Portraits of Dallas

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.

Kane Kelly

My passion for producing music goes back to when I first started playing guitar in High School. I had a jam box tape recorder and a portable tape recorder that I would use to record music. This was way before computers were used for recording. Read more>>

Dorie Kirk

Hi, I’m Dorie Kirk and I am the executive Director of Fort Worth Community Collaborative; the first and only no barrier clothing closet in Fort Worth. We are opened every 1st and 3rd Saturday to the public for free- no questions asked! After losing my son Kale, I opened a baby boutique in his honor- The Baby Bird Boutique. Read more>>

Fabiana Adamo

Our family arrived to Texas aroun 25 years ago. We are from Buenos Aires, Argentina. My husband is a Chemical Technitian and I’m a Tax Pro and Bookkeeper, but here we need started againg and keep going. For more of 20 year my husband build a Family company for Intaller Security Cameras and I offer Tax Services and Inmigration Services. Read more>>

Catalina Currea

I studied art in Bogotá, Colombia, at Escuela de Artes y Letras for two years, but at 19 I made one of the biggest decisions of my life: leaving everything behind and migrating alone to Texas. I first arrived in Houston, and for my first four years in the U.S. I worked in sales — far from the creative path I always imagined for myself. Read more>>

Lisa Bell

My story is truly a journey of becoming. I didn’t start from a place of confidence or clarity. I started from a place of pain, loss, and searching for my identity, my purpose, my voice and who God created me to be. Life walked me through seasons that broke me down, but those same seasons became the ground God used to rebuild me. Read more>>

Lisa Garland

Each step in my career has been about building relationships and showcasing the people and stories that make up the DNA of a Brand. When I joined Loews Hotels in Arlington, it was an exciting opportunity to grow awareness for established sports resort, Live! by Loews – Arlington while preparing for the opening Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center — both situated between iconic stadiums in the most premier entertainment district in the country. Read more>>

A.J. Knight

I was able to earn academic and athletic scholarships, play four years of college baseball, and obtain both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Sports and Exercise Science. During that time, I also had the opportunity to gain invaluable experience and knowledge as a Graduate Assistant for my university’s athletic department. That’s where I was able to learn and truly appreciate all the details that go into providing the opportunity for me and all my fellow student-athletes to continue playing the sport we love. After college, my baseball career came to an end and that led me to pursue other opportunities. Read more>>

Kelly Pfeil

My career span includes more than 25 years in corporate America managing research and development and innovation for food and beverage development for The Coca-Cola Company, Frito Lay and PepsiCo. Later I began my own consultant business serving as a Chief Technical Officer for several startup companies. My educational background includes a MS and PhD in chemistry from the Georgia Institute of technology. Read more>>

Susan Snipes

I first got into Human Resources after serving in the US Peace Corps in Zambia, Africa. It was through my work teaching adult learners that I realized that I wanted to professionally support employees in the workplace. Read more>>

Amy wang-Hiller

I grew up in Shanghai, China, where I began playing the violin at age 3.5. My parents initially chose the violin for me, but they didn’t expect I would fall in love with it and ask to make violin my career as early as middle school. I have to give credit to my frequent tonsillitis and days with fevers at a younger age. Read more>>

Keni White

My began through dance for me. I started dancing at the age of three years old and it catapulted me into a journey of creation. A world where creation had no ceiling. On days where I wasn’t able to dance I transmuted that energy in other ways. Read more>>

Jarielle Wilson

I like to say I didn’t “find” my path — I built it. Brick by brick. Insight by insight. Season by season. I’m AuDHD, a mom to an autistic child, and someone whose brain has always moved fast, deep, and differently. Instead of fighting that, I learned to make it my superpower. Read more>>

Joe Worrel

I’ve always believed that the best opportunities show up when your values and your skill set intersect. I’m a service-disabled veteran and a lifelong musician, so discipline, teamwork, and creativity have always been part of who I am. After my military career, I stepped into a very different but deeply meaningful role—being a stay-at-home dad. Read more>>

Tobie Bunievatz

I have always been a rock collector. As a kid I would pick up a rock from everywhere we went. When my dad passed I had a dream that he told me I needed 16 lbs of selenite. I had no idea what selenite was, but I had to have it. Read more>>

