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.
Deisy Vasquez
Music has always been a big part of my life. I started my musical journey back in 2002 and went on to earn a degree in music, majoring in piano. Along the way, I also got a degree in Business Administration, which turned out to be incredibly useful when I ventured into the world of music education. Read More>>
Harold Velasquez
During one of those reflective moments, my boss gave me an unusual task: to climb onto a 25-foot roof to make some repairs. Even though it wasn’t part of my job description, I agreed. It took me over two weeks to complete the work, and every time I looked down from the roof, I questioned whether I had made the right decision. However, something sparked within me. The danger of the job made me think about the value of this kind of work. From up on that roof, I started to wonder about the roofing business. Read More>>
Juan Ruiz
On the other hand, we have to face the obstacle that, being a new brand, we have to make ourselves known, and that starts little by little, with a lot of patience. It becomes a challenge to get people to know you, to know that your business exists, and, of course, to generate trust and get the client to perceive the offer that we have for them in terms of quality, designs, service, etc. We know that we have great quality and a huge catalog of products, but how do you communicate this to the client? Read More>>
Kayla Alderson
I myself was on keto at the time and could not find a good keto or “keto friendly” snack that didn’t taste like cardboard and or read the ingredients and realize it is not really “keto friendly”. I really wanted something “sweet”. Read More>>
Hillary & Stephanie Thomas
No, it has not been a smooth road. Some of the challenges we’ve faced was finding the right ingredients to make each juice. For example, what fruits and vegetables could go together to make the drink taste good being that there are no additives in our juices. We also struggle with having the resources to push our product as well as having consistent customers who want to better their health. Read More>>
Cynthia Rittenhouse
One obstacle was navigating pricing for my goods. I wanted to make things affordable because so many were out of work and I still needed to make a profit. I adjusted prices as I went along until I joined a few Facebook groups on baking and pricing goods. The participants gave me lots of insight and I was better able to price my goods without being expensive. My motto is “Everyone deserves a home made cake”. Read More>>
Dincy Poulose
My passion for Indian Bollywood dancing began during childhood from the Bollywood movies I grew up watching. I would eagerly watch and memorize the choreography while crafting my own at a young age. In college, I joined a competitive dance team and won multiple competitions across the country. This experience deepened my love for dance. Read More>>
Sophia Paul
In 2017 I decided to pursue my passion further and earn my cosmetology license. I created a social media platform and I spent the next five years building my brand and cultivating a loyal clientele. By 2021 I achieve my dream of opening a small salon. I’ve had the opportunity to showcase my work and had the opportunity to make women and men of all culture smile overtime I’ve honed my skills in creative designs, which has allowed me to develop a unique style. Read More>>
Krista Wheeler
It all started when the pandemic hit, I was taking a break from college unsure of the path I was going to take. I began researching what was going to be calling, I knew I always wanted to go into the medical stand point, but was struggling with becoming a RN or something else. Around the same time I was going through a really rough time in my life and my skin was going through it to. Read More>>
Coty Brown
The Chibi Mech Coffee Company was born from years of exploration and a passion for great coffee. It all started when clients at my other business began asking for coffee during their visits. I started brewing coffee regularly, and soon the aroma of fresh coffee became a welcome part of the daily routine. It was a simple gesture—a little pick-me-up—that brought joy to those around me. Read More>>
Dina Abbood
Starting from scratch at 25 was challenging. Though I spoke English, I struggled to use the language naturally. Without a driver’s license or complete paperwork, I spent my days walking with my daughter to the library or the gym, where I focused on my health. I lost weight and transformed my body, which led a friend to encourage me to become a fitness trainer. I pursued certification and worked part-time while my daughter was young. Read More>>
Waldina Galeano
I knew then that I wanted to do things differently. I didn’t see real estate just as a way to make money; for me, it became a mission. My goal was to help others achieve the American Dream of homeownership, while also educating them about the process. I wanted to empower people to build wealth through real estate and show them that with the right guidance, they could even buy homes with as little as zero money down. Read More>>
Gabrielle Fenske
So, just like your typical mom, I used my camera and all my focus on capturing my sweet babies. I would post my pics on my personal social media, and after awhile, my own family and friends started asking me to take their pictures as well! After a few months, I decided to try and make it into a little business. Here I am, 10 years later and still going strong. I couldn’t have done with without the love and support of those family and friends, for encouraging me, sticking by my side from the very beginning, and continuing to be my biggest cheerleaders. Read More>>
