{"id":445984,"date":"2026-09-24T07:14:40","date_gmt":"2026-09-24T07:14:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/445984\/"},"modified":"2026-09-24T07:14:40","modified_gmt":"2026-09-24T07:14:40","slug":"the-most-inspiring-stories-in-dallas-voyage-dallas-magazine-29","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/445984\/","title":{"rendered":"The Most Inspiring Stories in Dallas \u2013 Voyage Dallas Magazine"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The heart of our mission is to find the amazing souls that breathe life into our communities. In the recent weeks, we\u2019ve had the privilege to connect with some incredible artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and rabble rousers and we can\u2019t begin to express how impressed we are with the incredible group below. Check out our favorite stories from across the Voyage family.<\/p>\n<p>Zachary Wilson<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1777994467487-personal_1777994467044_1777994467044_zachary_wilson_photo4.jpg\" alt=\"Hidden Gems: Meet Zachary Wilson of Elite Talent Advisors\"\/><\/p>\n<p>If I had to describe my story, I\u2019d say it was handcrafted\u2014woven together by God. I don\u2019t have a textbook explanation for how I got here; I only know that even throughout the most traumatic, shifting seasons of my life, God had His hand on my back. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/hidden-gems-meet-zachary-wilson-of-elite-talent-advisors\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Adriana L\u00f3pez<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Picture1.jpg\" alt=\"Rising Stars: Meet Adriana L\u00f3pez of Carrollton\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My interest in photography was born thanks to my family. From a very young age, a cousin who was a photographer sparked my curiosity for this art, sharing his knowledge with me and even giving me my first cameras. While studying Fine Arts at the Central University of Venezuela, I chose the course Introduction to Photography, a decision that would shape my professional path. It was there that I discovered a true passion and even conducted research on Domingo Lucca, one of the pioneers of photography in Venezuela. Later, I had the opportunity to work at a contemporary art museum, where I photographed artworks for exhibition catalogs featuring important national and international artists. That experience taught me the value of light, detail, and visual documentation. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-adriana-lopez-of-carrollton\/\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Zee Bugatti<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789611018682-personal_1789611019634_1789611019634_zee_bugatti_zee-bugatti-photo.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I began managing Bugatti Ristorante at its original location on Dallas\u2019 Restaurant Row in the early 1980s. At that time, Italian dining was just beginning to gain popularity in Dallas, and Bugatti quickly developed a strong following. I purchased the restaurant in 1992, and moved it to Northwest Highway, where I managed it around my own vision for the food, atmosphere, and service.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/hidden-gems-meet-zee-bugatti-of-bugatti-ristorante\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Dawna Haynes<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789606735351-personal_1789606926184_1789606926183_dawna_haynes_1000022548.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>August 26, 2025 my husband Patrick Haynes and I went in to deliver our beautiful baby girl. When we arrived for our scheduled c-section they had given us the worst news any parent could expect. They were unable to find her heartbeat, we felt her move the day before when we went in to do blood work.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-dawna-haynes-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Alexis M.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789605038359-personal_1789605037856_1789605037855_alexis_m_49cb96d7-716b-48f1-863d-476dc9f6065b.j.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My story begins in Memphis, Tennessee a place I know &amp; love as home. Home is where my family, foundation, education, work ethic, discipline, are all rooted. My earliest experience is working in the retail industry, in the tax industry, in the financial reimbursement industry and as a promotional and commercial model and actress.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/community-highlights-meet-alexis-m-of-true\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jenny Torry<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789602786991-personal_1789602785907_1789602785907_jenny_torry_img_0262-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I began my career more than 18 years ago as a makeup and hair artist with a background in fine art and graphic design. Before I ever touched a makeup brush professionally, I was a fine artist working in corporate America, painting on the side, and had already built JTorryArt.com. Art was never a hobby for me. It was how I saw the world.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/community-highlights-meet-jenny-torry-of-jtorry\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Yael VanGruber<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789597061285-personal_1789597060812_1789597060812_yael_vangruber_8c31543b-46dd-4e18-bfa6-1fcf20a2.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My story has never followed one straight path, and I believe that is what made it so meaningful. I started my professional life in the travel industry, first owning a travel agency and later working in the airline business. Those years taught me so much about people, cultures, communication, service, and how important it is to make others feel cared for.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-yael-vangruber-of-clique-gallery-boutique\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Sherwood Henry<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789592952544-personal_1789592951407_1789592951407_crystal_smith_sh1.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My desire to make a difference in the community comes from understanding what it feels like to need support, guidance, and someone who truly cares. Over time, I have learned that many people are not lacking the desire to do better; sometimes they are simply lacking the resources, encouragement, information, or support needed to move forward.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-sherwood-henry\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Wayne Kirby<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789589651150-personal_1789589651055_1789589651055_wayne_kirby_d36a3092-edit.