Every day we have a choice. We can support an up and coming podcaster, try a new family-run restaurant, join a boutique gym started by a local fitness champ or we could keep giving away our money to the handful of giants who already control so much of our commerce. Our daily decisions impact the kind world we live in; if we want a world where small businesses are growing and artists and creatives are thriving then we should support them with our time, money and attention. We’re proud to highlight inspiring creatives and entrepreneurs each week in Hidden Gems series. Check out some of our latest local gem features below.
Brian Fisher
For most of the past 25 years, I’ve been a corporate executive, both in the for-profit and non-profit arenas. Our family’s faith in Jesus has sustained and guided us for many years. However, in 2020, our family suffered a series of betrayals and departures that triggered a spiritual crisis and deep questions: about myself, Jesus, and the state of the modern church. Read more>>
Isha Hutchinson
I didn’t start out trying to build a brand or a movement. I started by showing up. My background is a mix of performance, structure, and leadership. I grew up immersed in the arts, musicals, plays, sports, so being on my feet and in front of people always felt natural. Read more>>
Ben Shepherd, APRN, FNP-BC
My path into medicine started earlier than most. I grew up watching my dad practice family medicine in Denton County for nearly five decades, so caring for patients was simply part of everyday life in our home. From a young age, I spent countless hours around his clinic and, in many ways, really did grow up in a doctor’s office. Read more>>
Tomi Fanilola
From as young as 13, I knew I wanted to be a woman of impact — not necessarily on a grand scale, but in a way that touched the life of every woman I encountered, in any shape or form. I grew up in a home filled with love, confidence, and encouragement, which I truly believe laid the foundation for who I am today. Read more>>
Jaime Goad
Bella Vida Counseling grew out of years spent listening, learning, and slowly realizing I wanted to do this work differently. I spent nearly twenty years in education, including fourteen years as a classroom teacher, and even early on I noticed something consistent—students naturally came to me when they were struggling emotionally. Read more>>
Ivana Reyes Mura Carlos Van Grieken
Eight years ago, just one year after arriving in the United States, Carlos and I had a conversation that would shape our path: we wanted to build something of our own and leave behind the life of working only for others. We had many ideas, aspirations, and projects, but we still didn’t know how to turn them into reality. Read more>>
Maurice Gardner
Ivy Lane Missionary Baptist Church was founded in February 1984 by the late Reverend R. G. Thomas and faithfully served the Ivy Lane and Oak Cliff community for decades. Like many historic congregations, Ivy Lane experienced a sharp decline during the COVID-19 pandemic. With an aging membership and limited digital presence, the church struggled to recover in the years that followed. Read more>>
Tanner Crow
I began my career in construction with a custom home theater company that specialized in high end design, acoustical room treatments, and motorized seating systems. I started in the field as an installer and gradually worked my way into the office, eventually serving as a project coordinator overseeing seating projects nationwide. Read more>>
MYER JOHNSON
My journey hasn’t been glamorous or easy, and it definitely didn’t start with a perfect plan. I was first introduced to the tax industry back in 2013 by people I trusted, considered friends, who promised to help me succeed but never followed through.. At the time, I didn’t realize how common that experience can be when you’re new, hungry, and trying to find your footing. Read more>>
Stacy Penney
I have been a dance mom for many years, fully immersed in the dance world through competitions, rehearsals, and recitals alongside my daughter. That experience gave me a deep appreciation not just for the dancers, but for the parents-especially the moms who do so much behind the scenes. I never quite found a studio that truly supported or valued that side of the journey. Read more>>
Stacia Barrett
I started out dancing as a child by emulating art work in my room, gymnasts and figure skaters as well as music artists. When I started high school I began more formal training and found that as a still very shy teen I was able to unlock another side to myself as well as express myself through dance. Read more>>
Suzanne Felber
I grew up in home construction. My mother was a top Realtor, and after my father retired, he joined her in the real estate business. Horses were my life, and what I got my degree in – I always say I am more horse smart than book smart. Read more>>
April Allen
Q: One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence? I think it’s a matter of growing into your authentic self and being comfortable with who you are. Early in my career, I realized the benefits of being “me” in the workplace. Read more>>
Sarah Hall
