{"id":386162,"date":"2026-07-25T10:22:34","date_gmt":"2026-07-25T10:22:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/386162\/"},"modified":"2026-07-25T10:22:34","modified_gmt":"2026-07-25T10:22:34","slug":"hidden-gems-local-businesses-creatives-you-should-know-voyage-dallas-magazine-16","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/386162\/","title":{"rendered":"Hidden Gems: Local Businesses &#038; Creatives You Should Know \u2013 Voyage Dallas Magazine"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Every day we have a choice. We can support an up and coming podcaster, try a new family-run restaurant, join a boutique gym started by a local fitness champ or we could keep giving away our money to the handful of giants who already control so much of our commerce. Our daily decisions impact the kind world we live in; if we want a world where small businesses are growing and artists and creatives are thriving then we should support them with our time, money and attention. We\u2019re proud to highlight inspiring creatives and entrepreneurs each week in Hidden Gems series. Check out some of our latest local gem features below.<\/p>\n<p>Keith Anderson<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783606673256-personal_1783606666698_1783606666698_keith_anderson_keith-anderson-2.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>To understand how we got here, you have to go back to where it all began. Founded in Birmingham England, Harrison helped shape the UK hospitality landscape by designing many of the country\u2019s leading restaurant brands. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/hidden-gems-meet-keith-anderson-of-harrison\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Hannah Dimock<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783606658461-personal_1783606658326_1783606658326_hannah_dimock_img_8215.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>From a young age, I knew I aspired to own my own business. I have always had a passion for helping others and bringing creativity to every project I take on. My journey, from serving restaurants to bartending, has shaped the business owner I am today. Hospitality is my passion, and I\u2019m equally dedicated to crafting delicious, fresh drinks. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/inspiring-conversations-with-hannah-dimock-of-buzzing-by-mobile-bar-2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Noah Skidmore<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783602739510-personal_1783602739298_1783602739298_noah_skidmore_4f47b7a4-044f-4a78-bfb6-7442b18fb.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My Father and I started working on cars when I was just a little kid, with dreams of one day opening our own shop. A little over a year ago we finally made that come true when we opened our doors to the few customers we had lined up.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-noah-skidmore\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>MIchelle Miles<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783601607923-personal_1783601607501_1783601607501_michelle_miles_mm-highres.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve always been fascinated by stories. As a child, I devoured movies, and I was just as interested in what happened behind the scenes as I was in the stories themselves. Fantasy worlds captured my imagination early, and I spent years wondering what it would be like to create worlds of my own. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-michelle-miless-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Amanda Moriah Henderson<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783576477620-personal_1783576477441_1783576477441_amandamoriah_henderson_unnamed.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I am originally from San Antonio, Texas, where I was raised by my parents, MaryAnn and Larry Villarreal. I am the oldest of three children and have two younger brothers, Derek and Dylan. My mom was a well-known softball coach and educator in San Antonio, dedicating more than 25 years to shaping the lives of her students and athletes. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/inspiring-conversations-with-amanda-moriah-henderson-of-amanda-moriah-events\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Synae Javyan<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783568742549-personal_1783568742361_1783568742361_synae_javyan_img_0126.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Three years ago, I moved to Dallas, Texas with my son. I had no family or friends here but I was determined to reinvent myself and create space for better opportunities and experiences for my family. I joined Teach For America, a prestigious corps that funded my entire move and propelled me into spaces that would change my life forever. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-synae-javyans-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Briana Dinae<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783568305601-personal_1783568305412_1783568305412_briana_dinae_briana_326.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I have always been fascinated with photography. I I took a lot of joy scrap booking and putting together photo albums when I was a teenager. I developed an inspiration to take on the profession of photography. In 2014 I decided to put myself in Photography school and graduated with my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from The Art Institute of Dallas. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-briana-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Lolita Allen<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783264237436-personal_1783264237344_1783264237344_lolita_allen_1000069112.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Lolita Allen is the President of Divas Read 2 Book Club, Founder of Divas Read 2 Inc, a non profit organization whose mission is to sponsor educational events, literary events and reading programs. Under the umbrella of Divas Read 2 Inc, 2 programs have been established D.O.D.D. (Divas of a Divine Destiny) which provides mentoring, friendship and counseling to tween\/teen girls. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-lolita-allen-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Nancy Rich<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783557154085-personal_1783557153672_1783557153672_nancy_rich_author-photo.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Thank you for asking. My journey into marketing wasn\u2019t a straight line, but it was driven by a lifelong passion for writing, art, and technology. I spent many years in the medical field as an Office Manager. I loved helping people, but my true creative outlet was helping the doctor with his small ads and graphic designs. