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.
TOYREALE White
My name is Toyreale white , I am from Houston Texas . I started dancing when I was 2 years old . I joined many teams , shows , classes and more . Overall working and staying consistent for me where I am today . Keeping word , and choosing my gigs wisely. Not every gig tha comes to you is a good one . Read more>>
Alex Makeeva
People often think I started a bakery because I love baking. The truth is, I started it because I love making people happy, and over the years I’ve realized that a great dessert is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to do that. Read more>>
Ellie Ramirez
My journey really started years ago. As an immigrant who came to the United States from Mexico with my family, I learned early on the value of hard work, adaptability, and making the most of every opportunity in front of me. It taught me how to be resourceful, resilient, and willing to keep moving forward even when the path is uncertain. Read more>>
Gail Gould
I have been a professional CPR instructor for more than 35 years, and teaching people how to save lives has given my work a deep sense of purpose. I love what I do, but finding meaningful work took a winding path. As a young girl, I used to sing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on my backyard swing set, pretending to be Judy Garland. Read more>>
Glen Ackerman
I started playing music at a very young age… possibly 6 or 7 years old. It was the 70’s, and I learned Saturday morning cartoon music on the family piano by ear. As I acquired some skill at it, I switched to learning songs by ear from my mother’s record collection. Read more>>
Shelly Breen
Serving as a certified life coach is deeply personal. I regularly have shared life experience with my clients. Over and over, I am meeting queer women experiencing mid-life transitions such as breakup after long-term relationships, career shifts or simply wanting to have a deeper relationship with themselves. That was me in my 40’s. Read more>>
Mazie Martin
STORI was never created to be another marketing agency. It was born out of a pattern I couldn’t ignore. For years, I worked alongside business owners, builders, real estate professionals, entrepreneurs, and leadership teams who were incredibly talented at what they did. They had great products, loyal customers, and a genuine passion for their work. Yet many of them were frustrated because growth had stalled. Read more>>
Dezan Hernandez
When my grandmother, Barbara Stetler, gifted me my first camera in 2009, I don’t think she realized the ways in which this would change my life’s trajectory. Read more>>
Natisha Lavalais
For most of my adult life, I believed that working harder was the answer. I’m a proud Black woman, a mother of two incredible children, an entrepreneur, a daughter, and creator. More than twelve years ago, I left the corporate oil and gas industry with one goal: provide a better life for my family. Read more>>
Bharghavi Balagopal & Sandhiya Loganathan
Spotlight Academy was founded with a vision of creating a space where people of all ages can explore their talents, build confidence, and develop lifelong skills through arts, music, sports, and enrichment programs. The academy was co-founded by Bharghavi Balagopal and Sandhiya Loganathan, who bring complementary strengths and a shared passion for education arts and community building. Read more>>
Sherry Nunez
My name is Sherry Nunez, and I am a Licensed Massage Therapist, Cosmetologist, and Registered Mechanotherapist in Katy, Texas. My journey didn’t start in a classroom; it started at home. Before I ever touched a textbook, I witnessed occupational therapy on my own children and acted as the primary caregiver for my mother. Read more>>
Analilieth Jimenez
My story really begins long before I was born. I’m a first-generation Mexican American, and my family’s roots trace back to San Juan de los Lagos, Jalisco. My great-grandparents built a life from very little, and that resilience was passed down through generations. Read more>>
Lexi Neuhoff
It initially started when I was fifteen years old and editing photos that weren’t mine on a day back in 2016 and thought I could do photography. Read more>>
Shronda Armstrong
My journey as a media executive and entrepreneur officially began in March 2019 when I launched Geaux Queen. Read more>>
Mia Campuzano
Hi, I’m Mia, a Houston-area multidisciplinary creative, spiritualist, and content creator. my journey has been shaped by curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong search for freedom and self-expression. Growing up as the youngest child and only girl among four brothers, I often felt sheltered and restricted. When I was 11 years old, I started a YouTube channel. Read more>>
