{"id":432937,"date":"2026-09-11T15:58:34","date_gmt":"2026-09-11T15:58:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/432937\/"},"modified":"2026-09-11T15:58:34","modified_gmt":"2026-09-11T15:58:34","slug":"portraits-of-dallas-voyage-dallas-magazine-23","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/432937\/","title":{"rendered":"Portraits of Dallas \u2013 Voyage Dallas Magazine"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s 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\u2019re incredibly fortunate to be able to ask these questions each week through our interview series. Below you\u2019ll find inspiring interviews from in and around Dallas.<\/p>\n<p>Paola Ventura<\/p>\n<p>I was born and raised in Veracruz, Mexico, and moved to Dallas about 17 years ago for a work opportunity. My professional background is in project management, but I have always been the person my friends come to for recommendations\u2014where to eat, what to do, and which new places to discover. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-paola-ventura-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Zachary Loredo<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788214984413-personal_1788214984203_1788214984203_zachary_loredo_img_1524_vsco.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I grew up being raised around strong women alongside my older brother Matthew. My mother was a single mom and did what she could with the resources she had to make sure we always had a roof over our heads. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/life-work-with-zachary-loredo-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>rishika vanam<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788209181581-personal_1788209181425_1788209181425_rishika_vanam_img_3405.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My journey began in Hyderabad, India, where I grew up surrounded by color, culture, fashion, and the little details that make Indian design so distinctive. I studied Bachelor of Design at NIFT Hyderabad, where I developed my foundation in fashion, design, and creative thinking. After graduating, I continued exploring different sides of the creative industry, from fashion and merchandising to branding and marketing. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/community-highlights-meet-rishika-of-wearshika\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Sheen Sosa<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788213783698-personal_1788213783606_1788213783606_sheen_sosa_img_8804.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My story has really been about refusing to put myself in one box. Basketball was the foundation for me and opened a lot of doors, but over time I realized there was much more I wanted to build beyond the court. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-sheen-sosas-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Caleb Williams<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788212067823-personal_1788212067853_1788212067853_caleb_williams_img_7967.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Gaming started as my escape and a way to stay connected with friends long after the school. As I grew up, that passion evolved from just playing to creating. Today, I use my platform to give people that same feeling I had growing up, building a community centered around pure entertainment, comedy, and real connections. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-caleb-williams\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Dimitria Ahmad<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788210548461-personal_1788210548362_1788210548362_dimitria_ahmad_image.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Our story is complicated because there was never just my husband and me. There were seven children between us already, all with different ages, different homes, different experiences and different needs. Then we had our little girl together, and in a lot of ways I think we believed she would be the little piece that tied all of us together. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-dimitria-ahmad-of-garage-gym-training-and-nutrition\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jeff Corkran<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1787866637350-personal_1787866637056_1787866637056_jeff_corkran_46075155_10161046764685483_7543608.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I gave a talk a few years ago for Creative Mornings, the monthly global meetup series for creatives in over 150 cities. I talked about my \u2018reset\u2019 just a few years ago where I saw this opportunity to align my work with a lot of my beliefs, that I could both have a career and help do positive things for people and the planet. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-jeff-corkran\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Bethany (Prefer Beth) Olson<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788206604750-personal_1788206608360_1788206608360_bethanypreferbeth_olson_1025-bethany-olson1513-.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I grew up in San Antonio, Texas, with two parents who were social workers, so the importance of helping others, leading with kindness, and being a safe place for people was instilled in me pretty early. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-bethany-prefer-beth-olson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Tetiana Budyznska<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788205760772-personal_1788205760630_1788205760630_tetiana_budyznska_headshot.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>We started more than 10 years ago, working with just a few photographers on a project-by-project basis. In the beginning, the jobs were small \u2014 often 7\u201310 images for editorial shoots or magazine features \u2014 and some of the work was done simply to build our portfolio and establish relationships in the industry. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-tetiana-budyznska-of-color-consulting-us-inc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Brent Hale<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788203492543-personal_1788203492294_1788203492294_brent_hale_brent-2.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve always been drawn to improv. I discovered a local improv show while I was in high school, and from that point forward, I was fascinated by the spontaneity, skill, honesty, and vulnerability involved in creating something completely in the moment. My career has taken me through a wide range of entrepreneurial ventures. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-brent-hale-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Catalina Klock<\/p>\n<p>Hi my name is Catalina started my journey in the beauty industry back in 2013 as a lash tech. I was getting my own lashes done at the time and found myself completely fascinated by the process. Beauty had always been my thing \u2014 I went to cosmetology school in high school and was always the friend doing everyone\u2019s hair and makeup. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/life-work-with-catalina-klock-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jassi Hendrix<\/p>\n<p>Thank y\u2019all so much for having me; it\u2019s truly an honor. I\u2019m Dallas born and raised, South Dallas specifically, and creativity was always close to home. I grew up in a house full of singers, so music was just part of the air I breathed. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-jassi-hendrixs-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Stony P<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788200694385-personal_1788200694294_1788200694294_stony_p_1258a97c-d45b-4a6e-9de9-3a45334ca70e.jp.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My 2nd speed bump was a few years ago when I lost my mom due to a car crash, it\u2019s crazy that Im bringing this up because after my first magazine article was posted, the next day she had passed away and that messed me up for a long time because she was my biggest supporter and to lose someone that was there since day one thru it all isn\u2019t a easy thing to get over especially when it\u2019s your parent <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-stony-p-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Bruno, Beth and Pancake Jham<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788199560584-personal_1788199560346_1788199560346_brunobethandpancake_img_7747-2.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>We always joke that we became content creators completely by accident. Pancake came into our family as a three-month-old English Bulldog, and from the very beginning, she had the funniest, goofiest personality. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-bruno-beth-and-pancake-jham-of-chicago\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Addison Parish<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788199798891-personal_1788199798336_1788199798335_addison_parish_1000021306.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I started playing recreational volleyball in fourth grade for Allen Sports Association. This is where I developed a love for the sport. From here I continued to grow my skills and joined my first club team when I was 11. The following year I tried out for my middle school team and made A team for 7th grade. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-addison-parish\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Julius Bayone<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788196824653-personal_1788196823785_1788196823784_julius_bayone_img_0736.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Infinitus Texas is a Houston-based educational services company founded in 2020 by Julius Bayone to address persistent academic inequities and help students overcome learning gaps. What began as a tutoring-focused organization has evolved into a broader partner for school districts and charter schools, providing high-dosage tutoring, EOC remediation, TSIA2 college readiness, ACT\/SAT preparation, curriculum development, and data-driven academic intervention. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/inspiring-conversations-with-julius-bayone-of-infinitus-texas\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jay McKinney<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788197470452-personal_1788197470141_1788197470140_jay_mckinney_ea28a374-8c36-4bb0-b9e2-53607d9c52.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Hi, my name is Jay! <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-jay-mckinney-of-other\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Monica Kizziar<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788192548187-personal_1788192548009_1788192548009_monica_kizziar_515945579_10239609616965243_3426.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Our story really began long before Roxie\u2019s Pet Sitting officially became a business. For many years, I worked in the corporate world, but animals were always a significant part of our lives. On the side, I was what I jokingly call a \u2018hobby pet sitter,\u2019 caring for the pets of friends and family. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/community-highlights-meet-monica-kizziar-of-roxies-pet-sitting-llc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Brisha Brichelle<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788193971116-personal_1788193970959_1788193970959_brisha_brichelle_img_6804.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My story didn\u2019t begin with a business plan, a title, or even a clear understanding of what I would become. It began with survival. I lost my mother to violence when I was nine years old. I became a mother myself as a teenager, and life handed me experiences very early that could have easily determined the rest of my story. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-brisha-brichelle-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Bryan Gore<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788190291114-personal_1788190290661_1788190290661_bryan_gore_web_y1a1797.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I think the common thread throughout my life has been reinvention\u2014although most of the time I didn\u2019t realize that\u2019s what I was doing while I was going through it. I learned pretty young that life doesn\u2019t always go according to plan and that nothing was simply going to come to me. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-bryan-gores-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Rachael Gray Smith<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788190430663-personal_1788190430527_1788190430527_rachael_graysmith_grayrealtygroupheadshots_thel.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I come from a family that teaches for a living. My mom taught music. My sister followed her into the classroom. I figured I\u2019d round out the legacy and make it three for three. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-rachael-gray-smith-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Autumn Dunn-Jones<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788190356796-personal_1788190356630_1788190356630_autumn_dunnjones_img_9105.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My career definitely hasn\u2019t followed a perfectly straight path. I graduated from the University of Oklahoma and had the opportunity to complete a professional internship with The Walt Disney Company, which was one of my first real experiences seeing how much culture, customer experience, and attention to detail can impact a business. Working 12 hour shifts in the Florida heat. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/inspiring-conversations-with-autumn-dunn-jones-of-dunn-family-companies\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>LAM Collective<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788184446773-personal_1788184446502_1788184446502_lam_collective_screenshot-2026-08-31-at-95336-a.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>LAM Collective is the shared expression of Lauren James, Alyssa Donovan, and Marison Clayton\u2014shaped by a mutual desire to create, to teach, and to build something expansive. Teaching yoga together revealed a clear through-line between them, forming the foundation for LAM. Drawing from distinct yet complementary lineages and perspectives, the collective moves fluidly across practices and formats. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/hidden-gems-meet-lam-collective-of-lam-collective\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Darnique Williams<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788186565818-personal_1788186563175_1788186563175_darnique_williams_img_5865.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The Vulnerable Room\u00ae was actually born during a rough season in my own life. I had recently relocated, I was experiencing seasonal depression, and honestly, I was going through it. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/life-work-with-darnique-williams\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Rachael Sebastian<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788185347820-personal_1788185347643_1788185347643_rachael_sebastian_img_4441-2.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve taken photos all my life. When I was briefly a teacher, I taught students how to take photos and realized how much I missed photojournalism. I was previously a newspaper reporter and content creator (in those days we called it multimedia producer) for a daily newspaper. My parents run cattle and my dad is a cowboy.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-rachael-sebastian-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Nicole Booth<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788182932815-personal_1788182932728_1788182932728_nicole_booth_img_3361.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Salty Sun Glow started with a simple idea: I wanted to create a spray tan experience that felt more personal, elevated, and fun. I\u2019ve always loved the confidence that comes with a good glow, but I noticed that getting a spray tan could sometimes feel rushed or impersonal. I wanted to change that. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/inspiring-conversations-with-nicole-booth-of-salty-sun-glow\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Parker Keane<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788177212064-personal_1788177211948_1788177211948_parker_keane_img_1993.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Lone Star Fight League was founded in Dallas, Texas, by entrepreneur Parker Keane and former UFC fighter and world-class combat sports veteran James McSweeney. The promotion was created to give amateur MMA and kickboxing athletes a professional-level platform to develop, compete and showcase their talent. LSFL produces high-energy live events featuring MMA, kickboxing and championship fights. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/community-highlights-meet-parker-keane-of-lone-star-fight-leauge\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Michael Memar<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788175485773-personal_1788175485331_1788175485331_michael_memar_img_7603.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I went to interior design school to study interior design. Soon after graduating, I formed Memar Interiors to focus on design for commercial and residential projects. Then we added construction services, and now we are offering design build services. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/inspiring-conversations-with-michael-memar-of-memar-interiors\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Thabang Lehutjo<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788160300439-personal_1788160301875_1788160301875_thabang_lehutjo_dsc08093.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My journey into media started with a genuine love for storytelling and a desire to create something of my own. I studied Film and Television, which gave me the foundation to understand the creative and production side of the industry, but a lot of my growth came from actually getting out there, creating, experimenting, and learning through experience. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-thabang-lehutjo\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Keven Chavez<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788156488350-personal_1788156491435_1788156491435_keven_chavez_sis-0083.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My journey into DJing started somewhat unexpectedly on October 3, 2023. Music itself wasn\u2019t new to me, I had been a musician since I was 14, but DJing and entertainment as a business were. An opportunity came up for me to start running karaoke nights at a local dive bar. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-keven-chavez\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Junah Sparrow<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788156620416-personal_1788156620842_1788156620842_junah_sparrow_332.webp\"\/><\/p>\n<p>First want to give GOD the Glory. Well, I started out as a beat maker\/artist in Lawton, Oklahoma. Making instrumentals for my friends and family. I liked to rap and sing, but it wasn\u2019t something I had a big passion for. As I loved to make beats, I gravitated into writing music. That\u2019s when I fully went into pursuing being a producer. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-junah-sparrows-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Valerie Cipriano<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788152993614-personal_1788152992758_1788152992758_valerie_cipriano_img_7554.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>When my dad passed away, it really changed my perspective on a lot of things, including what I wanted to do with my time and my voice. I had already been creating content, but after losing him, I started to really focus on it and think about what kind of impact I actually wanted to have. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-valerie-cipriano\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Samuel Olvera<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788152103824-personal_1788152103696_1788152103696_samuel_olvera_img_9950.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I started creating content about a year ago by trying cuisines I had never tried before. Through that, I got to meet so many amazing people, learn about different cultures I never really knew much about, and try foods I had never even heard of.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-samuel-olveras-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Alley Scurlark<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788152287869-personal_1788152287698_1788152287698_alley_scurlark_0830-alley-scurlark043-ps.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>From the start, I have always had a passion for being creative. From a young age, I would always love DIY projects that I would find on YouTube, enjoy making homemade birthday cards for my friends and family, or find joy in making something from things I had lying around the house. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-alley-scurlarks-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Maria Silva<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788143194741-personal_1788143194528_1788143194527_maria_silva_bia.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My journey into nutrition started 18 years ago, after the birth of my second son. He was sick all the time, and as a mother, I struggled to understand and accept that this might be something he would have to live with for the rest of his life.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-maria-silva-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Messlie Rodriguez<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788143590673-personal_1788143589014_1788143589014_messlie_rodriguez_dsc05471-edit-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Howdy Candles began out of a personal mission to protect my family\u2019s health while honoring our unique cultural heritage. During our family wellness journey, I discovered that traditional, big-store candles filled our home with synthetic pollutants and \u2018mystery toxins.\u2019 I wanted clean air, but I also wanted a space that smelled like home. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/exploring-life-business-with-messlie-rodriguez-of-howdy-candles\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Kendra Holman<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788140250828-personal_1788140250490_1788140250490_kendra_holman_1000032315.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My story really goes all the way back to when I was a little girl. I remember having my own lemonade stand right in front of my house. I was also surrounded by people who loved to cook. My father was a chef, and both of my grandmothers cooked, but one grandmother in particular played a huge part in my life. Her name was Myona. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-kendra-holman-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Michael Cano<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788132769678-personal_1788132769502_1788132769502_michael_cano_img_1927.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I started off cutting my own hair with a cheap pair of clippers my mom gifted me for Christmas when I was 14. I would cut my own hair in the garage and eventually start cutting my dad\u2019s hair. I was attending an arts magnet high school at this time. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/hidden-gems-meet-michael-cano-of-district-6-barber-co\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Vanessa Abuchaibe Delaney<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788129504587-personal_1788129504413_1788129504413_vanessa_abuchaibedelaney_img_0396.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My story has really been about following what I\u2019m passionate about, taking chances, and allowing myself to evolve. I\u2019ve always loved storytelling and connecting with people, which eventually led me to pursue a career in journalism and meteorology. I began working in television and spent years building my career in different markets, eventually making my way to Dallas. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-vanessa-abuchaibe-delaney-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Sade Childs<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788131424797-personal_1788131424312_1788131424312_sade_childs_img_4161.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Soft Sovereignty began during a season of my life when I was learning what it meant to come back to myself. I had spent so much time being many things for many people \u2014 a mother, an employee, a partner, a friend \u2014 and I wanted to create something that belonged to me and reflected the woman I was becoming. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-sade-childs-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>D Diligent<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788127615176-personal_1788127615037_1788127615037_d_diligent__dsc1158.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My journey with music started when I was around 12 years old. I was always interested in music and the way artists could use it to tell stories, express themselves and connect with people, so I eventually started writing and making music myself. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-d-diligent\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Lei Rivas<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788129470487-personal_1788129470328_1788129470328_lei_rivas_img_4479.