Kelley Shaw

I began my jewelry design business in 2005 and am celebrating 20 years this year. I’m a creative person and since retiring from the general work force, I’ve been a designer, painter and author of two books. One is a prescriptive memoir about alternative healing methods and my latest book, a romantasy (romance/fantasy), was published in India earlier this year. Read more>>

Liz Higgins

After earning my license in Marriage and Family Therapy and practicing for a few years, I felt called to create something beyond a traditional practice—something that honored relational wellness as the lifelong, transformative process that it is. Read more>>

Heavenly-Joy TeNae

It was nothing I’ve thought about doing overnight. I would more so like to think of it as an inheritance. The art of naturality that emerges from the human body, and it’s AMAZING for the different strands that blooms astonishingly from the different skin types and ethnicities. Read more>>

Auzreé Roberson

I was born in McKinney, TX. I grew up being raised by my mother and grandmother. My father unfortunately passed away due to a car accident when I was 9 years old, but he was my superman to me. I think dealing with a death so young, really shaped how I viewed life. Read more>>

Bethany Szymanski

(Painted Flower Farm’s background) – The business initially started as an independent research lab, by owner and microbiologist, Don Kenney. During the slower seasons, Painted Flower Farm employees grew and sold plants as a wholesale operation. After a handful of decades, the lab closed, and the business turned retail with a focus on native species and restoration. Read more>>

Nicki Burke

I started Exquisite Events & Productions in January 2017, driven by a genuine love for all types of events—both private and public. What began as a passion for bringing people together quickly grew into a full-service venture as I immersed myself in every aspect of planning, production, and execution. Read more>>

Brittany ‘Tigerlily’ Mason

I started painting when I was 16 and immediately knew this was the purpose Ihad in life and have persued it relentlessly every day since. I have no formal training (no college degree) and have truly veen self taught. Read more>>

Kayla West

Growing up, I have always been into art. Drawing, painting, you name it, I probably enjoyed doing it. This love for art didn’t truly hit home for me until my senior year at Lake Highlands High School, where I had an amazing teacher, Jason Young, who poured into me and gave me a space to explore art in a digital form. Read more>>

Courtney Taylor-El

I started my journey in youth development and nonprofit leadership with a deep commitment to creating opportunities for young people—especially those facing systemic barriers. Over the years, I’ve built my career around helping teens and young adults gain the support, resources, and confidence they need to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. My work with Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas was a defining chapter. Read more>>

Kate Cruickshank

I am a Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and Registered Nurse, that specializes in cancer support. I am also a thriving full time artist. Most recently, I have combined my two businesses to be able to provide greater support to the cancer community. Read more>>

Kyisha Joshua

My journey as an author really began long before I ever put pen to paper. For years, I pushed my own voice aside. I didn’t think people cared about what I felt or thought. It wasn’t until I hit a series of personal lows — psychiatric holds, DUIs, heartbreaks. I realized silence was no longer serving me. Read more>>

Trinitee Jouét

My journey began at 13 years old. My mom was my braider, but I had began watching YouTube tutorials on how to braid and maintain my own hair; and let’s just say, as soon as she saw I could do it myself (even if not well yet) she quit her job! Read more>>

Ingrid Lawson

Grace Built Me — The Faith-Filled Real Estate Journey of Ingrid Lawson Some stories begin with triumph. Mine began with loss. Four years ago, I thought my life was on a predictable path—married, stable, and working in health care insurance. When the company I worked for suddenly closed, it felt like a push toward something new. Read more>>

Lauryn Taylor

I believe my interest for fashion began with my mother. Growing up, I watched her create our clothes and I was fascinated by her sewing skills since she was self taught. I eventually started learning how to sew and read patterns, and I began sewing small garments on our home machine. I also enjoyed hand sewing and creating new clothing ideas for my dolls. Read more>>

Keeman Malone

I have always dreamed of owning a diecast replica of the police vehicle I drive. When I began researching, I realized that the prices were far too expensive. Instead of letting that discourage me, I explored what it would take to build one myself. That discovery sparked a new motivation, to create meaningful replicas for first responders. Read more>>

