We are so thrilled to be able to connect with some of the brightest and most inspiring entrepreneurs and creatives from across the city and beyond and this series in particular gives us the honor of introducing these folks to you in a unique way – we go beyond the story of how they got to where they are today by asking them to reflect on a variety of deeper questions that we hope will help you better connect with them, their stories and their brands. Ultimately, our hope is that more of us will spend more of our money with independent artists, creatives and small businesses and we think getting to know one another at a deeper level is step one.
Natasha Frazier
One day in third grade, my teacher gave me a small sheet of paper, told me not to open it, and sent me to another teacher’s classroom to give it to her. As an eight-year-old, what did I do? I opened it. Not only did I not follow directions, I had to pretend like I didn’t do it. Read more>>
Manuel Guzmán-López
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I became a father for the first time, and then again with the birth of my second child. Read more>>
Antoinette Turner
The cultural value I protect at all costs is faith and integrity in everything I do. Where I come from, we’re taught that your word and your character are worth more than anything money can buy. I carry that into motherhood, into my business, and into every relationship I build. Read more>>
Ant Boogie
I value Black Women and I admire their strength and resilience. Black women are the foundation in which the strength of America has been built. I love women, period. With that being said though, the Black women is the mother of life. I work everyday to uplift and protect my Black Sisters at all costs.. Read more>>
Billy Deion Nelson
Authenticity. In everything I do. Whether it’s business, content, or personal relationships I protect the value of showing up as my true self. I believe that staying real, even when it’s not the most popular or polished route, is what builds trust, connection, and long-term impact. Read more>>
Anita Michael
I’m from diverse cultural backgrounds. That is one aspect of me as a person that I definitely want to hold and protect. Because I have been influenced by multiple cultural identities, I belong to all of them. I don’t want my experiences in life to be cornered into one culture. I challenge the idea that identity must be singular. Read more>>
Sanatan Kadakia
I believe that a core value we must all protect at all costs is the right to speak, create, question, and even criticize—without any fear of censorship. Freedom of expression is the foundation of art, journalism, innovation, democracy, and social progress. We must safeguard it, as it creates a space for diverse ideas, uncomfortable conversations, and societal growth. Read more>>
Holli May Thomas
Decades ago, I was creating a very different style of art. I was using the same processes I use today, but with a different outcome. I call this my experimental practice period. My stepdad passed away right before Covid and at the same time, my mother was diagnosed with dementia. Read more>>
sev3n1three
the last time we felt true joy is every time we get to perform on stage Read more>>
Michael Thomas
When I dip out for a mid-day run or catch a random movie, I’m reminded—I come from a line of men who did what they had to do to provide. I’m the first generation that actually gets to do what I want to do for a living. That’s why those small pauses hit different. Gratitude always leads me back to joy. Read more>>
Margie Taylor
When Governor Abbott signed the Bill on Memorial Day weekend to make Texas House Bill 2143 law effective Sept 1, 2025. This bill names a portion of FM 1097 in Willis, Texas from Interstate 45 to Lake Conroe at Lake Conroe Hills. ‘The Army Specialist Joey Lenz Memorial Highway’. The Highway Dedication event will be Friday, Sept. 19 at 9:00am. Location TBD. Read more>>
Judy Foston Stanford
Yes, I would hire me. Why? Strong Track Record of Delivering Value I’m consistently reliable, adaptable, and able to deliver high-quality output across a wide range of projects. Whether it’s writing, strategic planning, research, or creative problem solving, I bring results. Read more>>
JUSTIN CHAVEZ
If I were asked whether I would hire myself, the answer would be yes. I bring determination, adaptability, and consistency to everything I do. When I commit to something, I follow through, even if it takes long hours or stepping outside of my comfort zone. I’ve built a business from the ground up, which shows I don’t shy away from responsibility or hard work. Read more>>
Deborah Gaffney
