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 Houston.
Dōnald Rashard
As of now, Songs I’ve produced are getting ready to drop really soon and I recently decided that I want to start making music for myself and I’m now in the process of releasing my debut single. I’ve been fortunate to make lifetime connections with people I met in the music industry that have given me some of the best advice on how to maneuver in the industry. One of my good friends, Dwight “Skrapp” Reynolds told me to “Always Be A Student”. I lead with that mindset 24/7. Read More>>
Chantelle Burton
In 2009, I received my first camera as a graduation gift after earning my degree from the University of Houston. Little did I know that a single gift would change the trajectory of my life. From the moment I held it in my hands, I couldn’t stop capturing everything around me—people, places, faces, strangers, the stillness, the motion, and the quiet moments in between. Through the lens, the world around me seemed to blur, while the beauty of pausing life’s unfolding came into sharp focus. That feeling of seeing life through the lens with a world of candid beauty happening right in front of me still fills me with awe to this day. Read More>>
Carlos Jair Rodriguez
My experience as a content creator actually gives me a unique perspective in my role as Director of Digital Advertising. And also, my professional experience enhances the content I create. It’s a symbiotic relationship that keeps both aspects of my career fresh and exciting. Read More>>
Yudy Gomez & Roger Acevedo
In 2014, we took the first big step toward that dream by moving to Mexico City. We spent two years immersing ourselves in the culture and cuisine, traveling through 15 cities thanks to our work with ZOÍ. While we couldn’t document everything we wanted, Mexico left a lasting impression on us. We hope to return someday to film in this incredible country! Read More>>
Jeremy Stone
The absence of my biological father afforded me the opportunity to watch strong women in leadership, not just in the church but in life as well. Women of influence like Apostle Julia G. Berry, Dr. Kajuansa Cornelius, Dr. Brenda Dixey, Dr. Debra Tann, and the list goes on. I watched these women pour their life to educate and empower young gifted – and challenged youth such as myself. I work as hard as I do now to change lives because I feel as though I am indebted to those women for their sacrifice, and the greatest way I can pay them back…is to pay it forward! Read More>>
Poppy Tart
It all started with a little girl who asked her mom to take her to a dance class when she was 6. I grew up dancing different styles from classic to folk dance to b-girls ( hip-hop classes for girls) and then go-go dancing when I was 18 and up. When I moved to the US I continued dancing in night clubs, music events and various themed parties. Later I started an entertainment business with another girl and I pretty much took care of everything from finding and booking girls, to managing them, making costumes and performing at gigs myself. At the time I got familiar with burlesque and fell in love with this art. Read More>>
Keylee Paz
It’s so competitive to begin a new outlet. At first, no one would respond to our inquiries, we were denied partnerships with established businesses and venues in Houston. I had to push for these partnerships and establish why were a good fit in the Houston scene, and to this day, that’s all I fight for. Read More>>
Hajera Naeem
Being a minority with very little representation in pageants she wanted to give inspiration to more Pakistani women to come out and represent what they believe in. She hopes to make a difference with her support. Hajera has taken on the crucial issue of domestic violence, with a particular focus on disadvantaged women from diverse cultural backgrounds. Read More>>
Kalista Kresta
My motto for KaliKo Music is “Teaching People Through Music”, teaching musicians is meeting them where they are and helping them to grow every part of themself. This includes playing an instrument and other skills such as time management, leadership, organization, public presence, commitment, and so much more. Along with these things, music is so personal to a person’s soul. It requires people to face emotional parts of themselves they might not otherwise face. It becomes an outlet for deep emotions and when done correctly, deep healing. Read More>>
Kendall Ried
We were lucky to continue to operate with online classes during the mandated shutdown, and when we reopened about six weeks later, we had a very modified version of classes compared to before. Over the next couple of years, restrictions were peeled back and we started to feel like we were back on decent footing. It was around that time that Dana Abramovitz approached me about selling The Bar Method Houston-Memorial. Read More>>
Karen Gomez
It’s funny because I was actually in school to do hair. My husband was enlisted in the navy at the time, and we were getting ready to move, so I had switched into the Esthetics program for timing purposes, and I just fell in love with everything. It’s been my biggest passion to date, and I’ve now been in this industry about 7-8 years. I worked at a couple different salons before deciding to go on my own and now I’ve been TheSkinKareLady for 3 years! My business is my greatest accomplishment. Read More>>
