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.
Kathleen (Cisarik) Benkendorfer
The business idea started from always having the urge to learn how to sew. Back in 2018, I started watching YouTube videos of how to sew, where I stumbled upon a video about how to sew a handbag…and that’s where it clicked. Read more>>
Kelly Hall
In 2013 the Tomball Renewal Center was acquired by a new board and Executive Director, and was an answer to the prayer and dreams of the community. Read more>>
Dr. Chanel Fields
Fields & Jackson’ was born from my desire to honor my mother and celebrate the rich culture she passed down to me after losing her to Breast Cancer. When she transitioned, I inherited a treasure trove of her cookware, kitchenware, and handwritten recipes. Using them made me feel connected to my roots. The traditions, flavors, and stories that shaped me. . . Read more>>
Shane Andries
I started out doing high school plays in Houston at Cypress Creek High School. I asked my theatre teacher—my first real mentor—if I could direct a school play (Proof), and she actually said yes. We built the set ourselves, and I ended up both acting in and directing the show. That was the first time I really understood how much I loved directing. Read more>>
Nikkole Worship-Wilson
The Journey of Faith: Founding The Kingdom Of God Nonprofit Empowering Communities Through Education, Wealth, and Wellness In 2014, I made a life-changing decision to step out on faith after dedicating nearly 15 years of service to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Read more>>
Robert Carpenter
Our Story: How ElectroMastery.com Started ElectroMastery.com began with a simple belief: skilled trades change lives, and quality electrical education should be accessible, practical, and aligned with real-world industry needs. After years of working in the electrical field, mentoring apprentices, and seeing firsthand the gaps that existed in traditional training programs, we recognized a major opportunity — students needed more than theory. Read more>>
Wendi Gordon
I’m a former pastor who left that career in 2021; I’m now a mental and spiritual health writer, speaker, and coach. My personal experience of depression and anxiety has made me passionate about helping other people cope and giving them hope. I do that by sharing my story and the resources and practices that have helped me change my life. Read more>>
Roger Aad
Born and raised in the vibrant city of Beirut, Lebanon, I grew up in a lively household with four siblings, supported by an entrepreneurial father and a loving mother. My journey into entrepreneurship began early, at just 12 years old, when I started attending my father’s company on the weekends. Those formative experiences sparked my passion for business and the power of relationships. Read more>>
Rob Goldstein
About three years ago, I rebranded my company as The Debt Lifeline, focusing entirely on helping people through financial crises with compassion and clarity. Around that same time, I also created DBAs for Women’s Business Lifeline, Minorities Business Lifeline, and Veterans Business Lifeline—each one designed to reflect our commitment to lifting up communities that deserve stronger support. Read more>>
Vivalda Ndula
As a young child, she was influenced by both her grandfather António Domingos a storyteller, and her great-grandfather Dia Lobilo, a master instrumentalist of the Madimba (African Xylophone) and the Kisanji (Thumb Piano) leaving a strong and significant footprint to her music career. Read more>>
Kayra Gillis
Absolutely. My story is really one of faith, resilience, and choosing not to settle. I’m a stay-at-home mom turned serial entrepreneur, and none of this came easy. I grew up dealing with instability, became a young mom early, and spent years trying to create stability I’d never seen. Read more>>
Stephan Hester
Growing up in Houston’s 5th Ward, I faced the same harsh realities that shape so many young men in our community—poverty, violence, and limited opportunities. I was even shot as a young man, a moment that could have ended everything, but instead became the turning point that pushed me to fight for a better life. Read more>>
TJ ‘LaTiegre’ Diaz
I started off as a ‘super community member.’ I’m a mom to 3 kids and just wanted to create the community that I wanted them to have. So I became extremely involved with my community. So involved that I started developing a following locally and people started to recognize me wherever I went. Read more>>
Frenetta Tate
My story didn’t begin in leadership meetings or corporate conference rooms. It began in a military household where excellence was expected, discipline was taught early, and “do it right the first time” was the family motto. I grew up in an environment that shaped my work ethic, but inside I carried insecurities that no one could see. Read more>>
Michelle Marshall
