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.
Arie Midkiff
I’ve always known I was going to be a business own/entrepreneur. It took some trial and error to figure out what venture I would be in but after scaling my hair business back I really became intentional in planning and creating the lifestyle I wanted for myself. Read more>>
Obi Eboh
Urban Collective was created from a shared challenge we faced as young professionals in Dallas. 3/5 of our founding members played college football together at Stanford before relocating here, while others connected through working together and tangentially in commercial real estate. Read more>>
Kelsi Tresko
Hello! I’m Kelsi or Kelsiplays, a creator, streamer, and community-focused leader in the gaming and cosplay space. I began streaming on Twitch in 2014, starting with titles like CS:GO and RuneScape, and have since evolved into a variety streamer with a focus on gaming, cosplay, and fitness. Read more>>
Betzabe Rivera Ugalde
I began my career in tax preparation in 2010. Alongside this work, I partnered with an attorney assisting with contract sign-ups. After realizing that I was generating significant revenue for the firm I worked with, I made the decision to open my own tax office. Read more>>
Rudy Rivera
My journey started long before Body Legacy ever existed as a brand. I was a collegiate athlete and a business major, and fitness had always been a constant in my life. During my freshman year of college, I took a Principles of Marketing class where we were given the assignment to create a business plan. Read more>>
Nicole Naomi Romero- Merccado
I started my journey as a content creator back in 2014, sharing makeup, fashion, and everyday life online. What began as a creative outlet slowly grew into a community of women who resonated with my message of confidence, authenticity, and embracing who you are at every stage of life. Over the years, my platform evolved alongside me. Read more>>
Toyion Benson
My name is Toyion D. Benson. I am a Kansas City native and currently work as a Case Manager II, holding credentials as a Licensed Master Level Social Worker, Certified Case Manager, and Certified Peak Performance Coach. In March 2025, I founded Dyalog with Toyion, an Accountability Mindset Coaching business. Read more>>
Camille O’Bryant
Wow!!! It all started when I was just a little girl, admiring and aspiring to be an amazing woman, like my mother! Growing up, my mother was a successful beautician. I watched her work hard, grow her business & provide for her family. In those moments, I knew I wanted her work ethic & to become just like her! Read more>>
Devontae Zachery
Since elementary school, I’ve always been focused on creating streams of income. Entrepreneurship wasn’t something I discovered later in life—it’s who I’ve always been. I never really liked traditional jobs; the few I took on were intentional, used as opportunities to build my network, learn systems, and understand how businesses truly operate. I’ve always treated people with genuine respect, and that alone opened countless doors. Read more>>
Fathima Farha
I began making art in childhood for fun. What began as something I enjoyed doing slowly became something I wanted to take seriously. In high school, I committed fully to developing my work by building a portfolio, participating in exhibitions and competitions, and becoming actively involved in the National Art Honour Society. Read more>>
Danielle Sanders
Baking has always been a part of my life. Growing up, my grandmothers were the bakers in our family, and I was always right there in the kitchen with them. I was more of an observer than a hands on baker at the time, but I loved watching them, learning from them, and simply being in that space. Read more>>
Shelley Sengsavang
I’m a stay-at-home mom to an 18-month-old, and I love filling my days by finding the best places to go in DFW—food spots, activities, and vlogging along the way. Content creation gives me an escape from the daily routine. Read more>>
Kathleen Montgomery
My journey has been anything but linear, and I’ve learned to see that as part of God’s design. I was born in Liberia, West Africa, and immigrated to the United States at the age of ten. From a young age, I carried a deep sense of responsibility, resilience, and creativity—qualities that were shaped by my upbringing, my faith, and life’s early transitions. Read more>>
Prosperity Finesse
I was raised with spiritual roots and strong moral foundations in the Pleasant Grove area of South and East Dallas. Growing up without a father, surrounded by grandparents, one brother, and a large extended family, life shaped me early. I was street-elevated, in and out of church and juvenile systems—wild, searching, and learning. Read more>>
Brenda McKinney
I began making art when I returned to school at the age of twenty-nine to complete my Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design. My initial exposure to studio practice occurred at the community college level, where my coursework included multiple art classes. Prior to this period, I had little formal experience making art. I spent many years working in the fashion industry in Dallas. Read more>>