I absolutely would love to hire 10 of me. I could depend on passionate women who love all things creative. They would dive into new learning opportunities and come out with additional skills and abilities. I could get even more done in a day, than I do now; and sometimes I surprise myself with my daily accomplishments. Read more>>
Rosaline Abiodun
Absolutely — I would hire myself repeatedly. I take pride in being highly professional in everything I do, and I consistently deliver results regardless of the size or scope of the job. Whether it’s a large-scale project or a small task, I approach it with the same level of dedication, attention to detail, and accountability. Read more>>
Dona Strohbehn
The defining wounds of my life have centered around two things: feeling misunderstood for the gifts I was born with, and carrying the weight of trauma that came from relationships and experiences where I didn’t feel safe or seen. From the time I was very young, I could see and communicate with spirits. Read more>>
Derek Johnson
Well, I have come a long way in a relatively short period of time to which I have to give credit to God. I created a lot of, we’ll call it ‘mischief’, in my life that really caused some pain within my family. Read more>>
Samone Raenelle
The part of me that over-explains, over-functions, and overextends just to feel safe, seen, or worthy. The version of me that thought love had to be earned through proving, pleasing, or performing. She served me when I needed survival… But I’ve outgrown survival. I’ve learned to just BE. Read more>>
Jose Orozco
Great question! this one touched me quickly with a response in mind. Reality is I have put my life in pause and ignored the majority of my life to protecting people I still care for, serving those close to me for more than half of my life without really building anything for myself. Read more>>
Maria Fontanals
When I first came to study at HB Studio for the Summer Intensive, that summer completely changed my life. For the first time, I felt that my teachers truly understood me. They not only guided me, they supported me, and I felt seen in a way I had been longing for. Read more>>
Kid Kush
In the music game its a lot of pitfalls and scammers its always good to do some research before you jump for everything Read more>>
Brad Nies
When I was in college, I wanted to be a professional actor and director. (I wanted to live in New York, work as a stage actor, and eventually direct shows on Broadway.) But my life did not go in that direction. Instead, my career opportunities led me into educational theatre. Read more>>
D’Essence Grant
Mental health right now is full of buzzwords, and it’s easy to get caught up in trends that sound good but don’t create lasting change. For me, the difference between a fad and a foundational shift comes down to sustainability. Fads feel shiny and quick—they give momentary relief but don’t address the deeper needs of educators. Read more>>
Padon Suber
I believe being “out of your depth” is really a mental concept. For every opportunity that comes my way, I trust that the means to handle it are also provided—it’s just a matter of whether I’m willing to stretch my mindset and grow into the challenge. The only real limit is my own willingness to learn and adapt. Read more>>
Kevin Bianchi
I think if immortality was real I would try and build up my Videography/Photography company more. I would invest in equipment and software that would put me on the same level creatively as my colleagues and competitors. Read more>>
Michelle Elaine
I would stop over analyzing and dragging my feet to get important stuff done. Relational things such as talks that I need to have with myself and others close to me. I would just buy the thing that would make my life easier and happier and stop waiting for it to go on sale!! I would also PLAY LIKE CRAZY with my babies! Read more>>
Shayla Arceneaux
I would put down my phone and work less, ensuring that I spend as much time as possible with my children. It’s important to me that they know how much I value and love them, as well as how essential it is for them to grow up as men of God. Read more>>
Kizzy Ware
If I laid down my name, my role, and every possession I’ve ever earned, what would remain is my faith, my spirit, and the love I’ve poured into others. Titles fade, material things come and go, but the impact you leave on people’s hearts and the relationship you keep with God—that’s eternal. Read more>>
Avery Foshee
Katie: I would hope they would say that they missed the connection, guidance, and healing of the piercing process. So much care & compassion can happen in a 15-minute interaction. Avery: I hope they would miss our jokes & the light environment that we cultivated. Read more>>
Chris Araj