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I grew up in a small town in South Carolina, and I learned pretty early that hard work and relationships matter. I\u2019ve been in some form of sales most of my life\u2014from selling cars and mobile homes to spending time around the NASCAR circuit and eventually working alongside my dad in the trucking business.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-wayne-kirby-of-other-not-applicable\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Laura Le<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789579950871-personal_1789579950726_1789579950726_laura_le_dsc08465.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My path into chiropractic actually started before I ever thought about it as a career. In high school, I worked for my cousin, who was a chiropractor, and I saw firsthand what chiropractic care did for me and members of my own family. What really stuck with me wasn\u2019t just the pain relief\u2014it was watching people\u2019s whole quality of life change.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/exploring-life-business-with-laura-le-of-best-life-chiropractic-wellness-center\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Cathy Hollingsworth<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789586469870-personal_1789586469765_1789586469765_cathy_hollingsworth_img_6685.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I started as a little country girl born on 114 acres in a small town called Brooklyn Ga, as a teenager at age 18 I became pregnant after taking the ASVAB and scoring 97 points and deciding to go to the Air Force, my life changed, with this I became a certified nursing assistant at age 18 after graduating high school, I later met my husband and he proposed to me 30 days later, he was in the military, there was another shift in my life he transitioned out of the military and life began <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-cathy-hollingsworth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Mackenzie Dyer Hailey Thames<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789585249446-personal_1789585249164_1789585249164_mackenziedyer_haileythames_img_7088.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>We\u2019re Hailey and Mackenzie, best friends and the co-founders of The Daily Cheer! Our friendship story started long before The Daily Cheer! We met in college at the University of Arkansas through our sorority, Kappa Kappa Gamma! We became close friends and roommates, and both graduated in December 2024.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/life-work-with-mackenzie-dyer-hailey-thames-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Ritsuko Borges<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1788468276086-personal_1788468275979_1788468275979_ritsuko_borges_img_7973.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I was born and raised in Japan, in Kanagawa Prefecture, just outside of Tokyo. I have been working in the beauty industry for almost 30 years. I started my career as a hairstylist when I was 19 years old, and most of my career in Japan was spent working in Kanagawa and Tokyo. My original dream was actually to become a makeup artist.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-ritsuko-borges-of-new-york\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Whitney and Tiffany Bradshaw<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789578346304-personal_1789578345994_1789578345994_whitneyandtiffany_bradshaw_4398.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Something Refreshing was born from a simple moment at a major outdoor event on a hot, humid day. Surrounded by vendors offering mostly fried, salty foods, sodas, and sugary drinks, my sister-in-law Whitney looked around and said, \u201cI don\u2019t want all that\u2014I just want something refreshing.\u201d And just like that, the idea\u2014and the name\u2014Something Refreshing was born.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-whitney-and-tiffany-bradshaw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Teresa Dillon<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789577150444-personal_1789577150295_1789577150295_teresa_dillon_cover.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Reluctantly Styled is technically my second career, but it\u2019s something I\u2019ve been preparing for since I was little. I was raised by what I like to call the O.G. of color analysis. My mom was doing color, style and body analysis in the 80s, so I grew up with the idea that what you wear can change how you feel.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-teresa-dillon-of-reluctantly-styled\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Maranatha Lee<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789576327746-personal_1789576327280_1789576327280_maranatha_lee_img_5345.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My love for travel started long before I ever imagined it would become my career. My first flight was from Dallas to Houston when I was about three years old, and growing up, my dad\u2019s church conventions gave our family the opportunity to travel around the United States.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/hidden-gems-meet-maranatha-lee-of-travel-queen\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Karla Monje<\/p>\n<p>Regina\u2019s Modeling Academy For over 10 years, Regina\u2019s Modeling Academy has been dedicated to empowering young girls to discover their confidence, embrace their individuality, and shine both on and off the stage. We believe that modeling and pageantry are about so much more than appearances.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-karla-monje\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Autumn Wells<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789574586410-personal_1789574585080_1789574585080_autumn_wells_event-space-set-up.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Studio 406 started as a \u2018What if\u2019 dream. Growing up, my grandmother and I would spend time crafting. So much so I did not realize how having a craft room at home might not be the most normal thing. We wanted to create an outlet for the community to experience the same freedom with creativity.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-autumn-wells\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Chef Essence<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789574044886-personal_1789574044167_1789574044167_victoria_beasley_961d3e52-04c9-4faf-bebc-4270b7.