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.
Aaron Crawford
After a long and accomplished career in competition, and then, having found great success as a Taekwondo coach and teacher, Master Aaron Crawford and his wife, Cody, decided it was time to open a school of their own. Wishing to remain respectful of other schools in the area, Master Crawford deliberately sought out a town with no other World Taekwondo schools. Read more>>
Lizbeth Devlin
If someone had told me 10 years ago what I would be doing for work today, I would have thought they had lost the plot. Most of my career was built around the medical field, which I loved. In early 2019, while running a medical practice in the DFW area, I suffered a stroke. I was left with aphasia affecting my word recognition. Read more>>
Edwin Aruldas
My career in menswear began nearly three decades ago, long before London Street Bespoke existed. I was captivated by the way the most influential men carried themselves — the presence, the precision, the quiet confidence. I set out to learn how to engineer that presence through tailoring. Read more>>
sharon Asibor-swarn
My journey has been anything but linear, and that’s what makes it beautiful. I started my professional life in nursing, working as a registered nurse for over a decade. But I’ve always had a creative side and an entrepreneurial spirit. In 2017, I launched multiple brands — including a baby and motherhood line and a beauty brand — leveraging the power of Amazon. Read more>>
Chico Morales
First, I want to express my gratitude and give all praise to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. My journey started during my time in graduate school, where I was pursuing a Master’s Degree in Exercise and Sports Science. With an athletic background, I knew I wanted to work in a field that allowed me to stay connected to sports, movement, and human performance. Read more>>
Alyson Lupo
I think the older you get the more varied your story becomes. My story is no different. I really didn’t know what I wanted to do with my work life, so when I graduated from the university of Texas at Austin with a degree in magazine journalism, I had planned to become a writer. Read more>>
Rhiannon Mayne
I grew up in the UK, the daughter of two teachers; my mum is a mathematician (and was even my principal), and my dad was an English teacher. So, perhaps, it’s no surprise I ended up in a career that mixes science and storytelling. I didn’t actually start out intending to work with meteorites. Read more>>
Daniella Solis
I began my career many moons ago in the entertainment sector of PR/Marketing. From there, worked for several marketing/ad agencies and worked HARD. I worked really long, grueling hours for many years and was extremely dedicated to always doing my best. I think that really helped secure my future so that I can have a less grueling work life today. Read more>>
Amber Gallegos
I knew from a young age that my heart was in hair and the sense of community that comes from being in a salon. After trying out college for a few years, I decided to follow my dreams and attended ITS Academy of Beauty. Read more>>
Aryiah Brown
ItsRyRy Art & Design began in high school at 17 years old—however, it wasn’t called that yet. A classmate asked for a portrait and a friend encouraged me to charge him for my work, knowing my potential. That first commission sparked a path from pencil drawings to paintings—and eventually to brand and logo design over the course of 7 years. Read more>>
Travis Patterson
I am currently an entrepreneur here in Dallas. My alternative streetwear brand, Considered Dead Apparel, is something I started In Los Angeles and brought here to Dallas over a year ago. Considered Dead is rooted in the L.A. metal/punk scene and strives to push a eco-friendly agenda. How Considered Dead got started goes back to 2020 Los Angeles. Read more>>
Denise Segundo
I’m Denise, a cancer survivor and the proud owner of Jazy&Eve, a handmade children’s clothing and lifestyle brand based in Dallas, Texas. My story began with a love of creating. I learned to sew clothes when I was just 12 years old, making dresses, skirts, and blouses for my sister and mother. Read more>>
Alexandra Castle
My journey began with a gift that came full circle. I had given my beloved grandmother a monochrome heart drawing, and to my surprise, she chose to frame it and hang it up in her office. This seemingly small gesture symbolizes the broader scope of my career as an artist. Read more>>
Andrew Bindewald
My journey into mental health care began with a deep curiosity about how the mind, heart, body, and spirit work together to shape who we are. After earning my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, I have spent more than a decade working across a variety of therapeutic settings, from traditional counseling to advanced neurotherapy. Read more>>
Kira Miller
My story of becoming a Registered Dietitian goes back to my teenage years when my family started making lifestyle changes to prevent disease progression. My parents also wanted to make sure they were setting me up for success by teaching me healthy eating habits to prevent being diagnosed with diabetes and cardiovascular disease that runs on both sides of my family. Read more>>
Michael Phillips
I was handed a camera about the same time my soccer playing son began playing club soccer rather than recreational/city-league games. I didn’t know what I was doing nine years ago, but I began taking photos for parents that couldn’t be at the games. Read more>>
Abby; Tabitha King Roberts; Millsop
Angel Koenig is a licensed counselor and the founder of Mindful Counseling in Denton, TX. In her practice, she kept seeing a pattern of people not only needing just mental health support, but who were seeking deeper forms of care. Read more>>
Nick Estep
My background is in hair and cosmetics. I got my cosmetology license in 2004 and also worked at MAC cosmetics while I was in college. Getting my license was originally a back up plan but has become a career that I truly cherish. Read more>>
David Floyd, Jr.
