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 inspiring interviews from in and around Dallas.
Kayla Turner
Since middle school I’ve always enjoyed doing hair and started to get good at it, so other people saw how I did my own and wanted me to do theirs also. I realized I could get paid for my talent and started to make income throughout my teenage years. I played basketball in high school so I could not pursue my hair career by attending cosmetology school during high school and play sports at the same time . I worked hard enough to receive a basketball scholarship and attend college, so doing hair was put on the back burner until I needed extra money. Read More>>
Lashameice Williams
I am a Navy veteran. I have always been a creative person. I took a leap of faith and purchased my first laser. It took me long nights on YouTube to understand how to work the thing! lol I started creating small things for my family and friends. I then started posting on social media and building my brand. I told myself that the people would help me choose my niche and I kept getting families who wanted decor for their children’s graduation or simply home decor for their kids bedroom so that’s what I led with. Read More>>
Denise Lewis
I got started with Mocca Makeup & Skincare by chance. I was using Mary Kay skincare products and had a reaction to it. I had blotches and light spots all over my face. I went to my classmate Kena Baccus-Williams and ask if she had anything that could fix my problem, She sold me the skincare set at a discount and instructed me on how to use the products. In less than 2 months, my skin problems cleared up completely. Read More>>
Dale Mbambi
After buying my first home in 2017, I fell in love with helping individuals like me to start thinking about becoming a home owner. After receiving my MBA, i decided to further my education by getting my license in 2019, I have help many first time home buyers become home owners and increasing their wealth and assets over a number of year. As of September, not only am I a realtor, but also a fully licensed financial advisor. My goal is to be a one stop individual when it comes to personal finance and home buying for my community and those around me. Read More>>
Shawna Mccarty
I watched my father go back to college in his 40’s. I got to see his entire story from where he started to where he ended in running two successful law firms. Because of this I always knew I had the same drive and determination that he did. My hope and dream was always to one day start my own journey with my own business. I never knew exactly what that was going to be, but here we are today with Dock Square Staging & Design. Read More>>
Jessica Bartnick
I am a busy wife, mother, and entrepreneur, and I had a hard time fitting in my beauty appointments. I love to get pampered! It makes me better when I take time for myself too! But I always had to make multiple appointments, and I just felt like I never had enough time in a day. One day when I was getting my lashes done, I was laying there wishing I could get my nails done at the same exact time. I researched this idea, and I realized that there is not a single business that offers both services at the same time! Read More>>
Clarisa Wiley
While attending beauty school in 2017-2018 everything went wrong. But I made a promise to myself I wouldn’t quit no matter what happened. I became homeless that year with 3 kids it was tough. I’m from College Park Ga so I sent them home with family. That decision was hard but I had to finish school. A lot happened that year, graduating was one of them. Read More>>
John Beritan
I had been working in the upholstery business for a few years. Building bed frames and upholstering. One day I decided to take a leap of faith and spent weeks researching trends, gathering materials, and sketching designs. Experimented with different fabrics from rich velvets to soft linens, and played with shapes and sizes. My workshop was soon filled with prototypes, each one a testament to my dedication to craftsmanship and innovation. Read More>>
Erin Ilnicky
In the summer of 2019 Anthony and Erin Ilnicky set out on their desire to leave California. After Erin was recruited by a Top Real Estate Brokerage, opening their office in the suburbs of Dallas / Fort Worth, Anthony and Erin packed up their bags and left everything they knew in January of 2019. Landing in the suburbs of Dallas / Fort Worth, The Ilnicky family quickly realized, the Lone Star state was calling them home. Read More>>
Kebron Araya
I’m from Dallas, Texas. Born and raised. My Family and I are East African. I’ve always been into Art and Fashion ever since I was young. I used to sketch a lot of anime in my teen years. I remember I would make a lot of profit of selling my drawings in school. My mother still keeps most of my drawings to show me for motivation at times. Art brings the peace in me. Read More>>
Omosigho Omorotionmwan
We decided to turn our love for decor into a business, and that’s how TheK.O.Experience was born. With Kim’s background in nursing and Omosigho’s in health administration, we brought a unique blend of creativity, precision, and care to the table. Starting out wasn’t easy; we faced challenges like any new business, but our commitment to excellence and our unwavering belief in our vision kept us moving forward. Read More>>
Alex Lipari
Came down to Fort Worth from Kansas City to go to TCU. While at school, and after graduation, I worked at a small non-profit called The Net working with and building relationships with people experiencing homelessness. To supplement income while working at The Net, I picked up trash, then worked at a coffee shop, then finally got my license and started doing real estate. When I first got my license, the goal was to find a flexible job that I could make an extra 20-30k a year doing so I could continue working at The Net, which is what I was really passionate about. When Covid hit, The Net refocused and restructured and I started doing real estate full time. Read More>>