Phil Ford
I’ve had a lifelong affinity with music, from collecting the newest songs onto cassette for everyone in the neighborhood, to going on to DJ at my friend’s residency at Wreck Room playing Soul & Fusion Jazz b-sides. One night, I saw Ernie G., producer, DJ make a beat in 10 minutes, & that captured my imagination for a career in music like nothing before it. Read more>>
Stephenie Anderson
I’ve always been a visual person. I consider myself a better visual communicator than verbal. For me it’s hard to find the words that convey the deep feelings I wish to say. I was the kid staring deeply at the details of a blade of grass rather than playing ball. My parents are a big part of why I love nature so much. Read more>>
Jeff Kinnaird
TDF Restoration grew out of hands-on work and real experience, not a big business plan. I’ve been cleaning air ducts and dryer vents for about 15 years, starting out simply learning the trade and seeing firsthand how much neglected systems affect people’s homes, health, and safety. Read more>>
Blanca Bou -Fitzmaurice
Trauma is difficult to name, difficult to recognize, and often misunderstood. It is not just the event itself, but the way it alters your relationship with yourself, your body, and the people around you. I did not recognize what I was experiencing as trauma at first. Read more>>https://voyagedallas.com/interview/inspiring-conversations-with-blanca-bou-fitzmaurice-of-corbella-counseling
Cynthia Rogers
Growing up in a sheltered and at-risk community, I didn’t have access to mentoring programs or social groups. My world changed in high school when I joined a Co-op program and began my first civil service job. My manager became the first woman to pour a business mindset into me. Read more>>
Nicole Hodges
Honestly, I’m not entirely sure which section of my life is best for the story. I’ve been an actor and producer since 2007, and currently the 1st VP of the SAGAFTRA DFW local. I toured the world with a motivational speaking kids yoyo show, before covid. Read more>>
Alyssa and Angel Garza
It all started with a date, two people, one local coffee shop (Cuppa Espresso Bar), and a conversation that never really ended. Coffee became our thing: a reason to pause, a way to connect, and eventually a dream. Read more>>
Mikey Hernandez
Here is the BIOGRAPHY I have created in the 3rd person…. Mikey Hernandez a Texas-based artist currently living in Irving. His creative journey began in the world of performance as both a musician and colorguard performer. Over two decades, he developed a deep visual language as a colorguard designer and choreographer, using motion, color, and spatial composition to tell stories and evoke emotion. Read more>>
Nandini Vegesana
As a tri-sport varsity athlete, I understand the importance of physical activity and spending time outdoors, especially for youth. However, only 24% of kids ages 6–17 meet the CDC’s recommendation of 60 minutes of physical activity per day, while the average child spends over 7.5 hours on screens daily. Read more>>
Sharonda Green
Early Life & Challenges I grew up in Chicago and experienced a number of tough personal challenges early in life. I became a mother and wife at 18 and later went through a long marriage that ended in divorce from a Us Marine. Read more>>
Abraham Mejorado
First thing I should say is that I love my journey as an actor and producer so far! At sixteen, I worked the front counter at a Sonic in my hometown of Palmer, Texas. At the time, I knew I wanted to either play football professionally or become an actor. Read more>>
amor (i’d prefer N/A)
My first concert in 2022 was a cochise concert and I met some of their team after being pulled behind the barricade. i stayed in contact with cochise manager Veli throughout 2023 and 2024 which would later land me my first show i would shoot for professionally. Read more>>
Ayman Esh
I didn’t follow a straight line to get where I am today. I started in the creative world—design, branding, and advertising—drawn by a love of ideas and how they can move people. I spent years learning, improving, and gradually moving from “doing the work” to leading teams and shaping strategy. Read more>>
Britney Pope
I began my journey by being obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit to move to Texas. At the time, I had just come out of an ungodly engagement and was in a season of rebuilding my life and faith. Read more>>
Hannah Barth
I’m a wedding, destination, elopement, and portrait photographer based in East Texas. I started my photography business at just 17 years old, driven by a passion for storytelling and capturing real, meaningful moments. What began as a creative outlet quickly grew into a business that allows me to connect with people during some of the most important seasons of their lives. Read more>>
Donna Renay Patrick
I love being a musician. Not because I know how, but because I’m called to it. It is part of my purpose given to me by God. I’m not sure why my Mother chose piano lessons for my sisters and I, but my teacher, Mrs. Read more>>
