The heart of our mission is to find the amazing souls that breathe life into our communities. In the recent weeks, we’ve had the privilege to connect with some incredible artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and rabble rousers and we can’t begin to express how impressed we are with the incredible group below. Check out our favorite stories from across the Voyage family.
Eshin
He is the one who brought Don Toliver to Travis Scott and has worked with many other artists in Houston and around the world. Over the last 6-7 months almost he’s helped me work on everything. We basically stripped down everything I was doing and corrected everything; from lyrics, to markerting, to song structure, to beat selection, everything, He’s great. He connected me with another producer, Damon Dahl who has been working very closely with me over the past 6-7 months too. I got my boy Joey who helps me write too. He’s amazing with it. Currently I’m just working on music in silence, I want to get everything perfect before I come out and release again. Full 100% on everything, Read more>>
Vaishali Verma
My journey with Dallas Charcuterie Lab began with a simple holiday tradition. Every Christmas, I would create charcuterie boards for friends and family. It was my way of bringing everyone together, spreading joy, and sharing my love for delicious, artfully arranged food. Each year, the compliments and enthusiasm grew, and it dawned on me—why not turn this festive passion into a professional endeavor? Read more>>
Jan Showers
A pioneer in recognizing the importance of French 1940s design, Showers transformed the landscape of American interiors. Her trips to Paris, London, and Venice, searching for extraordinary pieces that elevate every interior, have defined the unique look that has become her trademark. Through her Dallas Design District showroom, Jan continues to introduce designers and clients to the sophisticated allure of this pivotal period in European vintage and antiques. Read more>>
Linda Nuno
I’ve always been drawn to fitness, but my journey didn’t start there. I explored different industries before realizing that fitness was more than just exercise—it was a way to invest in myself. After two pregnancies, fitness helped me regain my strength, feel better physically and mentally, and become a better wife and mom. But beyond the physical transformation, it introduced me to a community of inspiring people who motivated me to push further. Read more>>
Rama Suresh
My name is Rama Suresh, and I am the Founder and Artistic Director of Mythili Dance Academy (MDA), a distinguished institution dedicated to Bharatanatyam, the classical dance of South India. I have dedicated over 35 years to performing and teaching Bharatanatyam in Peoria, Illinois, before relocating permanently to Frisco, Texas, where I currently instruct students in the Prosper, Frisco, Plano, and McKinney areas. Under my guidance, my faculty continues to teach Bharatanatyam in Illinois as well. Read more>>
Justin Cunningham
It’s been a very bumpy road to where I am at today in my career. I never had any guidance as a young man from a father figure and I struggled to stay out of trouble in most of my 20’s. I also struggled with finding the right work environment where I could be pushed to be better and also respected for the hard work I put in. There was a lot of false hope in the opportunities presented to me where I was taken advantage of by salon owners and managers. From 2008-2020 I struggled to find the perfect environment for me and contemplated on switching careers many times. Then after covid forced me to adjust my mindset is when i decided to go independent and start working for my own dreams and not someone else’s. Read more>>
Deanne Caballero
Providing them with these moments and memories, reminiscent of our childhood experiences, is truly rewarding. Seeing the joy it brings others with the total experience, from the music I play in the studio to the aesthetic. It’s not just the photos it’s the experience that keeps people coming back to OG Shots Studio. Read more>>
Alexa Kurimski
I’ve been a digital creator on Instagram and TikTok for about 2 years now, and I specialize in fashion and beauty content. I’ve always been interested in social media! In 2023 I started posting more to my page, and in 2024 I really started taking the job more seriously. I’ve gotten so many amazing opportunities to work with my favorite brands, and I continue to grow and get better with every piece of content I make! Read more>>
Ashleigh Conway
I brought it up to Alan first, and he admitted that he had also been thinking about it seriously. That was January 2018. In February 2018 I had suggested that maybe we should try to have one kid ourselves. The next day we were running a 5K and I fell in a hole and broke my ankle. When I saw the doctor the next day, he said “well I hope you’re not pregnant because you need surgery”. I took that as a sign that I should not carry my own children, but instead take care of those that are already here and in need. Read more>>
Victoria Tillis
