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 Austin.
Audrey Scheck
As I shared these projects, people began asking for my help. It all happened naturally. We moved to Austin in December 2020, and by March 2021, I launched Audrey Scheck Design. My earliest clients were predominantly friends and family who were very casually “hiring” me as their designer. I soon realized I needed to make it official, so I created a name for the company. I purchased a logo on Etsy and hired my first employee two months later. Now, four years later, we’re a team of fifteen females with clients around the country. Read more>>
Ailena Nguyen
As time passed, I developed a deep passion for the work here. But let me tell you… nails and toes weren’t exactly my thing. My mom once told me, “You better figure out what you like to do here because you’re not going anywhere.” One day, she brought me in as a model for her lash training. She hated it and never picked up the tweezers after that session. I questioned her about it, and then I decided to give it a try myself. At 16, I had my “aha” moment. I was like, this is what I want to do. This is my passion. (Meanwhile, my mom was looking at me like I was crazy.) Read more>>
Emmanuel Tiluscar
With a background in coaching and education, Emmanuel recognized the challenges faced by underserved youth, particularly in accessing high-quality basketball training and personal development programs. He saw a need for an inclusive space where kids could not only develop their athletic skills but also gain financial literacy, discipline, and confidence. Read more>>
Jackie Mendoza
So, I took a leap of faith and launched Elevate Real Estate Media, offering photography, videography, virtual tours, drone footage, and strategic content marketing. My goal has always been to help agents harness the power of visual storytelling and understand how investing in professional media can transform their business. Seeing firsthand how capturing properties in their best light not only enhances listings but also strengthens an agent’s brand has been incredibly rewarding. Read more>>
Katia Forero
I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design with a minor in Retail Merchandising, which led me to my first job as a product development coordinator for a company specializing in Harley-Davidson novelties. It was there, overseeing catalog photoshoots, that I discovered my love for photography. That passion grew when I moved to Pittsburgh and started taking photography classes. What began as casual photo sessions with friends soon turned into something more. Read more>>
Sophie Seng
One of the main challenges I’ve faced in my music career is finding the right places and people to share my music with. I’ve always struggled to put my music into a box (genre-wise) and it has made it hard to find role models and paths to follow. I am passionate about making new and truly original music so I’m not planning on changing what work I produce, but it has been challenging forging my own way. I’m so grateful to have found a community of people who appreciate the unique music I make though, and I know this will all be worth it one day! Read more>>
Miguel Jimenez
Nomad, as any business, has not been a smooth ride at all. We’ve endured a zoning change, construction on roads nearby that impeded access to the bar, a pandemic, frozen/busted pipes and a growing of the city that quadrupled the amount of bars in our fine city. Not to mention a letter addition to our name, making it difficult for new patrons to find us. Read more>>
Chad Worner
However, the experience planted the seed for something bigger. At the time, there wasn’t much to do in the Lakeway/Spicewood area, and I saw an opportunity to create a gathering space for the community. Drawing on my background in development and management, I began shaping the vision for a brewery that would be more than just a place for beer—it would be a welcoming, family-friendly space where people could come together, connect, and feel at home. That vision became Frontyard Brewing. Read more>>
Melinda Sepeti
Mindy’s Bakeshop is a home-based bakery that offers custom decorated cookies and event cakes, along with cake and cookie decorating classes. We officially started in 2015 (ten years this May! Omg!) but we started growing those roots in 2012. My now husband and I met that year in a little biker bar and grill where he was a line cook and I was making pies and cakes. I was just a few years out of pastry school and after we started dating, Kenny took the plunge and enrolled in the same program. Read more>>
Jeremy Thomas
Things weren’t always smooth-sailing. First, the learning curve of using a DSLR camera can be a bit intimidating for beginners. I definitely had frustrating moments of accidentally ruining photoshoots by not using the proper settings or equipment. Thankfully, practice makes “perfect”. Read more>>