I started my business, Celes James Enterprise LLC, because I wanted to create real solutions for people who needed trustworthy services they could depend on. I’ve always been a hard worker and a problem-solver, and after years of researching, learning, and investing in myself, I decided to build a business that reflects who I am — someone who cares about doing things the right way. Read more>>
Kayla Sainz
Well, for starters.. hair was never part of my original plan. When I started college, my heart was set on becoming a counselor or possibly a social worker for children navigating the trauma of watching a loved one go through chemotherapy.. something I had lived through myself. Read more>>
Michelle Gutierrez
I started Anchored Pathways because fear is shaping families in ways we rarely name out loud. When people feel confused or judged, they shut down, avoid decisions, and try to guess their way through. I see that happening to families every day — parents who want to help their kids but feel overwhelmed by pressure and information that seems impossible to sort through.. Read more>>
Belisia Roberts – Brandley
Throughout my young adult life, I tried to find my niche. I started out doing hair, but the long hours and daily grind didn’t allow me to spend the time I wanted with my children. In the year 2000, I entered the field of dentistry and became a Dental Assistant. Read more>>
Michael Frederick
Lone Star Mushrooms is a family affair, run by three brothers—Ben, John, and Michael—who turned a simple idea into a thriving business. Originally from Pennsylvania and now proud Texans, the brothers combine their unique strengths to grow gourmet mushrooms that are as delicious as they are nutritious. Read more>>
Michael Mosley
Your Story: The Journey of Reviv Green Early Beginnings and Inspiration: I was raised in the Fifth Ward of Houston, Texas, an urban area that came with its share of hardships. While growing up in an underprivileged environment and navigating the CPS system was challenging, it also helped shape who I am today. Read more>>
Chante Prince
“My name is Chant’e Prince. I’m 50 years old, and I’m in a rebuilding season that has required more faith and courage than anything I’ve walked through. I’ve worked in real estate for years—closing millions in new construction sales—but I’m also a woman who has had to start over more than once. Read more>>
Arthur Gottschalk
I started at the University of Michigan in an accelerated pre-med program, but transferred into Music Composition after two and a half years. While studying music and completing all my degrees there, I also worked as a studio musician in the Detroit area. After accepting a faculty position at Rice University, I continued to work in recording studios, most notably at ACA with legendary engineer Bill Holford. Read more>>
Matthew Axtell
After working every position, from the front door to the back, he eventually started his own company where he served as a private chef, caterer, and consultant around the nation. He spent much of his time as the private chef for the SMU chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha where he was inducted as an honorary brother in the class of fall 2011. Matt also worked in the Poconos, and at the yacht club in Saltaire, NY on Fire Island where he put the club back together and got it running after Hurricane Sandy. He has also consulted on several projects in various locations around the country. Read more>>
Carla Prescott
We began planning with the vision of allowing NYT classes to not only train our current students for future productions but also as a way to engage more of the surrounding community. We are currently in our fifth season as a studio and offer classes in various dance forms, drama, voice, as well as technical theater. Our studio also houses a Show Choir and three Student Dance Companies who perform locally as well as out of state. Read more>>
Telless Cade
I started my career in venture capital and private equity operations, helping firms manage investor relations, compliance, and fund administration. That experience gave me a clear view of how businesses grow, what investors actually look for, and where business owners often struggle behind the scenes. Read more>>
DyShalaye Boyd
Over the years as I grew bigger started doing vendor events I started to call my customers “Goddess Gang”. The name stuck so much. I changed it from Goddess Essentials to Goddess Gang because it fit my personality and my style more, I went from selling to only women to branching it off to a unisex brand. It’s been 9 years in the making now since rebranding Read more>>
Roberto Lazo
I was born in the summer of 1963, in Nicaragua to a cattle ranching family. I grew up with 12 other siblings and was the 5th child and 3rd oldest boy. School was never something I liked since all I wanted to do was be on the ranch helping my father and brothers cowboy. Read more>>
Maria Angela Quinones
It happened on a Christmas morning, I got out of bed and began to write. It wasn’t something I had planned or even dreamed of doing, but I was the Holy Spirit guiding me through the entire story. I waited two years before even considering publishing it. Read more>>