I opened my salon, Volume Life Salon Studio, June 2019 after the salon I built the foundation of my career at closed. Entrepreneurship has been rewarding in so many ways, but my most favorite thing about what I get to do behind the chair is connecting with women and helping them embrace themselves through the journey of understanding their natural hair and how to take better care of it at home. Getting a chance to help empower women so that they see themselves and their value through a better lens really fills me up and I’m excited to start servicing women in the North Dallas area really soon! Read more>>
Mina Greas
I’m an Architect, Adjunct Professor, was an Experiential Creative Director, Author of the children’s book The Dream Builders, and a lifelong learner, always seeking the next challenge and surrounding myself with people who inspire me. My path to architecture was shaped by a deep curiosity about how we design, build, and live together. Growing up in Southern California as a child of immigrants, I was surrounded by a rich blend of cultures, landscapes, and ways of thinking. Early on, I was drawn to both the creative and technical aspects of engineering, design, materiality, and construction, all of which converged in architecture. Balancing artistic expression with technical skills, sign me up! I’ve always believed that architecture should be shared by everyone. As Samuel Mockbee put it, “Everyone, rich or poor, deserves a shelter for the soul.” Read more>>
Lee Nelson
After much thought and prayer, Cactus Construction Services was born with the ambition of providing old school customer service and satisfaction to a world that insists on doing things the quickest and cheapest way. Today we are a custom home building company that strives to make each customer experience as unique as the home we build for them. We also provide home remodeling services and turnkey metal buildings. My greatest joy is serving people and the community I live in. If you or someone you know is considering building, please reach out to me! Read more>>
Khandi Thompson
I started my YouTube channel in 2022 just for fun. At first, it was simply a creative outlet—something I did in my free time with no big plans. But the more I created, the more I realized how much I truly enjoyed it. I loved sharing my thoughts on beauty, lifestyle, health, and travel, such as my skincare routine, favorite travel destinations, and tips for a healthy lifestyle. I started connecting with people who resonated with my content. Read more>>
Zondra Evans
I started Zondra TV in a little studio I created at home. What began as small, intimate discussions turned into major talk shows and educational content to help business owners maneuver their journey. I am now the Executive Producer of over 50 shows and thousands of episodes. Our Producer Academy was developed five years ago where we trained over 125+ entrepreneurs to produce their own show and create additional revenue streams via an untapped market. Read more>>
Madalen Schillo
Our passion for entrepreneurship and yearning to create something meaningful were clear, yet the specifics remained elusive. It was only when we deepened our faith that we discovered our true calling, igniting our journey toward establishing a business that resonates with our values.Reflecting on our path, it all aligns beautifully. We utilize family recipes, bake together as a family, and now, we are expanding our tradition to invite others to partake in this joyful experience.A year later, through countless orders, I have refined my craft, acquired new skills, and expanded our business. We now have the privilege of baking for a diverse array of events, including baby showers, gender reveals, birthday parties, corporate functions, and more. Read more>>
Nikki Jackson
Determined to make a difference, I became a certified life coach with a focus on accountability and self-awareness. In 2021, I founded Just A Queen With Goals Empowering Women, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women and youth through programs that provide mental health awareness, financial literacy, trauma healing, and leadership development. Starting with a vision and a passion for change, I worked to build partnerships, secure funding, and create safe spaces for people to grow and heal. Read more>>
Adaornn
I was born with lymphedema, and my story is centered around awareness, self-love, and body positivity. My journey to where I am now started due to people asking me how I lived a “normal” life. I knew nothing different, so my lymphedema is my “normal”. As I walked through this life and learned more about others it motivated me to share my story to inspire not only people like me but others who have critical illnesses. Read more>>
Vanessa Palomera
Since I was a child, I knew I was born to help and empower others. For some reason I didn’t understand growing up, people would easily feel comfortable and share vulnerable things about their lives with me. I always felt blessed to hear people’s stories and would share whatever wisdom, strength, and hope with them that I could. Although therapy was not normalized in my family, I discovered that I could do what I naturally had been doing with friends, loved ones, and even strangers my whole life, as a profession, and I didn’t look back. I love what I do. My mission in life is to foster deep connections so that people are empowered to know their goodness. Read more>>
Tiffany Ditto
