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.
Marsha Guillory, PhD
I started Guillory Candle Co. during my years as a remote worker. Candles were my little ritual, a way to make ordinary moments feel calmer and more grounded. But after buying countless big‑box candles, I realized many of them were filled with pollutants, synthetic additives, and chemicals that didn’t belong in the air I breathed every day. Read more>>
BAYBAY FORREAL
I was born and raised in Acres Homes, Houston, Texas, where life taught me lessons that no classroom ever could. Growing up, I experienced hardships, struggles, and circumstances that challenged me to survive in an environment where opportunities sometimes felt limited and the wrong choices could seem like the easiest ones to make. Read more>>
KIm Nguyen
I grew up making my own mums and have always loved crafts, creativity, and bringing ideas to life. As a young adult, I started making mums for my nieces, and nephews simply because I enjoyed creating something special for them. When my boys reached high school, I began making mums for them and their friends. Read more>>
LeVonna Washington
My journey really started with simply sharing my everyday life online. I was working a full-time corporate job, raising my family, and navigating all of the things that come with being a wife, mom, and career woman. Read more>>
Ginah Sidney
I’m a licensed RDA and Esthetician. I’ve been in the dental field since 2008. I wanted to learn more so I partnered with different dentist to learn more about services and patient care that I am able to provide on my license level. I wanted to create a more relaxed and affordable experience for clients. Read more>>
Ashley Arce
Waves of Impact is dedicated to providing free access to the healing power of the ocean through adaptive surf therapy for children, young adults, veterans, and families facing exceptional challenges. Our mission is to foster confidence, independence, wellness, and meaningful human connection by creating safe, inclusive surf experiences where every participant has the opportunity to accomplish something they may have once believed impossible. Read more>>
Christa McCourt
In 2021, I founded Kingwood Business Women with the idea of creating something more intentional for women in business locally. I didn’t want it to be a room where women simply exchanged business cards and went home. Read more>>
Kourtney Dolliole
My name is Kourtney aka Koko, and my journey has been about learning to believe in myself and not letting anything define what I can or cannot do. I’ve always loved dancing, and I started dancing when I was five, but I didn’t begin taking formal dance classes until 2025. Read more>>
Spencer (Syspence) Stewart
Syspence’s Story (Spencer Stewart) This is the story of a kid that never gave up. Little did I know my biggest struggles would become the fuel to change my life. See, at the beginning, it wasn’t that easy. I literally went to 12 different schools, lived in multiple different cities, and was always the new kid on the block. Read more>>
Jasmine Jones
Ive been a content creator for about 6 years. My journey started on tik tok. I post everything from fashion,to life of a plus size mom. I give the good,the bad,and the ugly on my platforms. I genuinely think I gained my following from being transparent and authentic in who I am. Read more>>
Padon Suber
My journey in music began with a genuine love for creating and performing. I started as a musician and singer, developing my sound through R&B and Neo-Soul, while also expanding into genres like reggae, dancehall, soca, and world music. Read more>>
Charla Sells
I’ve been professionally training dogs since 2002, and what started as a passion for understanding dogs and behavior has shaped more than two decades of my life. My training philosophy has always centered around one motto: “Breaking the behavior without breaking the spirit.” I believe we can create well-mannered, confident dogs without taking away the personality and individuality that make each dog who they are. Read more>>
Angela Thouless
I graduated in 1999 with a BA (Hons) in Painting, going on to receive a Postgraduate Diploma/Masters in Art & Design in 2000. I have exhibited my artwork across the UK as well as all over Europe, Asia and North America. Read more>>
Take da bag Wilson
I was born into a life that would teach me strength at an early age. When I was just two years old, I moved to California with my mother. Growing up in Oakland, California, shaped me in ways that I will never forget. Oakland was home, but life in the streets was not always easy. Read more>>
Nicole Jackson
I published my first independent book 13 years ago. At the time, I had very little expectations, after doing a tremendous amount of networking on social media. Most authors spoke about being happy about earning enough to occasionally pay a light bill, here and there. Read more>>
Christopher Flanagan
Christopher S Flanagan, aka YaboiDougi3 Hailing from the heart of East Texas, Christopher Flanagan, better known as yaboidolo, has been making waves in the music scene for over 12 years. I Received a pacemaker at just age 21.. I graduated from Marshall high school in 2009. I was Born and raised in Marshall, tx. Ive been into music since elementary.. Read more>>
Lesley Miller
As a seasoned inventor, I am familiar with the drill. The chances of recouping the investment of time, energy, and money are incredibly low, but I find creating a problem-solving product irresistible. I’ve always believed that some of the best inventions come from everyday frustrations. Read more>>
Maryna Bakhmatska
I started working as a model at the age of 16. Worked for svorveski, Volkswagen, YSL etc. when I was in Ukraine. Also got an opportunity to travel to various European countries for the modeling job. Due to war situation in Ukraine I had to come to USA to work. Read more>>
KaReem Thomas