Brianna Lewis
My photography journey began in high school when I took a photojournalism class. I was told I had an ‘eye’ for photography, but I didn’t give it much thought until I was deciding what to study in college. My dad encouraged me to try Creative Media Industries, and that’s when I truly began to learn about photography, and fell in love with it. Read more>>
McKenna Smith
Since I was a child I knew I’d work in the beauty industry. After I graduated high school I attended Paul Mitchell the School Dallas and graduated and got licensed in 2016. I never had intentions of owning a salon but I wasn’t sure where exactly my career would lead me. Read more>>
Shawn Serfass
Shawn Serfass grew up navigating hardship, bad decisions, and the kind of struggles that could have easily defined the rest of his life. Instead, he chose to rebuild — slowly, painfully, and intentionally — through faith, accountability, and the belief that people aren’t limited by their past. Read more>>
Lakshmi
Art has always been a constant companion in my life. Growing up, I was surrounded by creativity, culture, and traditional Indian art forms that told stories far beyond words. Starting my formal training in the Indian classical dance form of ‘Bharatanatyam’ at the age of 7, art was never something external to me; it was a part of who I am. Read more>>
Bianca Rodriguez
After realizing that corporate America and a traditional university path weren’t for me, I decided to pursue my love for makeup and hair and enrolled in cosmetology school. I went in thinking I had nothing to lose, and quickly discovered a true passion and natural love for the beauty industry. Read more>>
Amanda Averbeck
Since I was 18, I knew I wanted to be a counselor. I had not started my own personal counseling journey yet, but something about reading about the career in the course catalog of my chosen University captured by soul. Read more>>
Susana Herrera
CPR Roofing and General Contractors officially began in January of 2023, but the foundation was laid years before that. Prior to starting CPR, I worked for one of the largest roofing companies in the industry, where I was mentored by seasoned professionals and learned the trade from the ground up. Read more>>
Dinasjae La’Shea
I started as someone who learned to sit with my feelings only after confronting my lack of accountability and poor decision-making. When you realize you are the sole person responsible for your life’s outcomes, your perception shifts inward. Our reactions directly influence our success. How we respond to disappointment, difficulty, and discomfort determines how far we go. Read more>>
LaToya Rideau
I became a doula at the peak of COVID 19 2021. I was fresh off of a job where I wasn’t deemed ‘essential’. I was already in a stuck place in life knowing that I wanted to really pursue my passion towards Midwifery, I’d wanted to do so since I was a teen. Read more>>
Anthony Marshall
I’d always dreamed of being in investment, and then I figure out that maybe it wasn’t the way for me. I’d always had people pushing me telling me I wasn’t enough. Finally I got tired of it and I showed them that I was enough and now I own coastal, cowboy investment firm and Idea Tower Marketing corp. Read more>>
Richard Gay
At AR Motors TX, we pride ourselves on being a full-service repair shop dedicated to delivering exceptional quality and reliable services. Our skilled technicians have extensive experience in a variety of automotive services. In addition to our repair services, we also offer a wide selection of quality pre-owned vehicles for sale! Customer satisfaction is our top priority! Read more>>
Kimberly Paul
Hello! My name is Kimberly but my friends and family call me Kim or Kimmy. Being born in a small town of Elaine Arkansas and growing up in Louisiana, due to having a military dad, my dream was always to have my own business and to create generational wealth for my kids. Read more>>
Chaselyn Wade
I’ve been a performer and actor and artist since I was very young. Read more>>
Baylore Walker
This actually isn’t my first rodeo. Before launching KNETIC Rx, DFW’s #1 Private Training Club, I spent five years as a gym owner. About three years into that journey, my business partner and I began experiencing the kind of friction that’s common in many partnerships; misaligned expectations, uneven contribution, and different definitions of accountability. Over time, those issues became impossible to ignore. Read more>>
Lezli Hall
As a child I always thought it was normal to know things, but then realized other people didn’t do this. So whenever I would tell my mom things she would say oh that is deja vu! That is what we started calling and referring to the knowing as that. Read more>>
Ilise Kohleriter
I originally planned to pursue a career as a therapist. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado, Boulder and my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Texas, Arlington. Early in my career, I worked in a variety of roles, including probation officer, hospital social worker, program planner, and therapist in a partial hospitalization program. Read more>>