y partner, Francisco Zapien, has been in the garment printing industry for over 10 years. He knows everything about screen printing and embroidery—what works, what doesn’t, and how to make designs come to life on fabric. When we finally made the leap to put our skills together, it just made sense. Read more>>
Tre’bion Bembry
There was also a point where I lost my faith for a while. I let the pressure, setbacks, and self-doubt take over, and I felt disconnected from God and the vision He had for me. But He never let me go. Over time, I had to learn to trust that my journey is my own and that things will fall into place in His timing. Now, I’m in a season of fully leaning into my purpose, staying authentic, and reminding myself that what’s for me won’t miss me. The struggles made me stronger, and they’re shaping the path I’m on now. Read more>>
Natalia Torres
No matter your background, age, or where you’re from, I absolutely love to connect with people and help bring their stories to life through my art. I could not be the person I am or create art that I love without God to take me each step of the way. I want to be able to fulfill my purpose which is spreading God’s love through my work as I would not be able to do what I do without Him. Now at this new stage of life, with the support from my husband, family, and friends, I cannot wait to keep storytelling and truly push myself to create a brand that I am proud of and that represents me. Read more>>
Jessica Thompson
What started as a mobile art studio quickly grew into a thriving creative community. In just two years, work/shop has served over 11,885 youth and families, hosted four Teen Artist Markets featuring 76 young artists, and collaborated with libraries, community centers, and major public spaces like Klyde Warren Park. In 2025, we moved into our first permanent classroom space at Tyler Station in Oak Cliff, where we now host free Open Studios, low-cost classes, and workshops that equip youth with both creative and entrepreneurial skills. Read more>>
Theresa Strange Johnston
As an artist, I have utilized the COVID-19 pandemic to focus on painting and selling my artwork. Currently, my pieces are displayed in various locations around McKinney, and I occasionally receive commissions. I also participate in charitable art projects, such as Empty Bowls and The Tiny Door Project. Read more>>
Amy Marshall
As a second-generation hairdresser who grew up in the vibrant and eccentric hair and fashion culture of the 1970s, I bring over 30 years of diverse experience in various salon business models, including booth rental, commission salons, freelance work on film and television sets, and backstage at New York City Fashion Week. After all of these years working in different salon types, I have taken my favorite aspects from each environment to create an honest, transparent, and professional salon. I have been fortunate to have amazing mentors throughout my journey, which inspires me to offer a safe space that fosters creativity and freedom for the hair artists who choose to make this their home. Read more>>
Devonte West
It hasn’t always been a smooth road and some of the struggles were trying to stay confident in the process because I was producing alot of content and seeing little to no traction and it can be discouraging especially starting out but the biggest obstacle was when my mom passed in may 2022, her and I bonded alot of my content. I knew I had a good video when she would call me already crying laughing when I answered the phone and she always believed in me so not having that daily support was tough. I didn’t feel like creating because she was no longer here but I knew she’d want me to keep going which is what ultimately kept me pushing. Even today years later thats still the toughest obstacle because grief isn’t linear. Read more>>
Vu Ly
It all came about once the pandemic hit and everyone was doing online “happy hours” via zoom or FaceTime with each other. Kimberly Le, Tran Loh, Nancy Lee, Elaynne Ly, and I (college friends from UTA) were discussing how Southeast and East Asian owned restaurants were being affected due to the xenophobia towards us from the media. Businesses were being affected, not just because of the virus and the social distancing, but also from the public having fear they will contract the virus from Southeast and East Asians. Read more>>
Jayla Smith
Eventually I took a leap of faith back in February to try out this hobby and became serious about it. I learned and failed many times but each order I got to do I got better within such a short amount of time. I’ve gained a lot of support from family and friends and AMAZING feedback, I had to keep going. Now I have a full instagram and Facebook page that I love posting content on and can honestly say it’s up from here. God knew where I needed to be and showed me my gift. Read more>>
Shyra Layali
We exchanged contact information and she recommended that I join her dance class to build my skills. Not too long after that night, I joined her dance class for fun to learn more and engage in a form of exercise. A few months later, she asked me to professionally perform with her. Our first show together was a duet on a Valentines night in 2023 and ever since then I’ve been performing professionally, collaborating with other artists in the DFW and as a solo artist! Read more>>
