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.
Fabi & Dany Guevara
Konnichiwa! We are Kore Wa Oishidesu — or KWO Sushi for short — and our name literally means “This is delicious” in Japanese. That’s the promise we deliver in every roll, bowl, and bite. We’re Fabi and Daniela Guevara, a wife-and-wife chef duo with over 20 years of combined culinary experience. Read more>>
Monica Fulton
I grew up in Panama, attending DODDS schools alongside Canal Zone families, celebrating Thanksgiving in the tropics and straddling two cultures before coming to the United States to study at Trinity University. After college, I made Houston my home, a city that has shaped so much of my personal and community life. Read more>>
Stacey Eskelin
I never wanted to be a writer. Never. To me, writers were drunks and debauchers (i.e., Hunter S. Thompson, Charles Bukowski, Hemingway) or worse, they were the most boring, pretentious people at a party, the ones you avoided. Uniformly, they were ‘wits’ of various types: acerbic, rapier, dry. Drunk or sober, they could be wickedly perceptive–and cutting. Read more>>
Steph Hausman
I graduated from Syracuse University in 2020 with dual degrees in advertising and marketing, right at the peak of the pandemic. Not exactly the easiest time to enter the workforce, but I jumped in headfirst. My first role was at D2 Interieurs, where I wore a million hats. Read more>>
Andrew Eduarte
I was born and raised in the Philippines and graduated Architecture in 2009 before getting my license in 2011. I moved to the US in 2017 and started working on residential and commercial projects locally with other firms. During the pandemic, I noticed that a lot of firms were struggling to find dependable local drafting support. Read more>>
Rickey Edwards
Coming from Paterson, New Jersey, I learned early that life isn’t soft. The environment I grew up in forces you to mature fast. You witness struggle before you fully understand it — broken homes, survival mode, people losing themselves to the streets, and dreams dying young. Where I’m from, making it out is never guaranteed. Read more>>
Mikey Robert
Hello, I’m Mikey Robert, living in Corpus Christi, TX. My life has been woven together with experiences that define who I am today. Finding the perfect starting point is a bit challenging. My passion for music blossomed when I was just a 12-year-old boy. Different genres from soft rock to top10 music captivated me, drawing me in and igniting my creative spirit. Read more>>
Huang Tiange
It started from my litigations, which went all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States. Eventually, I discovered that much of the competition asks for too much and I could provide an equivalent, if not, better product at much more competitive rates and bring more cost-efficiency in litigation at the high court. Read more>>
Sheldon Nixon
I learned how to drive trucks at the age of 13. I obtained my Class A CDL at 21 and became an over-the-road truck driver. I started a family in my late twenties, and by that time I had experienced my fair share of tough times and shady operations in the trucking industry. Read more>>
Ross Otte
One of the first real short stories I ever wrote was back in 1997 for an English class. It’s called “My Nightmare.” On the surface it’s a simple narrative: a father and his six-year-old daughter are driving home on a sunny Sunday afternoon when a drunk driver changes their lives forever. Read more>>
Yaneliz Del Mar Rosado Fonseca
My story begins long before I became an attorney. From a very young age, I felt a deep interest in justice, fairness, ethics and doing what is right. I was the kind of child who questioned why things happened, why people were treated differently and how systems could better protect those who needed to be heard. Over time, that sense of justice became a calling. Read more>>
Tyler Pearson
I started out wanting to create content that was relevant to the things I don’t in everyday life. Then I started creating videos acting as a team general manager on. 2k pro am team. People seemed to really like those so I kept at it for a while. Read more>>
Jordan Rivera
I bought a camera in 2017 to take pictures of my son and our family together. I posted them on instagram and had friends and family ask if I would take their family pictures. My husband encouraged me to turn it into a business and here I am, 9 years later. Read more>>
Raven Ramirez
I came from a troubled, small minded background and was the black sheep, and decided to go my own way with all my creative endeavors that I have and I created nothing out of something and met some really cool friends a long the way. Those are my family members now and we all heal through our art Read more>>
