Over the past decade we have had the chance to learn about so many incredible folks from a wide range of industries and backgrounds and our highlighter series is designed to give us an opportunity to go deeper into their stories with to goal of understanding them, their thought process, how their values formed and the foundations of their stories. Check out some incredible folks below – many of whom you may have read about already and a few new names as well.
Deana Elliott Boyd
I am intentionally walking in a path in 2025. I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. I choose words. My 2025 words are SEEK HIS PATH. I have made an effort every day so far this year to seek and stay on (LOL) God’s path! He has challenged me this year many times. I feel I am rising to meet His challenges. Read more>>
Brandy Jones
Absolutely — recently I’ve had a few moments that made me both laugh and feel incredibly proud. I’ve been creating so much art lately, and there are times when I step back, look at what I’ve made, and start laughing because it hits me: “Wow… I’m actually an artist.” It’s a mix of surprise, gratitude, and pride. Read more>>
Jordyn Garca
As cliché as it sounds, I’d make sure she knew it was okay to make mistakes. I still struggle with perfectionism now, but when I was younger, it was almost debilitating. Read more>>
Noelle Overturf
I’d reach out to the recent college grad I once was and tell her, “It’s going to be okay! Just wait and see what God is going to do!” To give you a brief backstory, I studied Nutrition & Dietetics in college and was supposed to continue my education after graduation by attending a dietetic internship program to achieve my masters. Read more>>
Reginald Forest
I believe there’s no ‘public’ version of me; rather, there’s the hesitant me and the comfortable me. I strive to be 100% authentically myself in all situations. Maintaining pretenses is too exhausting. I keep things simple. I am always working to be the person I’d want to meet on the street. Read more>>
Tanner Garza
Many times. I think as a creative, a freelancer and a business owner it’s pretty common for that to enter your mind. There have been so many periods when business picks up and then slows down. In the quiet moments it can be really difficult to maintain your confidence. Over time I think it gets easier and you start to recognize the cycle behind it. Read more>>
Kristin Williams
I believe that the biggest lies the eating disorder field tells itself is that our worth and identity are found within ourselves. While well-meaning, I think this belief actually keeps people stuck in bondage. I personally believe that our our worth and value is found in Christ alone which is actually really great news because it means I can stop striving to earn my value. Read more>>
Jin Patton
One of the biggest lies the beauty industry tells itself is that faster, trendier, and more dramatic always means better. There’s this pressure to produce instant transformations, to over-process, over-promise, and chase whatever is trending online. But hair isn’t a trend—it’s a living fabric, and it deserves more respect than that. Another lie is that the service ends when the client walks out the door. Read more>>
TeQuita AcQuanette
I’m being called to rise into the fullness of the assignment Spirit has placed on my life. This season is inviting me to lead openly — to guide women through their spiritual, emotional, physical and economic transitions with clarity, grace, and joy. Read more>>
Claudia Raven
Mainly resilience, empathy, and self-trust. When you’re struggling, you’re forced to meet parts of yourself you didn’t even know existed. You learn how strong you are, how to keep going when you feel like you can’t, and how to rebuild yourself from the inside out. Success is beautiful, but it doesn’t shape your character the way pain does. Read more>>
Kyle Krall
What I understand deeply — and what I think a lot of people miss — is that creativity is one of the few things that can actually pull you out of normality. When you create, you start seeing life in shapes and possibilities that don’t exist for everyone else. Read more>>
Adrian Gooden
Romanticizing my life. Everything from my morning coffee, to my skincare routine at night is romanticized. The small moments mean a lot to me, because they come about more often, so I in turn have more things to be happy with from day to day. Read more>>
Anakarla Boteo
Something I understand deeply is that growth rarely feels good while it’s happening. Most people want success without the pressure, and people often see the results but rarely think about how much work went into getting there. I’ve learned that the uncomfortable seasons, the challenges, the setbacks, and the moments you feel stretched are the ones that actually build you. Read more>>
Jelisha Jones
