Over the past decade we have had the chance to learn about so many incredible folks from a wide range of industries and backgrounds and our highlighter series is designed to give us an opportunity to go deeper into their stories with to goal of understanding them, their thought process, how their values formed and the foundations of their stories. Check out some incredible folks below – many of whom you may have read about already and a few new names as well.
Ashley Toman
Oh I love this question! When I was fresh on the scene in Houston I think one thing about me everyone can agree upon, was that I was hungry for success, to be seen and heard. Well, I think it’s safe to say I did do that but almost to an exhausting level. Read more>>
Grant Maniér
The part of me that I’ve chosen to release is the idea that autism defines who I am. For a long time, people looked at me and only saw the autism, not the person behind it. But I’ve learned—and now proudly say—I define my autism; it does not define me. I’ve let go of the labels, the limitations, and the assumptions people make. Read more>>
Gabrielle Hakes
I prefer not to speculate, so I asked! Quite a few of them said authenticity, which makes me so happy because YES that is one of my biggest values. I always want the people around me to be comfortable enough to show up as they are, to do what makes them happy and walk a path that’s true to their hearts. Read more>>
Abigail Moran
My closest friends would say that family matters to me the most. My son Joshua is the most important person in this world for me. I try to be the best version of myself for him. I try to live my life by example because there are always his eyes looking at not what I say, but what I do. Read more>>
Bailee Sanchez
Even after five years in business and thousands of people in front of my lens, I still get butterflies before every session. I truly can’t wait to meet my clients and create something meaningful – something they’ll hold onto for a lifetime. Read more>>
Joanna Suazo
Absolutely…! I’ve learned to give my best even when no one’s watching, even when the room is silent and the applause never comes. In everything I do, whether it’s crafting the perfect cocktail or setting up themed bar setup – I pour my heart out. Not because I expect praise, but rather I hold myself to a standard that’s rooted in pride, purpose, and integrity. Read more>>
Tomeka Kuhn
I like this question because one of the gifts of rejection is resilience. Rejected people often give and do their best without ever receiving recognition or rarely receiving recognition. The difference between doing your best rejected and not is the motivation. People dealing with rejection are motivated to please and be accepted thus giving and doing their best out of a need to be accepted. Read more>>
Mr. Clemon Malbreau
All blessings I speak of come straight from God. There came a time when I realized I was speaking to the wrong people—because I never saw true change in myself or felt peace in my spirit. Read more>>
Savannah Watson
I remember venting to a friend during one of those seasons where everything felt heavy—motherhood, work, life—and instead of trying to fix it or downplay it, she just sat with me in it. She didn’t interrupt, didn’t offer advice unless I asked—she just let me be honest without judgment. Read more>>
Krystle Hodge
There have been moments, like crossing the finish line on race day or reaching a big goal for my business, when I thought achieving the outcome would feel like the ultimate reward. While there is definitely a sense of satisfaction in those moments, I have realized that the real value lies in the journey itself. Read more>>
Sarah Coupland
If I knew I had 10 years left, I’d stop pretending there’s all the time in the world, because I know now, there isn’t. Facing open-heart surgery and coming that close to death changed everything. It stripped away the noise and made it painfully clear what actually matters. I’d stop overcommitting, stop pouring into things that don’t pour back, and stop living on autopilot. Read more>>
Angelica Sammons
This is a powerful question. If I were to strip away my name, my job title, and all my possessions, what would remain is my indomitable spirit, a strong sense of purpose, and the meaningful relationships I’ve built. I believe my true identity is rooted in my work ethic and the drive to inspire my family. Read more>>
Christine Terrell
I grew up in Maine about an hour from the coast. In the summer my dad would often take my brother and I down to the beach and then we would stop at a local lobster shack on the dock. While we were waiting for food we could climb down under the dock to look for sea urchin shells. Read more>>
Sindy Gamez