Natalie & Jason Biggs
As we started sharing about our backyard farm, we realized that we really enjoy helping other people get started. We really believe there’s no such thing as a green thumb and anyone can grow food with the right support. We started posting tips every week on our socials. That lead to garden workshops, consults and our Getting Started Guide ebook. Read More>>
Marisa Williams
Moved by his pain, I felt an urgency to help. I did what anyone might do in that moment—I googled, “How do you help a friend whose wife is dying of cancer?” The first suggestion that appeared was “How to start a Hospice Agency.” I clicked on the link and began reading the rules for the state of Texas. Feeling called to take action, I asked my sister to join me on this journey, and together, we began the application to open A Hug Away, Inc., doing business as A Hug Away Healthcare. Read More>>
Julius Sanchez
At first, I invested myself into photography and videography as a hobby, and it eventually grew into my favorite way of expressing myself. The same semester that I became involved with the opera, I found out that I was rejected from the music school. It is very cliché, but as one door closed, another door (in this case, multiple doors) opened; stage management, photography, and videography. All of these avenues have helped me with different forms of production. And here we are! Almost 9 years later, freelancing, traveling, and making art. Read More>>
Danielle Cowdrey
I immediately had friends and family that were interested in some of my pieces and gained a lot of praise for what I was producing with so little experience. I do work a normal day job doing independent leadership and strategy consulting but find myself daydreaming about painting throughout the day. I recently launch a new website through Art Storefronts where I can offer not only originals but also various types of prints and other merchandise. Read More>>
Freddy Didjengou
But then I started getting more and more requests to mount TVs. So at that point I was more open to turn this gig into a side business. Fast forward a few years later, today I have an agreement with multiple apartment complexes in the Houston area and they share my flyers with their new residents. Big thanks to my sister Rudy for pushing me to get this journey started. She was one of the main people to encourage me to start a TV Mounting business and she is also the author of the name Exquisite TV Mounting. Read More>>
Selena Parsley
When we first moved to Houston in 2013 I told everyone I knew that I wanted to create a magical wellness center & apothecary. A place where I could share my own art & creativity and spotlight other local artists & visionaries. It took awhile to find the perfect place to set up shop. I did not want a storefront that was on commercial property with flashing neon signs. I wanted to create a home sweet cottage vibe. I wanted an apothecary that felt like home to me and others. Read More>>
Robert Spencer
It all started when I was invited to a Mason brother Football game party. I had tried turkey necks before. I never even seen a turkey neck. Just watching the process of boiling them looked fun and easy. My only problem was they was too spicy for me. I asked him to teach me the game and taught me the basics. Then I put my twist on it and people started asking for me to boil for them and to do trail rides. Then I started doing events and it just happened for me . Read More>>
Devin D. Streeter ( Skeet )
On another note I’m working on a few other solutions for SDYP The Movement to come out with no later than 2025 ., and it’s so much more I’m Working on behinds the scenes as far as launching a label “SDYP the Label in which that is a division of a Music Company by the name of Streeter Music Group ; that would also be the home of some dope independent Labels in the future . I could go on and on but it’s so much more . Read More>>
Syvae Mcdaniel
Social media is never a smooth road, there are always bumps and hiccups along the way. My most recent challenge was taking the plunge to start my social media over, from scratch. Starting from ground zero, again, can be very daunting. My goal is to find and build a community of women that support and inspire each other to have the confidence to walk in their light. Read More>>
Jakari Jefferies
After high school, I moved to Atlanta for hair school. This move helped me to find who I am as an artist and a person. I was 18 years old in a new city with a new scenery. Everything about me changed. I was privileged to be led to Anthony Burrell Center For Dance! Where I had the honor to be groomed artistically by Beyoncé’s choreographers (Chris Grant, Frank Gatson, Anthony Burrell, etc.)! I met so many talented people there! I was awe-inspired by the drive and precision every dancer and performer put into their craft! Read More>>
Mona Jackson