Funny enough, it isn’t failure but success. The “what if” of it. What happens if I really go further in my business? What happens if I become the woman I’ve always envisioned? What happens if the life I want actually becomes possible? That fear has kept me playing small. It’s fed my imposter syndrome. Read more>>
Jordan Smelley
One of the defining wounds of my life came from realizing, in a very real and frightening way, how fragile the healthcare safety net can be for people with complex needs. Surviving a life-threatening medication reaction and then spending over two years fighting through the Texas Medicaid Fair Hearing process left deep emotional and physical scars. Read more>>
Tiffany Ekpete
Some of the defining wounds of my life have come from seasons where I felt unseen, unheard, or unloved. I experienced moments where the people I trusted the most became the sources of my deepest hurt. For a long time, those wounds shaped how I showed up in relationships, how I viewed myself, and how I moved through the world. Read more>>
Josh Wilson
Movie nights with my family. As a tattoo artist, separating home and work life can be really difficult. If Ive been busy making art for an appointment or a personal project at home, I still focus on finding time to spend with my 2 kiddos and my girlfriend. Read more>>
Alia Miller
At times I feel like I’m constantly getting stuck in the cycle of feeling too tired from my 9-5 to do anything else, but I’ve really been making an effort to change that. Lately, I’ve been rotating through all of my hobbies throughout the week so that I’m constantly doing something new but also doing things I like! Read more>>
Akeyia Chukes
When I’m gone, I hope the story people tell about me is that I loved deeply, wildly, and without hesitation. I loved people I didn’t know. I loved even when I didn’t know how. I loved even when it cost me pieces of myself. My heart was made to hold what many cannot. For years, I saw that as a weakness. Read more>>
Allen Ramany
When I’m gone, I hope people remember that I built more than a barbershop I built a space for excellence, growth, and opportunity. That as TopNotch and as a businessman, I led with purpose, created meaningful experiences for my clients and team, and set a standard that inspired others to strive for their best. Read more>>
Sequoia Boyd
The easiest way for me to lose track of time is crafting or creating something special. There have been plenty of days when I start a project during the day and by the time I look up it’s evening time. Crafting brings me peace and happiness each time I start something new. Read more>>
Alex Temblador
I love when I lose hours in a day to reading a book. Flying off into other worlds and storylines is so good for my soul, especially when I’m able to read outside in a hammock or on a blanket surrounded by trees. Books don’t just help me escape; they’re also a wonderful tool to help me process what’s going on in my life. Read more>>
Charmaine Wynter
The part of me that has served its purpose is my full-time pursuit of interior design as a career. While that chapter was deeply fulfilling, I’ve come to realize it’s time to let go and focus on something new—sharing inspiring stories of everyday celebrities and highlighting authentic positivity through my streaming talk show. Read more>>
Regency Johnson
There comes a moment in every journey where you pause, look back, and truly recognize how far you’ve come. For me, that moment is now. I’ve poured nearly two decades into the hair industry, mastering the latest trends, building a strong social media presence, launching my own extension line, and reaching revenue goals I once only dreamed about. Read more>>
Amber Brumfield
My closest friends know I do not play when it comes to putting yourself first. I remind them every time we get on this subject that in order to feel your most powerful self, you have to take care of you. I also love checking in on my girlie pops. Read more>>
Jennifer Shelton
Absolutely. The last couple of years at Real Options have felt like one long season of tap dancing to work. We are experiencing growth and momentum unlike anything in our thirty-seven year history, and it is an incredible feeling to wake up excited about what each new day might bring. Read more>>
Parker Jason
As much as I welcome praise , I’ve learned to never let that be the root of your effort . I make music because I genuinely have a love/hate relationship with a form of art in which provides me the space to create in isolation . I’m not the most viral nor commercially established artist with outstanding stream numbers either . Read more>>
Christopher Hill
Oh absolutely! I always try to give my best when I’m creating. At the end of the day, I make music for myself. it’s my way of expressing what’s going on inside. If people connect with it, I’m grateful and humbled every single time. And if they don’t… That’s totally fine too. Read more>>
