Highlighting Local Gems

Over the past decade we have had the chance to learn about so many incredible folks from a wide range of industries and backgrounds and our highlighter series is designed to give us an opportunity to go deeper into their stories with to goal of understanding them, their thought process, how their values formed and the foundations of their stories. Check out some incredible folks below – many of whom you may have read about already and a few new names as well.

Toni Leago Valle

I am definitely born to perform and make art. Even if no one liked it and all I did was dance in my living room, I would still do it (and often do!) I was called to it early. I have loved dancing since I was four years old and have been on stage acting since I was nine. Read more>>

Sherronda Phelps

I believe for a good majority of my life I’ve been doing what I was told to do. While these actions have led to a pretty comfortable life, I do feel like at a certain point you’ve got to start living for you and what you want out of this ONE LIFE you have. Read more>>

Dina Abbood

Absolutely, but that’s been a journey. For years, I was hiding parts of who I am – my accent, my background – because I was afraid people would judge me or think I didn’t belong in certain spaces. I even used to dress only in black and white, trying to blend in and look like what I thought successful people were supposed to look like. Read more>>

Meg Stolt

Absolutely. What you see is what you get. I find it too challenging to be anything but authentically me. I would forget what persona to show. As I keep telling my story on Instagram, I keep learning to be open and vulnerable. That is hard. Story telling creates connections. And I am a very direct person — why use 20 words, when 10 will do. Read more>>

Chef Nedra Harris

The biggest lie that my industry tell people who go to culinary school is that they are chefs when they’re finished and you don’t become a chef until you work for a big corporation who has deemed you to be a chef with years of experience and pay that comes with the culinary school do not teach you how to become a chef. Read more>> 

Jelando Johnson

As long as you have talent you’ll be successful. It takes a lot more than that to make it in the music business. Faith, character, personality, a good attitude, strong work ethic, dependability, a plan, relationships, patience and consistency are all needed to be successful in the music business. Read more>>

Judy Lichtenberger

For years, I held back from stepping fully into the spotlight with Eagle Eye Signings and our nonprofit, Voices of the Fire Council. There was this constant fear of vulnerability, you know? And beyond that, the immense pressure of ensuring our representation remained authentic and respectful. When you’re speaking for a community and heritage that’s been misrepresented so often, that responsibility feels enormous. Read more>>

Jodi Walsh

After 40 years of creating the one thing I am most proud of is mentoring other artists that are just starting out. This doesn’t always mean young people, creatives of any age. I know and understand we are at some level in competition with each other. However sharing information and experiences, good and bad, can save other artists time and money. Read more>>

Louella LeBlanc

Life is short and precious. Take that business trip with your husband or wife. Make memories with your kids. Enjoy quiet nights at home. Unplug from the world. I am thankful for my years at the ranch. We lived a busy life and at the end TIME with those you love matters the most.  Read more>>

Siree Jones

Lately, I have been finding so much joy in volunteering and offering support in the community. I experience true joy when I am active in my church home throughout the week. Read more>>

Karina Moreno

Yes every single bad review from people every single time that I was sick fighting with cancer and see all the bad comments not about my food more that I should close down because the staff or the smell or whatever they were not happy with. Read more>>

Melanie Valentine

I would say that, it was less of a moment, and more of a time period, that shaped how I see the world. Read more>>

Patty Gill

I grew up in the 60’s-70’s when the news was full of the Vietnam war, the fight for civil rights, the ‘hippy’ generation and a large shift in the family dynamics. There were drugs, mayhem, massive music festival’s and a generation looking for answers. There was so much unrest. However, another movement arose during that time, one I became a part of. Read more>>

Kati Johnson

I have built my career on affordable prices. This is very important to me because photography is a luxury not a necessity. Choosing to make my service affordable comes with challenges. Im a small business owner, so I still have to make ends meet. Yet, I still make sure everyone can afford and enjoy the art of photoshoots. This is my passion. Read more>>

Ana Magana-Garnica

Pain is my biggest strength “ I am strong from the fire within me.” Turning something negative into a positive defensive mechanism. Using my pain as power happened when I moved to Houston; on my own, without a job, no social life, little experience, no income, and no home. Read more>>

Jpkeyz

I feel the deepest sense of peace when I’m seated at the keyboard, releasing sweet melodies to the Father. That is my happy place—the place where everything else fades away, and it’s just me and Him. In those moments of worship, I’m not simply playing music; I’m communing with God, pouring out my heart in sound when words aren’t enough. Read more>>

Daniel Egwede

I feel most at peace when my customers are genuinely satisfied with the service I have provided. Read more>>