Securing funding and loans at reasonable interest rates without relying on my personal credit has been a significant challenge as my company grows. Despite being praised for running a profitable business with excellent expense control, as a Black woman-owned business, I still face difficulties in obtaining adequate funding. This struggle is a common issue that has led to the closure of many childcare centers. Additionally, it’s tough to balance the price sensitivity of parents with the rising costs of employing staff. The introduction of free preschool programs in public schools for children aged three and older has also had a major financial impact, forcing many childcare owners to shut down. Read More>>
Wild Thoughts Podcast
Our story began with a shared desire for something new and adventurous that could also honor the essence of our friendship. We wanted to create a space that felt inclusive, where listeners could feel like they were right there with us, sharing in the laughs and the genuine moments. Our mission quickly became clear: we wanted to empower moms and women to stay true to themselves, even after the transformative experience of having children. Read More>>
Tasneem Kapadia
My Creative Camp is a craft company focusing on paper quilling, a growing and untapped niche within the crafts industry. Our products are aligned with customer experience and are perfect for gifting. From the packaging to the curated supplies to the learning process, the product provides a satisfying journey. Our focus is that at the end, the learner/maker creates a work of art which is perfect to display or gift and can be proud of. Read More>>
Jeremy Mickles
In 2015, I started working out with my brother and in 2018, he convinced me to do a natural bodybuilding show. He gave me a meal plan and told me how often I needed to train. I got sixth place at the show. I originally told him that it would be the last time I’ll do it but as time passed, I told him I’ll do it again. The next year, I placed first and won my pro card. The following year, I did two shows where I placed fifth and third. Read More>>
Lindsey Parker
Honestly, we have been blessed. Between support from our friends, family, fantastic customer, and most importantly God things just seem to fall into place here at the Parker Pickling headquarters. There are a lot of late nights and dedication that goes into our operation but being married to and working with my best friend we are able to tackle anything that pops up. Read More>>
Zinnia Mobarak
ZM Massage + Wellness is dedicated to providing premium, ethically sourced, and scientifically backed massage treatments, meeting women at their unique needs. Our integrative approach focuses on the long-term effects of treatments, aiding in clients’ wellness journeys to feel more centered and connected to their body. Read More>>
Mariah Scott
My journey has been anything but conventional, and that’s exactly how I like it. I started out as an international flight attendant and former beauty queen, two roles that allowed me to see the world and soak up the richness of different cultures. But deep down, I always knew that my true calling was in the kitchen. Cooking has always been my way of expressing creativity and love, and it was during my travels that I discovered the incredible diversity of flavors, ingredients, and techniques that I would later incorporate into my culinary creations. Read More>>
Chantelle Clarke
I began my professional journey as a business major, where I discovered a natural talent and passion for sales. Over the years, I’ve honed this skill through various multi-level marketing (MLM) companies, including Herbalife, Avon, Mary Kay, Enfiniti Global, and Ambit. Regardless of the company, I consistently emerged as a top producer. I even founded my own herbal supplement company, “Sensi Nutrition,” which thrived until I decided to explore a new path. Read More>>
Jason Westfahl
Kaptiva Sports Academy TX is a niche soccer group in the Sugar Land and Southwest Houston area that is using the love of the game to empower youth to help them achieve the dream of playing at the next level, be it in college or professionally. Players are educated in aspects of what it takes to reach the next level both on and off the field. Their focus must be on their grades and education, while excelling on the field, learning the tactics and skills that make them an elite player. Read More>>
Emma Arroyo
My name is Emma Arroyo and I began my journey when I was just 18 years old. I got my start at a family business and from there my passion for this profession was born. I decided to study fashion design in the city of Monterrey, Mexico. After finishing my studies, I continued working in the family business and also teaching fashion design classes in Monterrey. After a few years, I got married and immigrated to this country. Read More>>
Kayla Tavor
After relocating to Houston, Kayla found herself inspired by a simple yet powerful idea: why settle for generic party favors when you could offer something truly special and personalized? It was during one particular afternoon, as she watched her bonus children sift through their birthday party goodie bags filled with what they jokingly referred to as “junk,” that the spark of inspiration ignited within her. Read More>>
