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.
David Williams
My name is David, I’m 27, and I’m from Baltimore, Maryland. I started acting at 15, doing print ads and industrials after encouragement from my mom and my 11th-grade English teacher. When my mom found a casting call for a short film and I booked it, something clicked I knew this was what I wanted to pursue. Read more>>
Alyssa Vasquez
I am Alyssa Vasquez; I am a German Mexican American who was born and raised in Houston. I attended college at Texas Tech University where I obtained a undergraduate degree in Business and a graduate degree in Medical Administration. As my full-time job – I am a jack of all trades. Read more>>
Jacqueline Lucero
For 10 years, I dedicated my life to hospitality serving customers, making coffee, and creating smiles for people every single day. I truly loved making others feel welcomed and cared for, but deep inside, I knew God was preparing me for something bigger. Read more>>
Gabriel Valadez
I fell in love with cooking when I was a preteen, but the Youtube experience only began as a consequence of COVID and the lockdown! Truth be told: I love attention. I always have even as a child. But whereas I think it’s bit more acceptable to be obnoxious like that as a child, as a 30-something year old adult, it feels less so…. So! Read more>>
Jesus Casanova
I come from a family deeply rooted in natural stone from Spain. My journey began long before I started my own company, I represent the third generation, continuing a legacy that started in 1937 with my grandfather. Growing up around marble and stone, I developed not only technical knowledge but also a deep respect for the material and what it represents in architecture and design. Read more>>
Karla Caldas
In 2017, I started L’Atelier Du Brigadeiro, inspired by my passion for Brazilian culture, traditions, and the beautiful childhood memories I have of brigadeiros being part of every celebration in Brazil. Growing up, brigadeiros symbolized joy, family and happiness and I wanted to share that same feeling and experience with people here in Texas. Read more>>
Samellor Russell
My story started back when i was 9 or 10 years old , my auntie had a beauty shop. She would make people beautiful all day i just wished i could do the same, so i started to mimic her with my doll babies. As i grew up My uncle and Dad instilled entrepreneurship in my sisters and i. Read more>>
Jake Strickland
Hello, my name is Jake Strickland, and even though I’m not from here, it only took a few months for me to fall in love with Houston. For me, it is the city of forgiveness. Read more>>
Jan Farver
I first came to the US from Vietnam in 2015 and didn’t know anything about the beauty industry. I’m proud to have worked my way through college by working at multiple salons, learning along the way at different positions until I became the manager of one. Then grew with that firm to three locations to be the area manager of over 80 technicians. Read more>>
Brandy Brock
I’ve always been drawn to understanding how relationships, life experiences, and emotional traumas molds the choices that they make today. Early in my career, I worked closely with at-risk families, children in foster care, and individuals going through crisis situations. That experience gave me a deep understanding of trauma, resilience, and the importance of feeling safe, supported, and truly seen at a very young age. Read more>>
Annie McAulay
I grew up with a strong love for art, but I didn’t begin creating seriously again until my daughter started kindergarten. Read more>>
Zach Worku
I’ve been creating for as long as I can remember. What started as drawing and graphic design slowly turned into photography, and over time I realized all of it was connected by the same thing: I’m interested in emotion, people, and everyday moments that usually go unnoticed. Read more>>
Maisaa zaza
My Journey: A Sanctuary for the Soul ‘My journey began with a simple, unwavering conviction: that love and humanity are the only tools powerful enough to truly change a life. This passion for people was fueled by my years serving as a hospital manager and nurse. Read more>>
Wallace Jones
My journey started with a passion for helping young athletes and creating opportunities for kids who may not always have the support, structure, or resources they need to succeed. Growing up, I saw how sports could change lives by building discipline, confidence, leadership, and family-like connections. That inspired me to begin mentoring and coaching youth within my community. Read more>>
Rochelle Joseph
I originally worked in corporate events and property management, where I was exposed to the operational side of hospitality, logistics, and event environments. While weddings weren’t my full-time role at the time, I found myself naturally drawn to the planning and production side of events and began helping family and friends as opportunities came up. Read more>>
Scholonda Jones
I have been in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis for the past 11 years. Throughout my journey, I have learned the importance of connection over correction — a value instilled in me by an incredible mentor who helped shape the way I approach care and support. Read more>>
