We are so thrilled to be able to connect with some of the brightest and most inspiring entrepreneurs and creatives from across the city and beyond and this series in particular gives us the honor of introducing these folks to you in a unique way – we go beyond the story of how they got to where they are today by asking them to reflect on a variety of deeper questions that we hope will help you better connect with them, their stories and their brands. Ultimately, our hope is that more of us will spend more of our money with independent artists, creatives and small businesses and we think getting to know one another at a deeper level is step one.
Dr. Kerri-Ann Coombs
I think what people may most misunderstand about my legacy is that it’s not just about eye exams, eyewear, or even the business itself. My legacy is about vision in a deeper sense—the ability to see possibility, to have clarity in life, and to walk in purpose. Read more>>
Young Africana
That there is no real strategy behind what I’m doing. I’m following my heart and not data 99 percent of the time. I’m mostly acting out on inspired action and not a 6 month game plan. Overall, that I’m getting paid on God’s payroll to simply do what I love and because of that I will never lack. Read more>>
Rochelle Tyler
A normal day for me is definitely full, but I love it. I start by making sure my kids are off and ready for high school and middle school. During the day, I’m a full-time 8th grade math teacher and also serve as the middle school mentor to new teachers at my campus, so my school days are very busy and rewarding. Read more>>
PR Dappa
A normal day for me right now ; is just an amazing daily grind and push towards excellence !!! Each day is filled with to do ; goals and accomplishments and different challenges and obstacles ; to get through and surpass !!! Some days are smoother than others ; as a professional with experience ; every day is a day to learn and grow from. Read more>>
TAHER MOHAMMED ALI
I usually wake up around 7 in the morning and start the day by boiling eggs for myself and my 3-year-old daughter — we’re the only ones in our family who enjoy them. While she eats, I help her get ready for the day. My 10-year-old daughter, who prefers toast or cereal, is usually getting ready for school with some help from my wife. Read more>>
AKUA GRAY
If you can imagine a symphony of birds cascading you at the awaking of the morning which takes you into a peaceful moment of meditation and gratitude is how a start my every day. Read more>>
Tiffany Bean
What is a normal day!?!?!?! Being in real estate pretty much means that every day is full of surprises! So does being a single mom! I have 2 daughters and it’s summer so we are currently trying to balance work and fun and that is a challenge as all I want to do is play with my girls! Read more>>
Christina Lapina
My days are a whirlwind of creativity, caregiving, and content! I wear many hats—I’m a wife, a mom, a blogger, a UGC creator, and a UGC coach—and somehow, I manage to balance them all. My mornings start early with my baby, followed by breakfast with the family and a stroll in the park with my daughter. Read more>>
Staci Childs
As a Black woman in public leadership, I’ve sometimes found myself shrinking or softening my truth to avoid being labeled as loud, angry, or ghetto. That stereotype has followed so many of us into rooms we had to fight just to enter. Read more>>
Jessica Wilson
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is the one I have with myself. Over the years, I’ve had to unlearn the habit of being my own biggest critic and learn how to be my own biggest supporter instead. Read more>>
Shreyasi Kulkarni
Without a shadow of a doubt, the most profoundly shaping relationships in my life were with my grandparents. They weren’t just family; they were my first culinary instructors, my earliest storytellers, and the quiet architects of my passion for food. My maternal grandma, my beloved ‘Ajji,’ with her long, braided hair and endless captivating tales, was the epitome of grace and versatility. Read more>>
Angela Perkins
The relationships that most shaped how I see myself are my relationship with God and my family. If it wasn’t for God on my side, I don’t know where I would be. I was brought up on love, and I know everyone was raised differently. Even in my adulthood, my family is close. We have each other’s backs, front, and sides. Read more>>
Alyssia Aguilar
This may sound like a surprising answer, but the people who have hurt me the most in my life have actually played a major role in shaping how I see myself today. You might be thinking, ‘Wait…what?’ But honestly, it was through those very moments of hurt, betrayal, and heartbreak that I found the strength to rise. Read more>>
Aida Khanum
My relationship with my mother truly shaped who I was—and continues to shape who I am. She was the kind of person who radiated kindness, patience, and quiet strength. She didn’t just speak about compassion and generosity—she lived it every day, in every interaction, big or small. Read more>>
Randi Day
First and always, my relationship with God is the foundation of how I see myself. He reminds me daily that I’m here to love others the way He loves us…with compassion, patience, and purpose. But the human relationship that’s most opened my eyes is the one I have with my daughter, Violet. Read more>>
Kim Lehl
There are a lot of people who have shaped how I see myself. But, my grandfather had the deepest impact on the clarity of how I see myself. The events in my life that I remember most clearly when I think of ‘who I am’ are things that happened with my grandfather. He looked at me when I was little like I was so special. Read more>>
Scott Hill
This is an interesting question because you would think my mind would jump to a romantic relationship. But the truth is that my relationship with myself has shaped me the most. Read more>>
Catherine Rawlings
My family and being a mother to my 3 children is the biggest blessing in my life. I started my business after having 2 kids so that I could have something for myself besides just being a mom. Read more>>
Davo Tha
One of my earliest memories of feeling truly powerful was when I figured out how to record and mix my own music. It wasn’t just about the technical aspects of recording or mixing, though—it was about realizing that when you really put your mind to something, you can achieve anything. Read more>>
Misty Vogel