I am a second-career attorney. I started my professional career as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) at a public accounting firm. After a couple of years, I moved into consulting. Then, the pandemic happened. During that period, I had a lot of time to think about where I was in life and where I wanted to go. Read more>>
Baleigh Reynolds
I started taking photos of the people and places I loved most: dirt roads, sunsets, rodeos, and cowboy love stories that reminded me of my own lifestyle. From there, Baleigh Creed Photo was born — a whole lot of passion, not a lot of sleep, and probably more caffeine than I’d like to admit. Read more>>
Christopher Ramirez
I started martial arts when I was seven years old. Over time, it became more than just something I trained in — it became the foundation of who I am. Read more>>
Kristian Serra
I was born in the Philippines and moved to Arlington, Texas at a young age. Growing up here, I never lost sight of my roots or the values my family taught me hard work, respect, and heart. Read more>>
Conner Hatfield AKA Con the Baptist
I grew up in a family filled with music. Every holiday and gathering was filled with jam sessions and learning new instruments. In high school and college and started playing in bands and writing my own stuff. That quickly grew to an obsession with the craft and I fell into music production. Read more>>
Crystal Jimenez
My journey began as I became a licensed cosmetologist in 2003 and spent years behind the chair, building my skills and forming lasting relationships with clients. Over time, I recognized that people’s lives were getting busier and their needs were changing, so I decided to transition into being a mobile stylist. Read more>>
Keith & Labrina Caldwell
We’re Keith and Labrina Caldwell, a married couple, parents of three, and the creators of Late Nite Date Nite With The Caldwells. Our story is full of love, laughter, surprises, and a few plot twists along the way! We’ve been together for four years and married for one. When we first started dating, things moved fast. Read more>>
Jerrod Pickering
I got started in real estate in 2021, right after the pandemic. Like a lot of people at that time, I was rethinking what I wanted to do with my life and how I could help people in a meaningful way. Around that same time, I also became a travel agent. Read more>>
Jody Turnbow
I have 35 years of experience in the alcohol beverage industry and have worked for the largest and best family businesses in the US. During those years I have directly or indirectly managed every state and been part of building some of the largest brands in the adult beverage industry. Read more>>
Monsieur
I’ve always gravitated towards music from a observers standpoint most of the times, I dabbled in it but due to my insecurities I’ve self sabotaged myself from actually learning what it is to be a music fan, especially learn about why R&B music is held so dear. Read more>>
Ruby Pachall
I actually got started in the fitness industry in a pretty personal way. I was a runner most of my life—competing in track and cross country all through school—but like a lot of people, once I got into my 20s, life got busy with work and school and fitness started to slip away. Read more>>
Robin Thomas
My first company began with me putting in a contract/bid with the osteopathic hospital who owned at the time the Fitness connection in Fort Worth. My company was “One On One personal training”. I was only 24 years old and surprisingly I received the contract. In my 20s I had approximately 20 Personal Trainer working for me. I then expanded into another location. Read more>>
emine ademi
I was raised in the restaurant business my mother gave birth to me in the woman’s banquet room bathrooms at my fathers first restaurant in Oswego Illinois. So my siblings say that its only fair if i die in mine, hopefully when I’m 80 lol. We were kids at the age of 9 making old fashions behind the bar. Read more>>
RaSheen Johnson
My journey started out more of a hobby and or side hustle in the summer of 1997. I started out cutting my friend hair for free with the goal of getting good enough to be able to charge people, and make decent side money. I was already cutting my own hair well so naturally assumed i would cut their hair good as well. Read more>>