My story starts in Moscow, Russia, where I was for a short time before being adopted and brought to the states. While I may not have been born in TX, I was surely raised here in DFW. Read more>>
David Heimer
My parents were missionaries, so I spent quite a bit of my childhood in Africa. That experience caused me to be drawn to organizations that bring people together around something larger than themselves. Over time, I came to realize that while individual effort matters, the real multiplier is what happens when capable people commit to working together. Read more>>
Alexa Starks
I spent over a decade in advertising and corporate America, was very ambitious and career-driven, and then I had two kids. And unfortunately I returned to work after maternity leave to little to no support, no conversations, no ramp-up plan, and just the expectation of being back to work at 100% on day 1, which is very unrealistic. Read more>>
Andrea Mayard
I’ve always known I wanted to own my own business. Long before I understood what entrepreneurship really meant, I was drawn to the idea of building something that was mine—something rooted in purpose, impact, and independence. In college, while sitting in a science class, I remember filling an entire notepad with my first business idea instead of taking notes. Read more>>
Kaylah Hawkins
I started 6 years ago with just a thought I’d like to say a vision from God. It was something random that ended up turning into a passion. Read more>>
Ivory Gaines
I originally started The Daiquiri Box with the vision of opening a brick-and-mortar, inspired by New Orleans–style drive-through daiquiri shops. After navigating early obstacles, I made the intentional decision to pivot—and that shift became one of the best moves for the business. The Daiquiri Box evolved into a mobile bartending and experiential mixology brand, allowing me to bring private, elevated bartending directly to clients. Read more>>
Christian Cross
Our story really started in optometry school. Dr Matt Soriano and I, Dr Christian Cross, met while we were both students, and early on we bonded over the same idea of what eye care could be. We loved the clinical side of optometry, but we were just as interested in how an office feels, how patients are treated, and whether people actually enjoy coming in. Read more>>
Laura E Lason DVM
My education was at University of Oklahoma for my undergraduate degree in Zoology, then Oklahoma State University for my Veterinary degree. I then worked in Kansas City for 6 years as a regular clinic veterinarian, In 1998 my husband was transferred to the Dallas area & we moved here with small children. Read more>>
Porcha Gary
I didn’t wake up one day and say, “Let me start an independent living facility.” Life pushed me into it — gently at first, then all at once. My passion for senior care and supportive housing came straight from home. Read more>>
Tony Keophilavanh
For over a decade, I lived the corporate life—chasing titles, chasing stability, chasing a version of success I thought I was supposed to want. And for a while, I convinced myself it was enough. But deep down, something felt missing. Like I was building someone else’s dream… and calling it mine. Read more>>
Autumn Nelson
My love for movement began at an early age when I earned my Black Belt in Karate and competed as the star pitcher in Fast Pitch Softball. Into adulthood I realized my love for movement extended into the desire to help others. While I was pregnant with my first child, I developed pre eclampsia which caused me to gain 80lbs. Read more>>
Crystal Frank
I’ve truly grown up in this industry. I began dancing at the age of three, and by seven I was already working professionally as a model and actress. From a very young age, performance wasn’t just something I did, it was the language through which I understood discipline, expression, confidence, and storytelling. As I got older, my passion naturally expanded into teaching. Read more>>
Alanna Boss
I have always loved creating and enjoying art. I like to draw, paint, write, make stained glass, knit, make jewelry, etc.: pretty much anything that is creative brings me joy. I started making jewelry in August 2024 after I made a semi-expensive purchase of a ring while on vacation that immediately reacted to my skin. Read more>>
Susie Marshall
I did not set out to work in food and agriculture, but in 2003 I happened into a job as a program director for an organization that finds surplus produce and works with farmers to get that produce out of fields and to food assistance programs. Read more>>
Lorena Bowles
Connector • Business Coach • Mentor • Speaker • Founder of The LinkD Network A dynamic leader in the healthcare industry, bringing over two decades of experience in connecting people, growing businesses, and empowering professionals to reach their highest potential. Read more>>
Jessica Fernandez
In 2021, my family and I made a life-altering move from Florida to Dallas, Texas. We had lived in Florida for over 20 years, where I built a career as an instructional design professional. At the same time, my husband made the bold decision to retire early from the U.S. Postal Service so we could step fully into this new season together. Read more>>
Christopher Plumlee
