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.
Dolores Allen-Flakes
What often breaks the bonds between people isn’t a lack of love or care, it’s the weight of unspoken burdens. In households, that burden is usually the invisible labor of chores. Studies show that nearly 65% of household work still falls disproportionately on women, and that arguments about chores are one of the top three causes of relationship stress in families. Read more>>
LeeAnne Denny
Loyalty. Loyalty is the most important quality to me. Anyone can make mistakes in life, but if you stay true to the people you care about, mistakes can always be corrected. Read more>>
Gwendolyn Jackson
What breaks the bonds between people is unforgiveness- holding onto hurt poisons the connection and turns love into resentment. What restores them is humility- saying ‘ I was wrong’ or ‘ I’m sorry ‘ Can unlock miracles of reconciliation. Read more>>
Dr. Tony V. Lewis
What breaks the bonds between people, more often than not, is a lack of understanding, forgiveness, and humility. Pride, unspoken hurt, and unmet expectations can slowly create distance where there was once closeness. When we stop listening, stop extending grace, or begin keeping score instead of showing love, relationships begin to fracture. Read more>>
April Green
That neurodivergent like myself are some of the coolest most amazing people in the world. Society labels this is weird and odd, but we’re actually pretty dope people in the world could learn a lot from us Read more>>
Heather Van Tassell
One of the biggest things I think are misunderstood about my business. is that we are WAY more than kombucha. When we started out at that first farmers market with cambro dispensers, big dreams, and a 10×10 tent, we had no idea where this business would take us. Our flagship product and my biggest passion will always be kombucha. Read more>>
Stacy Gonzalez
One of the biggest misconceptions about real estate is that it’s “easy money” — that agents just post listings, show homes, and collect big commissions. The truth couldn’t be further from that. Real estate is a business that demands strategy, negotiation skills, emotional intelligence, and an incredible amount of patience. Behind every “Sold” sign is months of research, late-night paperwork, problem-solving, and persistence. Read more>>
Zaira Rodríguez
The biggest misunderstanding is that doulas replace medical care. We don’t. we complement it. My role is to nurture, educate, and hold space for families so they feel calm, confident, and supported through God’s design for birth. Read more>>
Jennifer Devine
People often think accounting is all about math, but that is not really the case. Accounting is more about logic and understanding how the pieces fit together. The math itself is simple, but the value comes from interpreting what the numbers mean. In the end, accounting tells the story of a business, and my job is to make sure the numbers clearly reflect that story. Read more>>
Cyntreia Hayes
One of the most misunderstood things about travel agents is that people think we just “book trips,” when in reality, we design experiences. Anyone can hop online and make a reservation, but travel agents take the time to curate the right destination, resort, and vibe to match each traveler’s personality, budget, and goals. Beyond that, we serve as your advocate. Read more>>
Lee Carter
It’s important to know who you are as an artist. I’ve had many jobs, highs and lows but always remained aligned to my true self. I’m not a drag queen but an artist who uses many mediums as a form of expression. I have no real connections with relatives but my path is a lesson for my family to witness. Read more>>
Rosaly Acosta
A normal day for me is a delicate blend of art, work, and motherhood — all flowing in their own rhythm. I like to start early, with a quiet meditation that helps me center and prepare for what’s ahead. Coming from a multicultural and diverse family, my mornings are rarely predictable — they often unfold with little surprises, bursts of laughter, or moments of reflection. Read more>>
Jason Dang
KnowBreaks on a normal daily-basis is teaching and elevating the Breaking in the Houston community! It is a place where young minds can cultivate their love and displine in their love for Hip Hop, particularly Breaking. It is with great pleasure and honor to offer an environment where talented and unique individuals can learn, grow, and develop themselves in Breaking / Life. Read more>>
Kayla Feeley
My relationship with the Lord is what has shaped me the most. The fact that we’re made in God’s image and that Jesus selflessly died for us not only has shaped how I’ve seen myself, but also how I see others. That alone pours out into how I see my clients! Read more>>
Sharon Harper
