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.
Jessica Love
I’m absolutely doing what I was born to do. I truly believe my purpose is to design safe spaces for people—both emotionally and physically. This work was never something I pursued because I was told to; it’s something that comes from a deeper place within me. Design, for me, goes far beyond choosing finishes or arranging furniture. Read more>>
Nina Chau
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, I’d tell her: “You’re going to make it, even when it doesn’t feel like it. Read more>>
Maxine LaQueene
Don’t shut up. Don’t be quiet. Stand up when you are told to sit down. I was too afraid to be myself because I would stand out for all the wrong reasons when in reality, the biggest strength I have is my conviction. That child has so much talent and capabilities, but had no focus on where to put it. Read more>>
Joy Lin
I gotta say: pretty close! The public version of me is more polished, but I don’t put on an act. As a comedian, I share my vulnerabilities on stage. As a screenwriter, I draw from my own personal experiences. As a teacher, I answer difficult questions honestly. As a mother, I try to set the best example possible for my son by demonstration. Read more>>
Kim Middleton
Yes. There was definitely a time I almost gave up. It got really tough ,physically and mentally. I was working long late nights, driving hours across Texas, loading and unloading equipment on my own, and doing it all with a broken hand at one point. Everything felt heavier not just the gear, but the responsibility and the isolation of doing it solo. Read more>>
Alexis Frueh
This has actually been a more recent thing over the past year or so, although it has become an intentional focus throughout 2025. In November of 2024, after months of increased self-harm and other maladaptive coping skills, intrusive thoughts, and suicidal ideation, I made the choice to admit myself to inpatient/residential treatment. Depression had followed me since childhood, but this time it was different. Read more>>
Erin Rivers
This question is so thought provoking but my first thought was my grandmother. She saw my passion for cooking even when I was trying my best to pursue other fields. Initially I was interested in law, then education, and she’d consistently tell me to consider a career in food service. I finally listened and launched my business. Read more>>
Stacey Kaleh
My dad taught me so much about work, especially that it can be a vehicle for the change you wish to see in the world and for giving back. Read more>>
Esmeralda Gonzalez
Yes. What I do isn’t for praise or recognition. I give my best because I’m passionate about my work and because I believe that even the quiet, unseen efforts can make a difference. The impact isn’t always loud, but it’s meaningful — and that’s what drives me. Read more>>
Amanda Quick, CPDT-KA
This is a great question and one that I wish more trainers would be open minded about. When the science isn’t working, it’s time to ask for help. If my tried and true training methods aren’t garnering the expected results, it is never the animal. It is always me! Read more>>
Katie Pritchett
As a business professor and consultant to hundreds of Fortune 500 leaders, I see the same struggle everywhere. Most people aren’t hiding their challenges; they just don’t realize what’s really running their show. So many leaders and parents are plain exhausted from living on autopilot, stuck in cycles they never chose on purpose. And it’s rarely about weak leadership or doing something wrong. Read more>>
Tiffanie Daniel
An important truth that I believe, and that not everyone agrees with is that you can’t actually manage time. Time is fixed. We all get the same 24 hours in a day. What you can manage is yourself, your energy, your focus, your priorities, and your mindset. People spend so much energy trying to “control” time with endless planners, apps, and schedules. Read more>>
Faviela Parrilla
I honestly will say that the relationships that I have lost, the relationship that have pushed me to reshape myself and to take a deeper look at the internal roles I play in the dynamic. Especially in regards to mental health areas, because it made me lean into gratitude, and compassion. Read more>>
Ashima Lodha
Right now, my greatest teachers are my two daughters — one a toddler adventurer and the other still discovering the wonder of the world for the very first time. I am a software geek- someone who loves building smart systems and mentoring teams just as much as exploring new tech. But the deepest lessons I’m learning aren’t from books, strategies, or leadership frameworks. Read more>>
