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.
Victoria Sueiro
In my early 20s, I started exploring social media content creation and modeling. Over time, I honed my skills in video production, photography, and social media strategy. As a content creator, I quickly realized the power of building an authentic personal brand and engaging audiences through meaningful storytelling. My experience in modeling expanded as I took on fashion editorials, commercial beauty projects, and e-commerce campaigns, learning to adapt to various styles and themes. Read more>>
Elianna
After graduating, I threw myself into Austin’s pop-up scene—booking shows before I even had prints or merch. I bought tons of different styles and shades of clothing and printed many different designs to see what would stick, and unexpectedly fell into fabricating my own merchandise. Pop-ups helped me build a strong network, collaborate on creative projects, and grow from printing on my kitchen floor to setting up a small bedroom ‘studio’. Read more>>
Daniel Loe, AIA
There’s a passage in Italo Calvino’s novel, Invisible Cities, where Marco Polo reports of his explorations to the Great Khan, not with details of spices or relics as other explorers had chronicled, but of “the thoughts that come to a man who sits on his doorstep at evening to enjoy the cool air.” There’s a shared kinship I have with the fictional protagonist for exploration of the unfamiliar or unknown and a curiosity to comprehend the idiosyncratic, atmospheric, “invisible cities” of other cultures and places. Read more>>
Nicol Kuburoglu
During my time at Berklee, I was mentored by an incredible artist manager at Red Light Management, who I worked under for around a year. That really sparked my interest in working with artists, their crew and live shows. I was also interning at a music publishing company called Third Side Music, where I got to work with artists that I now actually book shows for and work at festivals with, such as Sofi Tukker. It was through this internship that I got recommended for my current position in talent buying at C3 Presents. Read more>>
Erik Sopracasa
During my time at Samsung I started researching more about schools and couldn’t let it go, especially later on when I was working for the bank. I really didn’t like that job and kept asking myself if I would want to do it for the rest of my life or try something that seemed to be something I was really interested in. I remembered what happened when I played soccer, and I didn’t want to have another “what if”. So eventually I auditioned for Stella Adler in Los Angeles, got in, and that’s how it all started. Read more>>
Sunshine Grace
I’m thrilled to share the story behind my journey to becoming a mental health advocate and spiritual medium. The mission of Betting On Love! is “to speak candidly about the intersection of mental health and spirituality.” This work stems from deeply personal roots, so I truly appreciate your mission to create spaces for storytelling, as stories are a powerful fabric of our lives and one web that connects us all. In my first interview last September, I shared a little about my spiritual awakening, which began with hearing a voice. Read more>>
Jamie Batiste
Over the years, I’ve grown Rejected Hearts Club from a simple idea into a brand that’s been showcased at New York Fashion Week and featured in top publications. Today, I’m proud to offer unique, heartfelt pieces that not only inspire but also give back, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Myositis Foundation. This journey hasn’t been without challenges, but staying true to my mission has helped me create something that’s as fulfilling as it is impactful. Read more>>
Melanie Morgan
My compassion and empathy for others goes deep. As the oldest of 10, from a very large family, I learned that everyone is different, experiences life differently, and that we must honor the journey of another to truly evolve on our own. We can celebrate our differences, because it is within them that we discover the strength of humanity. I see people in ways that they may not yet see about themselves, and because of this, I can reach parts of them that have been dormant or hidden or lost. Connection: this is what I gained. Read more>>
Cynthia Mattiza
This helped me learn how to navigate the current rental landscape, while learning contracts, the leasing process and building my client network. I took on lease leads all over Austin and would drive around sometimes for days to help people find a rental. I would work the office phone booth for sign calls and try to convert them to leads. I reflect and I get emotional thinking about the grit, the determination to succeed and that looking back at that young girl who just really wanted to just make it in this industry. Read more>>
Natalie Poindexter
After EMS, I discovered Public Health—a field that captivated me completely. As the saying goes, “I drank the Kool-Aid.” I truly fell in love with Public Health because it offers endless opportunities to learn, innovate, and create meaningful impact. I am a visionary by nature, with a mind constantly brimming with ideas and solutions. Over the next decade, I honed my skills in Public Health, mastering the art of developing solutions and strategies to solve community and business challenges, while crafting award-winning grant and funding applications. Read more>>
Cherelle K.