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself today is the one I have with myself. We are constant works in progress. I have beat many odds to stand where I am today. I am taking time out for myself and being intentional about what I want, need and deserve. Read more>>
Julie Koch
JULIE: Such a cliche but the basics of life that yeah, you learned in kindergarten. Tell the truth is one that is so ingrained in me because I had a father who did not. Ever since then, lying is something that will make me leave a relationship – any relationship – quicker than anything else I know. Read more>>
Kimberly Watson
One truth that’s foundational in my life is that everything happens for a reason, even the hard seasons. I’ve learned that growth often hides inside discomfort, and that faith, patience, and grace can carry you through almost anything. I don’t always say it out loud, but I live by it every day. Read more>>
Maryam Lavaf
My earliest memory of feeling powerful came when I began working with individuals facing mental health challenges. I saw how art could be a bridge—how something as simple as creating could help them express emotions, find moments of peace, and connect with themselves in ways words often couldn’t. Witnessing this transformation was deeply empowering for me. Read more>>
Hailey (Hails) Joseph
One of my favorite song quotes is from the artist Russ. In his song “That Was Me,” he says, “Missed out on a lot, yeah, my 20s were a blur; my mind was always focused on the future, that’s for sure; but I’d sacrifice it again and again.” That line really hits home for me. Read more>>
David Reyna
I think I’d regret not staying true to myself, not taking the chance to be different. Trying to be like everyone else would feel like holding myself back. I never want to look back and feel like I didn’t express who I really am or make the kind of art I actually believe in. Read more>>
Jorge Flores-Pere
I think I’d regret not taking more risks with my art and not pushing my ideas as far as they could go. It’s easy to get comfortable or doubt yourself, but I never want fear or hesitation to shape my path. Read more>>
Yusselly Garcia-Coronado
Growing up in a hispanic household, we have a lot of cultural values. I wouldn’t be able to choose just one, but familismo, heritage, generosity, and staying humble are definitely the most important to me. Family is very important to me, I would always put my family first before anything. I love my heritage, I am very proud of being a Mexican American. Read more>>
Michael Karydas
They’re not buying fabric, they’re buying a memory. Commission notes are full of stories: a show watched with a loved one, a character that carried them through a hard year, a gift meant to be a hug on a rough day. That’s why I keep the work personal instead of chasing trends. Read more>>
Shannon Matthews
I have always admired the strength it takes to be a single parent, but this year has deepened my appreciation for the incredible resilience of my clients. In an effort to help, we offered back-to-school gift cards for shoes, and I invited clients to share photos of their children’s shoes on social media to enter our giveaway. Read more>>
Kristy Tamayo
I thought I would be at my previous corporate employer until I retired. I was 1 week shy of 22 years when I resigned to bake full time and open Knead Me Bakery (KMB). It felt right in my bones. Read more>>
Jennifer Le
When my husband and I first started this journey on opening our own hospital, we really had to bet not only on the company, but we had to bet on ourselves. There are many ways you can go about opening a hospital, including acquiring an established hospital, partnering with an equity firm, being a part of a franchise, or starting from scratch. Read more>>
Hillary Gramm
My five-year-old daughter, Juniper, has become my mailbox buddy. I pull her in the wagon and we venture off to the post-office. Adventures find us on our 3 mile round-trip! Read more>>
Leyla Taghiyeva
I see a lot of talented and smart individuals who know their value but sometimes become the victim of their own talent, and I have probably been through that in the past as well. What I mean is that they waste years waiting for opportunities to come find them and refrain from taking risks and doing nerve-wrecking things. Read more>>
TONED LOVER
I myself would find a liking to questioning and observation towards the approach and longevity of responsive altitude towards the idea of me sacrificing ideas interacting directly with freedom to expand and focused on a specific set of beliefs or judgements. Read more>>
Vanessa Iturbe
If I were a hospitality brand, I’d absolutely hire Social Brand Boutique. We’re not a big agency that gives you attention for a few months and then moves on — we stay consistent and become part of your team. We know your restaurant, your menu, and your guests, so we can communicate your story with authenticity and insight. Read more>>