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I am a creative person born and raised in a dual world, and I have embraced the different perspectives that come with it in everything I do. Born bicultural, Latina, Venezuelan and Puerto Rican, I always saw the world from two different sides of my own identity. The mountains and the ocean. Urban life and island warmth. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-lei-rivas\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>David Pope-Breckenridge<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788128937777-personal_1788128937433_1788128937433_david_popebreckenridge_img_0707.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My journey has been quite a journey, but to keep it brief, I grew up in a pretty strict family. In the 1980s, my dad had an old Atari game system, along with Pong\u2014an electronic tennis-style game with paddle controllers that hooked up to the TV. We eventually had a Nintendo, too. I could never beat Super Mario Bros.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-david-pope-breckenridge\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Danny Gutierrez<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788129102452-personal_1788129102360_1788129102360_danny_gutierrez_img_0767.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>It had started when I first moved back to Texas after being on the East Coast for a few years. I was going back to college and my brother, Alex Owens, was a local musician helping me navigate the scene. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-danny-gutierrezs-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Chandra Semple<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788121679828-personal_1788121679687_1788121679687_chandra_semple_6923880e-1c62-4116-a767-be88eba4.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My story has always been rooted in creativity, faith, and entrepreneurship. I\u2019ve been a hairstylist for over 26 years, and throughout my career, I\u2019ve had the privilege of helping women look and feel their best. Hair was my first creative outlet and my introduction to entrepreneurship, but my love for fashion and creating has always been right there alongside it. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/inspiring-conversations-with-chandra-semple-of-meraki-shoppe\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Levi Sheppeard<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788123109234-personal_1788123109115_1788123109115_levi_sheppeard_img_9319.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My journey into photography started with a love for creating and telling stories through visuals. I\u2019ve always been drawn to photography, video, design, and marketing, and over time, I realized photography was the perfect way to combine all of those interests. I started LJS Visuals with the goal of creating more than just good looking images. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-levi-sheppeard-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Sameer Butt<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788112312770-personal_1788112311501_1788112311501_sameer_butt_1000122145.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I started my journey with a strong interest in clothing and manufacturing. Over time, I gained hands-on experience in the apparel industry and learned about fabric, cutting, production, and quality control. With that experience, I decided to build something of my own and started RAPITAC WEAR, a clothing manufacturing brand. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/community-highlights-meet-sameer-butt-of-rapitac-wear\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Rucha Rajendra<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788105322435-personal_1788105322291_1788105322291_rucha_rajendra_img_0318.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My journey has been one of growth, learning, and allowing myself to explore different parts of who I am. When I was younger, I was always interested in creativity, acting, modeling, and teaching. As life moved forward, marriage, motherhood, family, and other responsibilities became my priorities, and some of my personal dreams were put on hold. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-rucha-rajendras-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Joshua Gordon<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788053898128-personal_1788053897953_1788053897953_joshua_gordon_be1f54e2-6ccb-4e11-944b-5822e142f.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I got my start the day I lost my job. I had no money saved, no backup plan, nothing but hope, talent, and God. I reached out to Daisha Board Gallery just trying to make it to the next bill and the next meal. I wasn\u2019t trying to become an artist \u2014 I was just trying to survive. But God had other plans. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-joshua-gordon-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Brianna Cossio<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1787791186581-personal_1787791186220_1787791186220_brianna_cossio_img_6391.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I usually go by Bri \u2728\ud83e\ude77. I\u2019ve always been someone who wanted to do a little bit of everything. Growing up in Las Vegas with a Peruvian background that I\u2019m incredibly proud of \ud83c\uddf5\ud83c\uddea , my dreams were BIG\u2014and constantly changing. There were times I wanted to be a singer, then a vet, then a police officer\u2026girl, I truly could not pick a lane! <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-brianna-cossio\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Dajia Davis<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788042245067-personal_1788042244962_1788042244962_dajia_davis_d9990e6c-b91a-49bb-802b-239ff7736c6.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I started as an inspiring singer in 2016, posting music covers of myself singing to some of my favorite artist on Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. I then unexpectedly went viral in December 2017 when my mother hilariously interrupted me doing a piano cover of James Arthur\u2019s \u2018Say You Won\u2019t Let Go\u2019 with impromptu dance moves. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/life-work-with-dajia-davis-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Christian (CJ da barber) Gonzalez<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788040182768-personal_1788040182179_1788040182179_christiancjdabarber_gonzalez_dsc00824.