Daniela Garduño
As I began playing more and introducing it to friends, I realized how much joy I got from not only playing but teaching others and watching them fall in love with the game too. That’s what drives me—spreading that same excitement and passion to others, whether through small lessons or larger events. I truly enjoy helping people appreciate the beauty and complexity of mahjong, making it approachable and fun for all skill levels. Teaching has given me the opportunity to connect with others in a meaningful way, and I love seeing the community grow as more people discover how much fun mahjong can be. Read More>>
Kinuka Canoy
Additionally, balancing my business with family responsibilities has been demanding. There were days when I felt overwhelmed by the need to manage both effectively. Each challenge taught me valuable lessons in resilience and time management, shaping me into a more skilled entrepreneur. Read More>>
Ebel Guerra
My story starts as the son of a mother who is a lifelong seamstress. My mother cut and sew apparel in a flea market or in Spanish called “Mercados” in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. In early 80’s, my parents moved the family to Los Angeles, CA. My mother’s love for cutting and sewing apparel continued after settling in Los Angeles, and she started a small apparel manufacturing company is Downtown Los Angeles’ Fashion District. I proudly grew up helping my mother to cut, sew and finish apparel at her manufacturing company Read More>>
Joy Noelle Balanag
My journey has not been the smoothest. Graduating during the pandemic, working during entertainment union strikes, and the competitive job market made it difficult to maintain my income. Luckily, through collaboration and staying in touch with my contacts, I was able to make ends meet while being able to pursue my passion for storytelling. Read More>>
Melech “the Wolf” Davis
I love Houston because it’s so much opportunity to grow and it has a diverse community with people from all over. If you want to really scale your business Houston is the place to be. Only thing I don’t like about Houston is the traffic but seeing traffic let’s me know that money is still circulating so that’s a good thing. Read More>>
Alexa Garcia
My discovery of esthetics happened during the pandemic in 2020. After much research I decided to attend The Institute of Cosmetology Esthetics & Massage for the best education I could get. It took 6 months to get licensed, then I began working in a spa for 9 months before deciding to go solo. This decision not only changed my life but humbled me in ways I would’ve never imagined. It sparked a fire to become the best version of myself as a business owner and as a woman. I’ve always aspired to be an entrepreneur. Being able to do my craft simultaneously is just a blessing. Read More>>
Robyn Welsh
Like any business in its early stages, the first year has had its challenges. However, I’ve found that building a business is a highly creative process, full of opportunities for growth and innovation. The toughest part has been standing out among the many competitors, but it’s all about figuring out what works best to draw people in. Read More>>
Tiffani
Since high school, I resold here and there and was the middle “woman” connecting clients with products. In 2019 Fall, I spent $6,000 on a credit card and bought all heat of shoes I knew would raise in value. This later pushed me in December 2019 to collaborate with a clothing store in AR and the shoe business began. Though, the company was legally registered in 2018. Read More>>
Lashanna Moore
My story has been a steadily moving ship with levels and many arcs. I am a practitioner in health and wellness. I am also a creator in the performing arts space. I get to use logic and creativity and I love it so much. My tenure in health and wellness spans 15 years and performing arts 25+ years. Read More>>
Trent Mckinney
As training continued, I spent my weekends at niche bookstores—not the typical Barnes and Noble or Half Price Books—searching for brand guidelines, graphic design materials, and fashion lookbooks. I immersed myself in studying these resources, determined to discover my own voice and what unique contributions I could bring to the design world. Read More>>
Sebastian Sanders
In 2021, we launched the Young Billionaire Club (YBC) to further our mission. This program goes beyond traditional education, offering students real-world experiences through our YBC Thrift Store and providing them with opportunities to learn, grow, and become community leaders. Today, The Sanders Hand operates not only in Houston and San Antonio but also as far as Ghana, West Africa, impacting thousands of lives and creating pathways for a brighter future. Read More>>
Vivian Wechie
The very foundation of Virtuous Women Houston was laid with the objective of creating a protected and supportive environment that fosters camaraderie among women and encourages them to express themselves without inhibitions. To be respectful of each other and grow, thrive and succeed together. Our society has an obligation to provide a secure platform for women to express themselves and pursue their goals, which is the essence of Virtuous Women Houston. Read More>>
Janel Caminos
My journey began in college when I started to embrace my natural curls, driven by a desire to create spaces where women with curly hair could feel empowered. As an AfroLatina, I understood the importance of representation and often found myself as the only woman of color with curly hair in the room. Read More>>
Dameion “dmr” Robinson