Taryn and Andrea Williams Clark and Richardson
Taryn: My career has always centered around one thing: helping people navigate change. Throughout my career, I developed a reputation for helping leaders communicate during high-stakes moments. On paper, the trajectory looked successful. But like many professionals, especially women navigating leadership roles, there were periods when I found myself questioning what success actually meant and whether I was building a life that reflected my values. Read more>>
Allison Jones
I started my journey in the wellness industry in 2021 when I became a Licensed Massage Therapist. Like many entrepreneurs, I started small with a big vision and a passion for helping people feel better in their bodies. Read more>>
Dominic Hines
I’m a creative visionary who values showcasing Black excellence through every art form I choose to explore. My journey started in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, inside the walls of 332 Venetian Way — a place that became more than just a home. It was where I first connected with myself creatively and realized art could become a way to shape the reality I wanted for my life. Read more>>
Iman Shakur
Well, I was born and raised in New Orleans. I grew up playing sports and it was one of those things I felt like I had to do or was supposed to do. However, I always felt a special connection to the art of storytelling and art in general. That was my first love. Read more>>
Insha Surani
I began my henna journey when I found my passion for art. I was 11 years old when I took some art classes and began painting, my dream was to become a artist. As the years went on I painted and practiced henna side by side. Read more>>
Alexis Neal
My journey has been anything but traditional. I started my career in healthcare, where I learned the importance of serving people, solving problems, and remaining calm in high-pressure situations. Over the years, I found myself increasingly drawn to real estate and helping people achieve long-term goals, which ultimately led me into entrepreneurship. Today, I wear several hats. Read more>>
Mariana Ascoli
With a background in Business and Fashion Design, my path shifted when I moved to Texas — and hospitality became my true calling. It all began 10 years ago in Austin, at Citizen Eatery on Burnet Road. A plant based restaurant where the menu was thoughtful, the chefs were inspiring, and that kitchen sparked my fascination for plant forward cuisine. Read more>>
Kelly Monrow
I started doing commercial print when I was 14 years old and on a commercial shoe the DP told my mom that I should try acting. I went on my first audition and booked it and began my journey as an actress the TV film at the age of 16. Read more>>
Robert Aguilar
My journey has been built around serving people and building relationships. I started my career in the electrical and construction industry, where I spent more than twenty years working on projects, solving problems, and learning the value of hard work, teamwork, and integrity. Read more>>
Daviri Wallace
I’m originally from New Orleans, LA. I moved to Houston 4 years ago to start doing standup comedy. The passing of my father made me realize how short life can really be and that I must chase my dreams in hopes of improving my family’s lives. Read more>>
Olivia Freitas
I started thinking about this business in early 2025, trying to formulate an idea for a side gig for myself that I could see being a valuable addition to the market. My husband and I thought about the fact that everyone loves donuts, but there are hardly any alternatives to the regular donut shop. Read more>>
Sheryl Santee
My journey into real estate started in a very personal way—as a homebuyer myself. In 2019, my husband Nate and I purchased our first home. We worked with a great REALTOR® who was incredibly knowledgeable, but I remember being sent homes that didn’t quite fit what we were looking for. Read more>>
Korita (Chef Re) King
I started my cooking journey when I was 5 years old with scrambling eggs. When I was about 7 or 8 I started frying chicken and pork chops. Got to 13 yrs old I cooked my 1st full Thanksgiving Dinner all by myself my mother got to relax and I was up all night. I say this because cooking has always been in me naturally. Read more>>
Tanya Kaye Villar
My life’s work has been shaped by a lifelong fascination with human potential, personal transformation, and the language that shapes our destiny. At age 27, I founded my first company, a community home serving individuals with developmental disabilities. Read more>>
Chad Welty
Well, first this is a family project my uncle started in the late 1990’s. My mom is his sister, and I was raised in Indiana. After graduating college and taking various jobs in multiple states usually some flavor of engineering, my uncle passed, and I was next to run his custom-built castle. Read more>>
