We are so thrilled to be able to connect with some of the brightest and most inspiring entrepreneurs and creatives from across the city and beyond and this series in particular gives us the honor of introducing these folks to you in a unique way – we go beyond the story of how they got to where they are today by asking them to reflect on a variety of deeper questions that we hope will help you better connect with them, their stories and their brands. Ultimately, our hope is that more of us will spend more of our money with independent artists, creatives and small businesses and we think getting to know one another at a deeper level is step one.
Porsha Elliott
People think tax preparation is just data entry—but it’s actually strategy, compliance, and trust-building. Many clients underestimate how much knowledge, ethics, and long-term planning go into truly serving clients well. It’s not just plugging in numbers—it’s understanding tax law, helping people stay compliant, identifying opportunities for savings, and building relationships based on accuracy and professionalism. Read more>>
Kelley McCullough
Content creation isn’t easy or an overnight success story. It takes time, constant brainstorming, trial and error, wins, setbacks, and a whole lot of risk-taking. Behind every post is effort, intention, and the courage to keep showing up—even when the results aren’t immediate. Read more>>
Derricka Clayton
One thing that’s often misunderstood about my business is that it’s not just about preparing great food—it’s about inviting people to experience something new. So many people are creatures of habit when it comes to what they eat. And while we have no problem honoring comfort zones and familiar favorites, at Chef Derricka Culinary Concepts, we believe food should also push boundaries. Read more>>
Angela Perini
One of the biggest misconceptions about chiropractic care is that it’s only for relieving back or neck pain. While pain relief is often one of the first things patients notice, chiropractic care goes far beyond that. It focuses on restoring proper alignment and function to the spine and nervous system, which allows the body to heal and regulate itself more effectively. Read more>>
Heather Ross
We’ve all seen it: someone who seems to have it all together, but you know they’re probably dealing with something you can’t see. So much of our struggles are things we just don’t talk about. They’re often hidden right beneath the surface, especially when it comes to our emotional well-being. Take mental and emotional health, for example. Read more>>
Amanda Hill
In my experience, one of the deepest struggles people face—but rarely admit—is self-forgiveness. I’ve met so many individuals who walk through life carrying invisible chains, replaying moments in their minds with thoughts like, ‘Why did I allow this?’ or ‘I should’ve known better.’ They smile, they work hard, they tell you they’ve moved on—but beneath the surface, the weight of the past still lingers. Read more>>
Sabreeyah Hackett
What I think others are secretly struggling with—but never say is fear. I believe people fear who they want to be. Who they want to be comes with commitment, self respect, dependence, vulnerability, accountability, acceptance, and intense healing. This type of transformation is scary, even intimidating. So they stay where it’s comfortable, predictable, controlled, and validating. I believe others biggest fear is knowing thy self. Read more>>
Rebekah Smith
I’d say anxiety. Both conscious and unconscious. Yes, we live in crazy times and are recovering from a Global Pandemic however despite this anxiety creeps in everywhere whether it’s a presentation, job interview or first date. It’s a hidden disruptor and I’ve been battling with it all of my life. Read more>>
Beyond Destiny
A normal day for me is I wake up and drink a glass of water and then workout. After my workout, I check my emails for any bookings/shows responses. Next, I check my band calendar to see if any new shows have been added to the calendar. I then shower and get ready to go to work. Read more>>
Kelsey Karper
One of the great things about our work at Factory Obscura is every day can be very different from the last! We are constantly tapping into different parts of our brains and talents to achieve such a big, collaborative goal. Read more>>
Arjun Bali
I typically get up early and take a short walk around my neighborhood, it helps clear my mind and sets the tone for a focused day. Before jumping into work, I jot down a short list of top-priority tasks — both personal and professional — that I want to accomplish. I usually divide my workday into three parts. Read more>>
Evan Lossing
I always start the day by spending time with my 1 and 3 year olds. We make breakfast, usually eggs or pancakes (or waffles), whatever my daughter requests that morning. I’ll grab a guitar and we’ll sing songs like ‘Old MacDonald’ or ‘Itsy Bitsy Spider’, we’ll read some Eric Carle books, or just free-play around the house. Read more>>
Jer’Miya Newton
The light I’ve been dimming is the truth that age doesn’t define worth—because regardless of how old I am, I’m ahead of most. I bring value to every space I enter and to every person I meet. It doesn’t matter who, what, when, or how—I’ll always show up as me. Read more>>
Jacqueline Crider
My potential. I was raised to believe perfection was the gold standard. That excellence wasn’t just about doing well—it was about knowing everything. About your career. Your industry. Every connected dot. So, I did what I do best: I put my head down and became a master of my craft. I studied. I stacked certifications. I became the expert behind the curtain. Read more>>
Yeshua Hannah
The relationships that have shaped me the most to are the with my faith, family and friends. The Word of God, The Bible. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. My friends giving me different and inspiring perspectives on viewpoints about hobbies, life and business. My family for keeping me grounded, and giving me purpose . Read more>>
