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.
Logan Cortez
My passion is professionally clicking a button. Never letting any moment fade, knowing that in sports every second mattered, and for some that second could be their last on the field. I started on Valentines day of 2022, taking pictures at a freshman basketball game for friends. I quickly learned that this is what I wanted to do. Read more>>
Amanda Gassaway
Katey and I met in the spring of 2023. My family and I were new to the area, and our kids became friends. Read more>>
Jenny Tran
I always dreamed of having my own studio, though I never expected it to happen so soon. At 22, I took a leap of faith and opened my first studio. Around that time, I rescued a puppy who needed round-the-clock care for two weeks, which ultimately led me to leave my salon job. Read more>>
Evan McDonald
The story of Hoop Dallas started like a lot of other things but in 2025, on the internet. I was scrolling through social media and saw the concept for a mobile basketball arcade and showed a picture to my wife, her face lit up and she said “that’s genius we should do that”. Read more>>
Ambassador Dr. Coach Tasha Mac
Leaders are not made; they are born crowned. Some lose their crowns in silence. Others never realize one rests on their heads. But when you find your crown, when you lift it from the ashes of adversity and dare to wear it boldly, you step into the legend you were born to live. Read more>>
Jasmine Smith
I always knew I was anted to live outside of the box. After years of working jobs I know don’t quite fit me, I started my search for something different. Read more>>
Manuel Martinez
I grew up in Oak Cliff and wrestled at Sunset High School, which led me to start training martial arts while serving in the Army. After exiting the military, I continued training, eventually earning my black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I knew I wanted to open my own gym and serve the community I grew up in. Read more>>
Mary Brezik
I worked for a large speech therapy company for 10 years and had made my way to lead all of the feeding therapy services for the company. I had 3 kids and looked around and realized this was no longer a desire of mine to climb within a company. Read more>>
Nevart Willborn
I began my counseling career working as a therapist in a wonderful non profit organization in Fort Worth called Lena Pope. After 8 years of commuting and as my son neared the start of kindergarten, I realized that I needed to work closer to home. Read more>>
Trent Lehman
From Small-Town Roots to Blockchain Success: The Journey of Trent Lehman My name is Trent Lehman, and my journey has been anything but ordinary. I grew up in a small town in central Louisiana, and after serving my term in the U.S. Army, I decided to take a leap of faith and begin a new chapter in Dallas, Texas. Read more>>
Trish Cook
It all began with the former coach of the Lovejoy High School Robotics Program, under whom student participation grew rapidly. As the program expanded, it became clear that parent volunteers were needed to support the coach, help manage logistics, and invest in the students. Read more>>
Chris Spinks
My story has always revolved around connecting people — through music, moments, and now through marketing. Born and raised in D/FW, I began my career in radio (102.1 KDGE-FM, 1310 KTCK-AM), where I learned the art of timing, storytelling, and how to craft something meaningful from just sound and energy. Read more>>
Leah Morgan
After years of working for a big box spa, I realized there was a need for more deep tissue and sports massage specialists. In 2018, 30 clients followed me to start my business, doing just that. I rented a room in the back of a yoga studio, and within a year, I was booked out 3 three months. Read more>>
Claudia Vanessa Cubias-Porrua
My journey toward becoming an attorney began when I was a young child. I didn’t know exactly what area of law I wanted to practice back then, but I knew I wanted to be a lawyer—someone who could make a difference and make my family proud. I grew up in a low-income household in Fort Worth, Texas. Read more>>
Latasha Keith
You know, my story really starts with my grandmother. She is my rock, the one who raised me and gave me stability when everything else around me felt uncertain. My childhood wasn’t easy. My mom went to prison when I was younger, and later, while I was still in high school, she was deported. That was one of the hardest chapters of my life. Read more>>
Lucrecia Waggoner
I am a porcelain artist, I have been doing ceramics most of my life, I started with courses of art and crafts at the anthropology museum in Mexico City, where I am from, then never stoped. Through out the years I have been taken workshops, classes and a master in ceramics all around the globe. Read more>>
Averly Burns
Growing up, I dreamed of being a musical theatre performer. I dedicated myself to that dream, attending pre-professional training at my performing arts high school. Performance has always been central to my life because I love the power of expression and connection it brings. Read more>>
Steve Sanders
What a long, strange trip it has been! I have always been a performer and writer. I transformed that into a forty-year career as an attorney but always kept my hand in writing poetry and acting on the stage and in the courtroom. When my father died, I inherited his bead loom and started making beaded jewelry. Read more>>
Lindsey Carpenter