Jonlouis Gonzalez
My work often features astronaut figures as symbols of curiosity, guardianship, and the search for meaning—ideas that transcend time and place. Throughout the 8 years of my artistic career, I have seen many versions of myself and the world through my work, it fuels me to continue to see the evolution. Read more>>
Fred Nordt
I grew up on the East End of Long Island in the hamlet of Hampton Bays, NY. Which most people don’t know is growing up in the country part of Long Island. If you travelled 8 miles east of my town you would have John Deere tractors blocking the back roads because of all the farms and horse ranches. There were a few cattle ranches on the East End of the Long Island as well. Including the oldest documented cattle ranch in the country called The Ranch in Montauk. Read more>>
Antoinette Njombua-fombad
I’m the author of ‘Everything Is WITHIN,’ recently released, and delving into crafting a mindful life and my journey to self-connection and the lessons learned along the way. I am a life coach, speaker, and transformational guide passionate about helping you uncover the layers within, embracing every part of your journey with authenticity and flair. My approach blends heartfelt coaching with a keen sense of style because personal growth isn’t just about mindset; it’s about how you show up in the world, inside and out. Read more>>
June Kissi
Through this liason I sang background on Eartha Kitt’s 1987 Album, My Way, which includes a name credit. Also, I’ve sang background on Reuben Studdard ‘s Gospel Album Medicine (2012)with the TBAAL, with which I also received a name credit. I was one of the lead vocalists in a traveling band here in Dallas, called Emergency Sho firw Band for 2 or 3 years. For the past 5 years I’ve performed cover songs from Artist I grew up listening to on my youtube channel: Read more>>
Kerri Hupp
Within that timeframe, I learned how many children who are commercially sexually exploited spent time in foster care. Through serving at the sex trafficking safehouse, I was connected to that founder’s neighbor, the now founder of ESF. Each one of those professional opportunities ended naturally, and always led to the next step. And each of the leaders within those organizations are still in my life. My network of those who serve children in need is growing, with new opportunities to collaborate and achieve more than we ever could have alone. Read more>>
Ruth Assi
I am a daughter of immigrants, and dismissing this would be doing a disservice to my journey. Like many children of immigrants, I grew up as the translator and the helper of all things administrative in my family. I was the bridge between cultures, navigating doctor’s appointments, school forms, and bills, often feeling the weight of responsibility from a young age. Read more>>
Align Health Careers
Our mission at Align Health Careers is to educate and empower the next generation of healthcare professionals. We are committed to providing high-quality training to individuals who are passionate about improving the health and well-being of their communities. Whether you’re starting a new career or advancing in your current field, we believe that with the right guidance and education, everyone has the potential to succeed in healthcare. Read more>>
Nicole Cater
Then after some prophetic confirmations and open doors; I finally surrendered to the very thing I was running from even in 2021 – starting GraceFilled Community a entity that BOLDLY shared God’s purpose and heart for the church and His people through church leadership development, digital outreach for churches and businesses as well as helping to individuals heal by focusing on the entirety of our creation. Equipping individuals for physical, mental, emotional and of course spiritual wholeness. Read more>>
Ahmaree Williams
Nail technology wasn’t the only or most lucrative of the vocational programs being offered at our school, but what drew me to the program was the ability to infuse my love of art with my love for beauty. For the past 4 years, I had taken every art course my high school had to offer from Drawing Fundamentals, Photography, Technical Drawing, and even Ceramics. However, with everyone spewing their reiterations of the tired old “starving artist” trope, I figured that maybe I should pivot slightly from my art path and get creative with my career path. All the money I spend getting jelly and orange peel pedicures, surely a nail tech is seeing some kind of revenue? Read more>>
Emily Powell
I wish I could say it has been a smooth road but I would be lying if I did. For me, some struggles I have faced along the way have been moving out of my parents home and finding reliable care. Having a spinal cord injury at the cervical level is very challenging because of the independence that you lose. I rely heavily on caregivers to help me with everyday tasks. Unfortunately, the home health agencies I am under are state funded, (Medicaid) which means the caregivers get paid around $10 an hour with no paid benefits. Finding and keeping good help to care for me in the way that I need to be cared for has been quite cumbersome. Read more>>
Hailey Miller