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My love for cooking began in childhood. Food was always deeply rooted in my family, and I learned from my grandmother, a Sri Lankan chef who introduced me to the kitchen at a young age. I later completed a four year advanced culinary program in high school, which strengthened both my skills and my passion for the culinary arts.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-chef-essence-of-essence-eats\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Ivan Plucci<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789574809902-personal_1789574809666_1789574809666_ivan_plucci_ivan-plucci.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>In 2015, I moved to Dallas, Texas, where I was given the opportunity to open my own shop. My previous experience in sales gave me a strong foundation to take on this new challenge. I was able to use what I had learned about sales, customer service, and building relationships to develop my business and serve my customers successfully.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/inspiring-conversations-with-ivan-plucci-of-granite-republic\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jared Deck<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789573132042-personal_1789573131846_1789573131846_jared_deck_img_4806.webp\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Jared Deck takes life one fight at a time. Raised on the dusty plains of rural Oklahoma, he worked the family farm and grocery store, learned grit in the oilfields as a roughneck, and saw firsthand the heartbreak of factory jobs lost to outsourcing.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-jared-deck-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Kelsey Crystal<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789569931288-personal_1789569931129_1789569931129_kelsey_crystal_jxs_7846.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I got started in my industry through a personal life experience which helped create my business and bring it to life. When I started my business in 2019, I intended for it to be just a hobby.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-kelsey-crystal\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Domi @dailyglowfactor<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789557086234-personal_1789557086090_1789557086090_domi_dailyglowfactor_p1024801.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Hola VoyageDallas! I am a Latina Content Creator. I am from Quito, Ecuador (I won\u2019t stop talking about it, it\u2019s amazing!). Currently I am living in Dallas. After many years, different states, and many adventures, Dallas stole my heart. My journey started with a degree in Early Childhood Education, but along the way I immersed myself in my passion for art.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/life-work-with-domi-dailyglowfactor-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Usamah Rodgers<\/p>\n<p>Before I ever understood leadership or strategy, I understood the joy of learning. As a little girl in Kansas City, I loved school, collected extra worksheets, admired my teachers, and came home to \u201cplay school.\u201d Looking back, those early experiences foreshadowed my lifelong commitment to helping people discover their potential and access meaningful opportunities.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-usamah-rodgers-of-national\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Nick Guillory<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789382756101-personal_1789382755413_1789382755413_nick_guillory_nick-headshot.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I started out obsessed with journalism and social media. I went to the University of Missouri because I thought I needed to go to the best journalism school in the world, and I was convinced I was going to be the next Lester Holt\u2014which is hilarious to me now, after I have changed and pivoted so many times after.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-nick-guillory\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Miyana Williams<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m a dancer and creative originally from Seattle, Washington. Creativity and movement have always been a huge part of who I am, and dance became one of the main ways I learned to express myself and connect with other people.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-miyana-williams\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Thania Ramirez-Alvarez<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789539738578-personal_1789539738497_1789539738497_thania_ramirezalvarez_facetune_16-05-2026-22-04.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve always joked that being born with a thick, long mane of hair was both my biggest blessing and my greatest curse. According to my mom, I was vocal about how I wanted to come across from day one, literally screaming and crying until she dressed me up in a dress and fixed my hair.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-thania-ramirez-alvarez\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Tekeisha Bledsoe<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789539520811-personal_1789539520699_1789539520699_tekeisha_bledsoe_img_5548.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>On top of being a Realtor, I am also a 10+ year credit specialist. I was always a big help to real estate agents and loan officers before being an agent myself. I would help get client scores where they needed to be, and refer them off to a realtor to finish the home-buying process.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/community-highlights-meet-tekeisha-bledsoe-of-next-level-prestige\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Sarah Alpers<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789531246078-personal_1789531255778_1789531255778_sarah_alpers_image1-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I had dreamed of starting my own oral storytelling program since I first heard The Moth on NPR as a teenager. I studied the history of Irish oral storytelling for my senior thesis in college and have been pursing personal narrative as a passion project ever since!<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-sarah-alpers-of-other\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>bianca gonzalez<\/p>\n<p>My life with flowers started over 15 years ago At my 1st job I randomly asked the floral manager at the time if I can help out for valentines day.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-bianca-gonzalezs-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Kayla James<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789525862726-personal_1789525862574_1789525862574_kayla_james_fullsizerender_vsco.