Brandy Lerman (she/they)
I grew up listening to stories of my father’s work as a psychologist. I have fond memories of spending days at my father’s office, watching movie after movie in his group therapy room before my school years began. I’ve always been fascinated by the wonder of human behavior, and I knew I wanted to help people from those tender wee years. Read more>>
Jacqueline (ArwenStarsong) Gomez
So basically, music has kind of been around for most of my life for me. The first ever time I learned how to sing was around when I turned four. A cousin of mine taught me how. Then my dad as well as I was growing up, taught me how to sing. Read more>>
Stephan Ravare Jr
I’m a 34-year-old Mixed Media Artist from Houston, Texas. I’m also the owner/operator of Creole Bandit Studio LLC. I’m passionate about art and have exhibited in various art shows and publications worldwide, including prestigious venues in Europe. I’m also a videographer who’s collaborated with artists and had my videos featured on renowned labels like Universal/Virgin Records. Read more>>
Kimberly Graham
I started a career in the jewelry industry in 1993 while in college. I wanted to be a jeweler, needed a job, so I reached out to the local store. I was hired, and the rest is history. I instantly fell in love with the industry. It’s easy to love a sparkly jewel, but loving the industry itself goes much deeper. Read more>>
Diblaim Koleosho
My story probably begins with my time in prison where I was served by a plethora of ministries for several years. I knew there was only one way I would be able to get my life back so I dove into Biblical Studies and prayer after a brief visit between my older Brother Daniel and I who had just been released. Read more>>
Linda Uwumarogie
I have spent my entire career watching the same problem from different angles. I started at UnitedHealthcare in New York City managing community-based incentive programs for Medicaid members. New York is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and the work reflected that. I managed a multilingual outreach team covering all five boroughs. Read more>>
Habitat for Horses (Michelle Stolte)
Habitat for Horses was started in 1998 by Jerry Finch as an equine rescue and sanctuary. Today, we have over 250 equines on 434 acres and a small but dedicated team of staff who care for them alongside our volunteers. We aim to be a safe haven for those horses who need a soft landing and recognize how much they give to us as humans. Read more>>
Angel Reign
I grew up in poverty and became a mother at 15 years old. Like many women, I spent most of my life taking care of everyone else before I ever learned how to take care of myself. I was married for 20 years, raised three daughters, and spent years chasing stability. Read more>>
Patricia Gonzalez
My name is Patty, well I go by Patty I dislike my real name it holds trauma, anyways, and I’m the owner of Unfiltered Beauty. I’m a wife of 24 years and a proud mother of three amazing children who are now 22, 20, and 18 years old. Read more>>
Katy Lea Cannon
I grew up in Houston surrounded by stories. My father, Hunter Todd, founded WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival, and my mother, Kathleen Haney, was a flight attendant with Continental before dedicating decades of her life to WorldFest as Artistic and Program Director. Read more>>
Jupiluxe
I’ve always felt a connection to creation, there’s videos of me as a baby dancing up on my moms bed with a microphone in my hand, just putting on play performances pretending to be a musician, but as a kid and as I got older I became so much more shy. Read more>>
Amanda Funes & Jessica Rangel
Jessica: “Amanda and I had both been performing in Houston for more than a decade, so we spent years experiencing the industry from the artist side. Read more>>
Rachel Sheffield
Creativity found me at an unexpected moment. As a child growing up in Eutaw, Alabama, I was forced to slow down after getting into trouble and being placed on punishment. With nothing else to do, I picked up a sketchbook and discovered that I had the same artistic gift as my mom and big sister. That discovery ultimately shaped my future. Read more>>
Samara Kalz
I have been an avid reader all my life. I wrote here and there but never published anything until this year. I kept telling myself that I have so many things I would like to share with the world. Stories and experiences that are worthy of telling. I love fantasy and that is where I thrive, in the world of imagination where anything can happen. Read more>>
Rhoni Thompson Katherine Pitzinger