It was during my PT program that I was introduced to the pelvic health specialty. My husband, who worked as a pharmaceutical rep in the GI field, encouraged me to explore it further. The more I learned, the more I realized how overlooked and under-discussed pelvic health is—not just by patients, but even by healthcare providers. I found that I was comfortable talking about the ‘uncomfortable’ and passionate about normalizing these conversations. That’s when I knew I had found my calling. Read more>>
Sheree Rumph
Ecclesiastes 11:2 says, Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon this earth. I am on a mission to create a legacy and leave an inheritance for children. God gives us the grace and instructions to have multiple streams of income. In addition to my life coaching work which is my ministry, I am enhancing my craft by becoming a mental health specialist, financial advisor, and travel broker. I integrate all three into my approach because they are all essential components of true self-care. My goal is to empower individuals to heal in every aspect of their lives—emotionally, financially, and mentally, mind, body, soul, and spirit—so they can live fully in their purpose. Read more>>
Brandi Rand
Currently, I am the Founder of HER Agency: The Collective, a platform curated for Black women in advertising where we can level-up and have real conversations on how to thrive in the industry while building real community. I am also the host of HER Agency: The Podcast, a pod that centers Black women in leadership who are bold enough to own their agency. I am proud to say the podcast broke the top 100 in marketing podcasts at launch and continues to add subscribers weekly across YouTube, Spotify and iTunes because the stories of resilience resonate. Yes, they are of Black women in advertising, but the experiences, lessons and ah-ha moments are universal. Read more>>
Donnica Houston
After living in Jacksonville Florida for 12 years after a bad divorce and a failed engagement I found myself living a life where I knew I was blessed but my soul became hardened from disappointments. I decided to obey the voice of God that said it was time for me to leave Florida behind and move back to Texas, only to find myself feeling those same trauma and woes I dealt with in Florida. Once I had decided to relinquish control of my healing process I met my husbands whose clothing line is Humble Servant and during our healing process together from his recent divorce Soft Gurl Anointing was birthed. I truly didn’t know what it meant to have a partner who could be dominant but allow me to be a true lover girl and a soft girl in my faith journey. Read more>>
Ja’keidric Harris
As young boy I was always fascinated with cameras and my passions grew as I got older. I had a class in highschool it was audio visual production. And my teacher was a photographer and learning from him about I didn’t know at all grew my passions even more. Then shortly after highschool I got my own camera and that’s when I started making money doing photography on the side. And know I’m hoping to turn photography into a full time thing. Read more>>
Chelsi Jones
I put a lot of time and love into baking my cookies. I am a one man band man, except my husband does help me occasionally. I buy the ingredients, bake, package and mail out. I also do vendor markets as well. Read more>>
Jesus Tovar
Upon returning to Venezuela, my older brother and I opened our first mechanical maintenance service company. We became members of the local chamber of mechanical workshops, where I served as secretary and later as president. I specialized in electronic fuel injection systems, and we founded several branches dedicated to the maintenance of these systems. In 2006, just as we were preparing to open a second branch, my brother passed away—a devastating loss for me. Read more>>
Nikki Watson
At the time my ex-husband had control of our finances, and my paycheck went directly to his account. If I needed anything personally or for the kids, I would have to ask him for money. When I told him I needed $10 for gas to get to my first appointment for Staging, he refused. He said that staging sounds like a waste of time and it wouldn’t be successful. I had to call my mom for the money and she western unioned it to me from Oak Cliff. I got the job and that was how my company started. Now I own the largest Home Staging Company in the Nation and have been featured on several tv shows on HGTV and A&E Networks. Read more>>
Samantha Black
It’s not always easy. Low views and not knowing what to post can really mess with your head. Social media is so unpredictable, and when the views are low, it’s easy to second-guess yourself and wonder if your content is even good. I’ve definitely struggled with figuring out what to post. People say “everything is content,” but that’s easier said than done. I never want to bore my followers, but I’ve started to shift my mindset—if they’re following me, it’s for a reason! So, posting within my niche isn’t boring to them, even if it feels simple to me. Read more>>
Brittanie Mcintyre
