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.

Erv Brown

I love this question. This takes me right back to my formative years and the many lectures from my dad. My intrinsic motivation in life comes from the underlying value of this question more than anything else. That value is, integrity. My dad preached integrity to me so much, it was like a broken record. Read more>>

Tiffani Michelle

What I think is misunderstood about my business is that my music is ONLY for entertainment purposes. I have built a music brand that is authentic, spiritual, and healing. I want people to connect to the music and artwork and feel the experience also to support their own healing. Read more>>

Delia McCabe

Many people are battling to stay positive because they feel overwhelmed by the many negative things going on in the world. Many of them also feel exhausted and overwhelmed because they feel they can’t slow down – the world is moving at a very rapid pace today! Read more>>

Tameiya

I think others are struggling with being at peace. With themselves, with life , their choices and so many other things. Peace is a choice, life is simply what you make it . Read more>>

Samantha Hayes

Mornings don’t start with an alarm clock, they start with my son’s foot in my face, and then snuggles when he gets right. From there it’s matcha (or Alani, depending on how strong I need to be), answering emails between sensory activities, editing photos during snack breaks, and remembering I also run a full-time photography business on top of full-time motherhood. Read more>>

Leesa Ross

I’ve been an empty nester for a while now (my youngest is 31) so mornings usually start with coffee and a walk with my husband and our golden retriever, Ali. Read more>>

Ricardo Galindo

During my diagnosis, I realized I really needed to rethink my Relationship with my Christian life and decided it was time to go back to church. I’ve learned that God’s word is medicine for our spirit and body, and the way we experience its power is by praying to God. Read more>>

Jason Cherry

They’re very supportive and believe in my vision. Read more>>

Jennifer Ashford

I’ve been so surprised to hear my clients haven’t felt heard by other pros. As a wedding planner that’s the number one thing we should be doing. My clients want to feel heard and their wishes entertained even when they’re sometimes unrealistic. They are also open to a kind, but straightforward hand to help manage their expectations. Read more>>

Gabriele Brown

Honestly, what’s surprised me most is how deeply people are longing for meaning, even when they think they’re just booking a trip. I used to think I was simply helping clients plan safaris, adventures, or wellness getaways. Read more>>

Debbie Zapata

The last time I truly felt joy was this summer during a sunset boat ride on Lake Travis. Growing up in Austin, only boat owners went out on the lakes. My time on the lake felt like a distant memory. This year, I set the goal to treat summer like a staycation—exploring more of what my hometown has to offer. Read more>>

Hima Bindu

I am learning from my daughter, her friends and my little clients. Children find happiness in small things, tend to focus on the present, speak and act with their true feelings, teaching us Joy in simple things, Living in the moment and Honesty. Read more>>

Kat Coffman

There are so many small business owners I admire — the ones who pour their heart into their work, stay kind even when things get hard, and show up day after day with integrity. That kind of character inspires me more than any title ever could Read more>>

Karen Moise

“Are you walking a path or wandering?” That question has a way of stopping me in my tracks. When I take a closer look back at how I have been moving through life, with intention or by default. A path has purpose, a direction, even if it curves, even if it’s slow. Read more>>

Rachel

There is strength in being who you are. Read more>>

Julieq Burke

I don’t know how exactly to put into words what I would say to my younger self…so, rather than trying to create a list of words or sentiments or sentences, I decided to write a little letter to my younger self. Dear Younger Julie, Your sensitivity is beautiful. Read more>>

Nanu Berks

Uf. I deleted a social media account with 300k followers and a successful youtube channel because of this question. One of the hardest parts of being successful as an artist for me was blending with my brand and having to become an influencer. I know many people struggle with this today. Social media is tough on the psyche. Read more>>

Kristal DeSantis

I’m currently stepping onto something I used to find terrifying: the TEDx stage. For years, I admired those bold red-dot speakers from a distance, thinking, “Wow, maybe someday…” But someday always came with a side of imposter syndrome and stage fright. Read more>>

Douglas Smith

I believed that I was worthless. The worldview came from a combination of early childhood abuse and parental divorce. It sounds like such a tragic and awful thing to think about yourself, but that’s how a lot of kids deal with a sense of abandonment. Read more>>

DJ Shani

Still trying to wake up accompanied by prayer and coffee. Read more>>

Damien Robinson

Damien: What I understand deeply, something many people don’t fully grasp, is that healing isn’t linear or one-size-fits-all. It’s messy, often slow, and can look different for everyone. People expect quick fixes or clear progress, but real growth involves setbacks, pauses, and moments of doubt. Read more>>

Tylee Personett

The fear that’s held me back the most is still the fear of being truly seen. I’ve always felt misunderstood, and honestly, part of that comes from being a competitive gymnast when I was young. Read more>>

Amy Stanfield

I believe in a healthy quality of life, so I try to carve out some downtime for myself on a regular basis. It’s easy to keep pushing yourself to work every day of the week, but that leads to mental and physical burnout. Something as simple as a happy hour with my girlfriends or a date night with my husband rejuvenates me. Read more>>

Devin Symone

I want people to remember me as unapologetically, authentically me, whether we’re hanging out in person or vibing online. The real, raw, vibrant Devin with a big, giving heart. The one who shows up even on those days when she’s tired, drained from the NYC chaos, or PMSing (because the world always knows when I am, sorry not sorry) but still gives her all. Read more>>

OGO

I am committed to connection. Connection with self, others, and nature. This is a large reason why I am committed to community and relationship building. If we aren’t intentional about connection, it’s something that can easily be lost. I think remaining connected to these three entities is what makes life rich and gives it meaning. Read more>>

Kathy Dupuy

I am in the process of building a Performing Arts Center that can be utilized as a resource/venue by all of the creative community in Austin and surrounding areas. I have been wanting to do this and planning for it for years, waiting for the right space to open up. Read more>>

Deidre Rodriguez

I had a near-death experience in 2023. I spent the first 27 years of my life being perfectly healthy with no underlying issues, but on a morning in late August of 2023, I woke up in renal failure and liver failure. I would go to the hospital and not leave until January of 2024 after receiving two organ transplants. Read more>>

Ashley Brown

After a breakup, I went through a period of isolation where I sat with my pain and focused on healing. When I finally stepped back outside to feel life again, I realized I couldn’t find safe spaces for queer people of color to connect. That realization is what pushed me to start ATX ChocLit. Read more>>

Valentina Quero

My husband, who always saw my potential before I could see it myself. Read more>>

Jake Juarez

My grandfather, his life and the impact of his work comes from an era that is unimaginably outdated today. He gave over 40 years of service to the Postal Service, after serving his Country as a Radio Operator for the Marine Corp. Read more>>

Samid Mirza

Honestly I feel this is the best opportunity to give special shoutouts to those who have helped and supported me the most throughout my journey; outside of the majority of my close friends who have always shown great emotional support. All @s are from Instagram. Read more>>

Queen Ramos

I can honestly say no I’ve never been able to give up, even when life tested me. My vision is too clear and my purpose too strong. I know there are people in my future who are meant to meet me, to be touched by my work, my service, and my brand. That knowing keeps me moving forward, no matter how heavy the moment feels. Read more>>