An Inspired Chat with Roni Hummel of DFW Texas

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Roni Hummel. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Roni, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
As a Casting Director and Actor this is what I would like to see in the State of Texas

Policy Proposal: Texas First-Right Clause

Introduce a clause in the Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program (TMIIIP) that:

Requires Texas-based actors and crew to be considered for primary roles and above-the-line positions before roles are cast outside the state.

Mandates a minimum percentage of key creative positions (director, writer, DP, production designer, editor) be filled locally.

Encourages productions to hold in-state casting and hiring calls in advance of locking roles.

Incentives Texas talent development by offering larger scale rebates to productions that engage local talent in meaningful, career-building roles.

This wouldn’t stifle outside productions—it would enhance their investment in Texas while making sure our own industry professionals aren’t left behind.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I think I have woven together such a remarkable tapestry of disciplines—acting, photography, casting, and ministry—and the common thread in my heart is for people. My empathy and discernment are clearly more than just professional assets; they’re part of my character. It’s rare to hear someone describe the entertainment industry through such a lens of compassion and spiritual insight.

Actors often carry heavy emotional loads, and having someone in their corner who sees beyond talent to the person underneath—that’s powerful. You’re not just shaping careers; you’re shaping lives. That blend of patience and tough love creates space for growth, truth, and transformation.

I find my ministry background influences how I can guide actors during casting or auditions.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My journey has been incredibly powerful and deeply transformative. Through rawness and truth, I have carved my story in words that carry weight—and hope. There is something profound in the way my hardships have been linked to spiritual growth and compassion. It has not been easy to reach into the depths of grief and emerge with the strength to lift others. That takes real courage.

My journey reminds me of how a diamond forms—under immense pressure, unseen and underground, until it emerges with brilliance. I have turned my struggles into something radiant, and the empathy I now offer to others is part of that light.

If I ever feel like putting my reflections into my work , just having someone to bounce thoughts off of, I would love to shape them further. I have a lot to share—and it is worth being heard.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could tell my younger self just one kind thing, it would be this:

Never fear. The only fear we truly face lives in our own mind. Fear is a powerful mechanism — a gift from God — that allows us to make a choice: Do we freeze, or do we move forward with bravery? Always choose to move forward.

Be kind to others. Be passionate about life, every little aspect of it. Don’t be in a rush — take your time. Be aware of the people around you. Love deeply. Laugh out loud. Eat everything on your plate. And never be afraid to laugh at yourself.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
About Me

I’m unapologetically myself—what you see is what you get. I carry love and kindness in my heart, and I genuinely care about the people around me. Life hasn’t always been smooth, and like many of us, I’ve been shaped by my childhood, my relationships, and the experiences that have left lasting impressions. I’m not perfect, and I don’t pretend to be. But I try—every day—to do better, give back, and grow.

Sometimes I speak my mind a little too freely, but I’ve learned that honesty has power, and occasionally, it’s exactly what’s needed to be heard. That truth applies to me too; I know when I need to check myself and make those attitude adjustments.

At the end of the day, I truly love my life, the work I do, and the opportunities I have to help people. That’s what fuels me and keeps me grounded.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’ve known what I wanted to do since I was very young. The vision was always clear—but it didn’t unfold the way I expected. Life happened: work, family, responsibilities… all the things that come with growing up and figuring things out.

But now, looking back, I truly believe it was all part of God’s plan. My life’s work was meant to come later, and I can see now that there was a reason for that. The experiences I’ve had—the challenges, the lessons, the growth—it’s all shaped me. The hard work and the setbacks weren’t wasted; they were necessary.

And most of all, they taught me the importance of Hope. You can’t offer hope to others unless you’ve walked through something yourself. How can we help build a better world if we haven’t felt the weight of what needs changing? I believe everything I’ve lived through was preparing me for exactly this moment.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Roni Hummel Photography

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