Starting adulthood as such a young mom, stability was always my main concern, so art was never something I thought to pursue seriously. It wasn’t until the COVID lockdown in 2020 that I even realized creativity came naturally to me. With all that extra time at home, I started painting. First small things, then before I knew it, nearly every surface in our house had been transformed. That was the spark. Over the past five years, my artistic journey has evolved through different styles and mediums, eventually leading me to photography. Now, what started as an unexpected discovery has become a passion, shaping the way I see and capture the world. Read more>>
Mercedes Johnson
Far from smooth is what I would say, but I kind of like it that way. I don’t think I would have as much drive or passion for what I was doing if I never faced difficulty along the way. It has made me have an undoubtedly extreme connection to my business in ways I can’t even explain. Finding myself and growing with my work has been a steep up-hill battle. I still would say the path has bigger challenges ahead, but I’ve toughend my skin from the previous obstacles that the future ones seem a little more scalable. Read more>>
Kenray Thompson
I was driving home and just so happen I saw this cigar lounge in my neighborhood. I made a U-turn and pulled up and got me a cigar. So, long story short I was at that cigar lounge every Friday night. Fast forward to 2019, i was driving home from work and was thinking huh I’ll like to have my own business one day. light bule went off in my head and said what about a cigar lounge. I talked to my wife about it, got her approval and we planned, looked at building for 2yrs to finally in 2021 we found a building. So, it took us 2yrs to open our business and here we are today 4yrs later. God is Good! Read more>>
Chelsa Owen
But I’ve learned that mistakes are okay—they’re actually necessary for growth. Every misstep has been a learning opportunity that’s made me a better stylist, educator, and mentor. The pressure to be perfect can be suffocating, but once I embraced the idea that growth comes from curiosity, trial and error, and always being open to learning, I found so much more confidence and joy in my work. Read more>>
Vinchi Thehippie
Known as the “trouble kid” in school and “Mouton’s Little Brother That Could Rap” on the streets, Vinchithehippie quickly gained attention. At 12, he became part of the group *S.M.E. Gang*, creating a stir with their party and twerk anthems, but internal tensions led to the group’s dissolution. Undeterred, Vinchi teamed up with his brothers @Alexthehippie & JuJu HL to form *MGM RECORDS / MGM EMPIRE*, a new collective that set the city ablaze with even greater energy than before. After a year of explosive growth, Vinchithehippie decided to go solo, marking a pivotal moment in his career. With over 103k plays across all platforms from features and solo releases, plus a social media following of 14k+ on Twitter and Instagram, his buzz continues to grow each day. Read more>>
Joss Smith
I loved my time as a high school principal and was fortunate to work with the best instructional staff I could imagine. After three years in that role, I left to pursue a career in consulting with Emergent Tree Education where we consult with school districts across the state to make sure kids are loved and cared for in the districts we serve. I am grateful to have the opportunity to assist schools to accommodate the kind of young people my parents served as houseparents and am fortunate to work with a tremendous team that has the same vision. Read more>>
Susan Delphine Delaney
Growing up in DC, I’d visit the museums often. Mother would pin two car tokens to my blouse collar and hand me a sack lunch. I’d take a bus and a streetcar to the Washington Mall. The Museum of Natural History was my favorite, and the Hall of Gems and Minerals my most frequent destination. This would shape both my early career and my later foray into jewelry making. Money was tight, and my science fair project about crystals won me a berth at the International Science and Engineering Fair and tuition, and room and board scholarships, to the University of Maryland. Read more>>
Toshiba Smallwood
When I launched BlackSheep, it was about creating a safe space where people could feel seen, heard, and supported. Over time, it’s grown into a platform that not only addresses trauma but also inspires personal growth and empowerment. Through coaching, storytelling, and spiritual guidance, I’ve been able to connect with so many people on their journeys, helping them shift from survival mode to truly thriving. Read more>>
Bill Stone
We started working with dogs as a hobby. We trained with trainers from Denmark, Texas and Michigan. One of our dogs won the K9 Pro Sports world championship in 2019. Then Covid hit and group gatherings were cancelled. Looking for another route, we discovered that dogs are a very useful tool. When things went back to today’s normal, we saw a need in the private sector where dogs could assist Read more>>
Kesha Chante
I’ve always been big on health, but 2018 is what really did it for me. I had 4 family members who passed away—all from health issues! That was the same year I decided to transition to pescatarian and focus more on becoming healthier. I documented my journey and so many people were interested to where I decided to post daily. Since then, I’ve helped THOUSANDS of people transition or even just start considering to eat a little healthier. Simultaneously, I love going around the DFW area trying out restaurants and highlighting them for our community to check out. This has always been a passion of mine and it’s still only the beginning! Read more>>
