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.
Maggie Castillo
It was the morning after a big storm, and my home internet was completely out. I was on my way to the office, a little frustrated, when I called my inside sales assistant. I asked her to log into my computer at the office and check my ranking for the NAHREP top 250. Read more>>
Amber Baylor
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be this: “You don’t have to dim your light to make others comfortable. Your voice—twang and all—is a gift, not something to hide. You’re not here to fight every battle; peace is not weakness. Let your uniqueness shine, and don’t be afraid to be fully you. Read more>>
Kat Hernande
Yes! What you see if what you get! I’ve learned over the years people are either gonna love you or hate regardless how you act! With being yourself you attract the right people who won’t judge you for how you are! I’m very outspoken, wild, goofy and make light of any situation because of this I’m very well known now. Read more>>
AE Thomas
I almost gave up after writing my first book. I had convinced myself, that because this was part of my calling and destiny, that it would be a best seller right out of the gate. When that didn’t happen, I thought I had failed. Read more>>
AMY CUMMINS
My lifes work has been to give back to others. That can be from the 23 years as a police officer, volunteering with numerous organizations over the years, working now as a victim coordinator, and so much more. Something that has not left my thoughts was to obtain a masters in counseling. Read more>>
Nyquan Sennett
I’m relentlessly chasing my dreams because I know they’re within reach if I’m willing to fight for them. If you don’t pursue what sets your soul on fire, you’ll never know the power of what you can truly achieve. Every step I take is with purpose, ensuring I turn every dream into a victory. Read more>>
Winsome Brooks
One of the biggest misconceptions is that Melanated Manny is “just babysitting.” In reality, it’s much broader and deeper than childcare. What people often miss is that our platform connects families with reliable, background-checked male caregivers who serve as mentors, coaches, tutors, and companions, not simply someone to watch children for a few hours. Another misunderstanding is the range of support we provide. Read more>>
Monica Santiago
Some of the defining wounds of my life have come from challenges and transitions that tested me deeply—moments where I had to let go, start over, or face uncertainty. These experiences were difficult, but through them I learned to lean on God, trust His plan, and seek His guidance in every step. Read more>>
Yashika Annang
I believe the mind is incredibly powerful, more than most people realize. Our thoughts shape our reality. If we believe we can accomplish something, we’re right. If we believe we can’t, we’re also right. The mind truly has the power to influence our actions, outcomes, and ultimately, our lives. Read more>>
Debra Riley
When I go into my studio, close the door, and start working on a painting, the world stands still. I can begin painting and suddenly look up to realize it is 4 hours later and I never put any music on or even taken a sip of water, yet I am totally relaxed and recharged. Read more>>
Beatrice Zarco
The people who taught me the most about work, without a doubt, are my parents. They are my ultimate role models and truly molded me into the person and professional I am today. I witnessed their incredible journey firsthand, leaving everything behind in El Salvador during the civil war in the 1980s to provide me with a safer, better life. Read more>>
Sylvia McDoanld
QUALITY TIME. That’s it — that’s what matters most to me. My closest friends know that nothing in life means more than being fully present with the people I love. I’m admittedly terrible at quick replies (sometimes it takes me 2 days or even 2 weeks to answer a text), but it’s never out of ill intent. Read more>>
Motoko Yasue
That Art is a critical element of life in the world: I have learned this from my wonderful mentors: The late well-known Houston artist, Arthur Tuner, my professor Michael Collins, my advisor and graduate school mentor, and so many of my art instructors in Houston. Read more>>
Brandon Rottinghaus
The project I’m committed to is the goal of Y’alloween — making sure that every child in Texas has a Halloween costume on Halloween night. For many families, costumes are a luxury they can’t afford. Y’alloween works to change that by collecting and distributing costumes so that every kid can feel included, have fun, and be part of the celebration. Read more>>
Mary Meisel
The cultural value I protect at all costs is the innocence and confidence of young girls. Our brand, Meet Marie, is a direct extension of my values as a mother. In a world where children are often rushed to grow up too fast, we stand firm in our commitment to age-appropriate elegance. Read more>>