Patti Hill
I’ve been doing hair for almost 20 years, but my path to owning a salon wasn’t exactly a straight line. I took seven years off to stay home with my kids, honestly — I needed that time. But I also missed it. I missed the creativity, the conversations, the feeling of sending someone out the door looking and feeling like themselves. Read more>>
Simone Roberts
My name is Simone Roberts, though most people know me as “Your Favorite Witch.” I’m a celebrity spellcaster, hoodoo practitioner, Reiki Master, psychic medium, and spiritual life coach with over two decades of experience rooted in both ancestral practice and personal spiritual awakening. I was born in Spokane, Washington and raised between the Bay Area in California and Oklahoma City. Read more>>
Phil B
Hello, My name is Phil B. To make a long story short I am a average guy. I have spent my life working for corporations and fighting to survive in the world we live in. I had been a truck driver after a retail career for several years and I currently work in the propane industry. Read more>>
Liz Liu
The true story of it all began with my 12th Christmas, when my mom and dad got me my first camera. All the girls were being ‘Tumblr’ then, and the Canon Rebel was my started. That camera helped me connect with so many people one and one. Read more>>
Nicole and Ann
Ann and Nicole are two creative, community-loving moms based in Cypress with a passion for bringing people together through custom branded hats and unforgettable experiences. What started as a shared love for creativity quickly grew into a business dedicated to helping customers celebrate life’s special moments in a unique and personal way. Read more>>
Ikenna Okoye
I started in my real estate journey back in the best year ever, 2020. I purchased my first house then and lived in it while working as in as Engineer in Seattle. As life would have it, I got laid off and ended up needing to move to Houston for work just 7 months after purchasing the house. Read more>>
Marie Baptiste
I am Dr. Marie Asher Baptiste I am a devoted wife, mother, sister, friend and healthcare professional, community advocate, author, and former Democratic candidate for Texas State Representative (District 76). I love to have valuable conversations about leadership, service, and what it takes to turn intention into impact. Read more>>
Arash Amin
Canada Profi Lubricants Inc. (Profi Lube) started with a vision to build a reliable and long-term distribution business focused on premium automotive and industrial lubricants. With my background in engineering, international business, and operations management, I saw an opportunity in the North American market for high-quality European lubricant brands that could compete on both quality and value. Read more>>
Josh Pearman
Over the years, I was approached many times by other Santa Claus performers and encouraged to consider wearing the red suit. I felt I was too young when they first started approaching me, so I put it off for many years. During that time I had been playing a father Christmas type character at the Renaissance Festival when I attended. Read more>>
Gisele Thissen
I didn’t take a traditional path into entrepreneurship, my journey started in the emergency room as a new nurse. I was drawn to the adrenaline, the unpredictability, and the intensity of not knowing what would come through the doors next. I loved the pace, but there were parts of the job that stayed with me in a heavier way, especially the child abuse cases. Read more>>
Nazifa Mim
Almost 2 years ago, I was doom-scrolling on TikTok as I did most days, when I saw this really cool concept introduced in New York – a live perfume bar service at events. People walk up to the bar, try out different fragrances, and create their own little blend to take home with them. Read more>>
Evette Hogan
Hi I’m Evette, I teach classical pilates, privates and duos and group here at The Pilates Touch I’ve been in Texas for 10 years before living in England where I had my own business as an estiatician, and because of the way I made a living I had a burning in my shoulders. Read more>>
Jennifer Vossler
My journey with photography began in 2006, during a season of new beginnings as I welcomed my son into the world and received my first Canon PowerShot camera. Over the years, I started photographing his sports teams and sharing the images with other parents, often burning them onto CDs after games and events. Read more>>
Lucas Pelizaro
I was born in Londrina, Brazil, and moved to London when I was 13. In 2009, watching videos on YouTube sparked my curiosity about filmmaking, and I started making my own videos for friends so much so that I switched my university course from Engineering to Media Production. Read more>>
Paloma Schell
I started in photography in 2008, during my first pregnancy, working as an editor for another photographer. That’s where I developed a strong eye for light, composition, and finishing. In 2010, I chose to specialize in maternity and newborn photography, and I’ve focused on this niche consistently ever since. Read more>>