Mrs. Oluwabunmi
I moved from Nigeria to the U.S. in 2018, carrying more than just luggage; I carried the flavors, traditions, and warmth of home. When I settled in Dallas, I realized there was a real gap for authentic Nigerian food prepared with care, intention, and consistency. Read more>>
Debbie Caudle
I started working with clients at the young age of 24, as an intern finishing my Masters in Counseling. My career followed a very traditional path, until I started my own practice in 2004 (full-time in 2005) and it’s gone through a number of permutations since then. Read more>>
KLOE (JEEEUN) LEE
Hello all! It’s been a little over a year since I started working independently as HAIR BY KLOE, because I wanted to stay true to myself. Read more>>
Courtnie Brown
I’ve always been someone who creates. What started as a creative outlet slowly became a way for me to stay grounded, express myself, and eventually connect with others who love handmade and thoughtfully curated things as much as I do. Over time, crafting turned into more than just a hobby. I began experimenting, learning new skills, making mistakes, and finding my own style. Read more>>
Reyna Morris
My name is Reyna Morris, a child of God, first-generation immigrant from Mexico, wife of 11 years, and proud mother of two beautiful girls. Before becoming a Christian life coach, I earned a degree in Fashion Merchandising & Design and Visual Communication. However, for the past 13 years, I’ve been focused on healing and leading Christ-centered recovery groups. Read more>>
Dr. Galit Birk, PhD, LPC
My story is not a straight line, and as I’ve come to understand when I turned 50 this year, this is not at all unique for people my age. Read more>>
Amber Briggle
This has been one happy accident since the beginning: I never planned on going to school for massage therapy (I had already graduated from a prestigious 4 year liberal arts college, after all!), and I never in a million years thought I’d be franchising such a successful business and looking at becoming a nationwide brand. Read more>>
Joshua Braden
I started out by building refurbished PVS-14s to help pay for college. By 2014, I was making enough money it couldn’t be considered a hobby anymore, so I created Superior Tactical. Since then, we have grown steadily with a focus on trying to keep costs down for consumers. Read more>>
Kristen Vandevender
Born and raised in Dallas but yet i grew up a true Disney Kid. Spending time not only at Disneyland and dreaming about it, grew up with the dream of wanting to work one day in that same capacity. Read more>>
Mikayla Mitchell
In January of 2025, Ron and Vicki Rhodus felt God clearly calling them to open a bookstore. This calling was especially meaningful for Vicki, as owning a bookstore was a dream God had placed on her heart more than 30 years earlier, but in January it became undeniable and urgent. Read more>>
Kiwitta Paschal
I have always had a passion for stories. At an early age, my mother would challenge me to create stories from images she had me cut out of magazines and paste onto colorful construction paper. That simple activity kept me busy for hours and quietly cultivated a broad and imaginative way of seeing the world. Read more>>
Sylvie Marie Toussaint
My journey began in 1996 when I started massage therapy training in Dallas, Texas. I became a licensed Texas Massage Therapist and NCBTMB ( National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork) certified in 1997. Years later, I expanded my practice , becoming a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner (2014). Read more>>
Summer Jowers
Girls Who Run DFW started originally when I began sharing my running journey on social media and fellow ladies started recognizing me at local races. What began as casual meet-ups at races turned into running together, cheering each other on, and building genuine connections. Read more>>
Kerri Fishencord
I’m a 51-year-old entrepreneur, actress, and podcaster who blends creativity with care. I began my career 22 years ago as a massage therapist, and becoming a single mom taught me to push beyond the ordinary to care for my family and my clients. The early challenges compelled me to diversify and dive into new modalities, training alongside the world’s leading Rolfers. Read more>>
Sammy Rah
From a very young age, I was deeply drawn to detailed artistic work. As a child, I loved creating delicate designs, fine embroidery, and handmade crafts using anything I could find—even discarded materials. By the age of seven, I was already working with intricate details, and I was naturally fascinated by beauty, aesthetics, and creativity. Read more>>
Ram Dangi
I started this Software Company with self funded and working myself as much as working sometimes 24 hours a day while mostly working 18 hours 7 days a week. It’s been long and hard journey. A lot of work, time, effort and resources has been used. There has been many set backs. But I have kept going for over 7 years now. Read more>>
