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.
Reginald Riggins
I earned my PhD in clinical psychology from Jackson State University in 2017 and I later became licensed in 2019. My career began at the South Texas VA Health Care System in San Antonio, TX. I served as the PTSD/Substance Abuse Psychologist from 2018 until 2020. I thoroughly enjoyed from providing care to our nation’s Veterans during that time. Read more>>
Kimberly Munsinger
I came from an oil and gas background worked in that field for 20 plus years. In 2014-2015 had been laid off from oil and gas due to plant closure. Worked for other companies for a bit and was looking for something that allowed me flexibility, to not miss all my kid’s activities. I answered a Facebook post for an assistant needed. Read more>>
Paul Pham
Hughie’s came about by desperation and as a last life line. We neither imagined being in the hospitality industry nor have any experience in it. The saying, “everything happens for a reason” is very much true. Hughie’s is family owned and operated, and has remained the same. Aunt Irene, the youngest of her siblings, and a brilliant woman. Read more>>
C. Archie
I began my career as a Collegiate athlete, playing football for Troy University (formally Troy State University). Following that, I transitioned into social work, acting and entertainment, which culminated in a noble appearance on national television alongside the legendary Jamie Foxx. Now, I have channeled that discipline into the fitness world and serve as the General Manager of Rumble Boxing Gym located in The Heights. Read more>>
Genevieve Echeta
My Journey from Pharmacy to Autism Care I am a Doctor of Pharmacy by profession, with over 15 years of experience serving in different healthcare settings across the state of Texas. My journey has always been about helping people live healthier, more fulfilling lives — but I never imagined that path would one day lead me into the world of autism care. Read more>>
Ken Roy
After retiring in 2014, my wife and I moved south to escape the Illinois winners where we had lived for 25 years. While we left a son and two grandsons in Illinois, we now live near our daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren. Read more>>
Ashia Johnson
Hi, I’m Ashia ‘Aj’ Johnson. The Founder and Executive Director of Sistahz Full Circle, Inc. What’s my story? I probably shouldn’t of made it this far. I was a young mom and I struggled in college. I chose to hang around people that did not make good life choices, however, my parents never gave up on me. I struggled for years. Read more>>
Begga Hall
I was born and raised in Iceland. I spent most of my career there working in the spa industry, which I absolutely loved. Health and wellness have always been passions of mine. Although Iceland is a wonderful place to grow up, I always felt a yearning to travel and experience life abroad. Deep down, I knew I would one day live in another country. Read more>>
Nikki Mihalik
While working toward what I thought was my “dream career” at The Getty, my dad died in an accident. In the weeks that followed that unexpected and life-changing event, I found myself rethinking everything—especially my career path. As much as I loved art, I realized my heart wasn’t in academia. Read more>>
Minnie Troy
Since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a massage therapist. When my mom came home after walking two miles from work, I’d watch her in pain and dream of ways to help. That early passion became an obsession to evolve massage therapy. At 15, my best friend was my friend’s grandmother—who soon became my own. Read more>>
Hamid Ali
The story of SmartCore Labs began in 2017 with a simple idea — to make STEM education hands-on, affordable, and accessible to every child. At the time, I was still working full-time in my corporate career, leading large-scale transformation and strategy initiatives for global companies. Read more>>
Hira Khursheed
My journey with Serene Soul Energy began as a personal healing quest that transformed into a calling to help others. For years, I was deeply drawn to spirituality, energy work, and the subtle ways the Universe guides us toward alignment. What started as self-healing through Reiki quickly evolved into a passion for supporting others on their paths to emotional balance, clarity, and inner peace. Read more>>
Sheritha Chambliss
I started as a certified nurse aid at the age of 19 yr old. After having my fourth child when I was 25 yr old I decided to obtain my GED and purse a career in nursing because I did not feel like the care i received during my pregnancy came from a place of compassion by the nursing staff or doctors. Read more>>
Kodi Roberts
Becoming a certified trainer and the owner of CRAVE Fitness is something I never could have imagined as a former version of myself. At my heaviest, I weighed 247 pounds. My son was just 10 months old, and I was still wearing maternity pants. I remember constantly feeling tired, irritable, and defeated. Read more>>