Mona Mortazavi
I’m Mona Mortazavi, a mom of two boys (Adam, 3.5, and Sam, 1), a wife, a working professional, an author, illu strator, and the owner of my own independent publishing company, Olive Tree Press. My publishing company is rooted in a mission to create stories that celebrate cultural diversity and foster belonging. Read more>>
Jamal Hoque
I got into cigars in my early 20s as a way to meet people, relax, and build connections. What started as a social thing quickly turned into a deeper appreciation for the culture—everything from the craftsmanship and aging process to pairing cigars with good whiskey, coffee, and conversation. Over time, it became more than just a hobby. Read more>>
Jacquelyn C. Jones
My journey sits at the intersection of literacy, formation, and lived experience. I began my work in education after realizing that many students—particularly first-generation, underprepared, and underestimated learners—weren’t failing due to lack of intelligence or effort, but because they had never been invited into learning spaces that honored their identity, voice, and story. Read more>>
Savannah Mack
Absolutely. My story really started with a love for storytelling at a young age. I was always the one documenting everything—taking photos, making little videos with my family’s camcorder, and trying to preserve moments as they were happening. It was just something I naturally loved long before I ever thought of it as a career. Read more>>
Bony Hips Hopkins
I’ll never forget the day I saw my Uncle’s stratocaster. A light was shining through the window and onto this majestic guitar and I knew I wanted to play it. I must have been 7 or 8 years old at the time, and I really liked music the way my peers loved sports and video games. Read more>>
Jill Shuey
As a child, my mom’s best friend was a seamstress. She made draperies along with other custom things for clients. She would let me help her and I learned a lot. She’s where I got my passion for home decor. I moved to California for interior design school but ended up finishing my degree in Houston. Read more>>
James Colburn
I started working on a tie down crew at the age of 14. At 16 we came to a parting of the ways, which left me with a car payment and no job. I had a friend that had a pest control company that did apartments. Read more>>
Kirby Mycal
Two years ago, I willingly began my personal growth journey. I have always been a pretty confident person, but I lacked boundaries not just in relationships but friendships too. Through my self growth journey (which btw I think is a never ending one) I realized the lack of boundaries I had with others stemmed from the lack of boundaries had with myself. Read more>>
Jessica Zamora
The pandemic made us all very vulnerable to the job market. One thing the pandemic taught me was to not rely on a company to make decisions for me. I knew that I had to go into business for myself so that I could start and grow my generational wealth. I always turned to real estate as the safest form of investment. Read more>>
Telaya Watson
I became a stay-at-home mom in 2022 after having my first little princess and moving to the Spring, TX area. During that transition, I found myself deeply craving community, a space where I could connect with other moms who understood the joys and challenges of motherhood. Read more>>
Ashley Norred
As most people in hospitality can attest, it was not ‘Plan A’ . I started working in restaurants to supplement my income while I was in college, and found something magical about all the little things that had to come together to produce a a memorable experience for the guests, rather than just supplying a meal. Read more>>
Ashley Knus
Some businesses start with a plan. Ours started with a priority. At 19, I became a wife. At 20, I became a mother and everything shifted. While building a career as a stylist in a high-end salon and working behind the scenes on runways, I quickly realized that success, for me, wasn’t going to be defined by long hours away from home. Read more>>
Ebony Parker
In college, my friends and I hung out all of the time – drinking, partying, and having fun. When I found out I was pregnant, I obviously couldn’t do those things anymore. As the days passed, it seemed like more and more friends became unavailable. By the end of my pregnancy, communication was almost nonexistent. Read more>>
Babongile Manciya
I am a South African who lives in New York. Glorious Creations was born from my love for children, learning, and creativity. I have always been passionate about early childhood education and creating meaningful learning experiences for little ones. Over time, I noticed how important it is for children to learn through play, hands on activities, and engaging resources instead of only traditional worksheets. Read more>>
Kelly Hansen
My name is Kelly, and I have always loved to print since I was a little girl. My mom, Liz, always knew where I had been by the trail of doodled pages that I left behind – usually with my name on them. But never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be sharing my handwriting with others in such a meaningful way. Read more>>
