the hunt for a good one. After having a piece, I was convinced it was the best key lime pie I had ever had and decided to go to this pie shop. I didn’t know at the time that they were a franchise. Read More>>

Chaz Knight

20 years ago, after a decade in the Radio Industry, I met a legal and compliance executive from Experian who became my mentor as I began my career in the credit industry. I studied consumer law. And eventually became a consumer advocate. Over the years, I have managed a couple of credit restoration companies, and now I’m the CEO of EditMyCredit in Dallas, TX. I currently work with real estate and mortgage professionals nationwide, improving clients’ credit scores so they can qualify for home loans. Read More>>

Kevin Netters

Music has truly been my life story. During my very early years, I was surrounded by huge influences, in addition to tons of great musicians from my hometown of New Orleans, LA. I was introduced to the craft of DJing at the age of 12 by a close family friend, Ulric Woodfork. I swear at that moment, I truly found my passion but never imagined it would evolve into a profession. During middle school, high school, and college, I thoroughly studied the DJ craft and continually practiced and worked to improve the fundamentals of DJing, such as scratching, mixing, and crown engagement. Read More>>

Heidi Taylor

I’ve been a licensed cosmologist since 2013, but I ended up never using it (but kept it current) until 2021. My now fiancé moved to Dallas for school, and naturally, I moved with him. I took a job as an assistant General Manager at a boutique fitness studio called Row House. While I loved my clients, the management I wasn’t fond of them, specifically when I became pregnant and was let go. I had previously been looking for a second job or a different one when a lash franchise reached out to me.  Read More>>

Hannah & Stephanie Hearnsberger

For over a decade, Stephanie has honed her talents as a hairstylist and aesthetician, while her daughter Hannah has become an expert lash artist during her 9 years in the industry. This dynamic mother-daughter duo decided to formally join forces by establishing Caroline + Co. in 2022 to provide their clients with a one-stop shop for all beauty needs. Read More>>

Jeffrey Proctor

I graduated from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, TX. I started my career by working for different psychiatric hospitals and agencies. I started my private practice in June 2022, where I serve those who struggle with ADHD and those who have lived in different countries in their childhood. Read More>>

Laura Garrett

I developed an interest in health from a young age, which stemmed from my Christian belief that my body is a tool for God. As such, I strive to lead a sensible, healthy lifestyle that is not obsessive but rather balanced in all aspects. Read More>>

Paul Okwegba

Ever since I was 4, I always had the ability to sing. I was very shy, and I didn’t really express that artistic side of myself. I’ve been in front of big crowds at a young age, which is ironic. Some of my earliest influences were Bob Marley, Michael Jackson, Pharrell Williams, Des’ree, and various artist from Nigeria and parts of Africa. When I was 13, I started my journey in music production. I leaned into Hip Hop early, around 9/10, listening to rappers like Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, Drake, and Wiz Khalifa. Read More>>

Nicole Meadows

There are challenges every day. Throughout our journey we have learned to be open-minded, flexible and responsive to what our customers want. Our store and our business focus is completely different that it was on day one. We have responded to our customers’ needs and have change the products we carry, the flavors we make, and the options available to better suit those demands. Read More>>

Ciera Ellison

While planning my son’s first birthday party, I was looking for a safe, fun, and engaging activity for the little ones. I stumbled upon the idea of soft play, and I loved it. I inquired with many soft play vendors and found that they didn’t not service my area because of how far North we are located. This sparked an idea that maybe I could start a soft play business to service the North Dallas area.  Read More>>

Heath Thomas

I started writing horror shorts at a young age and came from a family with a musical background. From the age of thirteen, I became really serious about playing the guitar and eventually pursued a degree in music at Southeastern University. During my studies, I met drummer and founding member of From the Grave, Dan Anderson. We moved to the woods of Antlers, OK, and wrote what would eventually become our first record, “The Mausoleum.”  Read More>>