Inspiring Stories from Central Dallas

Monique Allen

During my undergraduate studies, I encountered a glaring need for resources tailored to students whose studies prevented them from being able to also work to support themselves. The lack of resources for these individuals prompted me to embark on a venture that would alleviate some of their challenges. In my final year of college, I created a brand dedicated to providing students with assistance.  Read More>>

Bianca Rochell

Yes, I started out in a space where I was super stressed, way overweight, and out of shape. I was devoting too much time to work and someone else’s dream but wasn’t spending near enough time working on me. So, I did some research and decided to start practicing yoga. It taught me so much about my spiritual understanding, redirected my focus, helped me to think completely differently about the way I approach daily tasks, helped me to become a better decision-maker leader, and helped me to get back to being healthy. Read More>>

Ameerah Saine

Recognizing the significant underrepresentation of women of color in mainstream media, Ameerah, an avid reader, experienced traveler, and dedicated professional, was inspired to create a platform that does more than just recognize women of color; it celebrates their achievements, stories, and unique perspectives. Her vision was clear: to create a space that not only acknowledges but also elevates the voices and experiences of women of color, creating a community of empowerment and inspiration. Read More>>

Alice Laura Sedlicka

My journey began with a focus on earning my master’s degree in political economy and pursuing a career as a diplomat, studying and volunteering abroad in multiple countries. Along the way, I discovered a passion for modeling. However, witnessing the toxic body standards and being reduced to just looks in the industry spurred me to make a difference. Having always seen myself as more than just a pretty face, I wanted to create an agency that represents talent with diverse backgrounds, passions, education, and societal concerns. Read More>>

Julian Bell

I started only a few years ago with only a few YouTube videos to watch and a small Sony A6400. But I can tell you that when I started, I didn’t have a lot of opportunities to use my camera. So, I used my environment and started to walk around Dallas to take photos/videos and practice. It wasn’t until people started to see my potential and consistency that they started to trust me with certain projects. Read More>>

Brianna Ortiz

Becoming an artist wasn’t by choice but by accident. I remember going to the store with my grandma and picking out a few brushes and simple paints to get my started. I decided to try painting because I had read that it could be therapeutic. I’d agree and say that it has helped me in more ways than one over the years. I paint and sell artwork a lot more now than I used to, and I surely wasn’t expecting to fall in love with expressing how I feel by painting on a canvas. Read More>>

Anthony Benjamin

I started cutting men’s hair at 8 years old. My father was military, and I was the oldest of 10 kids. He bought me a pair of Clippers and told me to figure it out…so I started cutting him and my siblings weekly. Eventually, I figured it out and got really good with the Clippers. Fast forward to college, I was the main barber for all my friends and family, and finally went to cosmetology school at 19. Been doing hair ever since. Now at 39 I’ve had my mobile salon active for over 10 years and counting. I love what I do!!! Read More>>

R. Jay Berry

My writing journey began in 2011 with The Sunday Rose trilogy about my grandmother’s life. These three books led and shaped my future writings/books with actual people and events. My latest book, The Help Chronicles, highlights my journey as a caregiver for my family from 2014 to present day. I am in the process of writing my 8th book, The Help Chronicles 2-The Lost Connection, further explaining how a caregiver’s support is ongoing. Read More>>

Niccolas Jones

My names Niccolas “N’kredible“ Jones, 33 years old from Oakcliff, Tx. I have a 16 soon-to-be 17-year-old son named Za’Marion. I act, write music/poetry/video treatments, I model, I have my own brand #DLROWEHT #TWIB (The World Is Backwards). The world is backwards brand is directed to the world we live in today. We have people who are given the same 24hrs; most bleed the same blood and go through the same struggles, but we still deal with racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and the list goes on!  Read More>>

Sattie Nyachwaya

My story has been told a lot by me over the last few years, from a career space of how I got to each season. However, more and more I have spoken openly that I didn’t begin living my life until I was 30 years old. My dad is from Ksii, Kenya, and My mom is from East Texas. I was born and grew up in north Dallas, but I feel like spent more years back in East Texas, in a little country town called Paris, Texas, or as the natives would say: “The only city with an Eiffel Tower with a cowboy hat on top”. Haha. Read More>>

Litza Bodden

I was born in the Republic of Panama, where, despite my parents’ best efforts, I witnessed a lot of trauma and violence while growing up. During high school, I discovered my passion for psychology and counseling, thanks to my health and psychology teacher, who initiated peer-led processing groups where students could discuss their common issues. Recognizing my empathy and ability to listen, she encouraged me to pursue a career in therapy, planting the seed for my future endeavors. Read More>>

Mallory Herrin

I started my career in the same way that many HR professionals do – by accident. I had been working in a clerical role as a teenager where I had some recruiting duties, but even then, the concept of “HR” was foreign to me at such a small company. I was going through a lot at the time, having been the victim of domestic violence. My abuser ended up stalking me after I left him, and I had to change jobs for my safety as he found out where I worked. I was extremely lucky to land my next role at another small employer as the receptionist. Read More>>

Blake Shook

Two things fascinated me growing up: the outdoors and starting my own business. I experimented with every business I could dream up as a kid living in rural Texas. Lemonade stands (not much traffic on country roads), raising and selling vegetables and fresh eggs (hard to grow things in dust), painting the farmer’s fences next door (ran out of the fence), but nothing was ever quite the perfect fit. My big break came in 2002 at 12 years old. I really had never been that interested in beekeeping before because bees just sting, right?  Read More>>

