It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them the fundamental questions about who they are and how they became the person they are today. Understanding and empathy are essential building blocks for a better, more compassionate world. We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to ask these questions each week through our interview series. Below you’ll find interviews from our community members and content partners – the folks who’ve been heavily involved with us, collaborating with us on content, sponsoring our mission and spreading the word about the work we do.
Ayanna Jones | Chef & ShopChefAJ.com Owner
I am Chef AJ. I own a catering and online spice store. I offer services in Dallas, Texas and San Diego, California. I specialize in healthy comfort food. A conscious twist on healthy comfort food. Read more>>
Jon-Michael Narvaez | General Partner | Design Director
I am an entrepreneur with a passion for menswear, menswear education, and most recently, software engineering. In the last ten years, I have dedicated myself to small business and local economic development. I work closely with other entrepreneurs, c-level executives, and senior leadership to create unique projects that bring brand awareness and generate revenue. Read more>>
Lumbie Mlambo | Founder/CEO
I’m Lumbie (Lumbimbi) Mlambo, a mother, wife, and graduate from Indiana University South Bend and Texas Woman’s University. An UNA Women’s member, Global Goodwill Ambassador, and a United Nations Global Water Partner, I’m an advocate for clean water and empowering women and girls to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. I was born in Zimbabwe but moved to the United States in the late 80s. I reside in Dallas, Texas, with my husband of 32 years and has 2 handsome sons and a beautiful daughter-in-law. Read more>>
Jeanette Berry | Founder, President & CEO
My name is Jeanette Berry Founder, President & CEO of Operation Community Care Inc which is a nonprofit for youths 0-17yrs old single families, homeless and displace families. We our community base, OCC came about when the tornado it Lancaster TX area 2012. We found out many families were single families and now homeless and displace within our communities. Helping others is a passion for me and every youth should have the essential needs and chance of life. I am in my God purpose of life, and trying to be an example and help to others. Read more>>
Brandon Humphrey | Fine Artist
My name is Brandon Humphrey. I’m a 31-year-old self-taught fine artist, husband, and father of three from Beaumont, Texas. Read more>>
Grayson Mask | Podcaster, Blogger, and Event Host
My name is Grayson Mask and I host “The Platinum Mask”, a blog and podcast that interviews local Dallas-Fort Worth creatives, influencers, and entrepreneurs. This idea started August 2020 where I wanted to speak to different professions navigating the covid-19 landscape. It was a wild environment and it was interesting to see the various contrary opinions when asked about the pandemic, new legislation, layoffs, and much more. I’ve interviewed roles like chefs, nurses, therapists, attorneys, and artists. These stories have helped me wrap my brain around the economic and cultural changes I can expect moving forward. I can’t wait to see where both passions lead to as social distancing is lessening. Read more>>
Apostle Kevin Etta | Spoken Word Faith Ministries
My name is Kevin Etta Jr. I am the Apostle and Senior Minister at Spoken Word Faith Ministries in Garland Texas. We are a trans-denominational Gospel organization, dedicated to the propagation and spread of the teachings of Jesus Christ; to preaching, teaching and counseling people, both inside and outside the organized Christian Church establishment, in the deeper truths of the Gospel, and help prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. We do this through our local church outreach and community in the Garland area and through a variety of in-house programs and services, messaging portals and multimedia tools in the realm of social media and other content with the potential to reach and interact with wide swathes of people of diverse and mixed backgrounds, nationalities and ethnicities. Our church community in the Garland area is a welcome nexus and meeting place for all seekers of truth who are tired of playing religion and want a place where they can discover their true identity in Christ and grow their potentials and giftings to their fullest extent and possibilities. Read more>>
Jerrell Trulove | Author & Creator of Friends First & Wedding Photographer
My name is Jerrell Trulove (yes, that’s my real name) and I am an author, wedding photographer, and notary. I’m currently married to the most amazing woman ever and I have an 11-year-old daughter who I love unconditionally. Read more>>