Kathleen Iliff

I began my career in fitness after graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2015 with a B.S. in Exercise Science. During my internship at Larry North Fitness, I gained hands-on experience training clients and building a foundation in science-based programming. My own athletic background—ranging from bodybuilding and powerlifting to Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and running—deepened my understanding of human performance and movement. Read more>>

Tyler Ramirez

Ever since high school, I felt a pull toward something bigger—something with real impact. I never fully fit in; in the classroom and in life, I was always the misfit. But that outsider lens pushed me toward the things I truly loved: art, music, and fashion. Read more>>

ALANA DZUREK

I began my career as an electrologist over 30 years ago, and I’ve come to realize that most people under the age of 40 don’t even know what that is. Yet for more than three decades, I have successfully treated thousands of clients with unwanted hair using a method that is safe and effective for all hair colors and all skin types. Read more>>

Viridiana Juarez

It’s not easy when you suffer of anxiety your mind plays with yourself and have to control those ugly thoughts, and emotions.. And I am a mother of two and have to deal with being a mother and a professional try to do my best on both parts .. Read more>>

minahil muzaffar

My journey with Arabic calligraphy began during one of the most difficult and transformative periods of my life. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic—a time when the world felt uncertain and everything slowed down, that loneliness inside me awakened something artistic. The need to create something beautiful, something that could be appreciated and celebrated. Read more>>

Nicole

My story started late one night, doom scrolling booktok. I stumbled across an Audio Erotica platform called Quinn and decided to check it out. The audios I found and listened to reignited a spark within me I thought would never come back. I’m a mom to two small children and, like many others, had completely lost touch with myself in the throes of motherhood. Read more>>

Eleasha Deering

I learned early that influence has nothing to do with titles. It is the weight of your presence, the integrity behind your decisions, and the way you show up for people when it matters. My foundation was built in the U.S. Army. Read more>>

Ben Nichol

My inspiration for my business came from personal experience. After immigrating from Australia and helping grow my dad’s business here in the US, I saw firsthand how difficult it can be for overseas companies, especially small and medium-sized ones, to establish themselves in America. Many have great products and strong potential but lack the “boots on the ground” needed to make real progress. Read more>>

Nikki Musko

Nikki Musko’s journey began at a young age, driven by a fascination with dogs as a species, which eventually grew into a mission to raise the standards of dog training. Read more>>

Willie Turner

What started out as me just trying to coach a basketball team turned into a whole unexpected life pivot. I was out here simply looking for a gym for my players to practice in that’s it, nothing fancy. Then I saw FWISD was hiring custodians. I figured, why not shoot my shot? Read more>>

Luchi Ajoku

My journey really began with two life-shifting experiences losing my mother to cancer and then being diagnosed with breast cancer twice myself. Those moments forced me to reevaluate everything: my health, my purpose, and the kind of impact I wanted to make in the world. Professionally, I’ve always been a builder. Read more>>

Laura Barbee

Our community at The Tree, Somatics & Kinetics is committed to nurturing people of varied life and movement experiences. We are rooted in our passion for focused, imaginative, and dynamic movement practice. We believe this allows joy to grow in our daily lives and invites us to change through each season. Read more>>

Sherri LaBarbera

I work with couples to improve their marriages after the rollercoaster we have experienced. I have often said that staying married is the most difficult but MOST FULFILLING thing a person ever does in life! I am also working on my Gottman Therapy certification which is a highly specialized training that I use quite often when couples are seeking help. Read more>>

Apolonia Thomas

For a long time, I struggled to identify what unique value I could offer beyond sports. When attending tech conferences and networking events, I intentionally avoided leading with my sports background, as I didn’t want it to overshadow my broader potential. However, with only novice-level knowledge in blockchain technology and marketing, I often lacked the confidence as a non-tech techie to contribute meaningfully to conversations. Read more>>

La’ Terrius Bedford

I am a licensed cosmetologist,specializing in braids of all kinds. What sets me apart From other stylist is my attention to detail & neat clean parts. Consistent slays and ability to do numerous styles. Read more>>

Cara Rice

I always knew I wanted to be in a profession that helped people—especially kids. Becoming a speech-language pathologist felt like a natural fit, and I’ve now been in the field for 12 years. In 2021, I started my own practice because I wanted to create a space where each child’s unique needs could truly be the focus. Read more>>