Early on, I was drawn to how images can capture the way people experience design, atmosphere, and special moments in life. I attended Texas State University, where I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting, and during that time, I often used photography as a reference tool— capturing college life then painting from those photographs. Read more>>
Amanda Von Holtum
I am a Denver based vocalist, musician and entertainer. My current shows that I am leader/manager for are Amanda Vs Material Girl (Madonna Tribute), Princess and the Evolution – The Sounds of Minneapolis (a Prince Era Music tribute), vocalist amd keyboard player for She Bop a female pop duo and Bad Colorado, a tribute to Bad Company and the music of Paul Rogers. Read more>>
Jimmy Jenkins
I was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, and have spent over five decades creating art that connects people to their surroundings and to each other. My journey started as a young artist fascinated by how design could influence feeling—whether through color, composition, or storytelling. Read more>>
Vivien Lee
The American dream is often seen as a one-dimensional path, but for me, it was a 26-year journey of grit, scissors, and a business plan. From a young age, I was obsessed with style, a passion that pushed me through school and into the world of cosmetology. Opening my own salon was the ultimate test. Read more>>
Tiffany Easley
I am the visionary Founder and CEO of Tiffany R. Easley Enterprises a transformative development company devoted to empowering high-achieving women in leadership. With a passion for helping women unlock their fullest potential, I specialize in guiding clients through meaningful personal and professional breakthroughs rooted in purpose, growth, and authenticity. At the heart of my work is the S.O.A.R. Read more>>
Brandy Derrick
My bookkeeping journey started back in 2001 when I began working for my dad, helping with his business’s books. What started as a part-time role quickly became a passion — I loved bringing order to the numbers and helping my Dad understand his financial picture. Read more>>
Justin Labosco
I started drumming at age 9, my father go me a drum set for Christmas one year, I started playing and never stopped. I joined my first band and played my first live gig at 13 in Deep Ellum, ever since then I was hooked. Read more>>
Aldo Bove
The Project Discover the Passion Behind Authentic Italian Winemaking Our story begins on the Amalfi Coast, where the Bove family crest from Ravello inspires the Above Wines emblem — a crowned bull symbolizing strength, heritage, and noble tradition. The addition of a grape cluster reflects our mission: to protect Italy’s ancient indigenous varietals and support small, family-run vineyards that keep centuries of craftsmanship alive. Read more>>
Cat and Eddi Pinegar
Our journey began long before Mind Flowers Healing Arts had a name. We were both searching for something deeper — a way of living that honored the body, mind, and spirit as one. Over the years, our individual paths naturally wove together through shared experiences in movement, mindfulness, and a love of helping others feel better in their bodies and in their lives. Read more>>
Donna Hudson
Twenty years ago, my youngest grand child started school and I no longer had anyone to ride horses with, so I ran an ad in the local newspaper offering a horseback riding experience for any experience level for $25. This provided my gas and gave me someone to ride horses with. This was very rewarding for me. Read more>>
Dina Alsaid
The last 8 years, I have been actively competing in pageantry and promoting my platform: Autism Awareness advocating on behalf of early childhood intervention. I have two teenagers: Mona who is 16 years old. She has been. Diagnosed witg ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder and Dysgraphia. Abe is 15 years old. He has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disability. Read more>>
Trey Smith
Our big beignet dream started quite humbly in the kitchen growing up, where I learned the joy of simple food cooked with love from my mother. As my love of cooking grew, I was just ‘the guy who cooks’ in my social circle. Read more>>
Jenny Siede
I was always an artistic child. I was deeply influenced by Japanese art and fashion growing up, I was drawn to the avant-garde expressions of Rei Kawakubo, Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake, and Tsumori Chisato. At the time, I didn’t realize that what fascinated me most about their work was their understanding of architecture, textile sculpting, and the fluidity of the human form. Read more>>
Kaci Applegate
I have always loved newborn photography, capturing all those precious moments of a new bundle of joy, just has my heart. At first, I wasn’t too sure, but I had a wonderful friend that introduced me to it, I assisted her with some newborns and fell in love with it. I started my journey back in 2017 and have been capturing them ever since. Read more>>
Kaitlyn Grace Schaefer
Hey there, I’m Kaitlyn, founder and owner of Mothering with Grace. I’m a certified birth doula, prenatal and postnatal yoga teacher, postpartum and matrescence educator and coach, and mama of two, with a Master’s in Physical Activity and Health. My mission is to help women have positive, empowered experiences in pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and beyond, and I do this through yoga, education, and community. Read more>>
Laura Petka