Alisha Patterson
That being realistic has never been my calling. It’s not that I ignore reality, it’s that I don’t let it have a say so in what’s possible for me. I’ve never felt drawn to the safe, well-mapped route, and I learned not to shrink my dreams to pretend like I am just to fit in with others or not make other people nervous. Read more>>
Trevoy Pointer
I was 18, coming off three really tough years in high school. I played basketball and was one of the best players on the team in practice, but I barely got the playing time I felt I’d earned. Sophomore and junior year were the hardest — our team was stacked with talent, but it still stung knowing I could contribute more. Read more>>
Alyce So
One of the earliest moments I felt powerful was when I stopped hiding the part of myself that made me different—my brachial plexus injury—and started owning it. I remember being younger and realizing that I could still speak up, still show up, and still shine, even if I didn’t look like everyone else. That shift—from shame to strength—was quiet, but powerful. Read more>>
Gustavo Mbo Esono Obono
The earliest and most defining moment I experienced a true sense of inner strength was the day I lost both my father and my oldest sister. That tragedy changed the course of my life and forced me to step into a role of responsibility at a young age. Read more>>
Shelley Guess
I was 9 years old. Thankfully, I was born in the 80s, and little girls were being told daily that we could be whatever we wanted to be. I was no exception, and I watched different actresses on TV as lawyers, doctors, and detectives. Read more>>
NeoQor
When I have an idea for a song — it could be a melody or a hook– that nags at me or wakes me up in the middle of the night, I know I need to record it somehow, even if it’s just a rough little voice recording on my phone. Read more>>
Milena Martinez
What I would truly regret is not using the talents God has given me or sharing the knowledge that comes most naturally to me to support my community, especially in areas that are deeply sensitive for Latinos these days. When I first arrived in the U.S., fear of language barriers and uncertainty held me back. Read more>>
Justin Kempf
I’d regret not fully using the pain I’ve lived through to help someone else heal. I didn’t go through anxiety, gut breakdown, mold toxicity, benzodiazepine withdrawal, and the loss of my brother and my dog just to survive it and keep quiet. I believe we’re given our battles for a reason to walk others through theirs. Read more>>
Paul Demer
Everybody, from the most successful and important person to the homeless person sleeping under the park pavilion, is made in the image of God and is worthy of dignity. That’s core for me, even as it is hard to live into that truth. Read more>>
Deja Dubois
My Mexican identity is something I will always protect and showcase to the fullest in every performance. In today’s political climate we mustn’t be invisible. I draw influence for every look, my makeup, my numbers on my cultural background. I am a woman of many taglines such as “La Sonría, La voz y La Diva Más Latina.” Read more>>
Sabrina Moormann
As someone who was born and raised in Germany, one cultural value I protect at all costs is reliability. To me, being dependable, punctual, and detail-oriented isn’t just about professionalism—it’s about showing respect. My clients trust me with some of the most meaningful moments of their lives, and I take that responsibility to heart. Read more>>
Jessica Rikhlyuk
A cultural value I protect at all costs is the empowerment of women. As a female founder, a single mom, and someone who built a business from the ground up, I know what it feels like to be underestimated, overlooked, or expected to choose between motherhood and ambition. I refuse to accept that narrative. Read more>>
Holly Homer
Many years ago, I would be asked occasionally (mostly at the last minute and mostly on holidays…when they were desperate) to be a guest on a local news program. Usually it was on a topic that wasn’t super related to what I was doing, but I figured it was making connections. Read more>>
Julissa Chavez
The most surprising thing about our customers is how much they underestimate themselves at first. So many people walk through our doors thinking they’re not strong enough, disciplined enough, or ‘fitness people.’ But what surprises us is how quickly they prove themselves wrong. Read more>>
Sindhu Karanam
If I had to pinpoint the most surprising thing I’ve learned since starting Bollywood Dance Central, it would undoubtedly be the profound level of commitment from our parents. When I first opened the studio, I expected parents to see our classes as just another fun, after-school activity for their children. What I’ve discovered, however, is a much deeper partnership. Read more>>
Abdon Campbell
When I first started this venture I would see a lot of furniture refinishers get very creative with designs, patterns, colors, etc. on various pieces. What I have realized about the customers in the DFW area is that we rather simple elegance than pieces that ‘do too much’. Read more>>
Tova Sido-Schrank
Oh man do I love this question – mostly because I love the answer! I have had the privilege of loving and being loved by lots of people in my 54 years – but I would have to say I have felt the MOST love in this lifetime from my firstborn son, Charlie. Read more>>
Russ Mitchell
The smart people are totally getting it wrong by looking to replace people, rather than to grow them. As Herb Kelleher said, ‘you have to take care of your internal AND external customers.’ The people who work for you are customers, not just cost centers on an XL sheet. The more powerful you help them become, the more they help you. Read more>>