Jason Cripps
My wife, Erin, and I started C Music Studios together at the the beginning of 2023 with a mission to inspire and empower musicians of all ages to chase their dreams by providing music lessons that students love to attend. Read more>>
Nijiah Filer
I have always had a passion and love for hair since I was a child. Every birthday and Christmas, I would ask for doll heads so I could practice styling hair. At just 13 years old, I began my journey as a hairstylist by setting up in my mother’s kitchen and doing hair for friends and family members. Read more>>
Jancy Carlson
My journey into esthetics and wellness began long before I ever stepped into a treatment room. For many years, I worked in advocacy and legal support roles alongside trauma survivors and individuals navigating some of the most difficult and vulnerable moments of their lives. That work profoundly shaped me. Read more>>
Brittny Ware
I started drawing my favorite cartoon characters when I was 5. My mom would sit and help me practice coloring and shading. In high school I won many awards for my art. Fast forward to my early 20’s when I learned how to tattoo and did that a couple of years as my side hustle while I continued to study psychology. Read more>>
Charles Telfair
My story really starts in Tampa, Florida. That’s where my style first started to take shape. Like a lot of people, I went through that phase where I wanted to get into fashion but didn’t fully understand it yet. So I started looking for inspiration, and honestly, there was a lot of it around me in Florida. Read more>>
Selina Alvarez
Her Coffee started from two things that came naturally to me: learning the art of espresso and realizing that hosting has always been my love language. One day, I came across a pop-up coffee concept and thought — why wait for a brick-and-mortar someday to start bringing people together over coffee and matcha? That moment completely shifted my perspective. Read more>>
Mason Davis
When I was a toddler, people were always telling my parents how cute I was and that I should be on tv. Eventually, my parents listened and put me in acting classes at age 5. Then COVID hit, and that pretty much canceled my acting plans. A few years passed, and at age 9, I told my parents that I wanted to be on tv. Read more>>
Sherley Clerjuste-Phillips
I’ve always loved cooking — to me, it’s both an art form and my happy place. Baking didn’t come naturally at first, but over time I fell in love with experimenting in the kitchen, and my family and friends became my biggest taste-testers and supporters. Read more>>
Rashi Kaur
For most of my career, I was an accountant. A forensic accountant, specifically. Certified Fraud Examiner. The kind of work where you spend your days reading between the lines of financial statements, finding what doesn’t add up. From the outside, my life looked good. Happy. Successful. The kind of life people tell you to be grateful for, and I was. But underneath, I was anxious. Read more>>
Derrick De-Mond
I began acting in 2018 after I received a call from Chris Davison part owner of 360 FilmGroup, along with Trevor Ford. He said that they were filming a movie (their first) and if I’d be interested in being part of it, because the guy they initially brought on board backed out last minute. With no hesitation I said yes, no questions asked. Read more>>
Anses Rancalv
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and from a young age, I learned the importance of resilience, adaptability, and building opportunities for yourself. I moved out of my home early and started using social media as a tool to support myself, which eventually became the foundation for a lot of what I do today. Professionally, my background is actually in healthcare and education. Read more>>
Kirstin Brenders
Honestly? I tiptoed into entrepreneurship while I was looking for a new job, one that could actually fit my life, my interests, and motherhood. I’d spent years building my career. Then, within a year, I became a mom, my work restructured my role, and I could not shake the feeling of burnout and feeling unfulfilled. The success I built no longer felt aligned with me. Read more>>
Destiny Patterson
My business journey started very organically. I initially started helping family and friends who owned small local businesses with their social media and websites because many of them didn’t have the time to market themselves digitally. At the time, I was balancing this alongside my full-time job and just saw it as a way to serve and support businesses I genuinely believed in. Read more>>
Christina Segura
I didn’t originally take a straight path into mental health. My undergraduate background was actually in communication, but during my time at Lamar University, I became increasingly drawn to research, mentorship, and conversations around mental health and wellbeing. As a McNair Scholar, I was exposed to academic research in a way that completely changed how I saw myself and my future. Read more>>