Laura Renfroe
After having my second baby in January of 2023 I decided to leave my career as a postpartum nurse and stay home with my boys. While staying home and raising our children was an incredible blessing for our family, I yearned for more outside of mom life. Read more>>
Dom Nguyen
I first became interested in fashion through sneakers around 2016. I was really focused on collecting shoes, but I eventually realized I didn’t have the clothing to match them. That pushed me to start paying more attention to how I dressed. I still remember vividly one of my friends told me ‘What the f*** are you wearing, Dom?” because my outfit was completely mismatched. Read more>>
Sarah Reeves
I’m a singer-songwriter originally from North Alabama. I spent the last 15 years in Nashville, Tennessee, growing my career as a recording artist with Curb Records. Recently, I relocated to Fort Worth, Texas, and I’m loving the change of scenery and pace. Read more>>
Paulina Ornelas de Alba
I’m Paulina, a woman who learned to crochet as a child. I was about 8 or 9 years old when my grandmother taught me — without realizing that, along with a skill, she was giving me a treasure I would carry with me for the rest of my life. Read more>>
Laura Taiman
I was born and raised in Lima, Peru. I started my career as a dentist in Lima where I graduated from Cayetano Heredia University in 1997. My passion for diagnostics drove me to complete a Masters Degree in Dental Radiology from the State University of Campinas in Brazil in 2003. Read more>>
Shampaigne Graves
My journey as an entrepreneur started with just $20 and a dream to build a brand that truly supported women in business. That initial spark led to my first company, Boldifi. Read more>>
Stephanie McAlpine
My career has always centered on helping people grow and connect their potential to something meaningful in their communities. I started in recreational sports, where I quickly realized it couldn’t just be about competition or entertainment. For me, it was about using sport as a tool for human development, building confidence, teamwork, and purpose through shared experiences. Read more>>
Eder Enciso
As a child born and raised in Mexico City with extremely supportive and kind parents, I grew up with many opportunities to practice different things. From sports like soccer and track to arts, drawing, and design, my parents always allowed me to enjoy different activities. Read more>>
La Quanda Johnson
My love for cooking started when I was a little girl, standing in the kitchen watching my grandmother create magic with simple ingredients. I learned from her and my mom that food isn’t just about feeding people — it’s spreading love. As a mother of six, I’ve spent my whole life in the kitchen, cooking up memories and meals for the people I love most. Read more>>
Latesha Burnley
I apprenticed in a street shop in Pennsylvania when I was 20. I moved to Denver immediately after and life happened and I took a long break from tattooing. I moved to Arlington TX in 2018 with my infant daughter to be closer to my family and decided I was going to give it my all and make my dream a reality. Read more>>
Linda Septien
Linda Septien is a music artist development pro and founder of Septien Entertainment Group and Parallal Playy, a successful entertainment marketing company. With 25+ yrs. of music and artist development experience, she and her company have trained over 17k musicians and entertainers. Named in top tabloids as “Kingpin of Pop Talent”, “The Star Maker”, “The Expert in all things Vocal Branding”. Read more>>
Sarah Brauer
Absolutely! My journey into chiropractic care really began long before I ever went back to school for it — it started as a mom. I’m a mother of four and step-mom to two, and becoming a mom back in 2003 completely reshaped how I viewed health, birth, and family life. Read more>>
Salvator La Mastra
Dr. Salvator La Mastra was born and raised in Dallas, TX. He graduated high school from Trinity Christian Academy in Addison, TX and received his Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University. He completed his undergraduate studies in three years on the dean’s list and received a minor in chemistry and concentrations in marketing and Latin. Dr. Read more>>
John Mark Piper