If I retired tomorrow I think my patients would miss my compassionate care and attention to detail. In the day and age of rush rush rush at Pearland Hearing Aids & Audiology we take the time to actually listen and meet our patients where they are. We provide realistic solutions that actually work and solve their problems. Read more>>
Chise Up
Success. Nothing would happen because as long as we are able bodied and healthy we will never stop learning and chasing success. Read more>>
George Edwards
I’m investing in people, mentoring younger attorneys, building trust with clients beyond transactions, and being present for my daughter in ways that won’t fully make sense to her until she’s grown. At ESS, I’m helping lay the groundwork for a firm culture that values integrity, collaboration, and long-term relationships. Read more>>
Anthony Sims
The light I’ve dimmed the most is the one that says, “I don’t need to wait to be appreciated. I already am.” I’ve spent wonderful years building videos, memories, aesthetics, and moments. I’ve captured joy for others, organized beauty into frame by frame timelines, and stayed up all night editing so that someone else could feel whole when they watched it back the next day. Read more>>
Sadaf Khan
I’ll admit, I’ve always struggled with being ruthlessly clear, even when the situation may call for it. It’s not in my nature to dim someone else’s light just because they feel threatened by my own. Even in moments of conflict, I find myself choosing to lead by example rather than by blunt instruction. Read more>>
Sharon Caples McDougle
I regret not sharing my story much sooner. I believe if I’d shared my story sooner I could’ve inspired more children sooner. I truly believe children need to see themselves represented in various fields to aspire to be there themselves one day. I’d never heard of a space suit technician job and I’m sure many others haven’t either. Read more>>
Akilla Morris
Currently, my regret is not starting my company sooner. I was so focused on a different type of life and worked hard for others for so long. The dedication and time that was put into someone else’s dream is something that I can never get back. What I can do now is utilize my time here, take more chances, and not be afraid of failure. Read more>>
Jessica Walden
A belief I used to hold tightly was the idea that “you can have it all.” For a long time, I thought success meant being able to balance every area of life perfectly and achieve everything without sacrifice. Over time, I realized that this belief was naive. Life is not about having it all at once—it is about give and take, balance, and moderation. Read more>>
Diane Fifer
Quite simply, if you don’t like it, change it. Don’t give problems, give solutions. These are two important quotes spoken to me, by two different people, that changed the way I deal with life. It’s about overcoming the various challengers life throws at you. Read more>>
Christian Onyemem
Failing hard taught me that messing up isn’t the end of the world, it’s part of the process. What matters is how you respond to it. I realized I needed a system that allowed me to fail without falling apart. That meant learning from each mistake quickly and putting something in place so I wouldn’t repeat it. Read more>>
Alex Bader
Customers care and want us to succeed! We are lucky to be part of a fantastic community with regular guests who share ideas of improvements, volunteer in cellaring activities, relay truthful insights, or simply enjoy an afternoon with us. Read more>>
Harold Chatman
The most surprising thing I’ve learned about my customers is how much it really comes down to how you make them feel. Beyond the workouts, the nutrition advice, or the fitness plans, people value being treated with care, respect, and understanding. They want to feel heard, supported, and educated in a way that opens their minds to lasting change. Read more>>
Shannon McKinney
EGO! I started later in life but at one point I thought I’d eventually have multiple subcontractors on multiple jobs – wrong! The few times I tried this, I felt that my clients weren’t getting my best and it was more stressful than I’d imagined. With social media and the hundreds of organizers that I see, I thought, I should be doing that! Read more>>
Ayo Ogunseinde
Sometimes bad things just happen and aren’t trauma, and not everything is a lesson. Sometimes you just fail, and that’s okay. Read more>>
Melanie Fitzpatrick
That’s easy – my sister, hands down. Having a sister who’s also your business partner that you completely and wholly trust is honestly the only way this works. Jen and I have this amazing dynamic where we can bounce ideas off each other constantly, and I know she’s always going to give it to me straight. Read more>>