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The owner, Kayla, was introduced to the disability community at a young age, creating life-long friendships and experiencing how differences can bring people together. After volunteering in a \u201clife skills\u201d classroom, she quickly realized the lack of opportunities available to students that were capable of so much more and wished she could do something to change that.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/life-work-with-kayla-james-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Martina Giles<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789519116139-personal_1789519115717_1789519115717_martina_giles_a9eea0cb-81aa-4874-bc6e-e969db2a6.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve enjoyed the creativity and joy centered around making scented concoctions and exploring the art of fragrance over the course of 6 years. After moving to Dallas four years ago, I found myself growing into another part of who God created me to be, shaped by the beautiful community throughout DFW.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-martina-giles-of-gentlekindcandleco\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Brie Zabierek-DaCosta<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789522114157-personal_1789522113543_1789522113543_brie_zabierekdacosta_img_9824.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve been fascinated with collecting vintage and antiques since I was a young kid. Simultaneously, I\u2019ve also always been incredibly interested in fashion.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-brie-zabierek-dacosta-of-new-york\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Charlie Lau<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789518806972-personal_1789518806714_1789518806713_charlie_lau_john-charlie-portrait.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My husband, Dr. John Stowe and I started our practice, Resonance Chiropractic, together in June 2024. Before that, we were both associate docs in separate offices in San Diego for a few years prior. It was a great learning experience to understand what we like and don\u2019t like when it comes to running a practice.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/hidden-gems-meet-charlie-lau-of-resonance-chiropractic\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Briona Thompson<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789515980908-personal_1789515980695_1789515980695_briona_thompson_img_2746.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My story began with a natural talent for braiding and a desire to create something that belonged to me. Over time, that talent became more than a way to earn extra income\u2014it became a way to help women feel beautiful, cared for, and confident during seasons when life may already feel overwhelming.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-briona-thompson\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Paul Duesing<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789074047803-personal_1789074046960_1789074046960_paul_duesing_paulalnd.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I always wanted to be an architect. I started my studies in architecture at the University of Texas in Austin, but I eventually transferred to England to study architecture and interior design. Part of that decision was inspired by my grandfather, who had always encouraged me to study abroad and experience a different culture.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-paul-duesing-of-paul-duesing-partners\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Stuart Blasingame<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789505552013-personal_1789505551824_1789505551824_stuart_blasingame_stuart-blasingame-_-lacima-fi.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I began my career in the fire service with the City of Frisco in 1998 as a volunteer and then hired full-time before joining Prosper Fire Rescue over 24 years ago. At the time, Prosper was a much smaller community, and the fire department looked very different from the organization it is today. I\u2019ve been fortunate to grow alongside both the community and the department.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-stuart-blasingames-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Richard (Prefer Rich) Specht<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789493165198-personal_1789493164790_1789493164790_richardpreferrich_specht_copy-of-promoshot.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The ReesSpecht Life Foundation was born out of the most difficult moment of our lives\u2014the loss of our son, Richard Edwin-Ehmer Specht (Rees), in October 2012. In the wake of that tragedy, we were overwhelmed by the support of our community \u2013 specifically a landscaper who volunteered to clean our yard after Hurricane Sandy devastated Long Island.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/exploring-life-business-with-richard-prefer-rich-specht-of-reesspecht-life-foundation\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Hector RODRIGUEZ III<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789486505928-personal_1789486505739_1789486505739_hector_rodrigueziii_hector-rodriguez65326_1-2.j.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Sure, I\u2019d be happy to share a bit about my journey\u2014it\u2019s been a wild ride fueled by family, border life, and a deep need to see more of us in the stories we tell. I was born in Eagle Pass, Texas, right on the border, and grew up splitting time between there, El Paso, and College Station.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-hector-rodriguez-iii-of-dallas\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Keisha Brown<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789461704097-personal_1789461703634_1789461703634_keisha_brown_img_8487.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My Journey in the Beauty Industry I have wanted to be a hairstylist since I was five years old. I loved the beauty industry so much that I even named my future salon KDL\u2019s as a little girl. I earned my cosmetology license at Plano Senior High School and later returned to National Beauty College of Plano to become a licensed cosmetology instructor.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-keisha-brown\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jen Land<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789445225301-personal_1789445225145_1789445225145_jen_land_img_4450.