Local Highlighter Series

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.

Nathan Winans

I believe you can achieve almost anything if you put your mind to it and focus on building your skills, even if you start without much direction or resources. With curiosity, persistence, and consistent effort, you can create opportunities and grow in ways you might not expect. Read more>>

Skylar Buchanan

I think the biggest misunderstanding about my business is the overall process of making a rug and its complexity. Because I’ve mastered tufting (in my opinion), it makes the process look easy, which then makes customers believe it should be priced cheaply. The rugs and art I create isn’t mass produced and takes a lot of time and effort to create. Read more>>

Ray Roberts

When people think about comedy as an industry right now, they are pretty polarized. Especially when it wades into the political realm. Conveniently that’s my favorite type of comedy to do is to take big, scary things and make them more digestible for regular people. What’s more scary than the government taking over the city you live in? Read more>>

David Sodemann

The biggest misconception is that we simply sell or rent camper vans. What we actually do is design experiences that give people freedom and comfort wherever they go. Our vans combine craftsmanship, design, and functionality in a way that surprises most people. What they expect to be minimalist or rugged ends up feeling warm, refined, and personal. Read more>>

Brian Doyle

When I started my career, I didn’t realize just how many layers my business would have. Today, my work falls into three main areas: first, serving as an expedition guide and photography instructor; second, selling handmade metal prints at fine art shows around the world; and third, taking on photography assignments for companies—covering campaigns, events, and social media projects. Read more>>

Nancy Cox

When I say that I am a fine artist, at times I see a far away wistful look and receive comments back along the lines of ‘how fun.’ I respect where these responses are coming from since there’s a great deal of uninspiring jobs out there and lack of time to pursue artistic goals. Read more>>

Diana Narvaez Salazar

Many don’t realize it’s also about community, personal growth, and confidence-building. The business opportunity is optional—plenty of people join simply for discounts or to enjoy the products. Read more>>

Adria Arch

I think that a lot of people misunderstand what being an artist is all about. It’s much less about talent (that is, knowing how to draw, for example), and much more about a way of living in the world. Artists pay attention to the way life is lived between the lines. Read more>>

Liz Melton

That I just write all day. In reality, a vast majority of my day revolves around understanding the topic I’m writing about in the context of the vertical my clients operate in, and what might differentiate their product or service from those of their competitors. Sometimes that involves interviewing subject matter experts. Other times, that means listening to industry podcasts. Read more>>

Collin Adams

I think the beauty industry in general is often viewed as vain or having to keep up with unrealistic beauty standards. At Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa, we have always had a deeply personal philosophy to keep things Simple, Sexy, and Sophisticated. Read more>>

Byron K Williams

I think most people are struggling to hold onto their dreams, their sanity, and their excitement. And the world that’s rapidly changing so it can be hard to keep up. Read more>>

DaVonna May

Trusting their creative vision. Creative bullying is real. It’s not just rejection or lack of support – it’s the emotional assault that erodes a sacred, powerful gift meant to improve the world. And it doesn’t only happen in the early stages, when the vision is still forming. It shows up even when you’re building, experimenting, launching, evolving. Read more>>

INTERNET FAMOUS

This is probably a pretty strong topic to start to an interview with but why not address the Elephant in the room (I do love Elephants by the way so no shame to them). MENTAL HEALTH! I couldn’t even begin to describe the struggles I’ve had with this in recent days, weeks, or years, maybe my whole life. Read more>>

Jen VanEe

I think a lot of people, especially leaders, entrepreneurs, and working parents, are secretly struggling with having to be “on” even when they’re completely drained. We’ve created this culture of constant performance: showing up polished, positive, and productive no matter what’s happening behind the scenes. But life doesn’t pause for deadlines, client meetings, or social expectations. Read more>>

Conor Dubin

I think now is a very hard time for a lot of people in a way that it hasn’t been before. This time feels different so to speak. The world has grown more and more complicated, AI is creeping into every aspect of our lives and wreaking havoc on our economy. Read more>>

Honorebel

People may misunderstand Honorebel’s legacy by seeing only the surface — the hits, collaborations, and international success — without realizing the depth of his journey and what he represents. Many might overlook that his legacy isn’t just about making music; it’s about breaking barriers, building bridges between cultures, and uplifting others through his platform. Read more>>

Arkatech Beatz

People may misunderstand how deeply we’ve influenced the sound and culture of the era we came from. Because we always focused on the work instead of the spotlight, some might think Arkatech Beatz was just another production team that caught a few placements. Read more>>

Indya “Icy” Wright

That I’m only great at comms. Yes, I’ve built a strong reputation in crisis communications and strategic messaging — but that’s just one facet of who I am. What people often miss is that I’m also an artist. A storyteller. A cultural worker. A multi-passionate creative with an eye for systems and a heart for impact. Read more>>

Chanell Bell

I feel like the idea that money or status equals real power is misleading. True power comes from resilience, mental fortitude, and the ability to adapt, alchemize, and shape your reality. Our times have shown that anyone can gain a following or amass a hefty bank account, but at the end of the day, what are you carrying mentally? Read more>>

Taeylor

Everyone is raised differently. That is it. That is the truth. Read more>>

James Craft

A normal day is start-up and music-education driven right now. I scan overnight updates from our dev team on the online learning platform we’re building for Craft Music, then I clear parent and school messages. Quick stretch, get my daughter to school, and I’m into work. Read more>>

David Alley

I spend most days in my home recording studio working on new music. When I’m not doing that, I am most likely playing with the Richardson Community Band, the Plano Community Band, the Kings of Swing, or the Upswing Jazz Orchestra Read more>>