I spent 25 years in Corporate America with companies like Kodak, Staples, Dell and Hewlett Packard. I grew tired of the red tape, bureaucracy, lack of customer focus and poor leadership I experienced the last several years of my career. I started Elevate Strategy Group to partner with F-1,000 companies to assist them with more effective leadership, teamwork and communication. Read more>>
Josh Conley
Our Co-Founder & President has been in the investment world for nearly 34 years and has extensive experience in oil & gas, commercial real estate and business. As an avid boater that lived at a marina on his houseboat for several years, he started seeing similarities with marinas and other asset classes such as multi family, self storage, senior housing, mobile home parks, etc. Read more>>
Mary Muro
I started Muro’s Auto Body Shop alongside my husband in 2020. In 2023, after his passing, I found myself not only grieving my spouse, but suddenly responsible for carrying forward the business he had built. When I lost my husband, I didn’t just lose a partner — I lost the stability that came with him. Read more>>
Jillian Pittman
In December 2012, I fell on hard times and was looking for work when I came across a small plumbing company—one master plumber, working for himself. I stepped into the trade as a single mom with a one-year-old, determined to build stability and a future. I learned plumbing the hands-on way: in the field, on real service calls, solving problems for real people. Read more>>
Ericka Smart
My journey started with a genuine love for hair and confidence it gives women. I grew up with my Aunt and I admired how she made women feel. She was so amazing, although she was raising three children… being a hairstylist was her creative outlet! Her personality showed in every client she touched. Read more>>
Marquavis Fant
My story is very unique to me at least, I stared my Chef journey over 12 years ago. I always knew I would be good at cooking I just never knew it would take me to the places I’ve been. My private chef journey has been very challenging but rewarding at the same time. Read more>>
Lupe Baez
My name is Lupe Baez and my husband Ernesto Baez started our cleaning business in 2017. We decided to name it Baez Maintenance Services because we were not only offering cleaning services but really any kind of maintenance needs. Read more>>
Melissa Veloz
We didn’t set out to build just another commercial space. From the beginning, the vision behind The Werx was deeply intentional — to create a place where independent professionals could grow roots, feel supported, and build something that truly belonged to them. Read more>>
DANIELLE (Kali) ALEX
My story is something that I wouldn’t believe that would become a passion of mines today. In college, I would make batches of cupcakes and cookies to support the clubs I was associated with or because I was craving treats from back home, I would bake because it reminded me of home. Read more>>
Brittany Stewart
I was on track to become a counselor when mental health struck close to home in a family member and forced me to take a hard look at my career with this new personal responsibility. After graduation, at just 21, I pivoted into real estate — no safety net, just grit. Read more>>
Lindsey McMullen
My name is Lindsey Mcmullen, I am the owner of Tater Tot Boutique. I grew up in Lake highlands and love kid clothes! We opened our doors on August 1, 2025. I have always had a love of fashion and since having two kids of my own, I wanted to see them dressed their best, without breaking the bank. Read more>>
Joy Spellman
Hello, my name is Joy Spellman—though in the photography and event world most people simply call me J Dionne. Read more>>
Chandler Hunt
Chandler Hunt is a Dallas-Fort Worth entrepreneur and U.S. Army National Guard officer known for building and scaling multiple service-focused ventures rooted in leadership, systems, and disciplined execution. His experience spans automotive operations, consulting, technology, and service businesses — all shaped by lessons from both military service and corporate sales leadership. Read more>>
Ron Carlson
The owner of BuyBarnWood.com, Ron Carlson was a contractor by trade. He was looking for some reclaimed barn wood for a project he was doing on a commercial property. He searched every where to find someone that could supply him with reclaimed wood on a regular basis. After many attempts he discovered that supply of barn wood on a regular basis is a rare commodity. Read more>>
Heather Bush
My love for photography started with my grandmother, who always had a camera in her hands and taught me how powerful pictures can be. When my daughter was born, that passion was reignited as I documented every little moment of her life. Read more>>
Chelsea Peurifoy
My story really began in 2020, during one of the hardest seasons of my life. Covid had just turned the world upside down, and I was walking through a divorce after being married for twelve years. Everything felt uncertain. I was trying to keep life steady for my kids while quietly figuring out who I was and what came next. Read more>>
Hilton Jackson