Ali Telfer
I am what is called and independent yarn dyer, or an indie dyer as it’s known in the fiber arts community. I specialize in dyeing yarn for knitters and crocheters. I take bare undyed yarn and put color on it. What sets me apart is my dyeing techniques and methods of combining colors. It’s a lot like painting. No two skeins of yarn will look the same. Each one is its own work of art. Read more>>
Michelle McWatters
We are a professional pet grooming facility best known for our love and care for all! I’m very proud of the quality of our team offering a wide variety of personality, character and styling techniques to suit most everyone’s needs. Our ability to work with all breed’s and temperaments provides a helpful hand to many. Many of our clients come hours away because they have great trust knowing we will always care for their fur baby as our own, provide a quality service for a fair rate. That level of trust is priceless and fulfilling. Read more>>
Jana Gross
My sister and I were adopted from South Korea and grew up in Minnesota with our parents and older brother. I spent my childhood in a small town of just 3,700 people, and after high school, I felt the pull to explore the world. On my 17th birthday (I was a young graduate!), my mom and I went to the MEPS station, where she co-signed the paperwork that allowed me to join the Air Force. I wanted to see new places, challenge myself, and earn my college education. Read more>>
Bill Ledbetter
Photography done well requires a fairly high level of investment in equipment, training, assistants, insurance, and travel, but excellence has always been important to me. However, that has the impact of eating into the potential profit a business might gain with a constant stream of investments into excellence — a big tradeoff that I have worked on throughout my time as a professional photographer. Read more>>
David Silva
A few more bars encouraged me to grow; Barely Disfigured, Cafe de L’Enfer invested Amor y Amargo and now in Austin Small Victory and Drinkwell. Both Austin bars carry heavy cocktail influence in the city and gave me the opportunity to find new paths. Now I was found by this hidden gem Eden Cocktail Room and its team which have allowed me to run a solid cocktail program and format for the crew to also grow from. This includes structure, discipline and self learning for creating their own style drinks to be expressive. I hope to expand the bar to make it as curative as it was when it first opened. It’s an exciting time to make new things happen! Read more>>
Tanner Rowley
I grew up always loving the creative process, early on it was especially related to crafting and creating physical sculptures or objects, music, and general performance and showmanship. I come from a family that very much encouraged me to explore and enjoy that creativity, but also a pragmatic family that encouraged me to pursue a more traditional career. In school, I was always very adept at STEM related fields, so upon graduating from High School, I went on to get a degree in Biomedical Engineering from The University of Texas. Read more>>
Hannahstarr Kann
My daughter went to classes with me as I added a double major in athletic training to learn more about movement and nutrition. I interned with the Belmont University Athletics and was honored to be elected by staff and professors as one of three students to work the NCAA Women’s Final Four as a Host City- Athletic Trainer Intern in 2014 my final semester. That was it. I was hooked on the potential of the human body and what it truly needed to perform at a high caliber, what environment was needed to help it heal and succeed at a high level. Read more>>
Leesa Ross
In 2009, my son Jon died in a gun incident while with friends. His loss changed my life forever. In the aftermath, I searched for where I belonged, joining many organizations in the gun safety and firearms community. I’m an alumni of the Everytown for Gun Safety Survivor Fellowship program and the Austin Citizens Police Academy. I was a member of the NRA. I was trained in the Be SMART program. And my family owns firearms. Read more>>
Carolyn And Cody Luttrell
Word spread quickly. Our friends were seeing incredible results and started telling their coworkers and family members about their transformations. What started as casual workouts soon turned into a tight-knit community. We used local Facebook groups to share what we were doing, and before we knew it, we had a dedicated group of members showing up regularly. Read more>>
Abraham Mong
