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.
Urvashi Nighojkar
That’s a beautiful and introspective question. I would say to my younger self ‘You don’t have to rush. Everything meaningful will come in its time, just keep showing up with heart, and trust that you are already enough.’ ‘To the girl I once was, thank you for dreaming softly and working quietly. You didn’t know it then, but every small step was leading you here. Read more>>
Jacqui Moore
Yes, I make it a point to be my most authentic self at all times. Not only for myself but for my clients as well. Everyone is not meant to mesh 100%. I’m a firm believer “not all money is good money”, and I whole heartedly live by that. My amazing clients know exactly what they are signing up for when it comes to me. Read more>>
Benjamin Snedecor
@danger__pony on Insta is an idealized highlight reel of my life 🙂 Read more>>
Olivia Rains
Being told things that would restrict my future just because I was deaf was a big part of holding me back in literally everything I wanted to pursue. When in fact it was the one thing that brought me to my path to do everything I longed to accomplish. I was too young to decipher these things. I no longer believe in limits. Read more>>
John Miller
I usually have to wake up at 3:00 am to pee. Then, I can usually get back to sleep until my alarm; but sometimes not. Read more>>
Hector Longoria
The first 90 minutes of my day look like your South Texas September weather, fresh and alert. It’s easy to get lost within my first 90 minutes of my day only because of how close I am with God. Observing. Listening. Learning, but yes, 4:55 – 5:00 am alarm goes off. I normally kick my day off with a restroom break followed by washing up. Read more>>
Kayla Cote
I believe in the power of words — how they can heal, uplift, or harm. Words are energy. As artists, it’s our responsibility to use them intentionally. Whether through lyrics, conversations, or simple acts of kindness, our words shape the world around us. But words alone aren’t enough. They must align with our actions. Read more>>
Adriane Hodges
I’ve come to understand something that many people don’t: true fulfillment comes from being authentic and showing up for the people I love and respect, and for my community, not from projecting a curated image of perfection on social media. I know I’m far from perfect, and so is everyone else, but I also believe most people are inherently good and seeking honest connection. Read more>>
Chris Johnson
When I finally leave this earth, it my personal hope and prayer that people will say that I loved God and loved people with all of my heart. I want to love well and love intentionally. If I am remembered for anything, I sincerely hope it is that and that alone. Businesses come and go and time itself passes at an alarming rate. Read more>>
Julie Frost
That I did my best to contribute to making the world a better place. I hope that my legacy will live on in my son and his music, and the community that I tried to make an impact on. And that I lived my life with adventure, passion, humor, love and humility! Read more>>
Michael Francis
My need to be perfect has held me back. Perfectionism is apart of being an artist, all creative’s want to make the best stuff we can. If I was given the time, I would work on a single piece forever until it’s perfect. That would mean I wouldn’t get much work done. Read more>>
Erica Clark
The part of me that has served its purpose and must now be released is the version of myself that stayed quiet because I couldn’t see past surviving. For years, I thought shrinking myself, avoiding hard truths, or settling for less was the way to get by. The truth is, I wasn’t keeping peace — I was building walls to protect myself. Read more>>
Melissa Engleman
Kindness toward others, being a good friend, loyalty, music, songwriting, making the world a better place, equality, my sweet doggies, my family and mac and cheese. Read more>>
MARCELA KOURKOVA
Living a calm life and possibly transition to monthly art sale in my neighborhood. My abstract paintings from previous years, most recent paintings of cardinals, and t-shirts with my art. A few crochet pieces and call it a fun Saturday. Read more>>
Alexi 8bit
I stopped hiding my pain and using it as a power when I began songwriting. At some point, as a child, I began to pick up a pen to write down my big feelings, and found myself absolutely alchemized by the experience. Aptly describing my pain and putting it into prose helped me untie hard knots in my heart. Read more>>
Jatavia Thornton
Professor Parks at Texas State University, Kristina Higgins at Tarleton State University, and my middle school Language Arts teacher from Bishop Dunne, were the few white women who saw me clearly for who I was before I saw it in myself. I feel that it is important to acknowledge that I had white woman in my corner rooting for me, when no one else was. Read more>>
Declan Chapin
The people who taught me the most about work are my parents. They reversed the “traditional” roles—my mom was an executive at a Fortune 500 company, and my dad was a stay-at-home dad. Watching them showed me early on that there’s no one right way to define success, and that work is about purpose and contribution, not titles or stereotypes. Read more>>
Brandon Reich
I’ve had some amazing teachers and mentors. Some of them were peers at school. In entrainment business though, who stands out is my late boss, Bill Warr, or better known in Houston as Bill Moffett. He had this powerful voice from being a rock ‘n’ roll DJ, which enabled me to listen to every word he said. Read more>>
Katie Showell
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was bold. Expressive. Visionary. I’ve always had a natural drive to lead and create—to show up fully and let my voice matter. I wasn’t here to play small. But somewhere along the way, I got the message—like a lot of women do—that it was safer to shrink a little. Read more>>
Marco Antonio Santos Santos
About being excited about my work, I truly still feel amazed to be a professional musician. I came from a city and a family where this is not considered a standard career — for most of my life I didn’t even know how people could do it full-time. Now I see myself making my entire living through performance and music-related work. Read more>>