Raised in a military-influenced home and drawn to firearms, I actually spent years chasing the basketball dream like many. After college, moving to Texas reintroduced me to the world of firearms and shooting—first as an enthusiast, then eventually down the winding road to an instructor. I began attending more firearm shows, meeting new people, refreshing my fundamentals, and rekindling my drive to learn and share. Read more>>
Tobi Carter
Tanager Counseling grew out of both professional experience and a personal understanding of what we now call “quiet trauma.” I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and early in my career I worked across higher-acuity settings supporting children, teens, and adults with complex needs. Read more>>
Devon Young
I started doing yoga in college as a form of exercise, but quickly realized that it helped me mentally in more ways than I could have hoped. I was not always the healthiest person, but I started choosing yoga instead of a night out, and I noticed my depression and anxiety waning. Read more>>
Dia Moraru
I was born and raised in Moldova, a tiny country in Eastern Europe, bordering with Romania and Ukraine. At 23 years old I moved to the United States with $500 in my pocket and a big dream of building a better life. Dallas has been home since 2010, and it’s the city where I truly grew up — personally and professionally. Read more>>
Selena Yang
I’m Selena, from Houston tx, and I’m a hairstylist in Dallas. I was originally a speech pathologist and then I did a career change 6 years in to pursue my childhood dream to be a hairstylist. It was not an easy decision, but I’m so happy I made the switch. If anything I regret not doing it sooner! Read more>>
Gail Daugherty
I’ve always had a healing heart. I was the girl who carried bugs outside and pushed the boys who were trying to squish them. Growing up, I always thought I’d be a veterinarian. I worked hard to get an athletic scholarship to Colorado State University. It’s one of the best vet schools in the country, but I lacked confidence in my abilities. Read more>>
Besse Espinoza
Hello, I am Besse Carolina Espinoza and I was the customer that asked to many questions about insurance ! Eager to know why the claims department worked they way the do, why does coverage have limits, and why do we pay what we pay for insurance? Those lingering questions lead me to start my journey in the insurance industry! Read more>>
Sovmya George
I was born and raised in a quiet suburb in Illinois. I grew to be a people person who loves to observe, listen, and empathize with others. I set out to be the first attorney in my family. Ever since I was a child, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer. Read more>>
Lori West
I’ve always known I had a heart for helping others and for sitting with people in hard, tender moments of life. That calling led me to move to Texas to pursue a graduate degree in counseling. After graduating and becoming licensed, I began working in private practice, where I found deep fulfillment walking alongside individuals and families during seasons of change, pain, and growth. Read more>>
Hansika, Shriya, Tanisha Kantheti, Sreeju, Makam
74% of teens don’t feel confident about their financial literacy. 4 out every 5 adults wish they learned more about money as a kid. Financial literacy is undeniably one of the most valuable components of education. That disconnect is what led us to create Project Bright Beginnings. Read more>>
Ean Tillet & Theresa Lam
The National Vietnam War Museum was founded in 1998 originally by the Fort Wolters chapter of the VHPA (Vietnam helicopter pilots association). A decision was made by this group that it was time to develop a venue in which the story of the Vietnam War and Vietnam War veterans could be told in an unbiased way. Read more>>
Lisa Doll
I grew up in Darien, Illinois, the youngest child of three girls to two loving and supportive parents. I began my career in education after earning a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Psychology from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. Read more>>
Dale Norwood
I guess you could say my story began in 1980. That was then when I accepted a position as a (NDT) Non-Destructive Testing Technician at Ultrasonic Research & Testing Laboratories, Inc. in Dallas, Texas. Also known as URT. At the time I had obtained about 3 years experience as an NDT Inspector working for a FT. Worth testing lab. Read more>>
Sharon Bradley
Born and raised in Mississippi, I am grateful for the strong, caring individuals in my life who instilled values and shaped my character. My parents emphasized the importance of a good education, and teachers, mentors, and club sponsors invested their time to keep me connected to school. Their support fostered a sense of care and motivated me to attend school consistently and work diligently. Read more>>
Lemaiya Devauzea Thompson
Starting off as just a passionate creative in high school I would sell at markets and started my own jewelry company at 18 years old. I always had an eye for beautiful things, structural design, and up cycling. I started an earring business called Devauzea crochet, mixing knitwear in yarn material. Read more>>
Eric Welch