I started out pretty much like every producer…a rapper! But my pops bought us a keyboard and that changed everything! The rest is history. Read more>>
Jarvis Gibson
My journey started with a love for music and the culture around it. I began by getting in the studio, learning through experience, and surrounding myself with people who were already doing what I wanted to do. One of my first major experiences was getting into the studio with OTB Fastlane, which pushed me to take music more seriously and eventually build my own studio. Read more>>
Shari Porter
My journey in real estate began more than 26 years ago, although it didn’t start with selling homes. I began my career in non profit housing sector and community development, where I worked as a nationally certified homeownership, mortgage, and foreclosure counselor. I also served as a program coordinator, director of community outreach, and federal and state grant writer. Read more>>
Matthew Medina
My journey in hospitality began with a genuine love for creating memorable experiences. What started behind the bar eventually grew into a passion for concept development, mentorship, and helping operators transform their ideas into experiences that guests can actually feel. I built my career throughout Houston’s hospitality industry, progressing from bartender to beverage director, consultant, and concept developer. Read more>>
Alexis Pye
I always doodled, always been a way to cope and to get down my thoughts. My practice grew bigger when I went to art school at first I went to Bowling Green State University in Ohio, I then transferred in 2016 to Houston University. Read more>>
Myss Houdie
I started making music around 10th grade, probably around 2016. A few of my friends in high school were already making music, and they showed me the ropes. I picked it up pretty naturally and just really connected with it. A lot of my sound comes from what I grew up listening to. Read more>>
Randee Ramsey
I’ve never had a particularly straight career path, but storytelling has always been at the center of it. I started in theater and eventually found my way to film, earning my MFA from California Institute of the Arts, CalArts. From there, I built a career working in different corners of the industry as a writer, director, production manager, first assistant director and producer. Read more>>
Jamal Rahal
My names Jamal Rahal I’m a born and raised Houston Comedian and Musician. Lived here all my life and always had an affinity for anything artsy. Was a theatre kid growing up, played with some bands and made sketches whenever I could. Read more>>
Antonio Watts
I really thought I was going to be an orchestral conductor for the Boston Pops or BBC Proms. When I started on saxophone and quickly developed technical dexterity with the woodwind instruments, and it was clear I excelled at oboe/English Horn, I knew I wanted a professional career in music. Read more>>
Alamir Alabbasi
I started back on April 11,2022. I work in the inspection industry for the past (13) years working in different chemical plants and refineries. It’s a dangerous industry and anything can happen. I started my business for my family in case something was to happen to me, the business will stay and take care of my family. Read more>>
Kenisha Smith
My journey as a wardrobe stylist really dates back to 2016, when I was a student at the University of Houston. I founded FAB, the Fashion and Business Organization, to connect students who loved fashion and wanted to explore careers in the industry. Read more>>
Meghan Gibson
Mommy Artist started long before I knew I was creating it. I’ve always been a creative person. I was a theatre kid, studied Radio/TV/Film at TCU, and later earned my Master’s in Literature. Storytelling and performance has always been a huge part of who I am. Then I became a mom. Read more>>
Chiquita Murrell
My story has never followed one straight path. I’ve always been a creative woman who expresses herself through modeling, acting, singing, dancing, entrepreneurship, and visual storytelling. For a long time, I thought I had to choose one identity, but I eventually realized that being multidimensional is one of my greatest strengths. Read more>>
Heather McCutcheon
My path to becoming a therapist wasn’t a straight line, but looking back, I can see God’s hand in every step of the journey. I graduated from Michigan State University with an engineering degree and began my career working offshore in the oilfield. After my first child was born, I stepped away from engineering to stay home and raise our family. Read more>>
Shanice Jones
My journey into PR and entertainment has really been shaped by my passion for storytelling, culture, and creating meaningful connections. I started my career through contract publicity roles with TV networks, gaining hands-on experience in talent, media relations, red carpets, and entertainment programming. I later worked in an agency environment, where I continued developing my skills across PR strategy, media relations, and client work. Read more>>
Fredia Washington
Victorious Lighthouse Group had been in my heart for years before I officially launched the business in December 2022. It really grew out of my nearly 20 years of experience as an educational administrator, including 14 years serving as a Principal and Head Start Director in Port Arthur ISD. Several years ago, I began volunteering as a mentor to new Head Start directors. Read more>>
365 Days Of Enough | The Girl Without a Face
365 DAYS OF ENOUGH The Girl Without a Face She is the creator of 365 Days of Enough, a global letter-leaving project rooted in travel, storytelling, and human connection. Instead of taking souvenirs from the cities she visits, she leaves letters for strangers to find. Read more>>
Vikki Oduba