But, I’ve adapted to letting nature take it’s course. The numbers increased once I started focusing on just providing engaging content for Hip-Hop lovers out there. Speculations of ‘gatekeeping’ in this industry has been a challenge even though it’s more opinionated versus having actual proof that affects us directly. However consistency with networking endeavors and creating live events has aligned us with industry notables that contribute to our growth and success. Back 2 The Lab is evolving and we’re looking forward to future projects. Read More>>
Mario Gracia
When I was younger, my dad would always take us with him when he had performances. Bazaars at the church, weddings, 15’s all that type of stuff. When we got older he even made me his roadie, I saw how the crowd reacted when he would finish songs and it felt awesome to see my own father shine you know? Read More>>
Kellie Leday
I will be graduating in May 2025 with my Cosmetology License from Lamar State College Port Arthur. By spring 2026 I will have my very own salon suite to provide all my services to my clients while providing them a luxury experience. This fall my hair and wigs were reviewed and rated a “10 out 10” by POUR MINDS Podcast host LEX P podcast. I look forward to all my endeavors. I also thank you for allowing me to tell my success story and all that to come. Read More>>
Tawnie Breaux
As my career evolved, I transitioned into sales and marketing, realizing how much I loved helping businesses and individuals thrive. This led me to Success Headway, where I now have the privilege of working as Chief Strategist Officer. Here, I get to help people—especially women—build businesses and lives that they love. My focus is on making sure they have the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed, whether that’s through technology, marketing strategies, or mentorship. Read More>>
Madelyn Nance
Since my graduation, I have worked in various counseling contexts, such as private practice, juvenile probation, and addiction treatment programs. I am perpetually seeking opportunities to assist others as I continue to work in this profession. As a result, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Organization & Management: Executive Coaching at Liberty University with the intention of assisting organizations and individuals with mental health-related issues in the workplace. Read More>>
Jodie Schrier
I wanted to uncover those stories in hopes of reminding people of the value and relevancy they still had. And it would be done thru the lens of my camera; all the while allowing people to simply talk. About anything! And thats when the magic happened…..they lingered long past the ‘session’ and had a new lightness in their voice. I like to think they left with newfound hope. Hope in this world, hope in their circumstances and certainly knowing they are valued. Read More>>
Brandon Griffin
Growing up in a single parent home and women not only raising but my only also, being the only leadership in my life at the time caused me to develop some feminine traits and etc.,. I didn’t know who I was in the beginning . Being molested, abused, mistreated, and watching how men treated women around me taught me mentally what not to become when I a became an adult later on in life. Read More>>
Lynn Lazare
My life hasn’t been sugar plums and gumdrops, yet I have made the best of every moment. I have triumphant over homelessness, SA, abuse, trauma and every life trails. I am a trailblazer. I am a child of God with unwavering faith. Born in Miami Dade county, I am 1st American born child of an immigrant parent from the country of Haiti. In my early years my mother migrated from Miami to Bronx, New York. She later then relocated to the Westchester county, where I grew and spent most of my academic career. Read More>>
Carolina Gambrel
Then came the pandemic, and with it, my mid-life crisis. I jokingly told my husband I wanted to sell everything, move to New Zealand, and run a goat farm. But in all seriousness, the struggle was real. I was living a “mediocre” life. Now I know the word mediocre can be triggering because it seems like comparing, but for me, it was a personal reflection. I recognized that I was functioning far below my capacity. Read More>>
Ashley Newman
The turning point in my career came with the birth of my first child. It was a profound experience that pushed me to document families with purpose. I wanted to capture the fleeting moments and the deep connections that define family life. Even more so because we had been told we would never have children. I made a bold decision to leave my position as an elementary art teacher and start my own photography business not only so I could stay home with my children, but because my heart wanted others to have their memories documented in a meaningful way. Read More>>
Kristen Giles
In 2016, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Photography and began photographing families, eventually expanding to weddings and elopements. However, it wasn’t until I photographed my first boudoir session for a bride-to-be that I knew I had found my true calling. In 2022, I made the decision to focus solely on boudoir photography, creating intimate and empowering sessions for women. Read More>>
Hailey Joseph
Then I went to college in Atlanta at SCAD and studied more art there. College was a wild ride. Engaging in film projects challenged how I saw the industry. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, throwing everything into chaos. Coping with the challenges and battling depression, I turned to art, sharing my work on social media. That’s when I stumbled upon incredible creatives like Sam Mazzarino (@reenostus), and together, we contributed to each other’s growth in the online community. Read More>>