Victor Selin

I came to Texas as a scientist, after finishing my PhD in Materials Science at Texas A&M. My days were full of polymers, films and test data. I worked in R&D at Alcon in Fort Worth, developing products for dry eye treatment. To understand how tears move across the eye, I kept sketching eyeballs and eyelashes in my lab notebook. Read more>>

Alyssa Gonzales

I started doing lashes out of my home while working full time in the corporate office of a major airline. I had just gone through a divorce and was trying to rebuild as a newly single mom. To help supplement my income, I began taking clients in the evenings after work. Read more>>

Shaheen Taylor

I am originally from the Washington D.C. area but I moved here to Dallas in December 2015. At that time, I was working for Children’s National Medical Center in Washington DC. With a background in pharmacy, I managed the hospital’s drug savings program which saved the organization millions of dollars each year by serving uninsured or under-insured pediatric patients. Read more>>

Krys Smith

I’m Krys Smith — a woman who has lived through enough chapters to write several books, but I’m still here, still standing, and still shifting. My story didn’t start in a place of strength; it started in survival mode. I grew up carrying childhood trauma I didn’t have the language to explain. Read more>>

Darin Pitre

I was born and raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and honestly, my love for music started before I even knew what to call it. My biggest inspiration was my uncle, Hammond B. DeJean Jr. (1955–2022)—my first teacher, my musical compass, and the coolest DJ I had ever seen. He was spinning records back in the 1970s, and I was absolutely in awe of his collection. Read more>>

Lauren Horn

I was an art teacher for almost ten years, and the first year back in person from Covid was really rough. My students were disengaged and I was teaching in-person students and online student at the same time. In an effort to connect, I downloaded Tiktok and had my students give me suggestions of content to make. Read more>>

Les Bone

Hey, I’m Bone :] My stage name is Les Bone, I’m a drag artist & videographer/photographer located in DFW. I do video for a marketing firm in Austin, am the residential videographer for a local drag show known as Broad Strokes, & take as many freelance gigs/shows as I can fit into my schedule! I love what I do so much. Read more>>

Chris Lacquement

Pet Grooming Consultant & Industry Professional Chris Lacquement Chris Lacquement is a nationally recognized pet grooming consultant, entrepreneur, and industry leader based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Read more>>

Ana Banda

Real estate is my second career, but my passion for homeownership began at 25, when I was a single mother determined to buy my first home. After being told I would fail because I was “just a woman—and a Mexican woman at that,” I chose to prove otherwise. Being a Mexican woman meant working harder, echándole ganas, and never giving up. Read more>>

Todd Roberts

I started my leadership journey at 20 years old in a dark warehouse at two in the morning, suddenly responsible for leading people without any real training. Like so many frontline managers today, I didn’t have a mentor, so I found mine in books. Vince Lombardi taught me discipline and standards. Zig Ziglar taught me people. Read more>>

Kris Morgan

I’ve known since I was five years old, after watching Miracle on 34th Street, that I wanted to create the iconic Macy’s window displays on Fifth Avenue. The only catch? I grew up in a small town in Illinois… not exactly the land of retail theatrics. Read more>>

Chelci Green

You’re a hardworking, independent woman with real hustle, running your own small business while bartending with natural charm and confidence. You don’t just serve drinks — you control the vibe, make people feel comfortable, and turn your personality into profit. You’re funny, real, and unfiltered, with a big heart and strong loyalty that people feel instantly. Read more>>

Crooks and Co Dall

What began as a passion for storytelling has now grown into a full-service creative agency that partners with entrepreneurs, ministries, and brands that want to make real impact. We have yielded our skills and talents to our community as well through volunteerism, which we will always contribute. Every project is personal to us and built with intention, rooted in faith, and designed to leave a lasting mark. Read more>>

Dennis Gartman Jr.