One of the biggest lies my industry tells itself is that grooming has to stay inside the box — plain uniforms, standard cuts, and no room for individuality. Read more>>
Chance Trahan
I used to work with this one guy at the Blue Note Bistro in Manitou Springs, Colorado. He would always bug me when he was working in the kitchen, always asking me what the name of the band is that’s on the radio. A lot of the bands I did know, but there were a few I didn’t know or didn’t care about. Read more>>
nida jalal
It is likely that my best friend values kindness and empathy towards others. They would probably highlight my loyalty and how i always have their back. Furthermore, your best friend would likely mention my sense of humor and the fun i bring to their life. Ultimately, they would express their gratitude for my friendship and the positive impact i have on their life. Read more>>
Regina Rowland
The first 90 minutes of my day are all about grounding myself before the world starts calling. I start with a big glass of water and a few quiet moments of gratitude, just to set the tone. Then I do some gentle stretches and vocal warm-ups—nothing too intense, just enough to wake up my body and voice. Read more>>
DJ LIL RON
Absolutely — there have been moments where I questioned everything. Balancing a demanding career in the oil and gas industry while trying to build The Hit Galaxy Entertainment from the ground up hasn’t always been easy. There were times when the late nights, financial stress, or slow progress made me wonder if it was worth it. Read more>>
Julius Karow
A typical day for me is a whirlwind of activity, filled with the joy and chaos of managing our busy household. With five amazing kiddos—four adopted and one in foster care—there’s never a dull moment! I find myself constantly shuttling them to different places, ensuring they’re where they need to be. Read more>>
Maria Castro
A Day in the Life: Leading with Heart at Magic Oak By Maria Castro Most mornings begin before the sun has fully risen. My daughter is on The Woodlands High School cross country team, and practice starts early to beat the Texas heat. Read more>>
Nicole Bean
I’ve been very committed to supporting, engaging and encouraging women in business, in restaurant and making their own paths (even up the corporate ladder). It’s very important to me to have a support system and encouragement. I was never told ‘you can do anything,’ but it was something I knew was possible. Read more>>
Bhuvaneshwari Vadivazhagan
I admire my husband not for any power or position he holds, but for the quiet strength of his character that shines through in every little thing he does. He is my constant support system, the one who holds me up when I feel low, listens when I can’t find the words, and understands even the unspoken parts of me—my moods, insecurities, dreams, and fears. Read more>>
Christina Hulka-Singleton
What I’m chasing is the ability to create a better future for my family something more stable, more fulfilling, and built with purpose. Professionally, I’m chasing growth and refinement within my Permanent Makeup training programs. I’m currently developing an improved curriculum that includes an online component to be completed before the hands on training. Read more>>
Eric Sheninger
In my experience, what most frequently breaks the bonds between people is a breakdown in trust and effective communication. When individuals or groups feel unheard, disrespected, or betrayed, the foundational elements of any strong relationship begin to erode. Read more>>
Danielle Coulanges
Healthy, long-lasting relationships require that both people 1) understand the dynamics of what makes a relationship work—and, 2) just as importantly, that they commit to respecting the parameters and boundaries, explicitly agreed upon or naturally embedded in their unique connection. In nearly all meaningful relationships—familial, romantic, or platonic—certain core elements are consistently present: kinship (family), caring, trust, acceptance, and emotional support. Read more>>
Juan Cruz
In the arts, perception is reality. If an audience member perceives your performance as perfect, then for them, it was. If you gave the best performance of your life, but an audience member perceived it as being mediocre, then for them, that’s all it was. But how could you ever definitively prove that? If someone’s opinion works in your favor, then this belief is useful. Read more>>
Joanne Tang
I believe every act of genuine kindness ripples farther than we can ever see. I can’t prove it in a lab or measure it precisely. But I sense that a moment of compassion—a kind word, a listening ear, a silent presence—can echo into someone’s life, shift their choices, soften their anger, restore their faith. Read more>>
Marcus Williams