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I grew up with a very creative mother. She was a very artsy person and she was always making something- that became my normal. Her own mother, my grandmother, was creative in her own right- making clothes for her family, crocheting, knitting etc. By 13, I fell in love with making jewelry, not in a traditional way.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/life-work-with-jen-land-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Esmeralda Ledesma<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789446003703-personal_1789446003556_1789446003556_esmeralda_ledesma_img_4796.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Hello, my name is Esmeralda Ledesma and if I\u2019m being honest dance was never on my career list. I knew I wanted to dance because I was a very expressive child but I wasn\u2019t too sure if dance was the route I wanted to take.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-esmeralda-ledesmas-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Tolu Roli<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789443070288-personal_1789443070202_1789443070202_tees_touch_img_9004.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I started creating content because I\u2019ve always loved sharing pieces of my life, connecting with people, and creating things that make others feel seen. As I got older, though, I realized that a lot of what I was experiencing in my late 20s wasn\u2019t talked about as openly as I expected.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-tolu-roli-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Martha Macabare<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789411770242-personal_1789411769988_1789411769988_martha_macabare_img_2936.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Born and raised in Dallas, TX to immigrant parents from the Philippines, my mom knew I could sing since I was two years old. The moment she realized it was when she heard me singing along to the radio to \u2018I Swear\u2019 though at the time, I didn\u2019t quite have my S\u2019s down yet.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/check-out-martha-macabares-story\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Tani Lamb<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789006462913-personal_1789006462665_1789006462665_tani_lamb_48827.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Lamb Chop Publishing LLC was founded in the autumn of 2016 with the mission to make history, geography, and cultural exploration enjoyable for children in an increasingly shrinking world. I have visited over 45 countries, 37 U.S. states, and six continents.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/conversations-with-tani-lamb-2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Andrew Matos<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789421206634-personal_1789421207805_1789421207805_andrew_matos_1000019201.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I came from being in the military, to being homeless, to becoming a stripper so i can make enough money to eat. From there I got in trouble and nobody wanted to hire me other than the construction industry so i went for electrician.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/hidden-gems-meet-andrew-matos-of-g-lighting-and-electric-llc\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Kay G.<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789421752181-personal_1789421752239_1789421752239_kay_g_9d74bf09-6168-41b7-9727-525da2d72f98-punc.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Blank Canvas Couture was created as a space to reignite my love of the physical art that is modeling. I first had an interest in modeling in my teens. It wasn\u2019t until I was a young adult that I had the space and agency to explore it.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/rising-stars-meet-kay-g-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Maria De Cotiis<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789419730615-personal_1789419730466_1789419730466_maria_decotiis_mariadecotiis_penticton-384.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I grew up surrounded by both construction and a deep appreciation for beautiful homes. My family was involved in the construction industry, and growing up in an Italian family, there was always an emphasis on the home\u2014how it looked, how it felt, and how it brought people together.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/community-highlights-meet-maria-de-cotiis-of-maria-decotiis-interior-design\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Juli\u00e1n Cedillo WACHO!<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789420168145-personal_1789420167953_1789420167953_julincedillo_wacho_soni_0-38.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My music journey began when I picked up the guitar at around eleven years old. As I slowly got better over the years I became obsessed with music and band lore and started forming and playing in bands with my friends. We listened to all kind of genres so we were always testing out new sounds; black metal, psych rock, punk.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/life-work-with-julian-cedillo-wacho-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Hannah Ricks<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789420434079-personal_1789420434535_1789420434535_hannah_ricks_headshot-1.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I started in banking because my Aunt always told me I would be a banker just as she had, for over 25 years. Although, I never really wanted to attend college, I decided to enroll in my local community college in Little Rock Arkansas and work as a teller for Centennial Bank while in school full time.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/life-work-with-hannah-ricks-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Nicole Dugan<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789413977896-personal_1789413977825_1789413977825_nicole_dugan_facetune_14-09-2026-14-11-42.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I am in my 20th year doing hair. I started doing hair as a second option, I went to college first, but I was not inspired and I started partying a little too hard, and I dropped out of college. Hair school became a \u201cfill-in\u201d for higher education. It was during hair school that I realized I had a passion for all things hair.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-nicole-dugan\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Rene Troy<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789360816775-personal_1789360816469_1789360816469_rene_troy_file_00000000999482309f2c23d4c6efb0e9.