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.
Anastasia Orakwue
A normal day for me starts at home, being Mom first. Mornings are full of lunch boxes, lost shoes, and quick hugs before heading out the door. Once I’m at Smile Worth Dental Co., it’s all about creating smiles. We start with a quick team huddle, then the day flows with patients, laughter, and the kind of work that reminds me why I love dentistry. Read more>>
Mohammed Assi
I start my day with my wife and kids. Layne and Max head to school and I typically visit Crush Taco Stonebrook, I secretly like working from the newly remodeled patio. haha. Around the end of lunch I visit our Dallas Parkway location. The OG. In between all of that, we are creating, working the counter, meeting. Read more>>
Jana Spillers
I used to think that outpatient pediatric primary care was a monotonous revolving door of well checks and sniffles…before I went into primary care for myself. I spent 17 years in the fast paced environment of the NICU. We raced to emergent deliveries, flew in helicopters to pick up critically ill infants and saved tiny lives on a daily basis. Read more>>
J.C. King
Admitting and accepting that I may not be good enough for the world stage but good enough for the vision I have for myself and if God accepts me for who and what I am even where I am in life, I’m perfectly fine with that. Because that’s what matters most. Read more>>
Dominique Maddox, CBI, CFE
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is my one with my grandmother, Mary Maddox. She completely changed the trajectory of my life. When I was eight years old, she moved to Anchorage, Alaska, to adopt me and my four siblings after we were placed in state custody (she adopted six total). Read more>>
Susan Terry-Demus
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is the one I shared with my grandmother, Susie, to whom I am her namesake. She was the Queen of Classy, a woman of grace, strength, and quiet confidence. Her presence commanded respect without words, and she carried herself with elegance that never had to be announced. Read more>>
Crystal Knight
The relationship I have with my children has most shaped how I see myself. Seeing the world through their eyes, especially how technology influences their generation, has inspired me to be more adaptable, curious, and forward-thinking. They push me to lead by example, to stay grounded yet innovative, and to help them grow into confident, unstoppable leaders. Read more>>
Grace Adams
The relationship that shaped me the most by far in how I view myself is my mom. My mom has been and continues to be one of the most influential mentors in my life. Part of the reason she has shaped the way I see myself is because I am a close reflection of her. Read more>>
Monica Gomez
For me, the truth that’s most foundational is my faith in God. While I often share my gratitude and reliance on Him with others, I want to take this opportunity to declare it to everyone: God has been my rock, my foundation, and my Savior. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Read more>>
Shun Lauren
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when my grandmother discovered I could sing. I was eight years old and completely enamored with Mariah Carey. Her song Anytime You Need a Friend had just premiered on VH1, and I was glued to the television, captivated by her voice and presence. Read more>>
Gisella Glasgow
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I realized I could create something from nothing. As a little girl, I loved crafting. Turning simple materials into something beautiful with my own hands. That feeling of transformation stuck with me. Years later, when I hosted my very first Plant & Sip workshop, I felt that same spark! Read more>>
Stacy Wilson
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I moved to California. It was the first time I had truly stepped out on my own and began discovering who I was outside of my family’s identity. I had to learn to trust my instincts, find my own voice, and start shaping my path instead of following one that was already created for me. Read more>>
Erik Radle
When you conquer something, it feels awesome. When you’re the first to conquer something, you’re the most powerful person on the planet and everybody can see it. As a 14 year old, I was into skateboarding and lamented the coming of winter in New York as it meant the end of skating and the beginning of shoveling snow. Read more>>
Brandon Smallwood
The first moment I felt powerful is when my mother bought me my first computer back in the ’90s before there was household names in the house of computers I had a custom built PC that had ’90s graphic games and other things I was immediately hooked on how technology can influence thpe world and change things…. Read more>>
Camia Rhea
I would regret not creating something that outlives me. I often think about legacy, not in the sense of recognition, but of contribution. What did I leave behind that made someone feel seen, inspired, or capable? It’s important to me that my work represents more than wonderful scents. I want it to reflect intention, care, and community. Read more>>
Vanedda Pesina-Lynn
Family and heritage. I take pride in where I come from and the people who made me who I am. My roots remind me to stay humble, grateful, and connected to love especially through storytelling, food, and togetherness. Read more>>
