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.
Joshua Parkhurst
Whoa! Let’s see …I would probably stop working towards a retirement fund and start traveling more. I just got back from Wisconsin where I got to see my extended family at their dairy farm and I wish I could do that more often. Read more>>
Katrina Gorman
Goodness gracious, I just have to say these are some great questions in this interview! If I laid down my name, role and possessions, I would have me and my maker. None of those things in the material world make me truly special. They are things to identify my time on this planet or how I chose to express it. Read more>>
Tanya Nafe
If I laid down my name, role and possessions, what would remain is a loving mother, supportive wife, protective sister, a grateful daughter and a darn good friend. My identity is not tied to what I have accomplished in my business but the positive affects I have made in the lives of the people in my world. Read more>>
Kristine Parr
I think about pain quite a lot actually. It may be my naturally tenderhearted nature, but I tend to feel very deeply very often. The thing I’ve found about suffering, is that it stares into your deepest, most secret places and demands honesty. Read more>>
Max Beiler
I think in today’s world, everyone’s so focused on immediate gratification, wanting to be good at things right away. But I’ve always held myself to a high standard in whatever I pursue, and not being instantly ‘good’ doesn’t deter me. It actually makes me dig deeper because I know what I want. Especially in the arts, your taste often develops much faster than your skill. Read more>>
Lori Kendall
When I was young I was wildly authentic. I dove into my own sense of style and the things I loved with abandon and with zero sense of how other people might perceive it. I never understood why my big feelings or big love and appreciation for the things that took my attention were embarrassing or different. Read more>>
Brittany O’Brien
There have been many moments that I’ve been proud of myself, but I think the most powerful one was when I proudly showed off my scars after so long of not feeling beautiful and hiding them. I learned to embrace them because beauty was found within; it wasn’t external. I think I’ve always struggled with my image ever since high school. Read more>>
Larkin Fordyce
Everyone deals with grief and pain throughout life, and everyone processes those things in their own way. Some things feel insurmountable, but in the end, you just have to find ways to keep going and push through the darkness. Read more>>
Meredith Johns
I have lived my life one experience after another. I sincerely hope people remember all the crazy stories and reflect back on the works of art I’ve created. My goal has always been to lead a full and adventurous life and leave behind as many works of art as possible when I’m gone. Read more>>
Anahaa
Bonds between people often break not from a single dramatic moment, but from the quiet, persistent ways our bodies and minds go out of sync. When our nervous system is dysregulated stressed, anxious, shut down, or flooded small misunderstandings feel magnified. Words sting more than they should, silences feel like rejection, and even those we love most can seem distant or unreachable. Read more>>
Bjarne Haug
What breaks the bonds between people is ego, assumption, and poor communication. When people stop being curious about each other, when they assume intent instead of asking, assumptions are hard to navigate for anyone, when they put themselves above the relationship or the mission, that’s when things fall apart. It happens in friendships, businesses, and even with yourself. Read more>>
Michelle Martinez & Chris Martinez
I think most people believe that our business is purely about teaching physical skills- tumbling, parkour and cheer. However, we teach so much more than that. Read more>>
Amy Temperley
I think that people often think about Aging is Cool as just fun and games to pass the time but that is far from the truth. The programs and classes we provide are an integral part of lifelong wellbeing. Our fitness classes reduce stress, prevent falls, and improve cardiac health. Read more>>
Stephen Belyeu
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about my show, The Night Owl Podcast, is that it’s just another paranormal entertainment platform — all jump scares, shock value, and over-the-top dramatics. But that couldn’t be further from what we’re doing. Read more>>
Kristina Bethea
I think others secretly struggle with their mindset; everything is mental. I believe many people have wishful thinking and/or tend to think negative thoughts before positive ones. Look around, in the news and in life, things seem to lead to mental illness or mental health issues. Our brain is the driver and to keep it sharp takes a lot of mental toughness. Read more>>
Emily Vazquez
As a Registered Dietitian and someone who used to have my own food/body image struggles, I think there are many women and men out there who struggle with both of these things as well even if they don’t want to admit it. Read more>>
Arjon Bashiri