I remember being a child, maybe 10 (if that) and my grandfather always taking newspaper clippings of entrepreneurs and saving them for me when I’d come home from school. He was an entrepreneur in safety and construction, and I always idolized him for that. From a young age, he instilled in me that entrepreneurship is the way to go. Read more>>
Brinn Miracle
I was 10 years old, sketching a house with wild rooflines. My dad looked at it and said, “That’s too complicated — no one will be able to afford it.” Without missing a beat, I said, “That’s fine. I’ll just get rich clients.” That moment stuck with me. Read more>>
Tanny Williams
My granny had 2 vehicles a 4 runner and a 89′ Jimmy ‘Blazer’. As a teen we are anxious to drive especially since I had got my license. I was playing basketball in high school so I practiced after school then caught the after school bus to a friend’s house that was walking distance to my job at Taco Bell. Read more>>
Reaghan Velasquez
The Yellow Out Campaign has been a great blessing to many communities in South-Central Texas and the families we have provided opportunities of inclusion and friendship to. However, how we got here and my earliest memory of feeling not only powerful but reminded of my purpose, started in my hometown and in elementary school in 2012. Read more>>
Celia Zaga
I will never regret finding and chasing my dreams. No matter the challenges or sacrifices, working hard toward what truly lights me up has given my life purpose and meaning. Even in the toughest moments, knowing I’m following my passion keeps me going—and that’s something I’ll always be proud Read more>>
Angel Hickman
I would regret not giving myself permission to believe it’s possible. The 10% chance of walking again could become my miracle, and that my faith and fight matter just a much as the odds. Read more>>
Rivka Fishman
I don’t believe in regrets. I believe that while we must learn from our mistakes, most of us make the best choices we can with the information and perspective we have at the time. Regret isn’t helpful unless it leads to reflection and growth. Read more>>
Joshua & Yazmin Esparza
The cultural value we protect at all costs would have to be to keep God first in all that we do. Include him in everything. Decision making, finances, our marriage. Everything. To give him the Glory for our wins. Read more>>
Chef LaToya Larkin
Legacy…..In my kitchen, in my business, and in my life legacy is the cultural value I protect at all costs. For me, legacy isn’t just about passing down recipes; it’s about passing down ownership, opportunity, and stories that outlive us. I come from communities where so much of our history, wealth, and traditions were taken or overlooked. Read more>>
Jordan Underwood
Authenticity. I protect it at all costs because it’s the foundation of everything — in life, in relationships, and in design. I’ve learned that when you stay true to who you are, you attract the right people, the right opportunities, and the right energy. The moment you compromise that, you lose the magic that makes you unique. Read more>>
Sharon Majano
Support over competition! In this industry, it’s easy to fall into comparison, but at Lotus we’ve built a culture where collaboration, growth, and mutual respect come first. I’m intentional about creating an environment where everyone feels valued, encouraged, and safe to grow -not just as artists, but as people. Read more>>
Armando Bernal
I consistently have my staff understand that we could not possibly run as an organization if it was not for the direct lineman. In our field they are known as registered behavior technicians. They are an absolute blessing to our organization and I am forever thankful for everything they accomplish. Our patients succeed because of their incredibly hard work. Read more>>
Silver Criswell
When we talk about the rise of mega-mansions in older communities, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of urgency. What are we losing in our rush to build bigger, shinier homes? Sure, these grand estates are beautiful on the surface, but they come at a much deeper cost. Read more>>
Dawon Matthews
Something I changed my mind about after failing hard is the importance of trusting myself above all else. The only business failures I’ve experienced came when I ignored my gut and followed someone else’s advice, even when my instincts told me otherwise. Those experiences taught me that believing in yourself and staying true to who you are isn’t just important — it’s essential. Read more>>
Stephanie Clark
One of the most surprising things I’ve learned about my customers is how often they come into a session saying, “We’re really awkward in front of the camera” and then absolutely crush it! It happens all the time, whether it’s high school seniors, families, or even business professionals. People tend to underestimate how naturally they can shine when they feel comfortable and seen. Read more>>
Ivory Hecker
Bet the company? Well I started a news company, and when I realized all the toxic news that got all the clicks and brought in all the revenue was only eroding people’s mental health, I decided to bet the company. I made a gamble that shifting gears to more positive stories would still keep the business afloat. I’m in the middle of that transition now. Read more>>
Alena Warfield
Declining travel protection… say it louder for the people in the back! Time and time again, travelers assume they’re immune to life’s curveballs—until the unexpected happens. Maybe it’s a missed connection, a last-minute illness, a family emergency, or a weather event that shuts down an entire airport. Trust me, in the travel industry, we’ve seen it all. Read more>>
Olivia
Although I do not have any specific person in mind, I admire those that are silently successful. Those who do not feel it is necessary to brag or flaunt their wealth and success, and those who have proven others wrong by staying true to themselves and finding peace and happiness in doing so. Read more>>
Raquel Breaux
It’s very simple, I do a lot of reading books and learning new material, I definitely pick up a lot of information by reading books. I think it’s super important to continue reading books, taking courses etc, so we can continue to evolve and grow in our own lives. Read more>>
Doc Greene
Would I hire me? The answer is yes, because I want to hire someone for whom its not just a job or piece of work that must be completed. I would hire me because I am passionate about what I do. Where most workers would thing the job is done and want to pick up the check, I am just beginning. Read more>>