Angel Phoenix
The Story of What became ☕ Coffee and Metal 🤘 Started between Fall of 1988 and Spring of 1990. During the work week my mom and I would turn on the radio to KNAC enjoy a cup of coffee and get ready for work/highschool. I knew at that point I would do something with Coffee and Metal . Read more>>
Eric Owens
It’s been tough and still is….Finding people of the same cemistry,same love for music,belief,making right connections,staying on the straight and narrow never giving up staying hopeful,faithful,trusting,and loving in God,who can and will do all things if we trust in him…. Read more>>
Tom Gates
I am 43 year old single male with no biological children. I am an Army Veteran and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner by profession and I have my own practice. I have custody of my 14 year old nephew. I am new to TX, I moved here the end of 2023. I lived in Katy, prior to moving to Houston proper. Read more>>
Jeffrey Wright
I usually say that I fell into entrepreneurship, which is true, although “fell” may be too graceful a word. It was more like tripping over a stack of ideas, landing in digital marketing, and realizing I rather liked the view from the floor. About eight years ago, I began working for myself in the world of digital marketing and communications. Read more>>
Bia Gomes
Bia Gomes — Future Health Coach, Runner & Community Leader IG: bianca.gomes.imperial When I was first invited to be featured as a Hidden Gem, my initial reaction was to wonder whether people would truly be interested in my story. Read more>>
Emily Granados
I was born and raised in Houston, TX. It took a lot of pain and overcoming of topics such as Domestic violence, Substance abuse and mental hardship to get me to where I am today. Read more>>
Nolen Davis
The Frequency of Business Is Changing, And Nolen Davis Is Leading the Conversation At the age of 19, when the Chicago Bulls were dominating the NBA, Nolen Davis and his lifelong friend, Will Green, who he proudly considers his brother, combined their creativity with their entrepreneurial spirit. Together, they designed T-shirts featuring the Chicago Bulls mascot biting an entry ticket to a Bulls vs. Read more>>
Judy Vo Hoang
Growing up, I’ve watched my mother cook and make different desserts. I was always curious to learn to cook, and the only thing I knew how to bake were cakes, cupcakes, and brownies from the boxes. As I got older, my passion for cooking and baking grew. Sucre of New Orleans was one of the first macarons I tried and loved. Read more>>
Robin Allen
My name is Robin (he/they) and I am a trans man who is passionate about LGBTQ+ activism and organizing. My main skills are in web development, digital communications, and audio engineering. I joined the Trans Voices team in November 2025 after moving to Houston earlier that year and wanting to get involved with volunteering in the local queer community. Read more>>
De’Ayzha King
It all started with a curious girl who wanted more for herself. Growing up, my mom always had large stereo systems in the house, and music was a big part of our family. We’re a musically inclined family, and while I can’t hold a note, I can definitely break one down. From an early age, music became a source of connection, expression, and joy. Read more>>
Dj Franko ThaGreat
My name is Dj Frankothagreat I migrated to houston,tx from Omaha,Nebraska in 2020 when my mother decided to relocate. Read more>>
Vanessa Provencio
I was born and raised in southeast Texas, and I’ve always known I wanted to be a storyteller, and a helper. I can trace it back to kindergarten: show & tell was my time to shine, and I’d bring in this trophy every Friday with a brand new made-up story about how I’d won it. It wasn’t even mine, it was my mom’s. Read more>>
Tamara Stroud
I’ve always had a great love for animals, and prior to moving to Galveston, dabbled in pet-sitting for many years. Once I made it a priority, I began getting more and more requests from friends, friends of friends, and family. That’s when I realized there was a real demand for a high-quality pet-sitting service based on concierge level services built on a foundation of trust. Read more>>
King Dierre
My story, like most Black artists’, started within the walls of the church. I’m originally from Detroit but was raised in Indianapolis, and music runs deep in my family. My great-grandmother was a background singer in the ’60s, her son — my grandfather — was a singer as well, and my mother sang too. My first real introduction to hip-hop came through her. Read more>>
Amanda Hernandez Diaz
Hi, I’m Amanda and I’m owner of The Dazzling Rose. I started creating art from an early age. From drawing, painting or creating it made my heart happy to see the outcome and then be able to gift it to make someone else to maybe make them happy. That still brings so much joy to me! Read more>>