Jsleep The People’s Bartender
Man… my story really started with passion, pressure, and purpose all colliding together at once. I didn’t just wake up one day and become “JSleep, The People’s Bartender” this came from years of learning people, building relationships, surviving hard moments, and figuring out how to turn my personality, creativity, and resilience into something meaningful. Bartending became bigger than drinks for me. Read more>>
Brandon Rutherford
Coming from nothing. Having little to no money and knowing you have a true purpose. I decided I needed to make money and follow my heart. Something kept telling me that I needed to do something other than a career. Music, acting, modeling, fashion, media, all found their own way into my life. From working and being on stage with high line celebrities. Read more>>
Ashley Kraemer
From a young age, being behind the lens of a camera is where I loved to be. Even on family vacations as young as eight years old, I was taking the pictures for my family. Then, in 2008, I got my first semi-professional camera and started taking my photography more seriously. Read more>>
Ris
I was raised in Houston’s historic Fifth Ward, surrounded by music before I ever fully understood the power of it. I am the product of many incredible musicians, beginning with my mother and father. Read more>>
Mya Lawrence
I am Mya Lawrence, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board certified Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I’ve proudly called Houston home since age six, having been primarily raised in the historic Acres Home community on the city’s northwest side. Nursing is woven into the fabric of my family’s history. From LVNs to a nurse midwife who practiced long before degrees were common. Read more>>
Claudia Rodriguez
I began my journey in the beauty industry after graduating from Aveda Institute, where I built a strong foundation in skincare. I went on to work in both a luxury spa and a med spa in Houston TX. gaining experience in advanced treatments and client care. Read more>>
Dominique Ansari
Fashion has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Jackson, Mississippi, I was always drawn to creativity and self-expression through art and fashion. By the time I was 11 years old, I already knew that fashion was more than just an interest for me; it was something I truly loved and wanted to pursue seriously. Read more>>
Laura Cardiel
My pathway to becoming a wedding planner was an unexpected journey. I went to college with the goal of becoming a lawyer, but I realized that world was not for me. Read more>>
Huy Tran
My business Meauxmentum Chiropractic and Wellness, PLLC is inspired by my journey from New Orleans, where I was born and raised. I attended Eleanor McMain Secondary High School in Uptown New Orleans before continuing my education at the University of New Orleans, earning a bachelors degree in Biological Sciences. Read more>>
Hlumelo January
My earliest memory of the context of drawing without an academic influence or obligation,was when I saw my late mother drawing a dress, I remember precisely the design, how she emphasized the pleats by where she chose to place the lines, looking back it was a decent sketch. Read more>>
Lanre Adigun
So I’ve always wanted to be an actor. When I graduated high school, I wanted to enroll in acting school, but being Nigerian, that really wasn’t an option. They say you only have four options as a Nigerian child: become a lawyer, a doctor, an engineer, or a disgrace to your family. So, I chose engineering ha ha. Read more>>
Stephanie Wilkins
Rev. Dr. Stephanie T. Wilkins, affectionately known as the “Devoted Diva Deacon,” is a dynamic spiritual leader, educator, and social justice advocate making a profound impact across Houston’s classrooms, communities, and congregations. With over 27 years of experience in education, she has dedicated her life to empowering underserved communities, serving as a founding school leader and shaping generations through both knowledge and mentorship. Read more>>
Alexandru Spatariu
My name is Alex Spatariu. I am the owner of CoffeeTrend craft coffee bar in Houston TX. I am originally from Romania and have lived in 4 different states before settling in Texas. I was a college professor for 11 years teaching statistics in psychology and education. I always had the entrepreneurial spirit and founded a few different businesses with successes and failures. Read more>>
Jake Knows IT
JakeKnowsIT is a tech concierge service — and I use that word intentionally. Think about the concierge at a Marriott or a Hilton. You walk up, you ask for help, they take care of it, and you go on with your day. You don’t sign a contract. You don’t get locked into a monthly subscription. Read more>>
Liliana Flores
Liliana, originally from Mexico City, is an accomplished professional in the beauty industry with over 15 years of experience. Her career began in Los Angeles, California, where she positioned herself as one of the pioneers in offering eyelash extensions on Ventura Boulevard, setting trends in a constantly evolving market. Read more>>