For all intensive purposes, I’m a husband and father of 2 grown boys. That’s the most important thing. I started my career in IT and spent nearly two decades building systems, solving problems, and working hard to grow in corporate America. But over time, I felt a pull to do something more personal—something where I could build a business that truly helped people. Read more>>
mona fares
My journey began in a small office suite in Carrollton — not with a big team, a large studio, or a perfect plan, but with a deep belief that movement could change a woman’s life. I saw firsthand how physical movement builds more than strength — it builds confidence, self-trust, and courage. What started with a single client quickly turned into a mission. Read more>>
Ilia Barreto
I’m puertorican , and I arrived in Fort Worth in 2016 as a Pastor and Director of a Christian Dance Ministry and SchooI . I started with very little; at that time, I was barely teaching online, and with a stable team in Puerto Rico, we communicated via zoom and little by little, we became known. Read more>>
Brandon Powell
What’s good guys, my name is Brandon Powell (AKA, Mooshu) and here’s my story. Art has always been the center of my life. I’ve been surrounded by it for as long as I can remember, it’s the atmosphere I grew up breathing. At the age of 6 years old, I watched Naruto for the first time, and something clicked. I didn’t just enjoy it. Read more>>
Justin Brown
Hello, I was a restaurateur prior to getting into Real Estate in 2005. Since becoming licensed I have gained insight to the many faucets of Real Estate. During the crash of 08 I had a tool belt on and helped investor Renovate flips, while learning to borrow and leverage money on my own to build a portfolio of rental properties. Read more>>
Michelle Smith
We have lived in Decatur for almost 14 years and have always enjoyed supporting local, talented artisans and farmers. In 2019, a friend and I began Veteran’s Liberty Ranch – selling Texas Longhorn Beef. I participated in several farmer markets around North Texas promoting out local, grass-fed/finished beef and made some of the best friends along the way. Read more>>
Mauricio Valadez
I come from a middle-class family in Guanajuato, Mexico, where I had a normal, stable upbringing. Thanks to my father, I had the privilege of pursuing a university education and spent years working in our family business. During college, I had a life-changing year as an exchange student in Salamanca, Spain. After returning, I married my first wife and together we had three children. Read more>>
Kevin St.Clergy
When I was 10 years old, I was crushing it at baseball. I mean, a .550 batting average, Babe Ruth territory. My team went from getting demolished 32-3 in our first scrimmage to winning the championship. I had dreams of playing for the Texas Longhorns, maybe even the Rangers. People were talking college ball, maybe even the pros. Read more>>
Karen KJ Johnson
My journey to The Konfident Woman began in Corporate America. I was talented, driven, and consistently delivering results—yet I kept running into an invisible ceiling that had nothing to do with my capability and everything to do with systems not built for women like me. Read more>>
Yessenia Chavez
Im not sure where to start but I’ve loved baking and the pastry world since I was little. My grandfather was a baker in Mexico and even though he passed away before I was born I like to think that it’s the part of him that lives on in me. Read more>>
Thomas Fernandes
My name is Thomas Fernandes and I have been tattooing in Dallas, TX for 18 years. I moved to Dallas from San Antonio back in October 2005. I was enrolled in the Art Institute of Dallas, where I obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts. I studied 3D modeling, specifically hard surface modeling and character modeling. I got my first tattoo in Nov 2005. Read more>>
Paige “Trenvy” Campbell
After getting married, I moved from Houston to Dallas, unsure of what my next chapter would look like. During that season of transition, I had a vivid dream of myself working in a busy nail salon. When I woke up, I told my husband, “I think I want to do nails,” and without hesitation, he took me to buy supplies so I could start practicing. Read more>>
Jordan Smallwood
Hi my name is Jordan Smallwood I am formal NFL Player that turned into an Actor and Model. I played in total 6 years 2 years in the NFL 2 years in the CFL and 2 years in the XFL. Read more>>
Amber Paris
The Zephaniah Worship Song Study began as a spark God planted in my heart years before it ever had a name. I’ve always loved music—especially worship music—and as my faith deepened, I started noticing how richly Scripture is woven into the lyrics we sing every day. Read more>>
Mitzi Ocasio
Well, my name is Mitzi. I write children’s books and host a podcast called Mitzi, Let’s Think About It, where I explore topics like self-awareness, perception, and personal growth to inspire reflection. I love questioning everything about life and wondering ‘what if’ in so many different scenarios. Read more>>
Victoria Taiwo
About three years ago, I found myself in one of the darkest seasons of my life. I was coming out of a domestic violence relationship and a broken engagement, and carrying a deep sense of fear, shame, uncertainty, and loss. Everything felt fragile. Read more>>