Michael Clark
My journey to becoming a therapist began during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. A conversation with a college friend planted the seed. She told me, “As much mentoring, coaching, and showing up for the young people you work with in the school system, I can really see you doing this kind of work.” At first, I wasn’t sure. Read more>>
Danielle Reeves
Fashion has always been a part of who I am, even long before SimonRee Styling & Co. officially became a business. For years, I found myself naturally styling family, friends, and anyone who wanted a second opinion. What started as a passion eventually became something I knew I was called to pursue. Read more>>
Belinda Sustaita Perez
Lucky Dog Kettle Corn started as a suggestion from our late dear friend Michael Ramirez. He was another entrepreneur who had started a concessions and catering business. One of his businesses was a lemonade stand. He wanted to partner up with someone to sell kettle corn alongside his business. Read more>>
Marilyn DeLeon
I’ve worked in the industry since I was 16. I was working as my cousin’s salon receptionist. I always knew that at a young age I always had a passion for doing hair. I love to make others feel great in their own way and I knew I wanted to contribute to that. I had been working with her for 10 years on and off. Read more>>
Camila Wilson
EarthThreads International started out like this. When I was a child, I met a group of Tibetan monks. They were very kind to me, and their smile and saffron robes made a great impression on my mind at the time. Read more>>
China Gerona
My husband and I have been together for 3 years before our first location was established. We were both working in the service industry while going to college. I was a bartender and a cocktail waitress at a karaoke bar. He was working at a sushi bar as a waiter as well. Read more>>
Kdnae
I started off being a young girl who played in her TT’s heels & in grown folks makeup while watching Hannah Montana, Victorious, or Next Top Model. Once my mom & stepdad seen my potential they had me audition for a local talent group called Dream High USA, where we sung, danced, acted, modeled, & luckily featured on some television screens. Read more>>
Copatric L Dartis
Early Life & High School Years> Growing up in Indianapolis,IN during unique times and change for everyone across the country, my lifes foundation was set and began with my parents and grandparents from Gloster,MS and Winchester,TN. Prior to my coming of age years, sports, hanging with, learning from family, music and reading news papers became my primary interest. Read more>>
Ania Mantooth
My name is Ania, and I am originally from Ukraine. I first came to the United States in 2008 as a student, fell in love with the area, and returned to the island in 2009. After earning my degree in architecture, I permanently moved to Galveston in 2010. Read more>>
Southern Soul Damo
My music journey started during one of the hardest times of my life. I found music when I was facing homelessness and uncertainty. It became more than just a hobby, it became my purpose. Music gave me a voice, when I felt like I didn’t have one, and a way to tell my story through real-life experiences, struggles, love, heartbreak, and perseverance. Read more>>
Cary Dyer II
I pursued being a designer because it’s something that I have always been interested in. By my mother being into clothing and her managing a denim shop, to my grandmother making her children’s clothing when they were younger, to my father being a fashion model when he was my age. Read more>>
Kristin Cochran
Grace & 7th started with two friends, big dreams, and a shared heart for encouraging women and helping them find bright, colorful, joy filled additions to their wardrobes. My friend, Sara, asked me one day if I would be interested in starting a boutique with her and there was no hesitation. Absolutely! Read more>>
Kendra Patterson
people ALWAYS tell me i need to write a book about my story and my life. My story is truly a great story. I often say that if you had met me years ago, you probably wouldn’t have imagined I’d be where I am today. I grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, in an environment where survival was often the priority. Read more>>
Gigi Justiniano
My content creating journey really started in 2020. I had always wanted to be on the big screen as a kid, so when social media blew up, I realized that I could make my own ‘movies’ whenever I wanted to. Short form content became a side hobby that eventually turned into something I really loved doing. Read more>>