I started my journey in the events industry about nine years ago as a local events planner, organizing and coordinating events within my community. Those early years helped me build a strong foundation in event management, client relations, and creating memorable experiences. Over time, my passion for travel and event planning naturally came together, and over the last four years I expanded into destination events. Read more>>
Sonal Patel
My journey in holistic medicine really started during my time in California. I spent almost every day off out in nature, hiking, walking along the beach, meditating, and reading. Nature became my church, transforming how I saw the world and how everything is connected, which set me on a path toward wellness in mind, body, and spirit. Read more>>
Fadia El khatib
My Story I am a mother of three beautiful children, and my journey as an artist began with something very simple: my love for drawing and creating art. For many years, art was a hobby that I enjoyed while raising my children. Read more>>
Jessica Rice
I’ve always made art. As far back as I can remember I was drawing. I started painting in high school and painted my first mural on my bedroom walls. I painted my first professional mural at a day care facility when I worked there as a camp counselor in my early twenties. From there I got more clients. Read more>>
Cybill Bridges
My journey to creating Bridges Grant Solutions, LLC has been shaped by a combination of inspiration, aviation, an unexpected turning point in my life and luck. After graduating from college, I began my professional career working for a nonprofit venture capital organization that funded minority companies. Read more>>
Allison Masulis
It all started with an 2008 illegal production of Wicked Jr. (which to this day still doesn’t exist). My parents were my biggest supporters when it came to anything theater related. I’m an only child with a lot of energy and a knack for being on the stage. They took that and ran with it. I was in all the choirs growing up. Read more>>
Jasmine Redding
My entrepreneurship journey started with a simple observation: luxury should be a feeling, not just a look. I founded La’Donn Crowned because I wanted to create what I didn’t see in the market — accessories that didn’t just complete an outfit, but crowned the woman wearing them. Read more>>
Adisa Gubeljic
My journey has been anything but traditional, but looking back, I truly believe God has been guiding me through every season of my life, even the ones I didn’t understand at the time. I grew up on the Southwest Side of Houston in a Bosnian immigrant family. We didn’t have much, and my mom worked extremely hard to provide for me. Read more>>
Rebecca Lo
I’m a graduate of Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, where I completed both my undergraduate and graduate degrees. I started playing music since I was 5. Music has always been a huge part of my life, but I also knew from a very young age that I wanted to eventually have a music school of my own. Read more>>
Anita Valentine
I came to the US with the goal of getting my education and returning back home, Equatoria Guinea. I wanted to attend the University of Houston, but my family went through a series of financial difficulties and I ended up graduating from American Intercontinental University in Business Management. While i was going to school, i met my now husband and decided to stay. Read more>>
Yan (Diane) Yamamoto Skowron
I would describe my story as a divinely guided and grace-filled migration which felt long at times, but is really not, and like many of us evolving in our lives, it becomes part of one’s authenticity in daily living and growth. Read more>>
Ashley Jass
My love for makeup began when I was a teenager, around 13 or 14 years old. At the time, I was constantly participating in my friends’ and family members’ quinceañeras, and I can still remember the exact moment makeup changed my life. We had a trial session scheduled with my cousin’s makeup artist to see how she planned to do our makeup for her quinceañera. Read more>>
Jerrica Owens
My journey into the cleaning business started with my grandmother, my mom’s mom. Growing up, we would visit her and my Papa and help them around the house with light cleaning. What started as simply helping my family became something that I genuinely enjoyed and found purpose in. Those moments taught me that cleaning is more than just making a house look nice. Read more>>
Kaylie Vasquez
I always joke that I have been an entrepreneur since childhood. My first taste of making money was selling candy at school during middle school recess. Later, as a teen, I started a ‘skincare’ line selling body glitter oil and a turmeric face mask kit. I remember getting my first sale over Instagram. Read more>>
Elizabeth Keyes
My dad was a refinery worker. He played guitar in his free time, and as a little girl I was in awe of it. He used to sing “Lovebug” by George Strait and change the word ‘love’ to Liz. “Oh that little bitty teeny weeny thing they called the Lizbug. Read more>>
Amanda “fresh” Woodard
I’ve always been known to have a niche for being naturally creative, whether it was artistically or poetically, although yes it did take a while for me to adjust into my own comfortability with expressing those talents outside of my leisure time to family, associates and social outlets. Read more>>
Matthew Shields
I started the way so many dancers do, as a kid in a local dance studio. Looking back, it’s interesting because the environment where I first discovered dance was very similar to the kind of studio I help operate today. It was a place where young dancers could train, grow up, find mentors and discover what they were capable of. Read more>>
Chris”King Creole “ Roy
I started creating music as a hobby pre covid doing competitions on mobile apps. After a year I started to gain recognition and was invited out to pod cast interviews for Rapchat and even video shoots for songs I had created in these apps. It was at that time I started to take it a little more seriously. Read more>>