I played music professionally, first as a drummer in bands and then as a vibraphonist. As a vibraphone player, I also became interested in making improvements on the frame of the instrument. Ludwig/Musser then manufactured the Musser/PIPER vibraphone which I have three world patents for. Read more>>
Shehrose Taj Noormohammed
From playing with makeup and dancing on stage as a kid, to styling celebrities and emceeing infront of thousands as an adult. I was born and raised in DFW, the journey started with my love of music and fashion and I never missed a chance to dance or dress up. Read more>>
Joshua Gause
I’m a multi-hyphenate creative and tapped into streaming on Twitch, off and on about 3 years ago. I recently decided to start streaming consistently 3 months ago and it’s been an exciting journey! I’ve done 60+ streams since! I wanted to develop a channel based off of things that I genuinely like to do, hence “The Hot Ones Guy” (THOG) Series. Read more>>
Dr. Re’Gine Green
Dr. Re’Gine M. Green With a career spanning over four decades, Dr. Re’Gine Green brings extensive experience across public service, mental health, and financial management. Her professional journey reflects a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional customer service, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering community engagement. Dr. Read more>>
Mariam Shah
I’ve always been drawn to emotion — the way a small glance, a laugh, or a serious, deep look can tell a story on its own. Read more>>
Mr. Keith & Dr. Katandria Love Demps
Our story is rooted in caregiving and calling. Before we ever met, both of us—Mr. Keith and Dr. Kat—were full-time caregivers within our own families. Caring for others wasn’t simply something we did; it shaped who we were becoming. In 2018, through a mutual friend, our paths finally crossed. Two years later—June 2020—in the middle of a global pandemic, we married. Read more>>
Sara Bradford
My journey really began as a mom. I have two neurodivergent kids, and when my oldest was diagnosed autistic at 18 months, I did what most parents do — I went looking for support, answers, community… and honestly, I didn’t find much that felt respectful, empowering, or inclusive. So I decided I’d become what I needed. Read more>>
Jay Stover
My Story From my earliest memories—soaring above cities in a helicopter with my mom—I knew my heart belonged to the sky. Flying revealed a perspective most people never get to see, and I’ve spent my life finding ways to share that perspective through story, vision, and craft. Read more>>
William Tadlock
I began showing livestock through FFA in the 6th grade, and that experience, combined with growing up around dogs, sparked my interest in veterinary medicine early on. At 16, I started my first job as a kennel technician, and working in a veterinary clinic only strengthened my passion for the field. I went on to earn my undergraduate degree from Stephen F. Read more>>
Augusto Cesar Aquino
From Luxury Sales to Life-Saving Care: The Purpose-Driven Evolution of Dallas Artist Augusto Cesar ‘Caesar’ Aquino Four years ago, the vibrant energy of Miami, Florida, gave way to the steady promise of Dallas, Texas, for Augusto Cesar Aquino. Read more>>
Rhonda Brackens
I was the founder of JAZZ FUSION Body of Christ. It was the first time trying to create the vision I had in mind. Things didn’t turn out as well as I hoped for so I challenged my self in other areas of the arts being inspired by people who I have came into contact with. That was always the mission of JAZZ Fusion. Read more>>
Kim Fernandez
My journey began when I was 20 years old, studying business management and working at Olive Garden. Money was always tight. I watched my mom and siblings struggle, and I knew there had to be more to life than this. I felt closed off from the world, living life on my own. My manager at the time, Pamela Kennedy, saw something in me. Read more>>
JoDee Neil
JoDee Neil is a former prosecutor and civil litigator who has built her career on the belief that children deserve fierce protection in a system that too often fails them. Her work is grounded in the conviction that justice is not an abstract idea but a daily act of courage and compassion. She brings that conviction to every courtroom, classroom, and stage where she speaks. Read more>>