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/community-highlights-meet-nancy-rich-of-content-nancy-marketing\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Audrey Rindlisbacher<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783549878453-personal_1783549878281_1783549878281_audrey_rindlisbacher_2019_mdm_alyssabrookephoto.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>For many years I was a stay at home mother of 6 children. While I was grateful to be able to stay at home with them and there were many things that were incredibly rewarding, I struggled with many aspects of life. My marriage was rocky, our finances were unstable, our extended family relationships were strained. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-audrey-rindlisbachers-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Roger Peters<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783536872131-personal_1783536871894_1783536871894_roger_peters_dscf5169.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My journey really began in my teens with a love for art, film, and photography. I was captivated by movies and visual storytelling, fascinated by cinematography, and eager to understand the craft from its most fundamental principles through still photography. My first camera was a Pentax K1000, a classic fully manual 35mm film camera from the late 1970s. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/community-highlights-meet-roger-peters-of-equilateral\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Gabriel \u201cSpaceboifresh\u201d Moore<\/p>\n<p>Born Gabriel Leon Moore Jr. on December 31, 1990, in Dallas, Texas, Spaceboifresh has built a career around one simple belief: every person is born with a purpose, and creativity has the power to change lives. Raised by his grandparents in Oak Cliff, Gabriel\u2019s foundation was built on faith, discipline, love, and family. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/inspiring-conversations-with-gabriel-spaceboifresh-moore-of-th3-5tar533d5-llc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Marqueshia Richardson<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1784155914833-personal_1784155914680_1784155914680_marqueshia_richardson_mars-p21.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>So growing up I have always been very shy and too myself and very sensitive. I think most of me being sensitive plays a major part in my life though writhing actin. I would always go to school and be too myself and it was once in a blue moon that I made friends because of it. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-marqueshia-richardson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Mandi Zielinski<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1784152157898-personal_1784152157328_1784152157328_mandi_zielinski_0123.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m an advocate of the Montessori approach to learning and teaching, but as a busy homeschooling mom, I encountered many difficulties implementing this methodology outside of the traditional Montessori classroom. As I worked through and found solutions to these challenges, it became clear that other parents were struggling with the same issues<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/life-work-with-mandi-zielinski-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">. Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jamie Taylor<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1784143682666-personal_1784143682526_1784143682526_jamie_taylor_dsc_9302.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Hi, thank you so much for having me! I am a Luxury Residential Interior Designer based in Dallas,Tx with projects spanning Houston, Dallas, and Austin! I come from humble beginnings. Born and raised in Monroe, Louisiana. I was a creative child from the start. Artist, violinist, praise dancer, anything related to the arts\u2014I\u2019m sure I\u2019ve done it twice!<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-jamie-taylor-of-jvonte-designs\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Lonny Green<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1784068004947-personal_1784068004737_1784068004737_lonny_green_1000095601.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>For as long as I can remember, I\u2019ve wanted to be two things: a mom and a teacher. Growing up, whenever we played house, I had to be the mom. If I wasn\u2019t, there was a good chance I wasn\u2019t playing at all! As I got older, my love for children only grew.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/community-highlights-meet-lonny-green-of-bloom-christian-academy\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jackie Spann<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1784132122482-personal_1784132122280_1784132122280_jackie_spann_img_0644.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I was five years old the first time I wrote it down. We had one of those \u2018what I want to be when I grow up\u2019 charts in school, and while other kids were writing astronaut or teacher, I wrote \u2018Fashon Deziner\u2019 although it was misspelled I was five years old and I knew what I wanted to do. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-jackie-spann\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jennifer VNA Godinez<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1784097635415-personal_1784097635231_1784097635231_jennifer_godinez_dscf7936.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I want to first thank everyone that has contributed to where I am today. Every opportunity has led to this moment in time. It has been a journey that has only emphasized how much love I have for art, and all its forms. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-jennifer-vna-godinez\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Kurtz Frausun<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1784128217687-personal_1784128217527_1784128217527_kurtz_frausun_kurtz_frausun.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I am Kurtz Frausun \u2013 a four-time award-winning experimental documentary filmmaker, black-and-white photographer, and First Amendment auditor based in Dallas, Texas. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/life-work-with-kurtz-frausun-of-dallas\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Christy Reagan<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1780975991021-personal_1780975990929_1780975990929_christy_reagan_img_8121.