Mayra Benavides
After graduating high school, I pursued both Cosmetology and Medical Assistant programs simultaneously because I knew I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. My goal was to help them feel good both inside—through the medical field—and outside—through beauty. After earning degrees in both fields, I spent nine years working in healthcare while also exploring different beauty avenues, including nails and hair. Read more>>
Katelyn Michelle Garcia
I found my love for floral design in high school when I took an agriculture elective class. Because I enjoyed this class so much, I wanted to further my floral design knowledge and found a job working at Seabrook House of Flowers in my hometown. I took into consideration my love for plants when deciding what to study in college thus I chose to major in Horticulture and minor in Recreation Parks and Tourism Sciences with a Professional Event Management Certificate. I always knew that I wanted to own my own business, and after working in the event planning industry for a few years, I took the leap and decided to start Katalina Co. in 2021, a personal event planning company. Throughout the next 2 years, I promoted myself and did small events here and there while still working full time. I enjoyed event planning, but I also strived to own a flower shop, and hoped to find a way to combine my personal interests. Read more>>
Tabetha Weeks
Growing up, school was never easy for me. I was held back in the third grade, struggling with reading and writing, and it wasn’t until I repeated the grade and moved in with my aunt, who was a teacher, that I was diagnosed with dyslexia. With that diagnosis came tools that helped me get by, but academics were always a challenge. My favorite parts of school? PE and lunch (if that even counts!). Read more>>
Jerry Joyner
A chance moment in Willie Nelson’s backyard ten years ago sparked a creative streak that led me to write a couple of songs. That inspiration snowballed into the launch of Weed And Whiskey TV, a streaming network that blended my love for storytelling and cannabis culture. In late 2024, the network was acquired by a publicly traded company. Read more>>
Debbie Wright
I was still working a 9-to-5 job, trying to make the most of my time locked away in a parked RV, working from home, and figuring out how to keep the podcast alive. Eventually, I shifted my focus to interviewing local business owners, artists, and community organizations—the first few episodes were even recorded masked up in the studio! But through that change, something amazing happened: Know Waco became a space for real conversations, and I got to connect with so many incredible people—many of whom I now call friends. Read more>>
Samantha Ritz
Over time, I realized that many of my clients—especially busy, high-achieving women—were struggling with more than just injuries. They were juggling careers, families, and responsibilities while feeling stuck in their health, fitness, and overall wellness. That’s when I expanded my focus and created The Elite Woman Project via Ritz Wellness, a platform dedicated to helping women design and step into their ideal lifestyles. Read more>>
Walt Farrington
I had a pretty normal childhood, I went to school everyday and had lots of friends. I played video games and loved basketball. Ignorance was bliss until middle school. I was bullied a lot to the point where I turned to drugs at an early age. And to top off my worries, home life was getting rough with my mom drinking and my dad being physically there but was never mentally around. My mental health was declining slowly. Since I got bullied so much, for high school I went to a different school. Here I met a lot of my close friends, also found a lot of people to avoid. Late my freshman year, my parents divorced. Read more>>
Paige Simpson
There was also a part of me that was a little afraid to get going with a photography business. I didn’t really know where to start. One day I decided to take my camera out of the box and I charged up the battery. I practiced a lot and I watched more YouTube videos than I can count. I taught myself how to use the camera, how to edit photos, the ins and outs of a photography business, all of it. My first actual session for Paige Simpson Photography was a photoshoot of my beautiful cousin who modeled for me. I worked so hard on that session from scouting a location, to the poses and editing. I couldn’t wait to share my work and when I did it boosted my confidence. I continued scheduling photo sessions and the rest is history! Read more>>
O’sharrah Daniel
DAB’s Eatery’s journey has not been smooth sailing. There has been hiccups throughout our years of operations with the main obstacle of losing our food trailer in 2021 due to unforeseen circumstances. But with any business there is 50 order days and there is 5 order days; that’s the risk you take entering into entrepreneurship. As being the owner , I love everyday of it. We are back like we never left. Read more>>