At the Pacific Northwest College of Art, I studied printmaking. In my second year of classes, I went to Italy for a quarter and stayed for a year. I learned how to do gold leaf, drafting, al fresco, and art history there. I saw the Sistine Chapel ceiling by Michelangelo too. That was the major turning point of my artistic life. Being exposed to Italian art on a daily basis completely rewired my perspective. Read more>>
David Mills
Absolutely. I grew up in Maryland, where my passion for art began. While I took formal courses at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, D.C., and the University of Maryland, much of my artistic education has been self-driven. Over the years, I’ve studied design, color theory, abstraction, and various art movements and techniques in my own time, maintaining a hands-on approach to both creativity and learning. Read more>>
Stacy Murphy
While I had metrics of my business performance, and support from my own teams, when leadership roles became available I would be passed over time and time again for my male counterparts. Tired from hitting advancement road blocks, I worked on curating my personal brand and developing deep relationships with mentors and executives who would be willing to advocate for me in the room. Those efforts made all the difference in the evolution of my career, and the lessons learned became the core focus of my speaking engagements with students and professionals. Read more>>
Javier Ramirez
I became an Advertising major and the more I learned about it, the more I learned I *could* do everything or at least live these little lives inside different industries while still practicing what I love to do – creative problem solving. I took this and ran with it. While I should have been looking for internships at one of the incredible ad agencies in town, I went with a different approach. Read more>>
Brejamin Perkins
Media professionals who work in broadcast news specifically sign up for an immense level of sacrifice (and stress) that viewers (family and friends included) will never understand. The life of your favorite morning or evening TV news anchor and reporter may look thrilling, fulfilling, and even glamorous. That host you love watching, you’re obsessed with their style and personality and think they have the perfect job, right? Read more>>
Rob Rowland
Our name, Fox House, is reflective of mine and Tracy’s backgrounds, as well as the community we’ve built. As a martial artist, I’m described as quick and deceptive – very fox like. Meanwhile, Tracy’s nimble and graceful movements – no doubt developed through her years of dance – have led to me describing her as foxy, or fox like as well. In addition, her compassion and caring nature for our members has earned her the loving nickname of “Fox Mama.” That, plus the fact that the gym literally started in our home, made the name “Fox House” a no brainer. Read more>>
Maria Porozhniakova
BodyBrite Austin is your go-to med spa for advanced skincare and beauty treatments that help you look and feel your best. We offer the Diamond Glow Facial, a deep-cleaning, exfoliating, and hydrating treatment for radiant skin. Our Fotona Laser treatments provide cutting-edge solutions for skin rejuvenation, tightening, and even laser hair removal—plus, don’t miss our Fotona Laser Happy Hour every Tuesday from 1-3 PM for exclusive specials! We also offer Botox and injectables to smooth fine lines and enhance your natural beauty. Plus, we are adding new services everyday as we continue to grow! Read more>>
Dan Castro
With that education, I started to slowly grow my own brand. It was like white on rice. I married myself to the opportunity. If it was there, I took it. Pictures, reviews, popups, networking… you name it I probably did it. While it was exhausting, it was also rewarding in a sense. Because I did so much, I got exposure to a lot of situations really quickly and I filtered out what I wanted to move forward with, or not. Read more>>
Urvashi Nighojkar
As a family-owned business, we understand the importance of trust and personal connection. We work closely with our customers, guiding them through the process of selecting or designing the perfect piece of jewelry to mark special occasions and milestones. From engagement rings to heirloom pieces, each diamond is carefully chosen, expertly set, and crafted with the utmost care by skilled artisans who share our dedication to excellence. Read more>>
Ashley Zuniga
Body and Lash Addictions is a distinctive beauty and esthetic studio, specializing in lash extensions, waxing, lash lifts, brow services, and body contouring. What truly sets us apart is our dedication to offering personalized, high-quality services within a warm and empowering environment. We are passionate about enhancing natural beauty and boosting confidence, customizing each experience to suit the unique needs of every client. Our approach goes beyond the services—we prioritize building lasting relationships and creating an experience that leaves you feeling refreshed and genuinely valued. Additionally, we offer one-on-one lash extension training and mentorship programs for beauty professionals or aspiring beauty experts looking to elevate their careers. Read more>>