Two Texas Moms. One made-up word. A whole lot of meaning. We started WONNiT because we knew exactly what we wanted to make. As longtime friends, we’ve spent years together on the sidelines, in the carpool line, and cheering on our boys. Read more>>
Chuma Ezeokoli
I’m a Nigerian-American healthcare technologist, entrepreneur, content creator, and real estate investor based in Houston. My journey has been shaped by a desire to create impact, build generational wealth, and help others realize what is possible through discipline, confidence, faith, and perseverance. Read more>>
Isabelle McGee
I have always been a creative person. Growing up I was constantly drawing, painting, writing, playing music, and spending my summers at art camp. Creativity was just how I was wired from the beginning. As I got older I developed a deep love for reading, and somewhere along the way reading turned into writing. Read more>>
Valencia Nix
I’ve been performing since I was little! I grew up in Tomball, TX – dancing on school teams, singing in choirs, and acting in plays/musicals. I later earned a BFA in Musical Theatre (Dance Concentration) from Sam Houston State University and moved within Houston City Limits after graduation. Read more>>
Denise Middleton
I got my start in journalism growing up in Houston, watching local newscasters on TV and always wanting to know more about what was happening in the world around me. I was fortunate to receive several college scholarships that helped me stay focused on my goals. Read more>>
Ash Daley
In a Body is a bedroom rock band composed of singer-songwriter & guitarist Ash Daley, multi-instrumentalist & producer An Elisa Venegas, and drummer, Hil Tait. I started playing songs under ‘In a Body’ in 2024 during a huge processing period in my life. Revelations about the people around me, the path I was taking, the person I was becoming. Read more>>
Jesse Harris
I’m a retired Army veteran after serving 17 years in the military. Storytelling and video editing had always been a passion of mine, but after retiring from the Army, I decided to fully pursue it professionally. I enrolled at Full Sail University to strengthen my skills and earn professional credentials in filmmaking and cinematography. Read more>>
Temitayo Adesokan
I’m the co-founder and creative force behind Wonderlenz Studios, a Houston-based creative production company focused on high-end visual storytelling through photography, video production, and creative direction. My journey into this industry wasn’t traditional; it came from a deep obsession with creating, storytelling, and understanding how visuals shape perception, emotion, and culture. Read more>>
Carolina Lavanderos
After having lived in 7 different countries for nearly two decades, we chose Houston as home 11 years ago. For a multicultural family like ours with deep Latin American and Indian roots, we were happy to find a blend of our cultures here. Read more>>
Immanie
Growing up as a PK, music and singing were always a part of my life. What started as something I was expected to do eventually became something I genuinely loved and developed a passion for. Over time, I realized that my connection to music went far beyond singing. Read more>>
Elsy and Ernesto Gabino
Gabino’s started in 2019 when the pandemic started in the heart of Conroe, TX. The Gabino’s family story started since Ernesto had been on the food industry for 20 years, he lost his job in 2019 when the pandemic started. We started making brick oven pizzas in our backyard. Read more>>
Braxton Howard
My journey with photography began before I was born. Many of my relatives have an affinity for photography and the arts, so my matriculation into the craft felt as natural as breathing. Once I made it into the world, disposable cameras were a part of my mother’s parenting starter kit. Read more>>
Brittany Smith
Honestly, my journey has evolved so much over the years. I started out simply sharing pieces of my real life online. Motherhood, marriage, wellness, beauty, fitness, balancing work and home life, all of it. I never wanted to create content that felt overly curated or unattainable. I wanted women, especially moms, to feel seen when they came to my page. Read more>>
Tbish Tutsi Chidawanyika (Tbish)
Started making music in 2018 under the name Tbi$h. In 2023 I moved to Tbish. I was previously signed to Universal through Ingrooves and am now with ADA Warner. My song ‘Trenches’ is what really got me traction and since then I’ve had the same manager, Zac Gould. Read more>>
TAHIR HUSSAIN
Tahir Hussain The Youngest Tour Operator and English-Spanish Mountain Guide in Pakistan In the heart of the majestic mountains of Northern Pakistan, one young adventurer is making his mark in the world of tourism and guiding. Read more>>