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I started my journey in the culinary industry, where I developed a passion for creativity, discipline, and helping others. Outside of work, fitness became another major part of my life. I began sharing my journey online, combining my love for anime, gaming, and fitness to create content that reflected who I truly am. What started as a personal interest gradually grew into a community.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-rene-troy-of-dallas-fort-worth\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Kayla Moore<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789411533481-personal_1789411533207_1789411533207_kayla_moore_43d68aa4-4b3c-44f6-a56f-279fb7bc0b5.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My name is Kayla Moore and I began my dessert business 6 years ago during Covid to make extra money . But soon it expanded from desserts to catering and meal plans .<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/hidden-gems-meet-kayla-moore-of-the-munchiee-spot\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Ricky Garza<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789409647220-personal_1789409647254_1789409647254_ricky_garza_screenshot-2026-04-28-105638.png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas. My parents were only 16 and 17 when I was born, so in many ways they were growing up alongside me. We didn\u2019t always have much financially, and as the oldest of five siblings, I learned independence and responsibility at a young age.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/exploring-life-business-with-ricky-garza-of-comparion-insurance-agency-a-liberty-mutual-company\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Norma Argueta<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789408176362-personal_1789408176343_1789408176343_norma_argueta_6313062490468806555.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>We are co-owners of Southern Petals &amp; Pour Lori Herrera, Norma Argueta, Hope Escamilla Southern Petals &amp; Pour started with a shared love for flowers, creativity, and bringing people together. What began as an idea between three women quickly grew into something much bigger\u2014a space where we could create beautiful floral designs while also creating experiences and memories for our community.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/inspiring-conversations-with-norma-argueta-of-southern-petals-pour\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Adi Campuzano<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789408244908-personal_1789408244744_1789408244744_adi_campuzano_adi-profile-2025.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I started my answering service in 2000, transitioning from owning and operating a martial arts gym in NY. The concept for Dedicated Office Solutions was to provide small businesses with a turnkey staff that would become a seamless extension of their business. We wouldn\u2019t just answer the phone; We qualify leads, book appointments, process orders.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/exploring-life-business-with-adi-campuzano-of-dedicated-office-solutions\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>April Mabrey<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789749460922-personal_1789749460748_1789749460748_april_mabrey_img_7476.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>I was raised by a single mother from about the age of 11. She worked three jobs to pay the bills and keep a roof over our head. I\u2019ve worked full time since I graduated high school and was married and moved to Dallas at 21. My first job here was in homebuilding.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/exploring-life-business-with-april-mabrey-of-we-are-a-dance-studio-offering-classes-for-3-18-year-olds-we-also-offer-adult-dance-pomfitness-classes-for-women-who-used-to-dance-but-have-to-outlet\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Patti Saponaro<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789406256474-personal_1789406256303_1789406256303_patti_saponaro_img_4510.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My story started 42 years ago, when I was 18 years old and read a book on health and nutrition that changed my life. I had suffered with headaches and stomachaches for most of my childhood, and after reading that book, I never felt better. I couldn\u2019t believe that something as simple as the food we consume could matter that much.<a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/meet-patti-of-fiorinabeauty-com\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Laura Haley<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789084314481-personal_1789084313888_1789084313888_laura_haley_img_4102.jpeg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My artistic journey has been a constant my whole life. As a child, I would enter art contests in elementary school, then always painting and selling t-shirts, sweatshirts, megaphones etc. in high school and college. I majored in art at Ouachita Baptist University and graduated with a BA in art knowing full well any career I chose would be in the art field. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/daily-inspiration-meet-laura-haley\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Desiree Rios<br \/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/c-1789083302180-personal_1789083301868_1789083301868_desiree_rios_screenshot-2026-09-10-at-63418-pm..png\"\/><\/p>\n<p>My story begins in Texas, about eight generations before I did. Those roots gave me such a deep love for this state and the land we call \u2018home.\u2019 It carries stories, legacy, and the memories of people that came before us. My Dallas story begins with my grandma who came here from Corsicana. <a href=\"https:\/\/voyagedallas.com\/interview\/inspiring-conversations-with-desiree-rios-of-olive-flint-co\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read more&gt;&gt;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The heart of our mission is to find the amazing souls that breathe life into our communities. In&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":445985,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[102,104,103],"class_list":["post-445984","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\/445984","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=445984"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/445984\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/445985"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=445984"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=445984"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=445984"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}