Holly Cotton
Being a cancer survivor I’m often on panels or at events talking about cancer and my story as an inspiration to others. Read more>>
Blanka Molnar
Who likes pain? Nobody! But pain isn’t here to punish us or push us into the dark. Pain is a signpost showing you that something is out of alignment in your life. The moment you stop running away from it, you stop and face it…That’s when the real magic happens. Read more>>
Nickyy Danger
I feel most at peace after finishing a day of great work, musical and/or the other businesses I tend to, coming home to my five children and wife, tucking them in and getting to watch old familiar movies with my wife (Tara) Read more>>
Patrick Moore
This season, I truly bet the company on our Unbroken Shostakovich cycle. Programming seven concerts of Shostakovich quartets in chronological order is an ambitious undertaking, both artistically and logistically. The music is emotionally intense, technically demanding, and thematically profound, and presenting it as a full season requires total commitment from the quartet and from our audience. Read more>>
Brittany St.James
Before the world layered its expectations on me, I was simply a bold and curious girl who believed she could do it all. I wasn’t worried about fitting into boxes or proving myself—I just moved through life with confidence, creativity, and a love for connecting with people. Read more>>
Jehzel Vigoa
I’ve been asked this question before and the answer is YES! I love my style. I stay true to color when editing. I pay close attention to detail from removing stretch marks on a pregnancy mama’s belly to giving my client the hour glass figure she wants for her birthday pictures. Read more>>
De’Asia B.
I genuinely feel that I am now fulfilling my true purpose in life. My focus has shifted away from worrying about others’ opinions and instead centers on what brings me joy and inner peace. I’ve discovered that I truly thrive when I’m serving and helping others. This realization is one of the reasons I chose to become an Esthetician. Read more>>
Erica Bartlett
I believe that if I were to leave medicine, my patients would miss my bedside manner. Obviously, my results should speak for themselves, but my goal is to make each and every one of my patients feel special, because they are. Medicine has become so much of a business, it only focuses on the numbers. The number of visits, number of surgeries, number of referrals. Read more>>
Serenity Taylor
If I retired tomorrow, my customers would miss the way I hold them accountable while still pouring into them with love and encouragement. They’d miss having someone who not only gives them strategy and structure but also helps them believe in themselves when fear, doubt, or inconsistency tries to creep in. Read more>>
Micole Williams
Yes. I am not an open book, but what I post and what is posted about me normally reflects the broad scope of my life. Most of the things I am into do not intersect naturally – I like sharing and proving that it is okay to explore different pathways as long as it is purpose-filled. How God made you is more than okay. Read more>>
Legaci
Longevity is the first thing that came to mind. I want to inspire others to chase what seems or feels impossible. There has been many moments that have felt impossible, but here I am. Still chasing and pushing. Read more>>
Laura Lynn
Most people chase money or material things. Not me. Money is nice but it’s an accessory more than a necessity. I am chasing my dream. The chase seems never ending at times and it feels like I’m on a treadmill. The reoccurring dream I have ends with me holding a few awards for my talent. Read more>>
Kimberley Wells-Holmes
I am chasing purpose and impact. For me, it’s not just about building a business or achieving personal goals—it’s about creating something that feeds others, whether that’s through food, encouragement, or service. I’m chasing the vision of leaving a lasting imprint that inspires people to believe in themselves and know that they can overcome. Read more>>
Ki Jack
What I’m most proud of that often goes unseen is the work I’ve put into building *TheKi2Success*. Behind the brand, there are countless late nights, sacrifices, and lessons learned that most people never witness. What people see is the polished website, the coaching, and the digital products—but what they don’t see is the resilience it took to push through doubts, setbacks, and moments of uncertainty. Read more>>
Jessica Rotella
I believe integrity is everything—in relationships, in business, and especially behind the chair. For me, being real with people and treating them with respect is the foundation of trust. Treating others the way I’d want to be treated isn’t just the golden rule—it’s the only way I know how to show up. Read more>>