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I spent seven years working as an event manager, coordinator, and designer for a Dallas event company. During that time, I gained experience in all the different aspects of the event industry and fell completely in love with the entire process of creating memorable events from start to finish. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-christy-reagan-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Vivian Liu<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1784095720641-personal_1784095723296_1784095723296_vivian_liu_vivian-liu-at-united-nations-hq.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Hi my name is Vivian Liu, and my policy work centers on education. Primarily, I focus on access to science research opportunities for youth. I got started because I believed students deserve a real voice in what gets taught, and I have carried that belief from local classrooms to the national level. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/inspiring-conversations-with-vivian-liu-of-united-nations-youth-office\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>NeoQor<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1784089287587-personal_1784089286769_1784089286769_neoqor_dsc_2621.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>To start, I grew up with electronic music being a major part of my life. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-neoqor\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Lindsey Lynch<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1784064118556-personal_1784064118461_1784064118461_lindsey_lynch_img_6035.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My journey began long before I started The PMOS Method. As a teenager, I began experiencing symptoms associated with what was then known as PCOS, recently renamed PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome). One of my biggest struggles was unexplained weight gain. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-lindsey-lynch-of-the-pmos-method\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Papa Rico<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1784062819695-personal_1784062819571_1784062819571_papa_rico_dan00145.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m just a regular guy from the inner city of Dallas, Tx. I have been through a lot in life, but through all my struggles I have always tried to find my purpose, which eventually lead me to music. Music is the only thing that helps me cope with the harsh realities of life. I have been drawn to music as a child. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-papa-rico\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Owen Curtsinger<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1784035897657-personal_1784035897560_1784035897560_owen_curtsinger_img_1898.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I grew up in a family of artists. My mom was a painter and my dad had a long career as an underwater wildlife photographer. My older brother and I grew up drawing comics inspired by action and science fiction movies. We would make copies of our comic books and sell them from a folding table at local art openings. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/life-work-with-owen-curtsinger-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Danielle King<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1784065200466-personal_1784065200288_1784065200288_danielle_king_img_0051.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Started off being an assistant for Jennifer Hobson productions at age 15. Which is where I started my modeling career from age 15 to 19 , left the modeling industry and went to cosmetology school completed in 2014 from there my passion for both industries grew. I worked behind the scenes as a makeup artist on sets for 3 years felt burned out. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/life-work-with-danielle-king-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Amey DeAnne Stark-Foust<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1784062323064-personal_1784062322869_1784062322869_ameydeanne_starkfoust_headshot-55.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I lived what seemed like an ordinary life. I married at 19, built a career, and spent the next 28 years raising two children who were deeply involved in sports. My husband and I both worked corporate jobs during the day, and our evenings and weekends revolved around practices, games, tournaments, and countless other activities.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-amey-deanne-stark-foust\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Angelica Zaragoza<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1784061890836-personal_1784061890657_1784061890657_angelica_zaragoza_angelica-staff-photo-page.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My story didn\u2019t begin in a boardroom\u2014it began in one of the darkest seasons of my life. Years ago, I was incarcerated and separated from my children. During that time, I experienced firsthand the heartbreak that incarceration creates for families. Through a program called Girls Embracing Mothers (G.E.M.), I was given the opportunity to reconnect with my daughter during monthly prison visits. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/exploring-life-business-with-angelica-zaragoza-of-janies-angels\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Miguel Martin<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1784056915039-personal_1784056914883_1784056914883_miguel_martin_miguel-02_2.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m a self taught artist, I learn photography and editing by my self watching YouTube tutorial videos, i am also a paper mache artist and i give life to 7 feet tall Catrina\u2019s exhibited all over the DFW. Little by little my work captures the attention of people and interviews came my way. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/life-work-with-miguel-martin-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Donte Bean<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1784046642618-personal_1784046642255_1784046642255_donte_bean_a7404802.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>At Toyota, I learned the value of Kaizen, which means continuous improvement. I loved the structure, the fast pace, and the pursuit of perfection. But when organizational shifts led to my layoff, it felt like the brakes had been slammed on my career. I faced a choice: wait for another door to open, or build my own. I chose to build. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-donte-bean-of-360-event-rentals\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Craig Sefcik<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1784045102728-personal_1784045102474_1784045102474_craig_sefcik_img_0407.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Sure! I grew up in the Wichita Falls area, went to high school in Burkburnett and briefly attended Midwestern State University before deciding to pursue other interests and enter the work force. Music was my main motivating factor during those years, I played in a band and we decided to all move together to the DFW Metroplex to chase bigger and better opportunities. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-craig-sefcik-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Lexi Totten<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1784042810362-personal_1784042810101_1784042810101_lexi_totten_img_3425.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My story starts before I even thought about going to beauty school. When I was little I was styling my own hair all the time I was walking out of my room with a different hairstyle everyday and I didn\u2019t know yet that it was going to be my career and my passion when I got older. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/inspiring-conversations-with-lexi-totten-of-bold-glow-beauty\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Trent Patterson<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1784038445730-personal_1784038444025_1784038444024_trent_patterson_813.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My name is Trent Patterson, I started Patterson Window Cleaning during the 2020 lockdown. After 6 years I\u2019m finally putting my everything into the company and it\u2019s showing. I worked for a company for around 5 years and learned a lot! I\u2019m constantly educating myself on new ways to do the job more efficiently and safely. Now in the East Texas area since 2025 <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-trent-patterson-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Veena Nathan<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1784038037629-personal_1784038037539_1784038037539_veena_nathan_5210cd5e-4733-4d10-9ca6-3b819272fd.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I never expected my life to become the story I would one day share with thousands of people online. I\u2019m originally from the beautiful teardrop-shaped island of Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon. When I was young, my parents immigrated to the United States after being selected through the Diversity Visa Lottery program, hoping to build a better future for our family. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-veena-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Cynthia Alvarado<\/p>\n<p>My interest in the beauty industry actually started back in high school, when I was involved in modeling and acting during my freshman and sophomore years. After graduating, I had the opportunity to attend Paul Mitchell Dallas, and my love for the game came completely naturally. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-cynthia-alvarado-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Janifer Russell<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1784023602435-personal_1784023602304_1784023602304_janifer_russell_fdceeae5-de3a-4670-9354-e5fde9d.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Makeup has always been more than a career for me\u2014it\u2019s been a way to help people feel confident while bringing creative visions to life. I started with a passion for beauty and artistry, and over the years I\u2019ve built my business through dedication, continuous learning, and a commitment to professionalism. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-janifer-russell-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jarod Thornton<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1784021225403-personal_1784021225237_1784021225237_jarod_thornton_jarod-and-boys-2025_compressed.j.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My story starts with instability. When I was nine years old, my father was murdered in Columbus, Ohio. After that, my family moved constantly. By the time I reached high school, I had attended thirteen different schools. I dropped out during my sophomore year while struggling with meth addiction, convinced my future had already been written. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-jarod-thornton-of-adopt-the-web\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Shameka Cooper<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783982462895-personal_1783982462736_1783982462736_shameka_cooper_untitled-design-2.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My journey into cake decorating began in 2014. After ordering birthday cakes for my children from my local grocery store bakeries and being repeatedly disappointed by their quality and appearance, I decided to start making them myself. What started as a way to have creative, memorable fun designing my children\u2019s birthday cakes soon became a true passion. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-shameka-cooper\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Michelle Hoang<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783998515853-personal_1783998515573_1783998515573_michelle_hoang_mah_8383.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Sure! I started out over a decade ago. What really was just a fun hobby with my cousins turned into others seeing my talent and pushing me to turn it into something more. By 2016, I was getting paid to do something I loved on an everyday basis! What a blessing it is to get paid to do something you love. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-michelle-hoangs-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Caressia Burse<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783994450708-personal_1783994451065_1783994451065_caressia_burse_img_5239.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Nature Baddie was created as a love letter to myself. I was in a sad mood at the time so to lift my spirits, I filled my tub with bath oils and Epsom salt, lit a candle, and put on a Big K.R.I.T playlist. After soaking my woes away and moisturizing myself, I entered the bedroom to throw on a cozy onesies. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-caressia-burse-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Trestan Howard<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783982332581-personal_1783982332399_1783982332399_trestan_howard_img_2787_original.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve been drawing since the age of 3 years old and loved cartoons growing up, so I would trace my favorite characters from my favorite shows such as Dexter\u2019s Laboratory, Johnny Bravo, and Courage the Cowardly Dog. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-trestan-howard-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>David Ely<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783981400806-personal_1783981399468_1783981399468_david_ely_img_2360.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>In 2017 I was a regional manager for a food broker that was contracted to pass out free samples of different products each week. I ran the schedule for around 60 employees in 25 Walmart stores around the DFW area. The company I worked for ended up loosing the Walmart contract and I was let go. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-david-ely\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Wu Zi X<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783979316574-personal_1783979316391_1783979316391_wuzi_x_img_1251.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I grew up as a child in Detroit, Michigan. My parents divorced when I was 5 and we left the state when I was 7. I moved around a lot, including 13 different schools. I spent a lot of time alone. I started writing music during lunch because I would eat in the library and it was quiet; no one was around. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-wu-zi-x-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Kirsten Prater<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783978413692-personal_1783978413416_1783978413416_kirsten_prater_haleydphotography-382.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>It all started in 2005 for me when I stumbled upon my grandparents\u2019 simple point-and-shoot camera while exploring Colorado. Little did I know, this discovery would ignite my passion for photography. January 2018 marked a pivotal moment. It was the time I decided to take this photography thing seriously and ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, launching my own photography business. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-kirsten-prater-of-other\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>B Lauren Rodriguez<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783974113591-personal_1783974113484_1783974113484_blauren_rodriguez_0208blaurenrodriguez064-ps.jp.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve always been interested in skin. I\u2019ve been blessed with relatively great skin and have always been able to fix any issue I had from home. Fast forward to mother hood and I didn\u2019t have such luck helping my daughter with her skin.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/exploring-life-business-with-b-lauren-rodriguez-of-bare-by-b-lauren\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Taj \u201cTHE MEAT MESSIAH\u201d Leavell<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783974690941-personal_1783974690826_1783974690826_taj_leavell_img_3614.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Started off as a backyard bbq enthusiast\u2026 I was coaching a little league football team and decided to provide the kids with sandwiches and chips after practice to take some of the work off the parents and a friend of mine asked me to sale him a plate\u2026 I\u2019d never thought about selling Bbq. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-taj-the-meat-messiah-leavell\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Yvonne Dodson<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783964255465-personal_1783964255528_1783964255528_yvonne_dodson_image0-14.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My first job at 16 years old was working at an ice cream shop and serving people a delicious treat was so fun. Though, after several entrepreneurial endeavors and climbing the corporate ladder for 20 years; it seems I have come full circle in what really brings me joy. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/hidden-gems-meet-yvonne-dodson-of-mister-softee-dfw-llc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Lillian Anderson<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783973136493-personal_1783973136311_1783973136311_lillian_anderson_img_9681.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>For as long as I can remember I\u2019ve always been creative. I\u2019ve always loved colors, and loved the concept of making someone feel beautiful. Growing up, I was taught how to braid, and even taught myself how to color hair. This inspired me to continue to explore a path of beauty based services, growing as I learned more about makeup as well. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-lillian-andersons-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Joseph Hoffman<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783300008950-personal_1783299981325_1783299981325_joseph_hoffman_img_9187-2.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Where to begin\u2026 If we\u2019re gettin\u2019 technical, my first on-stage acting appearance was baby Jesus in the church Christmas play, and when you start with a role like that, it get\u2019s progressively more difficult to out-do yourself, easily the easiest yet hardest role thus far (ask my Mom, I think I was only months old at this point).\u00a0 <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/life-work-with-joseph-hoffman-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>De\u2019Airra Belcher<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783971065951-personal_1783971066286_1783971066286_deairra_belcher_img_7482.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I moved to Texas 10 years ago for my first corporate job. It wasn\u2019t directly in fraud prevention, but it was associated: a disputes analyst. I did that for two years, then took a pivot in a different direction, functioning in a back-office role from 2018 to 2020. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-deairra-belcher-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Lucine Aghajanyan \u2013 Cohen<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783970989799-personal_1783970989703_1783970989703_lucine_aghajanyancohen_img_6685.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>After earning my Master\u2019s degree in Law, I began working at a law firm, where I was exposed to every aspect of the business. While I learned the legal side of the profession, I became increasingly fascinated by the operational side\u2014how firms grow, how teams are built, and how the right systems and processes can transform an organization.