Anastasia Georgouda

Every day’s a bit different, but I like it that way. Mornings usually start with a coffee and a creative check-in, either with my team or just me sketching out ideas for whatever’s on the table. I’m constantly bouncing between concepting, giving feedback, and making sure the visuals actually tell a compelling story. Read more>>

Janet Mona

No matter what, my days usually start at 5:30 a.m. My wife goes to work early, so I’ve picked up the habit of waking up that early too. I make coffee and breakfast, take our dogs out, and pack her lunch before I get started on my day. Read more>>

Alex Cap

I get up at 6am. Lately, I’ve been learning Wwise, an audio implementation middleware program, and I work on that until I eat breakfast around 7:15. Read more>>

Melissa Jakes 

My mornings start with mom mode, getting my kids ready for school, making sure everyone’s out the door and on time. Once the house quiets down, I shift into CEO mode. I review my to-do list, check my Google Calendar, and scan through any high-priority emails that need immediate attention. That first hour sets the tone for my entire day. Read more>>

Dan Hobday

A typical day starts with coffee, because, let’s be honest, without it, there’s not much chance of art happening. I’ll head to the gym, brave the sauna, make something to eat, then wander out to my garden studio. Most of my time is spent staring at blank canvases, trying to persuade paint to behave itself. Read more>>

ALEXIS AMATO

I start my day off with a kiss from my fiancé, connection is everything and I firmly believe in starting a connection with your partner first thing. I then get up and get ready to go to the gym, which I do roughly for an hour. Read more>>

Robert Miller

My days are a combination of attending to all the myriad tasks associated with my Follow Your Dream Podcast, and at the same time  pursuing my music career with Project Grand Slam. With the podcast I release 4 or more episodes each week, mainly guest interviews. Read more>>

Kudisan Kai

Haha. Questions 1 & 2 are basically the same☺️. I wake up and meditate every morning, anywhere from 25 minutes to one hour, however long it feels right. Then, I’ll check out some Abraham Hicks or something funny (Josh Johnson) on YouTube. Then, I go down stairs, have a cup of coffee or two with spelt/hazelnut milk ( what can I say, I’m in Paris). Read more>>

Brigitte Harley

The relationship that has shaped me the most in how I see myself is the one I have with my daughters. For a long time, I wrongly assumed they had no real grasp of my professional life—that the intricacies of my job were beyond them. Read more>>

Angie Lassman

Without question, the relationship with my mother has shaped me the most. She’s believed in me from the very beginning and sometimes even before I believed in myself. She’s cheered me on through every chapter, celebrated every accomplishment, and helped me make a plan for the next goal, always offering thoughtful, constructive feedback to help me get there. Read more>>

Crystal Cao

My grandparents had the biggest influence on who I am today. They were incredibly selfless people who taught me empathy and the joy of sharing. My grandfather was a chef, and our home was always filled with family, friends, and food. Read more>>

Dee Khasandi

My friendship with my best friend, Michelle. She is someone I met by chance and has become one of the most important people in my life. She has helped me see myself through a different lens. I grew up as the only kid with a single parent and often times I’ve had to solve my own problems and never asked for help. Read more>>

Linda Clarke

The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is my relationship with my son. No matter how I feel from day to day, I know that I’m his biggest coach, cheerleader, listening ear and teacher. He reminds me that my presence in this world is indispensable and that’s how I carry myself. Read more>>

Deana Hicks

My grandmother Pearl Vineyard. I am very much like her. She enjoyed working outside much more than working in the house. She helped my grandfather on the farm, gardened, and did just about every artistic craft/hobby you can think of. She did woodworking, photography, painting, and played several musical instruments, but she excelled at ceramics! Read more>>

Sandra Rowe

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One truth I live by is that love never disappears — it only gets covered by pain, misunderstanding, or fear. When we make space for that love to surface again, healing begins almost effortlessly. Another truth is that everything is connected — the personal and the ancestral, the physical and the spiritual. When one person heals, something shifts in the collective. Read more>>

Tara Linda

One of the most recent memory of feeling powerful was when I walked away from a 23 year marriage where I had lost my self and I was in a stagnant position within my self and in the things I was called to do. Read more>>

Georgia English

In seventh grade, my band Sit Down and Shut Up performed in front of our entire middle school. I played a forest green stratocaster and played the second guitar solo in Pink Floyd’s Comfortably Numb. I felt like everyone knew me better in that moment, and I felt self-possessed and capable. Read more>>

Carolina Kleine Samson

That moment when an idea leaves the realm of the intangible and takes shape, assuming forms and directions one could never anticipate, reveals a force that feels almost mystical. It is a moment of power and magic that I deeply value, as it reminds me of the transformative capacity of thought and language, and of the infinite possibility of building new realities. Read more>>

Alessia Benavides

I have a few memories, but the most recent one is that I was able to open my shop. Once I opened, I felt proud and powerful. I said to myself, “Wow, I really did it.” There were times when I wanted to quit because the process was very hard, but my friends told me I could do it. Read more>>

Scott Silverman

When I first Got Sober and was able to surrender I felt powerful. The weeks months and Years that followed, helped me to help others. Which in a way helped me feel powerful. Read more>>

Alexandra Redmond

The most powerful moment in my life came disguised as a setback- getting laid off from my corporate job. It forced me to choose: go back to what was safe, or finally chase the dream I’d been putting off. I chose the dream. Five years later, I’m running a thriving business, helping thousands of moms transform their lives- and I wouldn’t change a thing. Read more>>

Amber Claire

Probably when I would perform as a little girl in different talent shows in Australia, which built up my confidence and it also didn’t hurt that I won some of the contests 😆 Read more>>

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