Taylor Symoné
I truly started from the bottom—and somehow, I’m here. The Tailored Blueprint was born from failure, not perfection. It’s the result of lessons learned the hard way, rebuilding when things fell apart, and choosing growth even when quitting would’ve been easier. Outside of this company, I own BAE Med Spa, along with several other ventures. None of them have been easy. Read more>>
Joseph Johnson
On a brisk December morning in 1992, Michael Ashton Johnson entered the world in Fort Worth, Texas. Raised in Keller when it was still a small, close-knit town, Ashton quickly became known for his bright smile, boundless energy, and fearless curiosity. Read more>>
Paul Unerfusser
Since 2009, Just For You Services has been the premier choice for comprehensive home and commercial solutions in the DFW metroplex. We offer an unparalleled range of services designed to simplify your life and give you back your time. Read more>>
James Nguyen
Waterboy journey began with a simple yet powerful mission: to make purified water both accessible and sustainable. Armed with reusable water jugs and affordable prices, we started transforming how communities in California enjoyed clean water. When then brought our passion to Dallas and our Purified water quickly became a hit, celebrated not just for its purity but also for its taste. Read more>>
Kiante Blakley
My background is in healthcare administration. I earned my undergraduate degree in Health and Human Performance and went on to graduate school for Healthcare Administration. After graduating, I began my career in hospital administration at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Read more>>
Boshra Kargar
I was born into poverty in Iran after the revolution. My childhood wasn’t a childhood — it was survival. I was four years old when I watched my first friend die in front of me during the war. The sound of bombs became the soundtrack to growing up. Read more>>
Ellen Robinson
Big Hearts Day Habilitation Center was born from both heartbreak and hope. As a Special Education teacher, founder Ellen Robinson witnessed a painful reality year after year—students graduating from high school with intellectual and developmental disabilities, yet having few meaningful options for what came next. Read more>>
Jaye Booker
I didn’t start with a grand master plan. I started as a creative mind navigating corporate leadership while quietly building something of my own on the side. I spent years in leadership roles, managing teams, processes, and high expectations—learning strategy, structure, and what it really takes to run something sustainably. Read more>>
Benjamin Leary
I caught the business bug early. At 12 in New England, I heard my dad complaining about shoveling our back porch. That same day, I started knocking on doors asking neighbors if they needed theirs cleared. It wasn’t much, but I loved it – finding customers, doing the work, getting paid. And I was making good money for a 12-year-old. Read more>>
Maschera Loose
My career as a hairstylist spans more than 20 years and began with a defining investment in my potential. Early on, my grandfather made me a promise — if I committed to my education, earned my license, and passed my boards, he would support me fully. I honored that promise, and it laid the foundation for a career built on discipline, integrity, and excellence. Read more>>
Jennifer Leogier
I’ve always been fascinated by people and the ways we move through the world, which is what originally led me to earn a master’s degree in applied anthropology in France. When I moved to the United States, my first chapter here was teaching high school. Read more>>
Janay Kelly-Grant
My academic journey commenced at Howard University, where I pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Chemistry. Initially aspiring to become a pediatrician, I enrolled in premedical courses. However, upon graduation and commencing medical school preparation, I realized that the field did not resonate with my aspirations. Read more>>
Karen KJ Johnson
My story didn’t begin with a grand strategy or a perfect roadmap. It began with a breaking point. For years, I was the woman who excelled in every room—strategic, capable, overprepared, and consistently delivering excellence. Yet somehow, I kept hitting the same wall: the glass ceiling that wasn’t just hard… it was impenetrable. I was doing everything “right,” but the doors that should have opened stayed shut. Read more>>
Tim Forte
Suffered a lower back injury in 2006. At the time I was deconditioned. Worked a lot of hours but didn’t really consistently take care of myself physically. After a couple of injections they told me I needed surgery. Instead I rehab my own back and that led me down this path. Read more>>
Gavin Starkes
April 8th 2023 i was shot and left paralyzed and through hardwork and dedication I was able to bounce back and live a pretty good and productive life ! Im a full time content creator and barber AND I JUST RECENTLY STARTED TO DO TAXES AND IF YOU NEED TO FILE YOUR TAXES CONTACT ME 9722067188 Read more>>