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/community-highlights-meet-lucine-aghajanyan-cohen-of-lt-global-practice-management\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Diane Dowdle<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783969615904-personal_1783969615752_1783969615752_diane_dowdle_facetune_19-06-2025-12-29-46.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve always had a passion for the beauty and wellness industry, but my journey to creating CherryBottoms Aesthetics was really shaped by the different chapters of my life. I originally have deep roots in the Bay Area of California, which instilled in me a love for fast-paced, high-standard client care. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/exploring-life-business-with-diane-dowdle-of-cherrybottoms-aesthetics\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Ashleigh Taylor<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783968908835-personal_1783968909522_1783968909522_ashleigh_taylor_unnamed-2.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve always been a storyteller. A modern-day yapper, if you will. I\u2019ve always been fascinated by people\u2026 What makes them tick, what they love, what they avoid, and the stories they tell without ever saying a word. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-ashleigh-taylors-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Chasity Jones<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783967637269-personal_1783967637483_1783967637483_chasity_jones_img_8152.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Michigan Native, Chasity Jones is a former Model and Video Vixen of the early 2000\u2019s. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-chasity-joness-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Art Y\u2019all<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783967879604-personal_1783967879503_1783967879503_art_yall_selfie_michelle_ashley.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Art Y\u2019all started because we kept noticing the same thing from different perspectives: people apologizing for not \u201cgetting\u201d art. Michelle comes from a curatorial and art history background, and after years working in galleries and museums, she was tired of watching smart, curious people convince themselves that the art world wasn\u2019t for them. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/community-highlights-meet-art-yall-of-art-yall\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jonathan Cancel<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783964786910-personal_1783964786812_1783964786812_jonathan_cancel_1000023190.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve been a fan of Super powered individuals all my life. Whether that was reading about Superman in comics, watching Xmen on Saturday mornings cartoon runs, collecting cards of my favorite Dragon Ball characters or ripping packs of Pokemon with my friends. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/community-highlights-meet-jonathan-cancel-of-jc-comics-and-collectibles\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Allen Kopelman<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783964963675-personal_1783964963182_1783964963182_allen_kopelman_allen-head-shot.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Allen Kopelman is the CEO and Founder of Nationwide Payment Systems, a leading provider of merchant services, payment technology, and business payment solutions across the United States. With over 25 years of experience in the payments industry, Allen has worked with thousands of businesses ranging from small local merchants to multi-location enterprises. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-allen-kopelman\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Renee Jackson-Smith<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783961571555-personal_1783961571466_1783961571466_renee_jacksonsmith_dreamwave-photo-11.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I do not describe my story as one of having arrived. I see my life more like a novel that is still being written. Every personal experience, professional opportunity, success, disappointment, and learning moment has become a building block for another chapter. Each day, I am getting closer to the woman, leader, author, speaker, and coach I am becoming. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/inspiring-conversations-with-renee-jackson-smith-of-soar2win-llc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Marie Linne von Berg<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783959569284-personal_1783959569000_1783959569000_marie_linnevonberg_2025stratifi139.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>When I moved to Dallas, I never imagined I\u2019d leave with a company. I had studied Creative and Strategic Advertising at Virginia Commonwealth University and was eager to begin my career, but instead of following a traditional path, one opportunity led to another. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/inspiring-conversations-with-marie-linne-von-berg-of-stratifi-creative\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Wreck HanH<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783958854454-personal_1783958853740_1783958853740_mark_johnson_12002.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Ive had a passion for music since 13, starting by writing lyrics before rapping with friends over industry beats in high school. Wanting to develop my own sound, i began producing original beats, in FL Studio 3. \u2018Lil Wreck\u2019 became my name based off of creative freestyle skills and musical talent . <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-wreck-hanh\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Nikki James-Smith<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783955881603-personal_1783955885509_1783955885509_nikki_jamessmith_20260215002353_17698978.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Building Intellect Tutorial Services (B.I.T.S.) was founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic with one mission in mind: to ensure that learning never stopped. By offering high-quality virtual tutoring, we helped scholars remain academically engaged and avoid learning loss during an unprecedented time. Six years later, B.I.T.S. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/inspiring-conversations-with-nikki-james-smith-of-building-intellect-tutorial-services-bits\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Kaleb Johnson<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783955111679-personal_1783955111539_1783955111539_kaleb_johnson_img_2026_04_26-11_20_49_2590_fab9.