Josafath Reynoso
I was lucky. A number of mentors appeared, the kind of people who don’t just teach but ignites. They showed me scenography, and it made sense in a way that nothing else had. I had a knack for breaking stories apart and rebuilding them in space, turning words into something physical, something alive. But knowing that and doing something about it were two very different things. I was scared. Theatre wasn’t safe. So, I did the sensible thing: I went into computer science. Read more>>
Malcomb Holden
But it’s not just about the music. It’s about people—about creating a space where we can be truly seen, heard, and witnessed in our most authentic selves. What started as something for me quickly became something for the community. The love and support I’ve received showed me that this is bigger than just an event—it’s a movement. It’s proof that people are craving genuine connection, raw expression, and spaces that feel like home. Read more>>
Jack Collier
While I was in college I got a job at a supplement and nutrition shop called “SD Disocunt Nutrition”. I started as a Cashier/Nutrition Coach and quickly worked my way up to being the Director of Business Development and working hand-in-hand with the owner. I loved my time at “SD Discount Nutrition” however after I graduated with my MBA I wanted to start my own supplement and nutrition shop founded on having the highest-quality supplements and brands all in one place at the best possible price! Read more>>
Nika Urban
First, before tattooing I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. I went to art school and worked as a freelance artist and had some other art related/and non-art related jobs for a while. I became fascinated with tattoos since I got into heavy metal music as a young teenager, and loved how the artwork and music seemed to go hand in hand. From there I became obsessed with reading about the history of tattoos and it was just a dream world that I wanted to be a part of. Read more>>
Laura Fucik
I knew families needed help with processing behaviors, learning how to effectively communicate with one another, and needing a safe place to experience social emotional growth. It was during my last years as an educator that I knew these families and children were meant for something bigger, and to help them get there, I would need to listen and educate them on a level that was not obtainable in the classroom. It was during the pandemic, I applied to Lamar University and began pursuing a master’s degree in education with a focus on Counseling and Development. After completing several courses and an internship, I graduated. But what next? Where should I begin? Read more>>
Tylee Personett
That’s why I launched Wellness Within, my paid subscriber blog, where I share insights, practices, and resources to support holistic well-being. I also offer workshops, private coaching, and yoga teacher training, guiding others to deepen their own practice and teaching. Right now, I’m developing The Whole-Body Wellness Blueprint, an online course designed to integrate everything I teach into an accessible, self-paced program. Read more>>
Irene Escobar-galvez
In my community, mental health wasn’t something people talked about. Struggles with anxiety, depression, or stress were often dismissed as weakness, something to be pushed through rather than acknowledged. Like many Latinos, I grew up hearing phrases like “échale ganas” (just push through), which reinforced the idea that seeking help was unnecessary or even selfish. I saw how my community prioritized resilience and hard work but rarely had the space or resources to prioritize their mental health. Read more>>
Brie Hawke
About five years ago, I fully committed. I started drawing and painting again-things I had abandoned for years due to the lack of safety I felt in being creative. I went through a couple of mentorships and had the honor of learning from incredible, well-known artists who shaped my skills. Tattooing keeps me present; it teaches me to sit with myself. More than just an art form, it’s a deeply healing practice-for me and for my clients. It’s about connection, transformation, and creating a space where people feel seen. Read more>>
Alexandra Hugley
It all began with the dissolution of my marriage. The divorce was a catalyst for a profound journey of self-discovery and healing. I dove headfirst into the world of personal development, devouring books, attending workshops, and seeking out mentors who could guide me through the darkest moments. Read more>>
Billy Coach Jr.