Ramya Kumaraswamy
1. Look at the why, not just the what Fads often respond to hype. Foundational shifts solve real problems or fulfill unmet needs. If the trend is built around external validation (likes, virality, aesthetics), it might fade. If it’s driven by internal transformation (health, empowerment, sustainability), it likely has staying power. Read more>>
Doug Levine
I can feel it in my body. I have a lot of confidence that I can do a lot of things really well, but when I am in over my head or pursuing something that I shouldn’t, I can feel it in my body. My nervous system goes haywire. This is something I have only recently begun listening to. Read more>>
Monique Karabach
I love this question because it highlights how often we put people into boxes – and how often we do it to ourselves. Read more>>
Vanessa Joy
“They’d miss the frameworks and the wake-up calls. My students don’t just get inspiration — they get repeatable systems, tough love on mindset, and a community that actually moves the needle on profit and freedom.” Read more>>
LaChances
I continue to chase greatness. The name in lights, red carpets and screaming fans. That may sound like a pipe dream to some but its the reality for me. Being a performer is all that I have ever worked for. I’ve been groomed for this. Theres no plans of ever stopping but if I did check my pulse. Read more>>
Jeremy Backwoodz
I’m chasing music and the life of rock and roll it’s all I know. I won’t stop tell I get to where I want to be. If I stopped I would regret it tell the day I pass away Read more>>
Malina Cipleu
I believe it’s empathy, and the quiet power of listening. When we listen with openness, we acknowledge both difference and commonality—we begin to recognize ourselves in others. In that shared space, connection becomes possible again, even after distance or change. Read more>>
Eric Meyer
It seems that the things that break bonds between people is the lack of working together. It seems that with the advent of phones that the world has become more disconnected from each other and people seem to have become a more I-centric in their universe. Read more>>
Helen Buck
Relationships are tricky, and figuring out why they fall apart can be even trickier. For me, the biggest culprit is usually poor communication, and right behind it is the tendency to jump to conclusions (what I call the JTC trap). Honestly, the two often go hand in hand. Communicating well is something we’re always learning, and so is catching ourselves before we make snap judgments. Read more>>
Alan Eby
I think division starts with too much inward focus. If we only see our own struggles, victories, our own story we stop seeing our connections to the whole. Restoration starts with stories. When we truly hear and connect to someone else’s story we correct our filters, seeing that while our stories are important they are not the only one that is. Read more>>
David Sweeney
Contempt. Forgiveness. Read more>>
Gene Griffin
I run a brokerage, Summit Mortgage Solutions, and we specialize in Residential, Investment, and Commercial real estate lending. I feel most people misunderstand how a brokerage differs from getting a mortgage at a mortgage bank or a depository bank. As brokers, we partner with hundreds of mortgage lenders. Read more>>
Elijah Thane
The art world today is extremely corrupt, and I’m not talking only about the obvious money laundering through blue chip galleries and international auction houses. For the entirety of human history artists have strived to master their craft for the primary purpose of attaining objective beauty through their work. Read more>>
Rudy Martinez
As the mastermind behind Koffin Krew Apparel, my days are fueled by creativity and driven by passion. I kick-start my morning with a rigorous exercise routine, getting the blood pumping and the mind sharp. Post-workout, I dive into the world of entrepreneurship, tackling a slew of tasks that keep the Koffin Krew machine running smoothly. Read more>>
Anna Gryglewska
The truth that we are never meant to do this life alone. For so long, I thought independence was the goal but the real magic happens in collaboration, in sisterhood, and in spaces where people feel seen and safe. Read more>>
Jeff Hortillosa
I took drum lessons in second grade but it didn’t really click. The lessons didn’t make sense, and I never seemed to get it with practice, so I started hating practice. It wasn’t long before I quit. Then in seventh grade, in all my pre-teen angst, I discovered music. Read more>>
Bella Sera
My first ever drum recital was when I was about ten years old, and I played “The Reason” by Hoobastank. Up until then, I had only ever played drums because I loved it, but that performance changed something for me. Read more>>
Viki Christman
Kindness and compassion. I hold tightly to the value of treating others with empathy, respect, and grace no matter who they are or where they come from. I believe that how we treat people especially those who can offer us nothing in return says everything about our character. Read more>>
Malinda Sloan
How fun people can be! Seriously, I always thought my little family was so silly and weird, until I met other people. It is so refreshing to see families being their own thing. I am all here for the tickles, giggles, and funny moments. Read more>>
Julia Serbina
The last time I felt true joy was during my trip to New York Fashion Week 2025 as a creator. Being surrounded by so much creativity, energy, and artistry was unforgettable. From stepping backstage and seeing the magic before it hit the runway, to meeting inspiring people who share the same passion for fashion and storytelling—it felt like a dream coming to life. Read more>>
FAUSTINUS DERAET
I’m learning from myself by reviewing my recent photographs. Read more>>
Taylor Duran
Selena Gomez, because she had the courage to be vulnerable with the world about her struggles and she did it without apology. It takes a different kind of courage to be honest with yourself, your friends and family, and the world. She truly inspired me to share my own story. Read more>>
Freddy Djogo
My parents. Read more>>