Seerel Meadows

When I first moved to Dallas five years ago, I was astonished by how much this amazing city had to offer. All my life, I’ve always been the first to know about new restaurants, pop-ups, concerts, and events. I’ve prided myself on being the ultimate tour guide of wherever I lived. When I moved to Dallas, I had my work cut out for me! Read More>>

Vee Mechelle

Sixteen years ago, I started out in Dallas, Texas, hustling to style fashion shows for free. My mom always instilled a love of fashion in me, and I knew this was the industry I wanted to be in. Landing my first big client was a game-changer. It boosted my confidence and solidified my path as a Fashion Stylist. Sure, there were mistakes along the way, but those were valuable lessons that helped me grow and become better. Read More>>

Norah Shazad

I began my journey as a poet at 14, driven by the loss of my father at 12, a loss that spurred me to channel my emotions into verse. By 18, I had published my debut book, “Scarlet Rose & Growth.” The following year saw the release of my second work, “Caged Thorns,” and by 20, my third book, “Sparked Flame,” was out. In 2021, I ventured into fashion, founding Azure Co., a streetwear label symbolizing transformation akin to a blue butterfly’s evolution into beauty through life’s trials. Read More>>

Danielle Hall

I started writing because, for a while, I was lost in life. I wasn’t confident about myself. I began to lose hope. I felt like I didn’t belong in this world. Writing gave me confidence. Not only am I helping myself, but it led me to help others like me. I started modeling when the words became too much. I was tired of writing the same sad stuff. Modeling also gave me confidence. It makes me feel beautiful. It makes me feel like I am good enough. Read More>>

Elisabeth Davis

It started with a prayer and covenant with my mother and God. She asked God to let her seed be musically gifted. Her collateral for her request was that she would live for God all her life; And she would give her children back to God. Our mother was our role model and conduit for our relationship with God and our love for music, especially Gospel Music. As a little girl, I remember being timid and shy. But when music was in the room, I was a kid in a candy store. It made me feel alive, free, whole, and connected to something bigger than me (God). Read More>>

Marina Sbrochi

I have probably had more jobs than most. Cocktail waitress, Flight attendant, makeup artist, computer trainer, help desk, account manager, inside sales, Director of Communications for a non-profit, author, actor, model, producer of radio show, podcast creator and host, therapist, hypnotist, DJ and now… licensed esthetician. Here is where I am combining tools from my therapy practice, like hypnosis and affirmations, with esthetics. Read More>>

Ashley Hence

I am a self-published author. I recently wrote a children’s book titled Landyn’s Imaginary Adventure. I love to read and so does my son. I noticed when reading my son’s children’s books there was a lack of representation. So, I thought to myself why not create him his own book and whaalaa an idea was created lol. I was self-conscious about writing it as it’s a new lane for me. But I figured it was worth a shot. Read More>>

Divine Lady Collab

The Divine Lady Collab is the embodiment of this vision—a transformative experience where wellness, healing, and the arts converge. Their events pulsate with energy, every note, brushstroke, and breath embodying the essence of empowerment. Since its inception in 2021, the Collab has emerged as a beacon of positivity, raising over $1000 for nonprofits and providing a platform for more than 25 musical artists in the DFW scene to share their stories and connect with the community. Read More>>

Matias Gupton

I have always seemed to have an interesting life. From personal lifestyle, fashion and life events. I was always against TikTok and didn’t understand the platform. Eventually, during the pandemic, I joined the app, and it became severely addicting! I decided to post my first video, which was horrible and shot through the TikTok app, which was like a day in the life going to the gym. Over time, I started to post shoe pick-ups and fashion/style outfits, and then a friend of mine stated you need a niche that people want to see. I started to do routine-based lifestyle content, and they started to go viral!  Read More>>

Olamide Kolawole

Upon arriving in the U.S., I faced challenges adjusting to a new culture and environment. However, I persevered and completed my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This accomplishment opened doors for me, leading me to my first job as a BSN nurse in a mental health facility. Read More>>

Victoria Maku

The Miss Nigeria America Scholarship  Pageant is a prestigious event that celebrates the beauty, intelligence, and cultural heritage of Nigerian American women. It serves as a platform where participants showcase their talents while embodying values such as education, excellence, and positive self-esteem. Titles such as Miss Nigeria America, Miss Elegance, and Miss Glamour are awarded to individuals who exemplify these qualities, making the pageant a symbol of achievement within the community. Read More>>

Cherylyn Lavagnino

I am the artistic director of a contemporary ballet company. I choreograph and direct the company of dancers who are primarily Tisch Dance NYU graduates. They are equally trained in both ballet and contemporary dance. Lately I make work that is theater dance and often focuses on women’s issues. I also work regularly with living composers and live music. Read More>>

Godwin David

Yeah, it’s been a journey to be proud of. Started off as the only option I had after I experienced a serious financial setback, Not knowing my left from my right, I decided to raise funds through my digital skills so I’d from there start up a business. The first month I started running digital marketing for companies and small businesses, helping them generate leads/sales. From there I raised some money and entered into dropshipping e-commerce. Read More>>