Of all of my releases so far, I am most proud of two of them. First, my EP that I put out in June 2022 called “PROXIMITY”. I said when I put that project out that it is “a story of nearness and distance”, inspired by a friendship/relationship that started off great but ultimately fizzled out. I was able to work with artist/producer GRAHAM for some of the production, as well as with MIXEDBYAC (who has worked with Lecrae, Jon Keith, Andy Mineo, nobigdyl.) for the mixing of the record. That project has aged really well, as I still keep getting feedback on it even to this day! Read more>>

Sarah Thrash

My Story: How I Started and How I Got Here In 2009, I started my career as a classroom teacher, knowing from an early age that I wanted to work in education. A few years into teaching, I returned to school to earn my master’s degree in school counseling. Read more>>

Brian Balloon

Eight years ago, I attended the opening of TX Studio with my wife’s camera in hand, with an intent to network and take some pictures of people. I wanted to see what a photography studio was like and meet people. Read more>>

Robin McCoy

I’ve been a Texas Realtor since 2008. Funny thing, over the years, as I got older, so did my friends, clients, and their parents. Then in 2023, my mother’s health declined rapidly, and suddenly I was thrown into a world I thought I understood but didn’t. Where was she going to live? What was I supposed to do with all her stuff? Read more>>

LAURIE MARTINEAU

I am a Dallas based artist who paints in an abstract format. I attended The University of Texas (Geology degree) and the University of North Texas (MBA). My previous career was a commercial real estate professional who blended business with the architectural and design of constructed spaces. Read more>>

Giant Runt Gallery

The idea for Giant Runt began with a curatorial project called Kickpigeon Kids, founded by two artists, Max Marshall and Cosmo Jones. Beginning in 2022 and continuing still (with an upcoming show at The Grackle in May), the pair organizes shows under the name ‘Kickpigeon Kids’ that explore the idea of curation vs. art-making through collaborative gallery-scale installations. Read more>>

Joe Servin

I started off back in the middle 80’s DJing small parties here and there. I got more serious about it in the middle to late 90’s when I became a Radio personality on KNON 89.3fm. I DJd mostly Latin music including Tejano and Cumbia music. Read more>>

Rekha Reddy

buboodee (which is a somewhat made up Gujarati term of endearment akin to calling someone ‘babycakes’ or ‘babykins’, and my own children’s nickname), was conceived, so to speak, in the fall of 2024. It was right around Diwali, and we were planning our first family trip to India. Read more>>

Ralph Chapman

I started working in recruiting after I got out of the Navy and have always wanted to run my own company. I started HR Search Pros, Inc. Read more>>

Ricardo Castaneda

My name is Ricardo Castaneda. I’m 25 years old, and I went fully blind at age 15 due to retinal detachments caused by a genetic disease passed down from my mother called Rosa Syndrome. With my mother pushing me forward and the support of my entire family, from my grandparents to my uncle, I learned how to rise above everything thrown my way. Read more>>

Nikki Booth

For Nikki , hair has always been more than beauty — it’s healing, confidence, and connection. As the founder of Hair Haven, she has created a space where clients don’t just walk out with flawless styles; they walk out feeling renewed. Born in New Orleans and raised in Texas after Hurricane Katrina, Nikki learned early how resilience and tenderness can coexist. Read more>>

Dwayne Connor

Well, I’ve never believed in energy healing or anything that seemed like magic. Read more>>

Daniel Taylor

Northstar Music was founded in 2020 by Daniel Taylor, music director at Northstar School. Daniel began teaching drums at Northstar School in 2011. Over time Daniel started giving music lessons after school, and eventually saw a need to create a music program that would not only benefit the students at Northstar, but also serve the South Arlington community. The solution was Northstar Music. Read more>>

Kaelyn Thomas

Baking has always been second nature to me. I grew up surrounded by strong, beautiful, driven men and women who expressed love through recipes passed down for many generations. Being one of the youngest grandchildren, I spent countless hours in warm kitchens, watching flour turn into magic — learning that food could bring people together, heal hearts, and create memories that lasted a lifetime. Read more>>

Shaun Hanna

My story: how it all started My name is Shaun Hanna, and I founded Crave the Fun. What began as a simple family outing to a local Italian ice store and watching my son’s face light up with delight, sparked an idea deep in me: what if I could recreate that magic for others? Crave dessert truck! Read more>>

Dakira Wade

Growing up I was always into fashion and beauty. For me, I believe beauty is a woman’s greatest asset. I started my brand “Priceless Beauty” to provide women with essentials to enhance their look and feel more confident. Our custom design press on nails and lashes are a go-to when needing a makeover or new look in a short amount of time.  Read more>>