In September 2024, he proudly launched Central Texas Children’s Academy in Killeen, Texas, where he advocates for quality childcare. His passion for empowering families and childcare providers led to the creation of Daycaretopia—a comprehensive resource not only for parents but also for childcare centers. This innovative platform features his new book, Daycaretopia: Billy’s Daycare Adventure, as well as a parent help line, blogs, book recommendations, and a charity supporting childcare centers. Read more>>
Catalina Rozo
That was my AHA moment. I realized that true healing isn’t about masking symptoms but getting to the root cause. It was so powerful that I knew I had to dedicate my life to this work. Today, as a Functional Practitioner, I’ve had the privilege of guiding hundreds of people to reclaim their energy, restore their gut health, rebalance their hormones, and finally break free from fatigue, brain fog, and other chronic symptoms—helping them experience a level of vitality they never thought possible. Read more>>
Jose Najar
By 2012, I started producing music videos for recording artists and launched Najar Media. After a decade of crafting some of the most recognized music videos in Austin, TX, I made the strategic decision to expand into the commercial sector—helping businesses build a strong online presence through high-quality video production, captivating photography and ad placements. Read more>>
Antonio Cucciniello
What sets me apart from others? I don’t drive a Lambo, I don’t have a yacht, I am not a millionaire, I am dont own a mansion. I am a few steps ahead trying to learn to show other people how to do it too. I don’t hold any of the information back, I give my course away for free, I am in this for the long haul, not the immediate sale. I want people to invest in real estate with us long term. We started a company called House Hack Helpers that allows you to invest in flips with us. Read more>>
Kimber Breaux
A spirited, lifetime cowgirl all things cowboy enthusiast and native Texan, Kimber Breaux morphed into a maven. She embraced the culture and the exquisite product at Heritage Boot. The old world methodology that ensures the integrity of the product served as sturdy foundation to her growth and metamorphosis from an award winning children’s song writer, former international fitness professional into “Boot Mavenship.”She too remains one today.; In fact, she is the one more that now owns the store. Read more>>
Naomi Phelps
I have always had a passion for photography for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until I went to college that I decided to do something more with it. That’s when my hobby turned into a career. I changed majors after I completed my first semester from communications to photography and set my sights on that. It wasn’t clear at that point what I was going to do with it until my junior year when I met a wedding photojournalist and fell in love with his work. My future became clear and I began interning with wedding photographers. However, that transition was interesting seeing that, in school, we were learning film photography while wedding photographers were shooting on digital! Read more>>
Jesse Ancira Iii
We now hand wrap, pack, and fulfill everything in house, providing exceptionional customer service to salsa lovers out there. Another challenge, which I believe most small batch brands face when entering large scale distribution, is the associated costs with working with food distributors and big retailers. However, we won’t let these challenges stop us from living up to our “Nearly World Famous” tagline. Expect to see us in more stores very soon. Read more>>
Janelle Lee Austin
After discussing it with my family, I made the bold decision to leave the job I had held for 17 years and enroll in school full-time. I transferred to Texas State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree, a milestone that holds deep significance for me—I will be the first in my immediate family to earn a college degree. With my kids growing up, I wanted to set an example for them, proving that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Read more>>
Sean Evangelista
Theres been two times where i went “broke”. First was at 17 where I trusted a man to middleman me inventory in which he never did. This lesson taught me the lesson of, “Don’t trust anyone you see, trust must be built”. And the second time I went broke was when my amazon business got shut down. I was making 15k profit months to nothing for 3 months. This taught me to diversify my assets and look to building other businesses. Read more>>
Christopher Matthews
My life hasn’t been a smooth road at all. After moving out of my mother’s home at eighteen, I hit numerous bumps in the road. I lacked direction and purpose, leading me to make choices I shouldn’t have and end up in places I shouldn’t be. However, everything changed when a friend invited me to church. I decided to put my faith in Jesus Christ, and afterward, I felt a newfound passion for music. Read more>>
Gaby Belusar