Breanna Collins
What sets us apart is the distinctive flavor in every dish I create. My food has a unique taste, and beyond that, I pride myself on integrity and exceptional customer service, something that seems to be fading these days. I genuinely care about my clients, ensuring they feel secure and valued throughout the process. Read More>>
Jerri P Beasley
No the road has not been a smooth one because obstacles always appear on the road to divine purpose, one obstacle was to cause others to see what I did as a serious calling, oftentimes my delivery to some may appear too fun and casual to be considered true ministry but quite honestly, it’s that approach that has given me the longevity and the ability to be effective. I am a firm believer that life in itself can be hard, so there is no need for us to add to it. Read More>>
Jacob Brinnand
When I opened my first gym, the road to success was far from easy. People see where we are today and often assume it was a quick rise, but it took over a decade of hard work, learning, and adapting. I trained students wherever I could—parks, garages, rented rooms—and formed partnerships, advertising relentlessly to build a student base. Over time, I developed a teaching style, grading system, and business model that allowed my school to grow. It wasn’t just about teaching martial arts techniques; it was about instilling values like respect, perseverance, and self-discipline, the same values that had transformed my own life. Read More>>
Jenna Guillory
I offer all of my clients the use of my dreamy field locations or one of my two cozy studios located in the Heights and in Friendswood, Texas. I have a client closet with 30+ dresses for Mommas to borrow as well as newborn wraps, and kids boutique clothing from newborn through 5 years old. I also work with an amazing makeup artist who is the absolute best at making my clients feel and look incredible for their photos! Read More>>
Ana Beaven
The biggest struggle for both restaurants has been dealing with the City bureaucracy. Everything from permits to their constant harassment over every possible issue makes me mad and discouraged. There are so many things that have no logic at all and we still have to comply. It’s annoying! Read More>>
Lyle Mathes
Being pushed outside of my comfort zone in a controlled atmosphere surrounded by people who want to achieve the same goal as me is better than therapy or any drug I could ever want or need. Our jiu jitsu school is not a competition school. It’s not a place for people to bully each other. It’s a place to grow together and to be prepared for whatever happens in life that comes our way. Its a place to collaborate and be in a group of people who want to improve in all aspects of life. It is very special and we want to share it with whoever is willing to try it. Read More>>
Jimmy & Kristi Espinoza
With the recent lifestyle changes Kristi and I had made (i.e., eating whole foods and working out again), I knew I wanted to share my grilled food with others navigating their own fitness journeys. There was an outpour of support that we received to help pave the way; like the saying goes “es mejor tener amigos que dinero”. Within a matter of days, we hosted our first catering event at Hero Performance gym. Days later, we received an influx of requests for meal preps. Just like that, JimBowls became a meal prep service provider. Read More>>
Coral Martinez
So here’s is how La Tazita was born: My journey began in 2023 during an anniversary trip with my husband to Austin. We stopped at a coffee shop before heading back to Houston and we talked about all that we had been through the last 10 years or so. I was looking around enjoying the moment when out of nowhere the thought of running my own little coffee shop creeped into my heart. I mentioned it to babe and that was that. I was in the restroom getting ready to go when I found myself talking to my Tia Mento ( short for Sacramento.. her entire full name was long lol ). She was telling me that I shoud go for it. Read More>>
Reggie Mathias
I’m originally from New York, but moved to Georgia at 13. During covid, I decided I’d move back up to New York and stayed for three years before deciding to come to Houston, after a friend told me about his experience here. As far as my photography, I started 12 years ago after being introduced by an uncle and I’ve loved it ever since. Read More>>
Tabatha Abshire
My mom used to always be behind the camera or creating things by hand so I would say I get my creative nature from her. I taught myself photography and it has always been a passion of mine. I did a lot of work with Modern Notoriety, Finish Line, Puma, Adidas and a few different restaurants in Chicago. I met my husband, Myles, and we decided to move to Houston without knowing many people. We decided to buy into a franchise from New York City called 16 Handles, which is a very popular frozen yogurt/ice cream dessert location. Read More>>
CHRISTEL APPIAH
Hair braiding was never part of my career goals. Until I had a very bad experience getting my hair braided at a hair salon back home in Ghana. I remember shaving all my hair due to bumps I has gotten on my scalp which literally got infected. When my hair grew back, I decided never to step foot in any hair salon. I woke up one night all of a sudden to try braiding my hair. When I braiding one strand, it looked so good and it motivated me to finish it. My mom and sisters were so surprised to see me the next day with my hair full of braids. Read More>>
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>>