Brittany LaRotta

In corporate— barely seeing my babies, and working towards someone else’s dreams. I couldn’t, I wouldn’t. And I scraped my way to where I am and headed and don’t regret it! I love creating art and something beautiful for others.. And I especially love my variety of clients, projects, while having time for my littles, family, and friends. Read more>>

Kendall Tyrone-Jenkins

I was a happy, spunky, talkative young girl, full of limitless creativity. I created exactly what I wanted, and I had fun doing it. I didn’t care what others thought about me or my art. One of my favorite second-grade teachers let me have the big box that the zoo animal crackers came in after the class finished testing. Read more>>

Tawana Horne

Can you believe, I’m experiencing that level of excitement currently. As COO of Sweettoooth Cheesecakes; planting the seed and watching it grow is satisfying in itself. Read more>>

Ram Perez III

Id stop following rules and start robbing banks. Read more>>

Dariana Johnson

If i retired tomorrow I think most of my customers would miss the bond we shared. I have a lot of clients that have become friends and even family. They could choose to go to anyone in this city but they still choose me because of the genuine bond and relationship I have with my customers Read more>>

Anchalee Chu

They will miss the honesty, integrity and great relationship that I had built with them for the past 20 years. Of course, great services Read more>>

Taylor Mays

Nothing I’m doing now is waiting 7–10 years to pay off. Every project, every episode, every idea. It’s already moving me forward. Read more>>

Elvis Alvarez

Well, I wouldn’t say I’m avoiding the battle – it’s more that I’m fighting through it every day. I faced my anxiety head-on, even on the days when it feels overwhelming. It’s a constant push to regulate my thoughts and reclaim control over my emotional space. I try to not let it cloud my judgment and dictate my choices. Read more>>

Bunz

The aliens are here already and they’re walking among us Read more>>

Dr. Justin Langham

Thanks for the opportunity! I think people outside of the music business, and many inside for that matter, assume that since we ‘love what we do’ that we are expected to sacrifice more than those in other fields in favor of a secure and balanced life. Read more>>

Visuewelle

Something I believe we all struggle with at one point or another is making big or hard decisions. Even if we feel confident about our choice, sometimes the act of defining it can still make us a little apprehensive. I believe it’s because we know that our choices have the ability to change our lives and even our fate. Did I choose right? Read more>>

Jagdish Maheshri

Have you ever wondered what people might be secretly struggling with—but never talk about? I used to think about that a lot, until one day I flipped the question and asked it to myself. That’s when things really started to click. By looking inward, I began to see more clearly what others might be going through too. Read more>>

Kelly Hamburg

That to me it wasn’t work. I was lucky and blessed to be able to do what I do. You can’t fake passion and sometimes passion can be misunderstood. When someone is paying for my skillset, I owe them hard work and honesty. While I’m very easy to work with, I it’s also my responsibility tell you the truth. Read more>>

William Harris

The relationship with myself and my late adopted grand parents they let me be myself and knew I would have tough rode and prepared me to be independent and stay tough. Read more>>

 Mefi Alapat

The time that stands out was when I was on Safari in Tanzania, and several guides pulled me aside to thank me for the guests I send them. They told me that my travelers are always respectful, curious, and genuinely engaged – the kind of guests I love sending and they love guiding. Read more>>

Noe Montoya

Not going full time into our business sooner. But I loosely believe that because I am a strong believer that everything happens the way it is supposed to. Maybe we were not ready for the level of success that is heading our way. But now…. Bring It! Read more>>

SURFACE GREY

I think smart people of today are getting it wrong overthinking everything. For example, you don’t need a robot working a damn popcorn machine (sorry just seen that video of Elon saying it’s the future). Read more>>

Ronnie Michael

My students. For example, Brad Gilde of https://www.gildelawfirm.com/bradford-j-gilde-8632/ a black belt in Judo and now earning his black belt in Kuk Sool Won is expanding his awareness of martial arts. And as a leader in his community, he will continue the tradition of teaching and helping others whether in court or on the mat. Read more>>

Rich Maserati

“I rely heavy on God’s wisdom first—then the game from the OGs, the hustlers, and the visionaries who walked before me.” God’s word keep me grounded. It remind me who I am when the world try to tell me different. That spiritual guidance? It’s the GPS when my flesh wanna crash out. Then I tap into minds smarter than mine—entrepreneurs, street legends, and quiet giants. Read more>>

Michelle Gihring

Yes! I would hire me. The animal training industry is tricky to navigate due to there being no required certifications. I have found that customers don’t know how to navigate finding a trainer with appropriate education and certifications in the type of animal training they are seeking. Read more>>