When I look ahead, imagining how history will remember me, I can’t help but wonder what parts will be missed or twisted. The truth is, people rarely see the full story. They latch onto the surface — the loud moments, the highlights, the mistakes — but the quiet struggles, the small victories, and the intentions behind every choice often get lost in translation. Read more>>
Emily Lain Jasek
A normal day for me is waking up early to get my kiddos ready for school and their day. I dive them to their school which is Valor South Austin. From there I go to my clinic in Kyle. I see and treat our community whether it is through chiropractic, functional health, weightloss and more. Read more>>
Lauren DuPrez
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is the one with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Much of my life was spent striving to earn God’s favor by being “good enough.” Good is an elusive standard, and by reading the Bible, I learned that God’s standard is holiness which entails a life free of sin. Read more>>
Les Kiser
My parents led by example, showing up for a variety of charitable organizations week after week. In our family, volunteering wasn’t a special event—it was just how things were done. So it felt natural that my siblings and I were included from a young age, learning to pitch in, listen, and serve. That rhythm of giving is still part of who we are. Read more>>
Shatoyia Vanderhorst
One truth that runs through everything I do is my deep pride in being a Black woman. I have never wanted to be anything else. I know the world often underestimates and even despises us, yet we continue to rise, becoming some of the most educated, successful, and driven people while still being nurturing spirits and making it all look effortless. Read more>>
Randy “Tex” Hill
I’ve always tried to live in a way that leaves no room for regrets. If tomorrow was my last day, I’d feel at peace knowing I’ve chased my dreams, shared my music, and lived a life full of love, laughter, and good friends. It’s been a fantastic journey, and I’m deeply grateful for every step. Read more>>
Kim Fry
I’d probably regret not doing something if I avoided it out of fear or because a part of me believed I couldn’t handle it. I’m big on cultivating self-trust, and so I try to practice detaching from the outcome of a situation and focus more on what I’m learning from trying X thing. Read more>>
Nathaly Jaimes
I will always value family at all costs, everyone around you may walk away, but as long as you have your family, there’s nothing you can’t overcome. As a first generation Mexican-American my goal is to help my parents succeed. Read more>>
Leslie Kell
Authenticity. Everyone sees the world through a different lens, and that diversity is vital. I believe in protecting creative freedom and honoring the integrity of the process and staying true to your message. Read more>>
Rene Smith
Smart people track mechanics and protocols, but they don’t have the case volume—or the behavioral fluency—to know where a protocol should actually begin. Most materials aimed at “smart” readers default to force-free strategies, and that’s intentional. They’re lower-risk when scaled to broad audiences. But the assumption that food equals reinforcement—or that positive inputs guarantee positive outcomes—misses the real hinge point: the dog decides what’s rewarding. Read more>>
Raye’vn Harper
I admire our motley crew in Bring Back the Weird, as my friends & fellow creatives; they are incredibly talented & powerful leaders. Kendra, the captain & life blood. Kendra is patient & has a wickedly quirky mind. She inspires me to go bigger, get weirder. Read more>>
Candice DeRiso
I’m fortunate to collaborate with my brilliant husband. Two years ago, we recognized a pivotal opportunity. While his video editing career had plateaued, my Zoho consulting business was growing rapidly, though I was struggling to scale it alone. I knew I needed a partner with complementary skills. My strengths lie in client relations and intuitive problem-solving, while his are in structured systems and rapid learning. Read more>>
Megan McClain
I rely most on my family’s ideas. We’re always brainstorming together — whether it’s for new ideas for Geaux 360 Photo Booth, how to handle challenges, or just talking through big goals. Their input means a lot to me because they know me best, they want to see me win, and they keep it real. I enjoy bouncing ideas off people I trust. Read more>>
Alden Schaub
I would certainly hire myself. I have been able to produce multiple high quality long running live trivia and comedy shows for local Austin venues. These shows now have multi-year track records of profitability. I have been able to turn a slow night into years of decent nights. Read more>>
Adrian Frazier
Absolutely not. I would be the worst employee. I ask too many questions, challenge every system, and I don’t take orders well, especially before coffee. I’m allergic to micromanagement, and if you hand me a dress code, I’ll probably show up in a goddess cloak and a headdress just to make a point. That being said, I would collaborate with me. Read more>>