Sonja Stelly
I am a screenwriter, director, and film producer based in the DFW area. I began writing at the age of 10, starting with poetry and short fiction, and quickly developed a passion for visual storytelling—always imagining my stories on the big screen. To bring that vision to life, I produced my first short film, Desperate Chocolate, in 2015, a comedy centered on online dating. Read more>>
Tam Watts
I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, by way of Desoto, TX and long before I had a platform, I was already a storyteller. Writing, poetry, music, and creativity were never hobbies for me they were how I survived. Read more>>
Gregg L. Grossman
I worked for over twenty years in corporate and business to business sales, pursuing graduate school in midlife to earn a masters and doctorate degree from Trinity Theological Seminary. I have been employed for nine years as a workplace chaplain at Marketplace Chaplains, and pursued dual certifications as a life coach while pursuing my doctorate degree. Read more>>
Natasha Malone
This is ultimately a love story that begins in a New Jersey strip mall. My parents kindly enrolled me in piano lessons very early on at Old Towne Music in Turnersville, NJ. It was (and still is) a nondescript music store nestled between a tattoo parlor and an adult store. Read more>>
Nifah Caraway
My mediumship journey began long before I had the language to describe it. For as long as I can remember, I carried a deep sense of knowing—feeling, hearing, and perceiving beyond what was physically present. At the time, I thought this was simply intuition or imagination, not realizing it was something much more. In 2018, everything shifted. Read more>>
Candace Cody-Jones
I’m a healer. I guess when I think about it, I’ve always known this and I knew I wanted to be a therapist too, but I didn’t necessarily believe I would become one. Life can get really interesting in that way. After completing my undergraduate degree in psychology, I was definitely never going back to school. Read more>>
Forged Fitness
Forged Fitness began in 2015 with a simple but powerful belief: fitness should change lives, not just bodies. What started as a small training space built on coaching, education, and trust has grown into a community that’s now entering its 11th year. From the beginning, Forged was never about quick fixes or trends. Read more>>
Dierrica Smith
I have always loved writing, whether it was journaling about my day, writing down an experience I had, or using my imagination to jot down a short story. When I was younger, I told myself “One day I’m going to write a book.” What I didn’t anticipate was doing it so early in life. Read more>>
Jordon Wade
JaiwaideStudio was born out of a desire to provide for my family, but over time it became my purpose. After going through a divorce, my drive only grew stronger as I became the primary support system for my three young sons—Dailynn, Daimeon, and Daikyro. Even during moments when I wasn’t at my best mentally, doing hair gave me strength and healing. Read more>>
Michelle Rankine
I didn’t start out in home care at all. At the time, I was finishing my PhD and working with the United States Olympic Committee as a high-performance director very focused on research, strategy, and performance. Then life happened. My brother was in a serious car accident and became paralyzed. Read more>>
Audrey (McGinnis) Stepka
My name is Audrey (McGinnis) Stepka, and I am a Family Nurse Practitioner with a special interest in functional medicine. I have worked in healthcare for over a decade, beginning my career as a certified nursing assistant in high school before becoming a registered nurse and, ultimately, a nurse practitioner. Even at a young age, I felt drawn to medicine. Read more>>
Karlee Peterson
I was born and raised in Sturgis, South Dakota, in a family deeply rooted in horses and rodeo. Both of my parents worked full-time jobs, and on the side we trained and sold horses to fund our rodeo lifestyle. I’m the middle of three girls, and our childhood was spent almost entirely outside or on the road—at rodeos & horse sales. Read more>>
Domenica Segovia
Bariloche Empanadas began as a family dream rooted in our upbringing in Chile and Argentina, where food has always been a way to connect, celebrate, and care for one another. We grew up learning family recipes that were passed down through generations — especially empanadas, which were always at the center of our gatherings. Read more>>
Wemi Agbor
Planning has always been a natural part of who I am. Even in college, I was the person friends and classmates instinctively turned to whenever something needed to be coordinated, organized, or brought together seamlessly. Whether it was an event, a group project, or a special activity, I found genuine joy in creating structure, managing details, and ensuring everything flowed beautifully. Read more>>
Jonathan Young
I started The Cozy Oven in the fall of 2024 as a small passion project, baking out of my home kitchen and selling at local markets. What began as a creative outlet quickly turned into something much bigger when I saw how people connected to the food not just because it tasted good, but because it felt nostalgic, comforting, and made with care. Read more>>