I’ve been a painter and an artist for as long as I can remember—since childhood! I had a “career” as an Art Gallery Director in the design district for six years, which gave me a wealth of knowledge in the art and design field. Read more>>
Brandi Fonville
I’ve always had a heart for helping people. Even as a kid, I naturally found myself in roles where I could support or care for others. After earning my bachelor’s degree in business, I planned to work in the nonprofit world. I found a local ranch that offered free horseback riding sessions to individuals with disabilities, and I immediately felt connected to their mission. Read more>>
Dan Bennett
I started my career behind the camera, producing content for large brands like Harley-Davidson, Bud Light, and even Nerf. I met some amazing people, the checks always cleared, but the work wasn’t very fulfilling. Coming home to Flint, Michigan after working for major companies across the country made something crystal clear. Read more>>
Keitha McAdams
My story began in the most unexpected place — my 9-to-5 job of 16 years. I spent my days automating processes, which I genuinely enjoyed, but over time I realized something was missing — I hadn’t quite discovered my true passion yet. Around that same time, I decided to dive into real estate investing while working full-time. Read more>>
Jennifer Seabolt
I finish school in 2018, immediately rent a small suite and start working ,i continue studying and preparing myself to offer knowledge and quality, always working with high standards and professionalism. Read more>>
Erica Daniels
I’ve been singing all my life. I started in school and church choir. I started my first group when I was 13. That’s also when I began to focus on writing and arranging songs. I meet a producer when I was 19 and that’s when I saw how the process of making/recording a song goes. Read more>>
Deidre Hardin
To briefly describe my journey up til now, it’s as full of layered twists and turns as my jewelry designs display!! My health has been the core source of my emergence to create. After leaving a sixteen-year career in Colorado as an art teacher due to SLE lupus, I learned about the healing properties of copper for joint pain and circulation. Read more>>
Beth Rohani
My story really begins with my mom, Melody Khavari, who founded Ameritex Movers in the Dallas–Fort Worth area in 2000. She started with a vision to bring compassion and care into an industry that’s often viewed as purely transactional. Watching her build a company from the ground up inspired me to start my own branch the following year. Read more>>
Brian DeLeon
Last year I had it in my heart to a run club and there was lot going on trying to get it started mainly a lot of self doubt so the summer came and went. Read more>>
Cameron Lawson
I was born in Jackson, Mississippi, relocating to Dallas at just 6 months, as my parents wanted to surround my sisters and I in an environment with ample opportunities to be successful and create something of ourselves. I started my early days playing soccer for 13 years, in and out of other activities such as Girl Scouts, All-City Choir, Ballet, Tumbling, and Basketball! Read more>>
Kari Sanders
Well, my story really starts like many women I know. An unplanned pregnancy forced me into a career change but I was determined to make something beautiful under my circumstances. Started in Hair school excelling immediately joined the star team and help create the art team which later on started one of the biggest hair school fashion shows created. Read more>>
Sarah Perez
I’m a French professional dancer. I moved to New York when I was 18 to attend a dance school. I came alone, without knowing anyone, and without speaking English. Read more>>
Alejandra Gamez
Living in Dallas makes it challenging to stand out as a local artist since the city is filled with creative talent. Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted a career where I could create art. Growing up here, I took every opportunity to join local art shows and showcase my paintings, determined to get my name out there. Read more>>
Esteban Mariel
We started City Futsal in 2011 with a simple belief that Futsal builds smarter, more confident soccer players. What started as training sessions in school gyms quickly turned into weeknight pick-up games, weekend leagues & tournaments, and a word-of-mouth following. Those early years taught us two things. First, players of every age crave more touches on the ball. Read more>>
Taz Bentley
I studied music and art through high school. I’m a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School for The Performing and Visual Arts (Arts Magnet H.S.). I went to College to study Illustration and marketing, but I left to pursue music. This ended up becoming my career throughout most of my adult life. Read more>>
Leah Forney
I’m Leah M. Forney, also known as the Culture Doctor, a sexual assault survivor, advocate, and activist dedicated to supporting survivors of color and transforming the way communities and organizations approach sexual violence prevention, response, and recovery. Read more>>
Sarah Santana
After spending five years in public education, the pandemic hit, and I realized a career change was a necessity. I’ve always loved tech, and I had already dabbled in coding, completed a developer bootcamp, and eventually found my way into Squarespace design. Through that journey, I discovered a way to blend creativity, technology, and teaching into a business to help my community. Read more>>
Megan Hopkins