Demetrius Hines
I think one of the common things that can break a bond is the lack of communication. When people stop talking openly and honestly, we start to misunderstand one another, and the resentment and assumptions fill the void. It leads to a feeling of being unheard and emotionally disconnected. Read more>>
Raisa Smoot
Suffering taught me to listen to my gut. Ive suffered plenty of times, most of those times at my own hand. Every time ive suffered its to the fault of ignoring my stomach telling me what to do and not to do, who and what to avoid, who to partner or work with, etc. This is why it is important to know yourself. Read more>>
Angelica Robles
In today’s fast-paced, swipe-right culture, many people are secretly struggling with loneliness, fear of vulnerability, and the pressure to present a curated version of themselves rather than their authentic truth. Behind the highlight reels and surface-level conversations, individuals crave deeper connections but often hesitate to admit their insecurities or emotional blind spots. Read more>>
Chrissie Velasquez
I think more people struggle with feeling overlooked than we realize. Being overlooked can be such a lonely feeling, and we often don’t realize how many people around us feel the same way. Those feelings are valid. If we feel unseen, it is usually because there is a very real and valuable part of us that is not being seen. Why isn’t it being seen? Read more>>
Charles Washington
Something that I deeply understand and respect is the power of music and its effect on its listeners on a cellular and ultimately an emotional, phycological, and physical level. Read more>>
Blake Stoner
A normal day for me is a mix of running the storefront, connecting with people, and handling the behind-the-scenes of the brand. Read more>>
Louis Shretter
yes i gave up / took breaks several times sometimes breaks are necessary the music business can be a crazy business to be in it can be very stressful Read more>>
Darren Stewart
Running has been a passion of mine for the past three years. While all my previous races were local to Houston, last month I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Australia and complete my first World Marathon Major, the Sydney Marathon. It was a true joy to combine my passion with international travel, experiencing a new part of the world with my wife. Read more>>
TreyTheEntertainer
I can say in the last 5 years I have been in 2 relationships. One relationship was for 2 years & the other one was 3 years & they both taught me major lessons. Read more>>
Francisco Hernandez
When I was studying engineering, I made a simple but life-changing discovery about myself: I learned that I absorbed knowledge far better by seeing than by hearing. For years I sat toward the back of the classroom, trying to follow long explanations by listening. But I noticed the details would blur, the concepts felt distant, and I often left class with gaps in my understanding. Read more>>
Elena Loviea
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I started designing jewelry with stones I found at local trade shows. Each piece felt like it told its own story, and it became my passion to create. Read more>>
Elma Esparza
My closest friends would tell you that what truly matters to me is family. Everything I do begins and ends with them. I’m blessed with a daughter, Vivian, who is a doctor in Clifton, Texas, and who gave me my beautiful granddaughter. My son, Cory, works alongside me in the office as a Certified Applicator and has given me a wonderful grandson. Read more>>
Sandra Pham
Starting my own business in 2018 was a defining moment for me. It was both exciting and challenging, but it taught me resilience and the importance of believing in myself. That leap into entrepreneurship showed me that passion and hard work can create opportunities, even when the path isn’t straightforward. Read more>>
Melissa Noyola
The people who have taught me the most about work are my Bellas — the women who sit in our chairs every day. They’ve shown me that this job isn’t just about lashes or facials. It’s about trust. It’s about confidence. It’s about giving someone that spark when they look in the mirror and finally see the version of themselves they always wanted. Read more>>
Ali Haider
I’m a strong candidate for this role because of my dedication to achieving results and my extensive background in strategic business development and sales. In my current position as Strategic Business Development & Sales Manager at EVBOLT Inc., I have been instrumental in driving growth opportunities, fostering key client relationships, and implementing innovative sales strategies to meet and exceed targets. Read more>>