Each of these roles brings something unique to my life, and I love how they all connect in unexpected way My biggest pride, I must say, is my kids. I have a son in college and a daughter who is a junior in high school, and they keep me both grounded and energized. Watching them grow, work toward their dreams, and navigate life with determination fills me with so much joy. They inspire me every day, and no matter what I’m doing—whether it’s designing, teaching, or creating—I always carry the love and motivation they give me. Read more>>
Emily Tolipova
What sets me apart I would say, is the incorporation of play into my work. I am a big believer in that it’s hard to conserve or protect something you’ve never interacted with, or sometimes never even heard of. It’s by getting people to learn about these different species, and excited to interact with them in a new way that really creates an impact. Read more>>
Zaid Kirdsey
Prior to that, the most i had ever sold a piece of art had been 1,000. Needless to say, i felt like my art was finally being seeing by people who could potentially change my life for the better. I continued to have success that year & was able to accomplish a goal that was always in front of mind. This goal was being able to pay off my parents house with money i made through my art. To be able to provide to the people who have always cared for me since day one was an experience i will never forget. In my mind it was somewhat a validation to let them know “ see, it was worth it, i knew you wanted me to go to college, but look, i made it” obviously this is just how i felt at the time and there’s still a long road ahead. I am excited to keep growing. Read more>>
Cara Rogerson
Artistically I was incredibly unfocused, and as a result, nothing was off the table in terms of what I shot. I threw any and everything at the wall just to see what would stick: family portraits, weddings, landscapes, pets, real estate, astrophotography, baby portraits. Over the course of 5-6 years, I struggled and made countless mistakes in order to shape myself from amateur to professional. It took many years to learn how to direct a subject, to master light and lighting equipment, and to identify my unique visual style. By January 2020 I was booking several weddings and feeling confident in my future as an established destination wedding photographer. And then the world stopped spinning. Read more>>
Kimberly Witte
We are now a thriving wedding photography & videography team and love being a part of so many couples’ most special day! We are so lucky that we get to do what we love full time. It’s been a special journey pursuing and sharing our passion and love for capturing life milestones for so many incredible people. Even more special that we get to build this business, life, and love together as the Wittes. Read more>>
Calloway Ritch
Through the mid 2000’s, I toured all over the south east of the country, while living in Wilmington, North Carolina. I played in a variety of different bands out there, until I moved to Austin in 2012. My first years in Austin, I started to perform on dirty 6th street while working on my fronting my own bands for the first time. Around 2021, I started Calloway and The Prickly Pears, and started to release my own music. I also co write and play guitar with my partner Ruby Dice. We’ve been playing music together since 2015. Read more>>
Dasha S
I experimented with various mediums, including inks, acrylics, collages, and textures, in search of my voice. Two years ago, when my third baby was born, I made a life-changing decision to focus on fashion illustration, diving into digital drawing and later watercolor sketching on paper. I was honored to be selected in FIDA Award shortlist in 2023 and Top 100 illustrators around the world. Read more>>
Krystl Fabella
I was born in the Philippines and when we immigrated to California I grew up in a tight-knit Filipino community, but I never quite fit in. My family did an amazing job helping us adapt to American culture, but in the process, I lost my connection to my heritage. I wasn’t proud of being Filipino for a long time and was attracted to different paths from the traditional expectations like nursing or medicine. My mom, would get back very late, tired from her shift, and would repeatedly say “think of an idea, learn how to make your own money!” she didn’t realize it but she planting the early seeds of entrepreneurship into me! Read More>>
Aubreea Garrett
I am a mom of two. I moved to Texas in 2020 during Covid with the father of my child and my two kids. We’ve been in Texas ever since. We are originally from Clarksville Tennessee. We have no family out here. When I moved here, the only thing that was open during Covid were the strip clubs. I have a previous history in dancing. So that was right up my alley after a year or two of dancing in Killeen, Texas I took my talent to Austin, Texas, and have been dancing there ever since. I am currently casted on a reality TV show for dancers. I’m currently in school to become a real estate agent. I’m slowly transitioning out of the club life.and focusing more on my real estate studies as well as entrepreneur work as an entertainer. Read More>>