Leonard T Robinson
I do not live for the applause of people, nor do I seek recognition from the world. The only approval I desire is from God because it is His grace that sustains me and His will that guides my steps. Praise from others fades, but the favor of God is eternal. Read more>>
Damon Harris
Yes. Taking a moment to slow down has often given me the clarity to pause, think, and respond with intention rather than impulse. By not reacting immediately, I’ve avoided decisions I might later regret and gained the space to choose what truly aligns with my goals. This approach has consistently helped me make stronger, more thoughtful choices—both in my personal life and in my business. Read more>>
Traneycia
For me, 2025 has been a slow and steady progression. I’ve taken an entire year off from baking, and in doing so, it’s given me plenty of time to think about where I want to take this business. We opened up back in April of 2024, and I’ve said it once, it was an impulsive start. Read more>>
Javier Mejia
I would stop worrying about the tomorrow and the what ifs, and I would start living the present and the oh wells. Is best to say oh well, than “what if” Read more>>
Larry Whiteley
Immediately, I would stop worrying about time. We have a beginning and an end. It’s the stuff in the middle that counts, and we should make the most of it. Read more>>
Free Renee Russell
If I retired tomorrow, I believe my clients would miss more than just the trips and vacations I curated—they would miss the heart and care I put into every detail. They would miss the excitement in my voice when sharing a new destination, the personal touch I bring to understanding their dreams, and the joy I feel when seeing those dreams come to life. Read more>>
Nara Ramirez
If I retired tomorrow, I think my clients would miss the care and attention I put into helping them feel confident and beautiful. I don’t just focus on hair; I focus on creating an experience, a space where they feel valued, seen, and heard. They would miss all the laughs, the fun moments, and the positive energy I bring to every appointment. Read more>>
Chloee Rae
I’m chasing the version of myself I know I can become. The girl who’s brave enough to take big risks, who turns her dreams into real things you can see and hear, and who doesn’t let fear make her small. I’m chasing the life I’ve pictured since I was little, bright lights, loud stages, real impact, and a purpose that actually means something. Read more>>
Jasmine Monk
I’m chasing visibility for collegiate bowling and creating opportunities for athletes who often go unnoticed. If I stopped, those stories wouldn’t be told, and the next generation of bowlers might miss seeing themselves represented and celebrated. Read more>>
ALICIA FREEMAN
Gosh. Personal life, a lot, I have two young kids and a lot of my life is planting seeds right now. In business, it’s our growth strategy. I choose to keep Linden Candle Company debt-free and to grow intentionally rather than chasing rapid expansion. I also choose to hire locally instead of investing in expensive machinery that would let us scale faster. Read more>>
Jasmine Gonzalez
In my work, I’ve found that bonds rarely break suddenly. They erode quietly over time when core emotional needs go unmet. What really fractures connection is the accumulation of small ruptures that never get acknowledged. The moments when someone feels unseen, dismissed, unsafe, or like their emotions are an inconvenience. Read more>>
Chanel Rose-Budd
I believe what breaks the bonds between people are fear, insecurities, unforgiving, competition, envy, not having empathy nor compassion, lack of communication, greed, selfishness and being untrustworthy. I also believe what restores bonds between people are transparency, forgiveness, trustworthiness, respect, empathy, compassion, communication, understanding, support and love. Read more>>
Abi Butler
Because my business has been built from home, I’ve found that sometimes there’s confusion on who I am and what I actually do. I can make a lot of things and have done a lot of one off orders for my customers, but what my main focus is now is to create beautiful stuffed animals for kids all around the world. Read more>>
Courtney S. Jenkins
My legacy was never meant to be understood or put into familiar narratives. It’s an energy you feel, a movement you witness, and a presence you remember. People might try to define it or even shrink it, but my legacy doesn’t live in comfort. It lives in the spaces where truth matters more than applause. It wasn’t created to be understood. Read more>>
Alix Hogu
The fact that I’m not really big on focusing too much on leaving a legacy. Instead, I pour my heart into impacting lives as much as I can. If this leaves a legacy, then great, but my sole purpose is to be able to make a difference while I can. No legacy required, no accolades needed, just genuine impact. Read more>>
