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 interviews from our community members and content partners – the folks who’ve been heavily involved with us, collaborating with us on content, sponsoring our mission and spreading the word about the work we do.
Quizanae Cooper | CEO of Mink Mink CoInc
Honestly, this is the first time I’ve thought about this question. As I have processed, the first year of business has been unique! I’ve honestly had a successful year and have gained so much insight and knowledge. When I first started, I offered ten vegan lashes, which sold out. Since I’ve added mink lashes, vegan lipgloss, wigs, and bundles, and makeup palettes. These are just a few examples of what I have been able to accomplish, including writing an e-book as well to help guide up-and-coming businesses on how to operate a successful online business. Read more>>
Stephanie Hobbs | Fashion Stylist/Consultant
My name is Stephanie Hobbs. The name of my business is Style Me Stephanie. Style Me Stephanie is a professional fashion styling business that specializes in personal/fashion styling & wardrobe, personal shopping, virtual styling, photo shoots, consultations, closet revamps, speaking engagements, and fashion show coordination. Style Me Stephanie has its own product brand of statement tees, pop of color hats and handbags with customers across the country. The Style Me Stephanie signature style in every outfit is a “pop of color”. Read more>>
The Honorable Jacquie Baly | Media and Public Relations Advisor, Professor, a\Appointee of the Governor, Philanthropist, Mother and Wife
Jacquie Baly, President of BalyProjects, has been a leader in the Texas business and policy communities for decades. She began her career as a city, and regional planner, then served as Vice President of the Greater Houston Partnership before her public service as Governor Rick Perry’s appointee on water and wastewater issues, then-Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Sugar Land. Twenty-three years ago, Ms. Baly founded BalyProjects in 1999 to provide public affairs, business development, and media relations services to individuals, institutions, small businesses, governments, and corporations. Additionally, she advises Governor Greg Abbott on Higher Education initiatives; serves as Vice Chair on Harris County Commissioner Court’s Women’s Commission dealing with economic development and business opportunities for women; and teaches as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston, where she has taught public policy for over 15 years. Baly is a 2023 Texas Women’s Hall of Fame Inductee and will be honored for her efforts and hard work in early March. Read more>>
Quinline Olukoya | CEO/Founder of a Beauty, Fashion, Fabric, and Interior Design Brand
My Name is Quinline L. Olukoya and I am a Black BeautyPreneur from the Great State of Texas. I am the CEO/Creator/Founder of The House Of Asmara Dior International, Llc a Fabrics, Beauty, Fashion, and Interior Design Enterprise. Our Company house 5 Brands { Asmara Dior | Asmara Dior Cosmetics | Asmara Atris Dior | Asmara Dior & Co | Asmara Dior Collection }. Our Company is a Small Business Venture Started in Katy, Tx in 2016. Though Our Company has endured various challenges throughout the years we are still pushing through. Read more>>
Tiffany Obeng | Publisher & Principal Author
I am the owner and principal author of Sugar Cookie Books, publishing imprint. I create children’s books to educate and inspire children, especially children of color, to aspire to be anything they want to be. Strongly believing that if they can see it, they can be it, all of the career books feature diverse professionals and small black history lessons. My children’s books also feature Black children, particularly Black boys, in universal situations. In this way, all children are humanized. As an independent publisher, I identify gaps in children’s literature (particularly in the picture book space), fill those gaps and fill them quickly. With a diverse collection of children’s books, there is always something for everyone. Additionally, as a literacy advocate, I create and offer companion activity kits for many of the books. Recently, Sugar Cookie Books expanded to include inspirational puzzles, clothing, stickers, notebooks, and more. Read more>>
Leslie Paz | Founder & CEO of Leslie Paz Creative
My name is Leslie and I recently launched a new business, Leslie Paz Creative. I offer social media management and event content creations. Read more>>
Diamond Capreé | Artist, Musician & Radio Personality
I am a Singer Songwriter/ Radio Personality. I produce my own records, write my own songs and run my own radio show on R&B Hearts which you can listen to on Amp! Read more>>
Kelly Thomas | Owner and Founder of Designed by Kelly
I am an entrepreneur, a web and graphic designer, a homeschool mom with four amazing children, and owner of Designed by Kelly. I love helping small businesses, nonprofits and purposeful entrepreneurs find their brand and teach them how to develop and use an online presence to reach their target audience. We offer three main services: website design, branding and graphic design and social media management. We help our clients stand out by creatively and visually telling their story through building a brand that customers will come back to time and time again. Read more>>
Courtney Stephens | Mathematician | Energy Career Launcher
I find people that have an aptitude for basic math and a great attitude. I train them at my expense in the art of energy quantification. I place them in entry-level roles in the energy industry. I have successfully launched the careers of over 200 professionals. My firm is called QED Energy Associates, and we support all of our QED’ers with follow-on training, mentorship, and career guidance for life! Read more>>
Rachel Sheffield | Graphic Designer & Model
I am a 32 year old graphic designer who owns a graphic design company in Katy, Texas. This highly creative and multitalented Graphic Design company was established during a pandemic to turn small business owners vision into a reality. We specializes in designing custom logos for small businesses, branding small businesses, and going above and beyond to make sure the clients experience great customer service. Read more>>