Graduating college at the young age of 22, Cherelle K. earned a Bachelors degree in mass communications with a concentration in electronic media. After completing her studies, she made the bold move to Texas, where she continues to nurture her artistic endeavors. Cherelle K. embodies the spirit of determination and resilience, epitomizing the belief that “if there is a will, there is a way.” Read more>>
Elizabeth Rori
My journey has been one of deep trust, surrender, and alignment with the universe’s divine flow. I started on the beaches of San Diego, immersed in the creative world of music—designing for local and touring musicians, music venues, and music festivals. Creativity was my passion, but deep down, I felt a pull toward something greater. I knew I was meant to do more than just create art; I was meant to inspire transformation. Read more>>
Spencer Otto
I have a large social media following which I use to spread hope to those suffering, as well as a homeless ministry that gives much needed items to the local homeless community. In addition to this, I have become fortunate enough to rekindle my love for acting, fitness, and modeling, which is what I have begun to chase full time. I am fortunate enough to earn my SAG-AFTRA union eligibility in acting, have begun fitness modeling, and I am also personal trainer. I am currently submitting for acting/modeling representation, which has been a huge goal of mine in sobriety. I am truly grateful and blessed! Read more>>
Saranya Ramesh
In 2023, I made the bold decision to leave my full-time job and move to the U.S. Since then, I’ve connected with talented artists and continued to grow in my artistry. For me, makeup is more than just a business—it’s a form of artistic expression and a way to bring joy to others. My ultimate goal is to ensure that every person who sits in my chair walks away feeling confident, beautiful, and reassured that they made the right choice in trusting me. Read more>>
Cinthia And Alondra Solis
We wanted our crewnecks to symbolize a big hug from someone who is far away or who has passed. Currently, we plan to continue creating more crewneck designs and giving back to our community. We are giving 50% of all profits from our “Para Mí Gente” sales to the National Immigrant Justice Center and hope to increase that contribution in the future. We are also in the process of launching a new item that we have been working very hard on! Read more>>
Nicole Groleau
The name was personal to me—“Bleue” reflects my French Canadian heritage and the navy blue hues of my coastal hometown, while “print” signifies creation. Initially, this meaning was just my own, but I later learned that cyanotypes were historically used to create architectural blueprints. That realization felt like a sign, affirming that I had found the artistic path I was meant to follow. Read more>>
Vili Hickey
The turning point came when I stopped ignoring my feelings and instead created space for them. I allowed myself to grieve, to rage, to release. I explored somatic trauma healing, womb rituals, and ancient feminine wisdom—practices that weren’t just about healing my body, but about reclaiming my power as a woman. Through this process, I reconnected with my intuition, my sensuality, and my ability to hold deep, transformative space for others. Read more>>
America Franken
At 13, I started selling bracelets. At 15, I did nails for friends and family. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, but at 16, I decided to take a leap. One random day, I created an Instagram page for ATX Sweet Serendipity!! No grand plan, no perfect setup, just an idea and the determination to make it happen. I started by handing out samples, getting feedback, and putting my work out there. Read more>>
Diana Skellenger
Skelly Build is an award-winning, woman owned construction company in Austin. Whether it’s a home, office, or commercial space, we build your happy place through a simple construction process. We are your builder team, committed to your satisfaction, timeline, and budget. Read more>>
Craig Welborn
Brian and I started working in construction when we were 16 years old as a summer job. Our first project was a BBQ joint on the Capitol of Texas Highway. It paid next to nothing, but it helped keep us in shape for two-a-days in August. That same GC ended up contracting with Welborn Woodworks over 20 years later on several restaurant projects. We’ve always thought that was pretty cool and kind of indicative of growing up in Austin. We learned advanced carpentry and project planning from a man named Steve Bass, while working for a custom home builder in town. We went out on our own in 2010. As they say, the rest is history Read more>>
Michael Cavazos
My name is Michael Cavazos and I’m a videographer and photographer. I do a lot of videography and video editing as of now. I got my start using a canon t5i. I used the same camera my friend used. I really didn’t too much research I just bout the camera. From there I started doing photography using various lenses. I experimented with different focal lengths. Like 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm etc. Originally I wanted to be a filmmaker, but I just stuck with photography and just kept going. I wanted to be a content creator for social media. I had a lot of social media internships during college. I used my photography to help various brands. Read more>>
Raluca Fallon
I was born and raised in a small town in Romania, where life was simpler yet full of meaning. My journey began with humble beginnings, shaped by the unconditional love and determination of my single mother. She worked tirelessly, often making great sacrifices to ensure I had access to a good education and strong moral values. Her resilience and dedication instilled in me the importance of hard work, gratitude, and compassion for others. Read more>>
Rebecca Wilson
Our journey began in Long Beach, California, shortly after we got married. Both of us—Rebecca and Hector—had always been deeply immersed in the arts. Before marriage and children, we surrounded ourselves with the Southern California art scene, attending gallery openings, hosting exhibitions, and embracing creativity in every way possible. Rebecca studied art in school, while Hector lived next to a gallery in downtown Los Angeles, constantly inspired by the artistic energy around him. Read more>>
Kate Angel
As I began writing my own songs, I started performing at venues, drawing inspiration from artists like Lzzy Hale of Halestorm. Her commanding stage presence, coupled with powerful guitar playing and singing, truly captivated me. I also found inspiration in Yungblud, whose vulnerability and openness in expressing his emotions through music pushed me to embrace my own feelings in my songs. This combination of influences and experiences laid the foundation for my musical journey, and from there, everything just fell into place. Read more>>