Calista Walker

The idea of my business came to me when I was pregnant with my third child and I knew I wanted to find something where I could still be at home with them during the days. I’ve always been really creative and loved celebrating so when the thought of having a balloon and decor business came to me it was an immediate yes! Read more>>

Shmoney The Jeweler

I started in the jewelry business at 20 years old, with almost nothing besides ambition, curiosity, and a belief that I could build something real. I learned everything hands-on — sourcing, selling, designing, repairing, negotiating, and understanding what customers actually want. From there, I pushed the business forward piece by piece. Read more>>

Hosni Oz

Absolutely — I’d be more than happy to share. Drawing has been a natural part of my life since childhood, and I’ve always admired tattoos as both an art form and a way for people to express themselves. I started getting tattooed fairly young, but I never saw it as a potential career path. Not at first. Everything shifted during peak COVID. Read more>>

Alexus Anderson

I’ve always been drawn to creativity and storytelling, whether through writing, design, or community projects. From a young age, I loved expressing myself through words and visuals, which naturally led me to explore poetry, fiction, and graphic design. My creative journey began with self-expression, but over time, I realized I wanted to build platforms and spaces that could inspire and connect others. Read more>>

Monique Rucker

I started Mon’Ami Sweets from my little kitchen in Melissa, Texas, but the heart of this bakery was born long before I ever sold a single cake. Baking became my safe space during some of the hardest seasons of my life. Read more>>

Annie Hillman

Before starting my business, I worked in winery accounting, and while it was fun and interesting, but I wanted more flexibility and freedom. In 2020, a friend of my husband’s approached me about doing bookkeeping on the side, and I thought it would be a great way to earn some extra cash. Little did I know that this would be the start of my business. Read more>>

Charles Valdez

My whole career has been a balance between two worlds. On one hand, I’m obsessed with precision, the perfect studio light, the clean line, the world of controlled design. I have a deep respect for the craft of making something flawless. But at the same time, I’ve always been drawn to what happens when all that control disappears… Read more>>

Edgar Iniestra

NTEX Consulting Group started with a mission to provide business owners with reliable, high-quality financial guidance that goes beyond traditional accounting. Our firm has grown from a small practice into a multi-disciplinary team now serving clients across Dallas, Austin, Houston, and Tampa Bay. Read more>>

Jessica Espinoza

Yes, Of course. My story begins with a mix of beauty and hardship. I didn’t grow up with the most stable or supportive family, and from an early age I learned how unpredictable life can be. Theatre became the place where I found my confidence. Read more>>

Leslie Redden

I began my professional journey in accounting, where I worked for 11 years before transitioning into nursing. Despite coming from a family full of nurses, I had always doubted my ability to handle needles and wounds. Everything changed when my sister was diagnosed with a rare cancer that she ultimately lost her battle with. Read more>>

Adriana Licea

I started this countertop business with my family six years ago, specializing in granite, quartz, and natural stone countertops. At first it was difficult because there is a lot of competition, and it was not easy for me as a woman to understand many terms and concepts in the construction field. Read more>>

Dennis Walthers

My path has always centered around two things: people and possibility. I started my career in the tech world, leading sales and marketing teams for brands like Cisco, Polaroid, D-Link, Epson, and Dell. Those years taught me how technology shapes human behavior—and how the right experience can make someone feel something memorable. Read more>>

Harold ‘Reaux’ Pool

I moved to Dallas in late 2023 from my hometown of Waco Texas. Growing up in the church I had little to no access to the LGBT lifestyle. I wasn’t sheltered just not around it often. Read more>>

Danna Vialet

My story is truly rooted in faith, family, and the belief that God places gifts in us long before we ever recognize them. I started baking for my family and friends — never imagining it would turn into anything more. For me, baking was simply a way to show love and bring people together. Read more>>

Moriah Jacobs

Hueman Sol was born from a moment of truth. I remember feeling exhausted — not just from my corporate job in marketing partnerships at the NBA, but from the subtle and not-so-subtle messages society sends about melanin. I kept hearing us described as “light” or “dark,” and it felt limiting… almost like our beauty needed to be categorized before it could be appreciated. Read more>>