Sarah Evans
I have had some ups and downs on this journey. Starting this business showed me how creative I am. My biggest struggle has been consistently marketing online. I have to come up with different content to reach the right audience and keep people engaged online. Also trying to find the balance between family life and business life, Read More>>
Rachel Elliott
I began my formal studies in 2016 when I became a student at the Dallas School of Metaphysics. There, I discovered the tools and community I had long yearned for—meditation, dream interpretation, focus, discipline, and, most importantly, the power of my attention. I began understanding how my thoughts, perceptions, and expectations created my reality. This realization showed me how my self-doubt and limitations were reflections of my inner self-concept. Read More>>
Mallory Cislo
That makes it difficult to earn a living without working 80+ hours a week, which I often do during the busy season (September through May). As an added income stream and to get more time together, my husband, Craig, and I started teaching cookie classes, a venture which has added even more fun and variety to the business! I do the teaching, and he runs drinks, makes jokes, and helps with everything from check in, to replacing dropped cookies, to clean up Read More>>
Olabosipo Ibirogba
My interest in skincare started back in 2017, when I suddenly developed severe acne on my face and every effort to clear it up failed. I bought a haul of several over the counter products that did little to nothing at all for me. I almost wanted to try Accutane as prescribed by a Dermatologist. Eventually I used some prescriptions from a Dermatologist. However, those prescriptions dried my facial skin a lot and left me wit acne scars. That was when my search for a natural skincare remedy started. Read More>>
Nakia Fleming
I became a Lifestyle and Wellness Coach because I wanted to give women the guidance and knowledge that I didn’t have. I was a young single mother who worked her way through nursing school to provide for my children. I became a wife and had more children. There were so many things about marriage, motherhood and self development that I had to learn on my own. I want to empower and educate women early. I want to help women make the most use of their time and grow through every season. Read More>>
Jared Adams
I’m a 4th generation Texan who moved from the North Texas area to the DFW in 2008. For the past 14 years, I was apart of a really special startup business based here in the DFW that had a tremendous growth story, and an impact that was far reaching. When I felt the timing was right for a professional change, I decided to jump head first into owning and operating Dumpster Dudez of Dallas. Read More>>
Maya Beasley
I’ve always loved music. As a kid, my music taste was literally everywhere. I would go from blasting Avril Lavigne’s “Girlfriend” to Biggie’s “Suicidal Thoughts”. My family was very confused by all the many stages I went through as an adolescent, but I’ve always just soaked everything in like a sponge when it came to “the arts”, and I feel like it ultimately made me the unpredictable and rebellious artist/person that I am today. I tell people all the time. Don’t ever try to box me in. I’m always experimenting with different sounds and mediums. Life is one big canvas and I’m just here to create as much as I can in hopes that it’ll inspire others to do the same. Read More>>
Lakshmi Subramanian
INAKI The Label is dedicated to celebrating and preserving the traditional crafts of Tamil Nadu. Our focus is on creating sustainable clothing and accessories that honor the rich heritage and artistry of local artisans. By showcasing their exceptional craftsmanship, INAKI not only supports these communities financially but also preserves their cultural legacy. Each product tells the story of its maker, merging traditional techniques with modern design to reflect my vision of a sustainable and connected world. Read More>>
Tayler Bennett
I founded Rae Design Interiors in the spring of 2023 and while it has been a slow start, I am proud of the progress and clientele we have helped thus far. I love learning and growing as an interior designer and ensuring these same principles in my business. At Rae Design Interiors, we strive to create the perfect space for you and welcome all who are looking to create and beautiful and new space. Read More>>
Jahmir Noble
As the founder and CEO of iThrive, I’m committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive—not just in school, but in all areas of their lives. iThrive fills the gap by providing the mental and emotional tools children need to navigate their challenges and succeed. We’re still growing, but our mission is clear, and the impact we’re making is real. I’m excited about the future as we continue to empower young lives and help them reach their full potential. Read More>>
Ashley Coleman
They’ve been affectionately dubbed, Ash Army, and I host annual conferences to empower, acknowledge, and teach the next generation of creatives/entrepreneurs who look to me for motivation. This year alone, I’ve give away $50,000 to Ash Army to help seed their own endeavors! I never want to be the only success story in the room. I want my entire table to be seated with powerful and impactful women. Read More>>
Erica Vitor
My name is Erica Vitor, a proud Latina mother, and I embarked on a journey to create a women’s activewear brand that honors and empowers all women. Based in Dallas, Be A Star was founded to inspire women of every age, race, and body type to discover their true potential through movement and self-care. Read More>>