Hope Broomham | Director of Programs at Jim Riley Outreach- Non Profit
My name is Hope Broomham and I am the Director of Programs at Jim Riley Outreach. We operate two transitional living homes in Collin County: Blake’s House (for women) and His House (for men). Our transitional living homes serve young adults aged 18-25 who have aged out of foster care, or who are homeless and without critical supports. We provide a warm living environment, equip residents with life skills, foster educational and career advancement, and build a network of support around them through mentors and individual coaching. Read more>>
Keicia Shanta | Sustainable Fashion + Clean Beauty + Lifestyle Content Creator / Editorial Fashion Stylist
Keicia started the blog FashionCrush in 2012 with the plan of just talking about her hunt for trendy fashion finds that don’t break the bank. That blog quickly grew into much more with her first editorial fashion collaboration with southern retail chain Belk. Read more>>
Leah Tressler | Esthetics and Cosmetology School Operator
I am a licensed cosmetologist, barber, and instructor who began working in the industry 25 years ago. During my career, I have worked as a hair dresser, waxer, makeup artist, instructor, sales representative, and attorney. I opened Salon Boutique Academy in 2012 in Addison, Texas. I have a team of 10 women who all share their passion and experience with students looking to build or grow their careers in the beauty industry. For licensed professionals, we have a sister company, Salon Boutique, which provides salon suite locations to licensed professionals in Texas, Tennessee, Arizona, and Nevada. Read more>>
Brandie Pyburn | CEO Founder & Executive Director
I am an Accredited Spiritual Life Coach, International Motivational Speaker, Published Author & CEO Founder/ Executive Director of Sisterhood Through God’s Plan, Inc. I am a Licensed Ordained Minister I provide Marriage Counseling. I conduct Marriage Ceremonies, I also do Eulogies and a host of other Ministry work. Read more>>
Lane Rizzardini | Digital Marketing Firm Owner
I moved to Dallas in 2010 for a job in marketing that has turned into a career and a passion. After nearly a decade helping hundreds of busines owners and learning all aspects of the digital marketing space, I started Marion Relationship Marketing dedicated to helping local business owners better market their businesses online and stay current with the constantly changing state of online marketing. Read more>>
Aubrey Johnson | Podcast Creator & Host, and Content Creator
I am the creator and host of the Road to Rediscovery Podcast. I moved to the North Dallas area in July of 2015 from Cincinnati, OH. My background/profession is in the Talent Development industry. I have always believed in the importance in understanding the lessons from our life experiences. I try to practice this as I navigate through life, as well as discuss on my podcast. Read more>>
Azmina Pirani of Tarot & Tea | Metaphysical Shop & Psychic Readings
I own Tarot & Tea, a metaphysical shop in Frisco and in McKinney. I offer Tarot Readings, Oracle Readings and am an Intuitive and Clairsentient. I make intention oils, candles, mists and offer all kinds of other metaphysical products. Read more>>
Terrance Brashun | CEO, Executive Producer & Creative Designer
My name is Terrance Brashun, CEO of Classic Villain Music Group. I started the Classic Villain brand in March of 2015. Originally, it started with me just making prints out of things I would draw and from there I just expanded the scope of the brand. I’ve always been a writer and a creative so I brought that to my brand. I began to design shirts with the help and advice of Brian Begley and then I added snapbacks because that’s usually how I shop. When I buy a shirt, I like to get a hat to go with it so that’s typically how I do my designs as well. Read more>>
DeMario “DJ DMoney Global” Hollie | Owner, Artist & DJ at Crack For The Ears
My name is DeMario Hollie, but I am also known as DJ Dmoney Global & “Money Sensei”. I own a Music Entertainment Company called “Crack For The Ears (CFTE)” that provides DJ & Entertainment services all around the world. Although I am a DJ, I also write & produce my own music, so that technically makes me an artist too. I release music under my “Crack For The Ears” umbrella as well. Music is my first love, its like therapy to me. Music helps me get through my life, so being involved with it from a creative standpoint or a consumption standpoint is very essential to my lifestyle. Read more>>
Steve Berens | Clear Comfort CEO & Co-Founder
My name is Steve Berens, the CEO and Co-Founder of Clear Comfort, and we make chlorine-alternative AOP pool and hot tub systems that deliver the easiest way to get the best, healthiest and freshest water. Read more>>