Destiny Chadwick

I was raised by a hard working single mother who didn’t have time to do my hair . I started experimenting with my own hair from a very young age and it was always wild styles I’d get bullied for . I had my daughter as a teen and promise I’d learn to do her hair. Read more>>

LaShonda Reese

I was born and raised in Marshall, Texas—a small town where opportunities felt scarce and expectations were often low. Because of that, immediately after graduation in 2009, I left for the US Army. I wanted more for myself and to avoid becoming another statistic. The military gave me structure, discipline, and a broader view of the world—but even then, something was missing. Read more>>

Josh Nichols

A big part of my journey has been using music as a way to express myself, and at first it was very limited. I had unintentionally put myself in the box, where you make music hoping someone will see it and like it. However, it wasn’t working, because what I really wanted to write and sing about felt too taboo. Read more>>

Ashley Urban

I’ve always been drawn to creating beauty and emotion through design. My first company, Ashley Urban Designs, began from a lifelong passion for transforming spaces and making people feel something the moment they walk into a room. Over the years, I built my interior design business through dedication, creativity, and a deep love for the work. Read more>>

Deborah Adams

Paper for Water began on November 3rd, 2011, and was founded by my oldest daughters, Isabelle and Katherine Adams. They wanted to help girls like themselves go to school rather than walk for water or get sick from unsafe water. It was originally a one-month project that grew organically into a volunteer-driven non-profit. Read more>>

Brit Wold

I always say GRIT was born long before it had a name. Growing up in Mesquite, TX, I was raised by parents who believed deeply in discipline, optimism, and mental toughness. My dad coached me as an athlete, and I went on to play Division I basketball at Cornell University. Read more>>

Jordan ‘deejayjd’ Dunbar

hasn’t been a smooth road i’ll say, “textured” although there’s many with worse circumstances so i intend to not to mine for granted with lack of work ethic to quote kobe bryant, “it’s not the road it’s the destination” also to quote steve parrish, “the situation is the boss” Read more>>

Carmen Marin

From a very young age, I was fascinated by beauty and skincare. I struggled with acne myself, which led me to learn everything I could about how to improve the skin and feel confident again. Even before getting licensed, I loved helping others with skincare advice and studying skin health. Read more>>

Steve Harman

Founded in 2015 by Jeff and Steve in the vibrant city of Dallas, TX, MediaHead, LLC was launched to provide residential and commercial customers with simple technology solutions at competitive prices. Our unique logo, often referred to as Speaker Monkey, embodies our fun-loving, passionate culture and creative spirit when it comes to providing a source of fun, entertainment, and value for our customers. Read more>>

Janay Shandy

With me being a Physical Therapist Assistant and my husband having played basketball in college—and both of us being passionate about healthy living—we were inspired to bring healthier options to Dallas six years ago. Our juice bar officially opened on January 19th, 2024, and it has been an amazing ride ever since. Read more>>

Christina Cheng

I wish I had a more dramatic origin story but everything came about unexpectedly and organically. Having volunteered at some capacity my entire life, it was reflex to want to show my own children not only the joy in giving but emphasize the power they have to impact the world and those around them. Read more>>

Meg Bassett

When my husband Jonathan was in his early teens, (living in Vermont) he decided to have a litter of puppies with his golden retriever! It was so much fun, he started getting a couple more Goldens to add to his pack, and had a few more litters of puppies! We got married in 2019 and moved to Texas. Read more>>

Amber Jones

I started Hanging By Threads in 2009 selling handmade purses and aprons on Etsy. Throughout the last 16 years Hanging By Threads has morphed as my own tastes and interests have morphed. Today I mostly make textile jewelry and collage art heavily influenced by the west Texas desert and northern Mexico landscapes and folk arts. Read more>>

Alyssa Nicole

The idea for Inspire N’ Shine Prints started from my love of wearing inspirational clothing to the gym; any t-shirt or hoodie that felt uplifting, positive, or faith-driven. One day, I found myself thinking, “What if I just made my own?” That thought stuck with me for a while until September 1st, 2025. Read more>>