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My barbering journey began when I moved to Texas. Born in New Jersey, I spent much of my childhood in the Dominican Republic before moving to Puerto Rico at 13 with my mother, both places where barbering culture runs deep and self-grooming is a form of identity. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-christian-cj-da-barber-gonzalezs-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Monica Wayts<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788036733268-personal_1788036732089_1788036732089_monica_wayts_lbom_sf2.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Lil Bits of Mona really began with curiosity. I\u2019ve always been someone who loves creating, trying new things, and figuring things out myself. What started as my own creative outlet eventually grew into making and selling string art, and then into something I didn\u2019t necessarily see coming: helping other people discover their own creativity. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-monica-waytss-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Lee Brown<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1787991418709-personal_1787991418578_1787991418578_lee_brown_img_1540.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I grew up in North Texas, raised by a hardworking single mother alongside my sister. Because my mom often worked the graveyard shift, my sister played a significant role in helping raise me. Watching their strength, sacrifice, and determination from an early age helped shape the person I am today. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-lee-brown\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Kristi Washington<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788031241400-personal_1788031234645_1788031234645_kristi_washington_58a45dec-e43e-46ea-ab8d-50e21.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>It is funny, but I didn\u2019t start playing organized basketball until the summer of my 7th grade year. And it was completely by ACCIDENT. I was athletic as a kid, I loved P.E and would win all of the gold medals and suckers at Field Day in ele mentary school. However, I never played an organized sport or anything. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-kristi-washington\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Ro\u2019Mya Deyonc\u00e8<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788034883893-personal_1788034883807_1788034883807_romya_deyonc_img_4774.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My journey into modeling actually started in a way I never expected. I was originally a makeup artist at Dallas Fashion Week in March, and I went into the experience simply excited to do makeup, meet people, and connect with other artists. Day one as a makeup artist was so much fun. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-romya-deyonce\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Candace Williamson<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788030874831-personal_1788030875362_1788030875362_candace_williamson_img_3350.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>After 16 years in corporate America, I knew I was ready for a change. I\u2019ve always loved books, and through social media, I was introduced to some incredible indie authors. During a TikTok Live one day, I was encouraged to take a chance on myself and start working as a PA for authors. So, I did!<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-candace-williamson-of-the-indie-author-insider\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Daneydy Hernandez<\/p>\n<p>My story has never really followed one straight path. I had already built a career as a Registered and Licensed Dietitian, a profession I\u2019ve now been in for about a decade, when entrepreneurship became another major part of my life. The story of Boka Feliz really began when we came across an available space at Golden Triangle Mall in Denton. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/exploring-life-business-with-daneydy-of-boka-feliz-mexican-kitchen\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jessica Rogers<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788017160181-personal_1788017159967_1788017159967_jessica_rogers_jessica-rogers-owner-peaceful-ho.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I didn\u2019t set out to become a professional organizer. I had spent the first 10 years of my career as a teacher, teaching middle school math and science, with training in Special Education and a Master\u2019s Degree in Education. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/hidden-gems-meet-jessica-rogers-of-peaceful-home-organizing-llc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Zsaknor Powe<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788015264889-personal_1788015264677_1788015264677_zsaknor_powe_this-the-second-shirt-ive-ever-des.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My name is Zsaknor Powe, and I\u2019m originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Growing up, the arts weren\u2019t heavily funded. Yes, Louisiana is known for its rich cultural heritage and iconic art movements\u2014but that\u2019s New Orleans you\u2019re thinking of, not Baton Rouge. The visual arts weren\u2019t exactly at the forefront of our Republican, gas-lobbied politicians. Originally, I wanted to become an animator. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-zsaknor-powe\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Taylor Reliford<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788014914516-personal_1788014914463_1788014914463_taylor_reliford_img_8826.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Taylor Made Experiences was a thought I had during COVID-19 while in my college apartment. None of us knew how long the social distancing would last or what was to come. TME was originally only for luxury picnics, but I realized I had more to offer and picnics are the most sustainable in Texas summers.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-taylor-reliford\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Amy Stumpf<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788011831881-personal_1788011831488_1788011831488_amy_stumpf_e1e7dc31-4f87-42cc-978f-477423c57aa5.