Jack Quillin
I’m a Houston native with a lifelong passion for storytelling through the lens. In 2021, I moved to Los Angeles to attend film school and immerse myself in the heart of the entertainment industry. During my time there, I gained hands-on experience working high-profile events including the Oscars, AppleTV+ premieres, and DreamWorks productions, as well as contributing to a local news agency. Read more>>
Alannah Valdes
A Taste of Heart and Heritage: Chef Alannah’s Journey from Marine to Master Chef In the heart of Houston, where culinary creativity meets Southern soul, Chef Alannah has carved out a name synonymous with warmth, flavor, and community. Read more>>
Nathan Um
My Story My name is Nathan Um, and I represent Golden Eagle Taekwondo as the Headmaster of our 4th location. My father, Grandmaster Aaron Um, is the founder of Golden Eagle Taekwondo. His lifelong passion for teaching and transforming lives through martial arts is the foundation of who I am today. Read more>>
Leanne Comeaux
I am the Canadian girl who came to Texas for a week and met her Texan cowboy/firefighter and fell in love. Our story is one for Hallmark, even a friend just wrote a song about it. Things fell into place during the 4 1/2 years long distance relationship, we got married in 2016. I moved down at the end of that year. Read more>>
Teddy Parish
My passion for cooking started when I was a child, cooking with my grandmother (Opal Lee Parish) and my mother (Sharon Parish). They love to cook, and I love to eat. They always said I needed to learn how to cook because I enjoy eating. It wasn’t until May 27, 2025, just after my mother’s birthday on May 22, that I had a motorcycle accident. Read more>>
Brittany Fraction
I’m originally from Mer Rouge, Louisiana. A small town that taught me faith, hard work, and the power of community. I’ve always had a heart for people and a passion for uplifting others, but my path to purpose has been anything but ordinary. At 27, I made a bold decision to join the U.S. Army. Read more>>
Chucci White
Hi, I’m Chucci, a content creator, dancer, and cosplayer originally from Beaumont, Texas. I’ve been dancing since the age of seven, but I truly believe I was born to dance. A fun fact that always surprises people is that my birthday falls on International Dance Day. Something that feels like more than just a coincidence. Read more>>
Steven Moss
I’ve always had a therapist in me. As a kid, I’d set up “Sunday talks” with friends, asking things like “Why do you do what you do?” In college, that same curiosity pulled me toward literature—studying the patterns in characters and the psychology behind the stories we tell. Read more>>
Manuel Marini Sr
The Story of The Original Marini’s Empanada House In 1971, a young couple from Mendoza, Argentina — Manuel and Leonilda “Pelusa” Marini — brought their dreams, recipes, and spirit of hospitality to Houston, Texas. They began humbly, in a tiny shack on Lyndon and Fannin Street, nestled in the heart of the world-renowned Texas Medical Center. Read more>>
Shelia Harris
Shelia Harris is a minister of faith, photographer, and host of the Let’s Talk Kingdom YouTube Channel. A Christian Tee Shirt business with her husband, IDENTITY TEES, A Certified Master Life Coach, writer and serial entrepreneur and Kingdom Ambassador. Shelia released her first e-book, Four Steps to Leaping Over Fear, in 2021. Her second book INTENTIONALLY LIVING was just released this year 2025. Read more>>
Stephanie Dunlop
My life has been a constant dance between two dreams that most people would say don’t belong together: being a professional dancer and being a physician. While most people choose one path, I refused to let go of either. Read more>>
Jennifer Luu
These days, when I officiate, I don’t wear hand-me-down/up costume robes anymore (only tailored suits from my parents’ hometown in Viet Nam for me!) but those same feelings from the humble beginnings of my very first wedding ceremonies–togetherness, family (by blood or by choice), inclusion, shared connection, love; intimacy–all remain. Read more>>
Tonna Cooney
I attended my first antique show in Round Top, Texas in 1998 and was instantly hooked. From then on, I spent weekends at garage sales, estate sales, and auctions looking for unique, one-of-a-kind items to decorate my home, often with my four kids in tow. Read more>>
Deana Love
I founded Texas Litter Control in September of 2012. We opened our doors on 2/2/2013. We are a Texas Non Profit Corporation and 501c3 public charity. Texas Litter Control’s primary activities are high quality, low cost spay/neuter and wellness/preventative veterinary services. We are open to the general public. We opened in an 800 square foot FEMA trailer. Read more>>