Johnathan Watson
Growing up, scuba diving was woven into the fabric of my life. Both of my parents, grandparents, and even my great uncle were divers, and long before I was old enough to be certified, they shared their stories and passion for the underwater world with me. My grandfather was a dive instructor, and I vividly remember playing with scuba gear as a young child. Read more>>
Hannah Tipton
I grew up in a wonderful family and had what many would consider a safe, warm childhood. Read more>>
Michelle Haynes
Like so many other people, I got laid off from my tech job in early 2025. The cybersecurity business unit I supported was sold off and the company laid off the entire integrated marketing team. I’ve never been through a layoff. I just assumed my colleagues and I would quickly reclaim our roles at similar firms. Read more>>
Victoria Lewis
I started as a curious creative with a bag of balloons and no real plan—just a love for making people smile. At first, it was simple setups for family members at parties and community events, learning through trial, error, and a lot of popped balloons. Over time, I became fascinated by how far the art could go, pushing beyond basic balloons into detailed, expressive designs. Read more>>
Livia Forlemu
Liv Connect started from a very real season of my life where I was feeling a little lost, I had just got laidoff with a lot of time on my hands. I had always been the friend in my friend group that liked to host & would throw small gatherings. My first unofficially event was a galentines dinner that I curated in feb 2025. Read more>>
Arnulfo ‘Arnie’ Diaz
I started as a photographer and videographer back in 2018 after almost a decade in the service industry. Film and photos were always a deep passion of mine. I constantly loved the aspect of telling stories, and I loved the idea of making a living doing that for people. Read more>>
Debora Manusama
I am an independent video producer focusing on short-form content. I got my start here in DFW in the mom-blogging scene of the early 2010s. I had just moved here all the way from Indonesia, and I wanted to document the fun stuff I did around the metroplex with my family. Read more>>
Jessica Mann
I started as a singer and dancer performing on cruise ships and in theatre. I began teaching and found a love for young dancers. When we moved to Texas it seemed like a wonderful opportunity to spread the magic of ballet to the city of Haslet! Read more>>
Dominic Zaccardo
I didn’t grow up with much. Poverty wasn’t a chapter in my life — it was the whole book for a long time. When you’re raised in an environment where every day is about getting by, you learn early that nothing is guaranteed. You learn to work harder than everyone else, to adapt quickly, and to keep moving even when the path ahead is unclear. Read more>>
Brielle Tamez
I ended up leaving portland oregon after highschool and driving down the coast of california to texas to be closer to my grandfather and making a life here in dallas. I felt like there wasn’t anything left for me and after experiencing so much trauma and heartache in my childhood I needed a change. Read more>>
Sarah Laird
My journey as an artist started young. I distinctly remember the first sketchbook I ever received and the joy I found in filling it with my creations. I only took one “official” art class in high school, but consistently filled up sketchbooks on my own time. By the time I graduated, I completed over 20 sketchbooks. Read more>>
Krysta Rehkemper
So I stepped away from what I had always done and put my focus in building Butterfly Music Studio’s. 6 years later my studio has grown to 55 students all across the United States! COVID forced me to learn how to teach online and then I realized there was a market for that. So now half my studio is in person and half is online! That 20 something year old college kid “just doing a final Project” is actually putting that proposal to use! Read more>>
Gabriel Scampini
After moving to the United States, art was my boat for navigating the rich cultural change. In Dallas, I devoted myself solely to dance for a while, exploring genres such as hip-hop, Latin fusions, and Afro-beats. I worked and competed with companies such as Orizon and Team Athena. In 2021, I began teaching dance classes and leading movement workshops for the community, combining techniques from ritual theater, dance, and improv. Read more>>
Jessica Mohrweis
I was teaching one of the greatest groups of 4th grade students I’d ever taught when I first noticed quiet whispers of discontentment in my heart. This was difficult for me because I come from a family of educators and I couldn’t fathom pursing a different career. Also, this was only my third year of teaching, and I was finally getting the hang of it! Read more>>
Kyle Gilbert
I served on church staff for over twenty years before coming to MEDIA Alliance International. Much of that time I served as a Communications Pastor in churches, helping both with the website, video, and social media for the church as well as serving as a pastor on staff. Read more>>