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My story has taken quite a few unexpected turns. I\u2019m an Air Force veteran, entrepreneur, mom, and two-time breast cancer thriver. Before Bunker Brew, I spent many years in the mortgage industry, but my life changed dramatically when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Bunker Brew was actually born during that chapter of my life. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/inspiring-conversations-with-amy-stumpf-of-bunker-brew-llc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Wyatt Poindexter<\/p>\n<p>Honestly, it didn\u2019t start glamorous at all. My first year in real estate I made $650, total. Second year, $11,000. I was living in a small house with one window unit for air conditioning, driving a gold Toyota Avalon. There was no shortcut and no safety net. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-wyatt-poindexter-of-the-agency-oklahoma\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Carmen Virginia Zavarce<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m originally from Venezuela, and I\u2019ve been working in graphic design for more than 18 years. I studied Graphic Design and started my career in the creative industry, but entrepreneurship has always been part of my journey as well. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/life-work-with-carmen-virginia-zavarce-of-dallas-fort-worth-4\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Katonya Trent<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1787981329022-personal_1787981328910_1787981328910_katonya_trent_img_5670.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I am an author, social impact speak, podcaster and founder of an organization called Konnected Thru 22, Inc. The most important title I carry in life is being a mom to a former 22 weeker. In 2017 I unexpectedly delivered my son at home alone at 22 weeks pregnant. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-katonya-trent-of-konnected-thru-22-inc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Verdell Rhett IV<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1787975980131-personal_1787975979953_1787975979952_verdell_rhettiv_img_5225.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My story really starts with always wanting more for myself and never being afraid to step outside of my comfort zone. I was born in Savannah, Georgia, but raised in Augusta, Georgia, and a lot of the strength, determination, and work ethic I carry today comes directly from my mother and father.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-verdell-rhett-iv\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Ge\u2019Yane Laloli<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1787972100511-personal_1787972100269_1787972100269_geyane_laloli_img_0210.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My dance journey began two years ago when I was turning 22. I have always danced since very young whether that was watching 106 &amp; Park or a YouTube video. I remember being nine years old and seeing a ciara music video and saying to myself that\u2019s what I want to do and be when I grow up. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-geyane-lalolis-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Giovana Mercado<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1787937080245-personal_1787937080080_1787937080080_giovana_mercado_img_8861.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>When i turned sixteen, for my birthday party, i designed my birthday cake for my sister (who is a vegan chef) to create and make real. It was a The Smiths reference from the song \u201cHalf A Person\u201d. Later that night, I took a video and without thinking much i posted it on tiktok. The next day it started to blow up, everyone loved it. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-giovana-mercados-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Cass Stewart<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1787963428440-personal_1787963428452_1787963428452_cass_stewart_94f16273-c6ce-4d92-b4e8-484d9e9a17.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My name is Cass Stewart, and I\u2019m the founder of AeroPoint Intelligence, a Dallas-Fort Worth-based aerial data and geospatial intelligence company. We use drone technology, mapping, 3D modeling, photogrammetry, and other spatial data tools to help organizations better understand, document, and manage the physical assets and projects they are responsible for. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/community-highlights-meet-cass-stewart-of-aeropoint-intelligence-llc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Chanelle Brooks<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1789142313_728_c-1787664524800-personal_1787664524687_1787664524687_chanelle_brooks_img_2159-1.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I started my journey in the beauty industry as a hairstylist, but my career has never really followed a straight line. Hair was my foundation, but creativity and entrepreneurship continued to pull me into different spaces. <a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-chanelle-brooks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jdiggs Tha Prodigy<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1789142314_171_c-1787663124182-personal_1787663124071_1787663124071_jdiggs_thaprodigy_img_3228.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My journey with music really started before I ever stepped into a studio. I was the guy rapping and freestyling at house parties, mostly just having fun with it. Around 2008\u20132009, I was heavily involved in club promoting in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and through that world I met a guy named Sam Garcia. <a class=\"in-cell-link\" href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-jdiggs-tha-prodigys-story\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"It\u2019s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":432938,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[102,104,103],"class_list":["post-432937","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\/432937","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=432937"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/432937\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/432938"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=432937"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=432937"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=432937"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}