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I started in 2017 just making skits here and there for fun. I never had a clue about taking it seriously. Until 2020 I was at an all time low. I was lost didn\u2019t know what to do. I watched one of my old skits and I realized how much fun I had creating them. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-kaleb-johnson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Madalynn Zanoni<\/p>\n<p>When I was in kindergarten we had a small \u2018graduation\u2019 ceremony where all the kids stood up in front of the class and their parents and told the crowd what they wanted to be when they grew up. In a sea of doctors, firefighters, police officers, etc. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-madalynn-zanoni-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Sean Heaney<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783954766942-personal_1783954766711_1783954766711_sean_heaney_dsc_0234.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Keksi started in 2020 with my mom Jacque\u2019s cookie recipe and a stubborn refusal to walk the traditional 9-to-5 path. Growing up, her cookies were the ones people hoped would be on the dessert table when they showed up \u2014 for birthdays, holidays, church gatherings, family get-togethers. For years people told her she should sell them. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/inspiring-conversations-with-sean-heaney-of-keksi\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jessica Graham<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783948454344-personal_1783948454136_1783948454136_jessica_graham_d8a7eeb7-46f9-418b-be4a-64c00d1f.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My story is really about choosing not to hide my gifts. I\u2019ve always loved storytelling, writing, performing, and connecting with people, but for years I balanced those passions with building a successful corporate career. Today I work as a Senior Client Success Manager, while also growing as an author, actress, poet, and content creator. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-jessica-grahams-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Amanda Marcano<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783948939233-personal_1783948939152_1783948939152_amanda_marcano_img_8794.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve always known I wanted to do hair since I was probably about 12 years old. I got my cosmetology license in high school which I didn\u2019t have a client a human client until after I graduated. My first haircut on a human was my first actual haircut on a human at great clips in Lake Worth Texas. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-amanda-marcanos-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Ahaan, Nickhil, Shaurya Kothari, Earla, Saxena<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783922587599-personal_1783922587335_1783922587335_ahaannickhilshaurya_kothariearlasaxena_uuid9c80.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Finora didn\u2019t start with a business plan; it started with watching my friends make expensive financial mistakes. I remember seeing friends gamble on sports, betting on LeBron James and other games without fully understanding the risks. One friend lost over $100 in a single night. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-ahaan-nickhil-shaurya-of-national\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Mckenzie Puente<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783908944431-personal_1783908943974_1783908943974_mckenzie_puente_screenshot_20260712_211527_gall.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Hello, My name is Mckenzie and I am the owner of Sweetest Haven. My journey officially began September of 2019 when I finally decided to stop being so frightened and put myself out there as a brand new baker. My passion for baking goes back as far as I can remember! It was always in me without me even noticing it. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-mckenzie-puente-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>David Stingley<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783882507526-personal_1783882507047_1783882507047_david_stingley_4b3a0003.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The \u2018big bang\u2019 moment of me wanting to become a DJ came back in late 2001, early 2002. There was a dance music radio show called EdgeClub that came on Saturday nights on (the now defunct\/reprogrammed) 102.1 The Edge. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-david-stingley-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Oshin Saini<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783439046187-1783439045630_oshin_saini_1000007920.jpg\" alt=\"Handwritten poem on white paper with pink flowers beside it, expressing happiness and love in a relationship.\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My journey with calligraphy began out of curiosity and a love for beautiful handwriting. Without any formal training, I started practicing on my own, spending countless hours experimenting with different scripts, tools, and styles. What began as a personal creative outlet gradually became a profession. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-oshin-saini-of-national\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Christopher Strong<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/c-1783436585241-personal_1783436581762_1783436581762_christopher_strong_img_3465.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Basketball and music is where it started. In 2016 was playing Division II in the state of Vermont with plans to graduate with a Bachelors in Communication. At the time I had a classmate named Chris ironically who started to mention trading to me. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/exploring-life-business-with-christopher-strong-of-4x-trap-house-4xth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Every day we have a choice. We can support an up and coming podcaster, try a new family-run&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":332840,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[102,104,103],"class_list":["post-386162","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-dallas","tag-dallas","tag-dallas-headlines","tag-dallas-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/386162","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=386162"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/386162\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/332840"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=386162"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=386162"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=386162"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}