Matt Perry

I started pursuing entertainment at 21, when I moved to Austin, Texas to take my career seriously as an actor, model, and content creator. I didn’t know anyone out there, but I showed up every day and created something. Within my first month, one of my TikTok series blew up, and from there I kept building. Read more>>

Jason Brown

During my years at Texas A&M, I would come home for the summer and work for my city’s Parks and Recreation Department. I was studying to be a coach and to teach, but I ultimately found my way back to Recreation full-time. I have since worked in 7 different cities while growing in my profession. Read more>>

Marcus Boyd

The Boy Who Found His Voice: Marcus Leonardo Boyd’s Global Symphony of Autism Activism Marcus Leonardo Boyd’s life is a powerful, news-article-worthy story of triumph over adversity, a personal narrative that has transformed into a global movement for autism acceptance and change. Read more>>

Amir Sedra

My journey in video production started almost 18 years ago. Back then it was just pure passion. I loved picking up a camera, experimenting, and figuring out how to tell a story visually. What started as curiosity quickly grew into a career. Over the years I worked my way through every part of the process. Shooting, editing, directing, producing, and eventually leading full-scale productions. Read more>>

J Loren Norris

​’I began my speaking career at 19 by delivering fire safety speeches to elementary schools while serving in the US Air Force as a Fire Fighter. Since then, I have spoken for audiences from 14 to 40,000 in five nations face to face and dozens more virtually. Read more>>

Andrew Ydoyaga

During my senior year of high school at Richland College’s Collegiate High School, we were asked to do a community project around the holiday season. I noticed that I had a bunch of gift cards with low balances and was trying to figure out what to do with them. This is where the concept of GiftCards4Change started. Read more>>

Micaela Alexander

I became a Clinical Director early on and then moved into Administration eventually reaching the Corporate level as a Chief Operating Officer and Consultant. Over the course of my career, I’ve worked at all levels of care: residential, inpatient, and outpatient with a variety of populations. In my current position as an Executive Director, I enjoy it because I get to mentor my team and see the clients really grow! It’s the best of both worlds! Read more>>

Prynce P

By 2016, I released one of the biggest Hip-Hop compilation albums to come out of Dallas, featuring legends such as Paul Wall, Lil’ Flip, Spice 1, and K-Rino. A year later, I was featured on the cover of Javanan Magazine, the largest Persian publication in the world, which was a proud moment representing both my heritage and my city. Read more>>

Lauren Gary Chujor

After achieving my associates in neuroscience from UTD (University of Texas at Dallas) I pursed becoming an EMT/Paramedic. Simultaneously, I fell in love and started engaging in a different less technical world. I began helping my husband create youth church agendas, host youth events, run basketball tournaments, start radio shows and so much more. I creativity fire lit inside me that I LOVED. Read more>>

Jose Vargas

I started to organize art shows, mostly in Dallas. Eventually I was hired as a gallery assistant at the Ice House Cultural Center in Oak Cliff. That was an eye opener for me as I met even more artists from throughout Texas. My life has taken me to many events and situations, some of them being not too pleasant, but life is like that, isn’t it? Read more>>

Rachel Whaley

Now 15 years later we have a large high volume family practice seeing over 1500 people a week. We have a lot of services that we provide from chiropractic care, massage therapy, shockwave therapy, we have a naturopath and a midwife that work out of our office, a nurse practitioner that offers vitamin IVs and shots, and a coffee shop inside the office as well. I can honestly say I have my dream practice. We are so lucky to get to serve the amount of families that we do and have cultivated a close community within the office. Read more>>

Hazel

So I enrolled full-time at Midwestern State University, majoring in Sociology with double minors in Music and Psychology. I wanted to sharpen my artistic foundation—music theory, ear training, sight-singing, and a semester of vocal lessons—while also figuring out who I was outside of music. And after four-ish years of pure chaos, I graduated with honors, two new mental-health diagnoses, an offensive amount of student loan debt, and the kind of existential dread that only a degree in the social sciences can provide. Read more>>

Rajalakshmi Krishna

For me, internal happiness is essential, as I have numerous students who excel in techniques and perform in prestigious venues in the United States and India. My dance class consists of passionate students who rigorously practice with intensity. Today, my class is chosen for the quality of the items and choreography I provide. Read more>>

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>>