Joseph Rawls
I think the thing people will most misunderstand about my legacy is the depth of intention behind it. On the surface, it might look like I’m just building businesses, creating content, or chasing success. But the truth is, every move I make is rooted in purpose, growth, and impact. Read more>>
Angela Wall
I think the biggest misunderstanding might be that my legacy is about the salon itself—its growth, its aesthetics, or even the success we’ve had as a team. Those things matter, but they aren’t the heart of it. My true legacy isn’t about building a beautiful business; it’s about building people. Loving them well. Creating a space where they feel valued, seen, and called higher. Read more>>
Melissa Dent
My mornings are about grounding myself so I can lead with clarity and compassion. I start the day early with prayer and reflection, which keeps me spiritually centered and focused on purpose. From there, I review my priorities—whether it’s preparing for Lunch Box of Love’s community initiatives or strategizing for D.E.N.T media platform. Read more>>
landon stark
A normal day for me is a strange mix of creativity, rehearsal, and real-world magic. I’m based in Dallas, Texas, so my mornings usually start at a local coffee shop where I write new material for my live shows and books. From there, I’ll spend a few hours practicing sleight-of-hand, testing new mentalism ideas, or filming short routines for clients and social media. Read more>>
Ashley Carter
My relationship with my parents, really shaped who I am today. They raised me in the church and were always involved in all my activities. Whether it was sports, drama, art projects or mission trips. They were there always teaching me and guiding me when I hit obstacles. Read more>>
Kierra Turner
I think my relationship with my mom and maternal grandmother has definitely shaped me the most. Being brought up by strong, beautiful women that never gave up and pushed through any obstacles that stepped in their way has been the highlight of my life. Read more>>
Jennifer Daly
When I was in high school, I was the head cheerleader and handed the microphone to lead our pep rallies. In that moment, I felt the weight and wonder of having a voice. It taught me that I not only have a voice but also a choice in how I use it to lead others. Read more>>
Alaysha McClinton
I would fully regret not pursuing my business. The scariest thing for me would be leaving this earth without walking in what God created me to do. I genuinely believe He’s called me to connect with people through fashion — not just through clothing, but through identity, confidence, and purpose. Read more>>
Soheila Agwuh
I’ve come to understand that taking accountability for failing opens up doors that excuses never will. It’s about owning your choices, your patterns, and your part in the results you’re getting—good or bad. When you stop blaming circumstances, people, or timing, you take your power back. You shift from ‘things happen to me’ to ‘I can redirect this.’ That mindset creates momentum. Read more>>
Khafre Linwood
The most surprising thing is, people actually rock with me as a self taught artist! I don’t even consider myself that good, but the people think, and see otherwise, and for that I’m grateful! Read more>>
Drs. Phillip & Janice Porter
The last major change we made was in how we approached writing our newest book, “12 Paths to Discovering Your Life Purpose Journal: A Reflective Guide for Your Vision, Mission and Purpose.” For years, we had a comfortable, well-established manual system for writing, editing and designing our manuscripts and outsourcing our book covers. It worked well and had led to several successful publications. Read more>>
Syn Cyres
The last time I felt pure joy was back in September of this year. Earlier in the year, I had released a song called Maraschino Cherries, which gained a bit of traction online and caught the attention of a fashion designer preparing for Fashion Week. Ironically, we both worked in the same field outside of our creative lives. Read more>>
Abigail Albano-Payton
I’m learning from independent artists that harness community-building to connect creatives, especially in the DFW area. I realized that a major part of my artistic process comes from surrounding myself with like-minded people- this to me is where ultimate inspiration derives from, at least in this season of my life. Read more>>
Russell Birk
I would absolutely hire me (or someone like me) because I think that every challenge boils down to a problem that needs to be solved and I think I’m exceptional at getting to the root of the problem and having the knowledge to either solve it or figure out who to turn to in order to get it solved. Read more>>