Siwaree AinyimMichael Cates
I have experience in Thai Massage more than 5 years, and I am the founder of Siam Thai Massage & Wellness. My journey began in the heart of Thailand, where the ancient art of Thai massage is deeply rooted in our culture. From a young age, I developed a profound appreciation for the therapeutic benefits of massage. Read more>>
Shawn M. Warner
I am a professional saxophonist and recording artist. I’ve spent the better part of 45 years perfecting my craft. I’ve been performing professionally since the age of 15. My music led me to an acting career as well, where I worked in TV and commercials earning my SAG card almost 30!years ago. Read more>>
Shane Abel
There are two answers when it comes to how I got started writing. The first is, and I am discovering this is a consistent theme among writers: I was born this way. As a person of faith, that’s how God made me. My mother was reading a series of children’s books to me about a boy and his horse, Billy and Blaze by C. W.
Kathleen Alexander
For years, I wrote songs and played them mainly for myself. In 2013 I started playing in cover bands. Some of them doing a few of my originals. In 2019 I recorded I 10 songs. Most of those are now streaming on music under Shane Abel. I have 42 songs under Shane Abel. Read more>>
Kerri Miene
I grew up watching my dad, Glenn Blackwood, take care of people the old-school way — sitting at kitchen tables, talking about life, money, and what mattered most. At five years old I thought he was just “giving away money,” but what I really saw was a man building trust, security, and a life for four kids and a stay-at-home wife through sheer grit. Read more>>
Kerri Miene
Not many young people say they dream of working for an insurance company, but I’ve been blessed to be with State Farm for over 35 years. I always say, I’ve had 4 different careers but they’ve all been with the same company, After all these years, I still love coming to the office, coaching my team and meeting with customers. Read more>>
Carlita Smith
I am a Dallas native I grew up in the love Field area of Dallas. I attended WT White high school where I graduated. I went on to cosmetology school for hair and make up where I received my license.. Read more>>
Ashley Mukendi
My name is Ashley Mukendi, and I’m the owner and founder of TMOMK_EDITS. I’m a firm believer in Christ, and my faith is the foundation of everything I do. I’m a professional photographer, videographer, graphic designer, and filmmaker, fully licensed in all four categories. I started TMOMK_EDITS with a passion for creativity and a heart for service. Read more>>
Julie Barr
Being from the Midwest, I completed my education throughout parts of Missouri before starting my career in a tiny little town in Kansas. I worked as an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in outpatient setting where I became intensively trained in DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), treating both adolescents and adults. Read more>>
Lisa Carmichael
When we moved out here in 2017, one of the first things I noticed was the overwhelming number of stray dogs and cats. Everywhere we turned, there seemed to be another animal in need. It quickly became clear that this area was lacking a dedicated rescue organization and that’s where our journey began. Read more>>
Cristina Lynch
When I was first getting started, I connected with Jason Needleman, the CEO of Peacock Alley, who is still a mentor today. I asked him what he thought about luxury linens featuring hand-embroidered decorative pillows. He was so kind to take a chance on me and help me get the product started. I learned so much about quality from Peacock Alley. Read more>>
Christina Kingery
My background really shaped the way I approach real estate today. I started my career in customer service, where I learned how important it is to truly listen to people and find solutions that fit their needs. Read more>>
Tamara Smith
Since a very young age I have always had the entrepreneurship mentality. I can remember around high school I entered an entrepreneurial contest and won 1st place with my hair business. I started doing my own hair in the 5th grade and never turned back. Fast forward to today, my passion for hair and business has never changed. Read more>>