JOSHUA STONE
I’m not sure if smart people are necessarily getting it wrong, but I do think that in today’s world, the value of building something physical and actually working with your hands is often underestimated. As a man, I’ve found there’s something deeply rewarding about taking raw materials and turning them into something useful and beautiful. Read more>>
Froswa’ Booker
Smart people often fail to understand the power of relationships. It’s not just working hard or popularity; it’s about valuing the role that people play in your journey. Too many people think they’ve done everything on their own. Our success is contingent upon others, and it doesn’t happen in isolation. Read more>>
Camille Lee
Lots of smart people are getting the fashion industry wrong, but it’s not their fault. Industry giants spend billions of dollars a year keeping the flashy marketing techniques going to keep our attention and get our money all while hiding what’s going on behind the scenes. Read more>>
Chris Ossenfort
My son, who just turned 17 and has recently become a photographer himself. Getting to see him learn and be so excited, raw, and uninfluenced has helped me open up in my approach and shoots. He is bringing an energy to his shoots that I did when I was his age, and I hadn’t noticed how much I let that excitement slip. Read more>>
Damondray Christle
To Be Honest I I’m learning from life. Life throws you curve balls sometimes and your glove is not always in position to catch it. Life is beautiful but, it’s also a journey . A journey we’re you feel that you’re not ready for here and there. You just have to hang on in there and keep going. Read more>>
Tuyana Chimitova
Lately, I’ve been learning a lot from the writings of Alain de Botton, he makes philosophy feel personal and practical, like a guide to everyday life. Artistically, I’m inspired by Hilma af Klint. Her work reminds me to trust intuition and go deeper than what’s visible. Both teach me to stay curious and true to my inner voice. Read more>>
Amber Garton
I loved all of these questions, honestly. One of them was “what are you chasing lately and what do you think would happen if you stopped” and that sort of ties into my answer to the question I actually chose. Two years ago, I was in a car accident because I was hit by someone not paying attention. Read more>>
Douglas Dunn
Godfrey Lee Holley was a man from the ‘country’ who lived a very modest lifestyle, never making more than $6,000 in a single year. He was a ‘dirt farmer.’ That means he planted and harvested crops to provide for his family. I would say he was as ‘honest as the day is long.’ He was a consummate example of honesty and integrity. Read more>>
Michael Heathen
My parents. If there are any redeeming qualities in me, it’s from them. I learned that showing up and being there can be all we need sometimes. They ALWAYS show up. Then and now. Always there for any and all who are in need, big or small. They really are an amazing moral compass. Read more>>
Lee Lee
I’m definitely walking my path. I feel spiritually connected to what I do for a living and chosen to live a creative life. My work is a reflection of my inner world, not in a way that consumes me, but in a way that lets me share visions, build community, and live in alignment. Read more>>
Chike Okwegba II
I’m definitely walking a path, and it feels like one that hasn’t been traveled on by many. I know where I want to go, but each day is like a single step I take on that path. Read more>>
Christopher Hunter
When I wake up, my day starts at 4:30 a.m. sharp. The first 90 minutes are sacred because they set the tone for everything I do. I start with prayer and meditation to ground myself, then I move into stretching and yoga to open up my body. After that, I get into my workout to wake up my energy and sharpen my discipline. Read more>>
Rebecca Nietert
Someone once told me that if you love what you do, it never really feels like work—and I’ve found that to be true. I lose track of time when I’m serving homeowners, whether that means providing peace of mind while they’re away for an extended period or stepping in quickly when the unexpected happens when they’re gone for a short time. Read more>>
Chelsea Davis
Without a doubt, it’s getting dressed up for a theme, whether it’s for a photoshoot, an event, or even just for fun. I fall into this beautiful rabbit hole of building an outfit, paying attention to every little detail, sometimes down to elements only I would even notice. Read more>>
Eduardo Velasquez
My closest friends would say that what matters most to me is staying true to my purpose. That I care about being real — not perfect. That I care about being an example — not a spectacle. They’d know I don’t do this for ego, but because I feel a real inner mission: to represent effort, aesthetics, and commitment to oneself. Read more>>
Shyra Layali
My closest friends would say that what matters most to me is living a life filled with meaning, connection, and authenticity. They know I care deeply about creating beauty in the world—whether through dance, storytelling, or community—and that I’m always striving to grow, heal, and help others do the same. Read more>>
Eric Meyer
This may not make sense to anyone however, I find myself at peace when I am in new territory and around people that I perceive to be more skilled than me in an area that I am weak in. I guess you could say that I am quite comfortable being un-OK around people. Read more>>
Shelby Williams
There are actually a few misunderstandings that I see in this business. Like, a lot of people think we just play with ponies all day—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Even on our best days, the work is constant. We’re up early every morning, rain or shine, and we work late into the night—again, rain or shine. Read more>>