Growing up, I had a front-row seat to entrepreneurship through my dad. There were long days and late nights, but seeing him pursue the business he’d built inspired me. In the back of my mind, I always knew I’d run my own business one day. After working as a copywriter both in-house and agency-side for over a decade, I finally made the leap. Read more>>
Joel Conroy
I was very much into sports and bodybuilding at a young age. In high school, I suffered an injury to my back and shoulder during a basketball game, requiring shoulder surgery and physical therapy for my back and shoulder. I was told I would never be able to play sports or lift competitively again, but I refused that answer. Read more>>
Joe King
I grew up in Dallas Texas, the Oak Cliff area, and we had a very tight knit family. My family all grew up in West Dallas, and I developed a strong love for the City of Dallas and its history. The Oak Cliff area of Dallas has some of the most picturesque, beautiful scenery that Dallas has to offer. Read more>>
Sean ‘Oliver’ Patrick
I grew up moving around a bit as a kid, and it taught me flexibility and how to adapt to new situations. I’ve always been motivated to do the right thing and help people, which has carried over into how I approach work and relationships today. Read more>>
Patrick Gray
I’m originally from Montreal, Canada. Art and design have always interested me. I found my way through art school and later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Design. At the same time, something else was emerging that caught my attention: computer graphics. I was hooked from the beginning and was one of the first to use CAD to create architectural imagery. Read more>>
Diego & Valerie Villanueva
On the weekends, I would sometimes work at wedding venues in an off-duty capacity. While working at these venues, I would see how much fun people had at the Photo Booth. The laughs, the entertainment, etc. So, of course, I began to research and did some digging. During my free time, I would listen to podcasts relating to the Photo Booth industry. Read more>>
John Scroggins
About Hopetown Ministries I began working in the field of mental health in my twenties, where I developed a deep passion for helping people not just survive, but truly thrive. Even early in my journey, I found that when I spoke with others, they were receptive to my guidance and often found renewed hope. Read more>>
Tyffani Palmer
I knew I wanted to go in to healthcare, but I was unsure of what specific field. I met a dentist in college, and I was allowed to shadow and observe. I decided that dentistry was the field I wanted to pursue. I completed dental school and worked for four years in a community health center. Read more>>
chris ownbey
My journey in fitness began over 30 years ago, built on a foundation of discipline and resilience I learned in the United States Marine Corps. That experience shaped everything — the mindset, the structure, and the drive to push beyond limits. After my service, I immersed myself in fitness and martial arts, training in Mixed Martial Arts and competing in bodybuilding and powerlifting. Read more>>
Scott Rammage
I’ve been a business owner for about 21 years now. I started young, hungry, and convinced that working harder than everyone else was the only way to win. For a long time, that approach worked; at least on paper but it came at a cost. I was burned out, constantly reacting, and missing the peace and freedom I thought business ownership would bring. Read more>>
DrMachelle Foster
My story all began when I saw myself as late teen always availing myself to help those, I called friend! Giving words of encouragement, a bed or sofa to sleep on when they needed to free themselves from a toxic environment. Giving them my plate of food because they were hungry. Read more>>
MinMin Valenti
Our Sun Tai Chi Fitness started year 2007. I was the first one started teaching martial arts ( Qi-Gong Kung Fu and Tai Chi) programs. At 2008, my husband joined me in the teaching team. We are teaching in most of DFW area since then. Our client base range from age 5 to age 90’s. Read more>>
Michael Clay
For more than 30 years, I’ve worked in entertainment and event production and co-founded the Texas Music Project, a music charity that brings the healing power of music to at-risk youth, children of fallen soldiers, and kids in hospitals across Texas. texasmusicproject.org Michaelclayproductions.com Read more>>
Tara Pearson
Well a little over 10 years ago-I started my career as a hairstylist with nothing more than a deep love for creativity and connection. What began as Born to Balayage was really the first chapter of me finding my rhythm-a space where I could help women feel confident and beautiful while honing my craft as an artist. Read more>>
Kim Hutchings
The story of Volo Lift really began long before we officially started the company in 2021. For years, we’ve been deeply rooted in the helicopter external load world through our training company, where we’ve had the privilege of teaching and mentoring hundreds of pilots across the globe. Read more>>
Nakul Mahajan, MD
My path into medicine started with a simple curiosity: “Why does pain linger even after the body is healed?” That question stayed with me throughout my training, and over time, it became clear that chronic pain isn’t just physical; it affects how people move, think, and live. I founded AllSpine Pain & Wellness to change how we approach that. Read more>>
Michael Brown