One of the biggest misconceptions about my business as a Luxury Travel Specialist is that we’re overpriced or even scammers that we just upcharge trips or that there’s no need for an agent because ‘I can book it myself.’ The truth is, most people don’t take the time to research or vet who they’re working with. Read more>>
Barbara Mexis
The idea of it being ‘just balloons.’ It’s not just balloons, It’s creativity, consulting, chaos made orderly, packaged and provided for the client. It’s what takes an already special occasion and elevates it to the next level. Birthdays, anniversaries, baby showers etc are all customizable, and the personal touch brings that extra sparkle to the occasion. Read more>>
Lindsey Parker
What’s Often Misunderstood About Our Work That’s a great question, and it touches on the multifaceted nature of running two passion-driven businesses. I think the biggest misunderstanding is the sheer scope and relentless pace of what we do daily. Many people see the public-facing side of Parker Pickling Co. or The Courtyard Collective Farmer’s Market – the vibrant products, the bustling market days. Read more>>
Jimmy Enloe
You know, I think a lot of people assume that being a wedding DJ or running a photo booth company is just about showing up and pressing play—or setting up some gear and letting it run. But let me ask you something: Have you ever been to a wedding where the energy felt flat, or things didn’t flow the way they should’ve? Read more>>
Janwin Overstreet-Goode
I think too often we are expected, as musicians, to share our talents (provide our services) free of charge. There are many volunteer musicians (church choirs and instrumentalists, for example), who sing or play for the love of music, and the joy it provides – and that’s great. Read more>>
Lauren Avant
I think one of the biggest misunderstandings about wedding content creation is that it’s ‘just taking videos on a phone.’ In reality, it’s a highly intentional service that captures behind-the-scenes, in-between moments that often get missed by photographers and videographers. Read more>>
Tatiana Boone
I believe many people are secretly struggling with asking for help. In a world that often praises independence and strength, admitting that you’re overwhelmed, confused, or in need can feel like weakness. Whether it’s due to pride, fear of judgment, or past experiences where their vulnerability wasn’t respected, people often choose to suffer in silence rather than reach out. Read more>>
Kelsee Melton
I think many people struggle with silently feeling inadequate due to societal norms, work-life balance, constantly chasing the “next best thing” hoping it will finally bring them happiness and fulfillment, and constant comparison to others. Such as every day life stressors and societal norms “of having to keep it all together and have it all”. Read more>>
Bridget Dawn
I think that most high functioning people constantly battle with the need to keep it together. In our efforts to be ‘good enough,’ I think all people mask past traumas, anxieties, and even depression. Many people hide these vulnerable parts of themselves—not because they are dishonest, but because they fear that they will be misunderstood, judged, or rejected. Read more>>
Kelli Durham
I think many people—especially women and creatives—are silently struggling with their mental health. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, burnout, self-doubt, or grief, there’s often this unspoken pressure to “keep it together” and make life look beautiful and effortless, even when things feel really messy underneath. We live in a culture that rewards perfection and productivity, so admitting you’re not okay can feel vulnerable or even shameful. Read more>>
Jackie Riggs
I recently shared a ‘Deinfluencing photography’ post on social media – things like: I have no desire to go full time with photography. I’m not the trendy, young and cute photographer – I’m a 43 year old mom. I’m one of the most expensive photographers in my area and I’m okay with losing business to the cheaper photographers. Read more>>
Sam Stilley
A lot of entrepreneurs are quietly wrestling with mental health battles no one talks about. There’s this constant pressure to stay sharp, lead with confidence, and always have the answers. But behind the scenes, it’s a rollercoaster. One day you’re on top of the world, the next you’re questioning everything, your decisions, your direction, even your worth. Read more>>
Kiana Mcloughlin
I know I’m out of my depth when my peace starts to slip away. If something begins to cost me my mental health—my sleep, my joy, my sense of self—it’s no longer worth it. I’ve learned that just because I can push through something doesn’t mean I should. Read more>>