Nyakouth (Sunday) Tong
I hold family unity and faith as my highest priorities. As a proud South Sudanese woman, the love and support of my family, combined with my deep faith in God, serve as the bedrock of my existence. They not only guide my actions but also reinforce my identity and connection to my heritage. Read more>>
Chase Fleischman
Freedom of expression, I guess. Without that, what’s the point of creating anything meaningful. Read more>>
Lucas Mpili
One thing we changed our mind about after failing hard was how we approached building our community online. In the beginning, we focused too much on numbers—followers, likes, and quick growth. But after facing slow progress and setbacks, we realized that true success on platforms like Instagram isn’t just about the metrics—it’s about connection, consistency, and authenticity. Read more>>
Rajalakshmi Sridar
My customers / client challenges me with work which I m worried I might mess it up . But their trust helped me grow more in my business . Without my clients I would have not come this far . Read more>>
XENIA GRAY
During Vipassana, a ten-day silent meditation retreat focused on observing the mind and body with complete awareness, I experienced a moment that changed my understanding of love. After many days of silence, I felt surrounded by love — not from anyone, but as if I became the love itself. It wasn’t about being worthy or unworthy. Read more>>
Ricardo Johnson
I am a business owner, so every day is a calculated gamble. In the broader scope of your question, recently a lot has been made of the timing of our Oasis Care Navigation Platform (OCNP) pivot, but candidly, it started as something a lot simpler: our clients told us the system was broken, we listened, and we bet on people instead of technology. Read more>>
Lottia Fredo
The last time I felt true joy was when we awarded a book scholarship to a young man who is a senior at a local college. He had recently lost his financial aid and had no other options to pay for his remaining courses. As a first-generation student, he was on the verge of giving up when he was referred to Relay. Read more>>
Colette Copeland
The struggles shaping me right now are not childhood fears, but the current social realities. The political climate in Texas and the country with so many injustices make my heart hurt. I am concerned that basic human rights for women and queer individuals are being stripped away. I am concerned that difference is not something to be celebrated, but something to be feared. Read more>>
Rachel Tyler
At the core, I believe in the value of quality—doing things thoughtfully, and with intention. Whether in life, relationships, or work. Shortcuts rarely lead to lasting results. Read more>>
Brittany Cobb
I think a lot of people overthink things or strive for perfection versus just starting with the tools they have. Oftentimes, this causes a delay or failure to launch. I believe that speed is the answer to business. The quicker you can start something, you often beat your competitors. Read more>>
Gabrielle Kirven
Right now I am learning that it’s okay to be still. Everyday is going to be exciting. The small strides will add up, the most important thing to do now is to keep showing up as the best version of yourself. During the still ‘not so exciting moments’ is the time to work towards your goals. Read more>>
Lisa Cooney
Maria Shriver period, full stop. She’s real, authentic and deeply caring and heart centered. I respect her work, her struggles, her history and how she continues to move humanity forward and presents all sides and gets to the heart of the issues. A real humanitarian warrior. Read more>>
Alexis Fitch
My parents, without question. They’re the reason I understand what it means to love fiercely and work with purpose. They’ve supported every wild idea I’ve ever had, from zookeeping to building a business, and they’ve done it all with grace, humility, and humor. Their character is what I hope to pass down to my kids Read more>>
chris phelan
Easy. Wife: Janalou (True North) Friends: Mike Stieglitz, Carl Woodard, Steve Kissell, Terry Ziegler, and Tony’s Bike Group Read more>>
verbenabotanicalsapothecary@gmail.com
I grew up pretty non-conventionally. Being one of the far and few LGBTQIA+ members in my home town, also being in what the spiritual community now calls “the broom closet” as well, its pretty difficult to have or form any kind of facade of who you are, what your values & what you believe in. Read more>>
naturelvibemedia@gmail.com
Latley I’ve been feeling a deep urge to motivate. And not in the sense of helping someone accomplish a goal but to be a light in a dark world. To inspire and lift people up in a way that shows them that believing in themselves is not only possible but mandatory. Read more>>
keisha@coachkeisha.com
I hope people say that I was a good mom – not just a provider or protector, but a present mom. The kind who listened, laughed, showed up, and made her kids feel seen, safe, and deeply loved. Read more>>
aaron@aaronembrey.com
Yes! I DO! Haha, I actually feel that way a lot times, now. Especially after so many years of doing creative work only for others, stepping into this new chapter work is feeling so, creatively, alive again. I sincerely love guiding and teaching, and creating projects that are deeply personal and resonant. Read more>>