My Journey into Filmmaking My journey into filmmaking began in the early 2000s. At the time, my barber was making home videos while I was focused on writing books. One day, he suggested that we make a movie together. I wrote the screenplay, and because I didn’t know any better, I wrote it in play format. Read more>>
Jessica Cook
As a teenager I was always finding ways to create thing that I thought would be pretty. I could take almost anything that I saw and visualize ways to make it a beautiful creation. As I got older others noticed my skill. Read more>>
Aundreya Jones
As a teenager I was always finding ways to create thing that I thought would be pretty. I could take almost anything that I saw and visualize ways to make it a beautiful creation. As I got older others noticed my skill. Read more>>
Brooke Finnigan
After moving to Texas in 2015, I knew I wanted to start a new career in real estate. My husband had been flipping homes for many years back in Chicago, and our goal was for me to get licensed here in the Dallas area so we could start doing the same locally. Read more>>
Mike Parra
My name is Mike Parra and I am a multi-passionate creative: a seasoned Digital Product Designer, musician, and hobbyist baker. I grew up in Houston, TX where I found my talents in the arts very early on as a kid. I found myself naturally gravitating toward drawing, painting, sculpting, anything I could get my hands on to create something new. Read more>>
Veronica Delgado
The story behind my business started back in high school when I joined all the Business/Entrepreneur classes and clubs. I always knew I wanted to be my own boss and start my very own business but the problem was I just didn’t know what I wanted to create or start. Like every 17-18 yr old, you are still trying to find yourself. Read more>>
Maggie Povroznik
I started baking in high school after falling in love with the baking shows on Food Network. I was so inspired by the works of art that they were creating and I wanted to try it myself. I started baking everything from cakes and cookies to pies and even attempted sugar art. Read more>>
Sid Chauhan
How It All Began — The Story Behind Sidpix Studios Back in 2009, I was just a guy in love. My girlfriend (now my wife) had this magnetic passion for life — for travel, for adventure, for capturing joy in all its raw, beautiful forms. And I? Read more>>
Sara Casey
Cupcake Polish was born from a lifelong love of nail polish and a desire to create something simple, fun, and effortlessly stunning. Growing up, I was obsessed with nail polish – I can still remember sneaking into my mom’s bathroom to paint my toes multiple times a week. Read more>>
Sandra Oliveira
I was born and raised in Brazil and have been living in the U.S. for about 11 years. Along the way, I discovered my passion for the complexities of skin and the art of hair removal. I’ve always loved caring for others and sharing kindness, and I found a way to do that through my work. Read more>>
Alfonso Apodaca III
My name is Alfonso Apodaca III, and I’m an artist. My journey began with a deep curiosity for self-expression and the power of visual storytelling. From an early age, I found comfort and meaning in creating, using art to process experiences, emotions, and the world around me. Over time, that passion evolved into a commitment to developing my craft and finding my own visual language. Read more>>
Tony Hunt
While stationed overseas, I found solace in reading. In Japan, amidst the rhythm of daily duties, I gravitated toward books—a quiet refuge that deepened my understanding of the world and myself. I devoured philosophy, theology, leadership, and sacred texts—building a personal library of hundreds of volumes. I wasn’t just forging identity; I was laying a foundation for understanding the human condition. Read more>>
Jordan Johnson
I started my journey much like many of the clients that I now help and work with. My journey started when I began searching for meaning, deep healing, and spiritual connection beyond what the 3D eyes can see. My intuitive gifts surfaced at a young age, but it wasn’t until I went through my own spiritual awakening and deep self-healing work that I truly embraced them. Read more>>
Sienzhi Kouemo
Today, Sienzhi serves with the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas (UWMD) as a project coordinator on the Community Impact Team, overseeing and managing one of their flagship programs, Digital Bridges. This program is a partnership between AT&T and Compudopt, with the objective of expanding digital access and literacy across the North Texas region. Read more>>
Fabien Goury
The smell of fresh bread coming out of the oven is something I’ll never forget. That’s where my love for food began — not from fancy meals, but from the rhythm of family, work, and care that surrounded it. In our family, you didn’t just sit around. You worked, you helped, you learned. That was how we grew up — hands in the dough, eyes open, heart in it. That sense of craft and community stayed with me. Read more>>
JANE FOWLER
I started college back in 1981 ready to do whatever it took to become an attorney, a dream I had maintained since I saw Perry Mason the first time at seven years old. In fall of 1982 I took a semester off to get married. That break lasted for 25 years, three additional marriages (and three divorces) and three children. Read more>>
Kentavious Bradley
Six years ago, I picked up the clippers not knowing it would change my life. What started as a side hustle turned into a full-blown passion and purpose. I poured everything into mastering my craft, building my clientele, and creating a space that represents growth and dedication. Read more>>
