The heart of our mission is to find the amazing souls that breathe life into our communities. In the recent weeks, we’ve had the privilege to connect with some incredible artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and rabble rousers and we can’t begin to express how impressed we are with the incredible group below.
Dean Yeager
Starting a business from scratch has come with its own set of hurdles. In the early days of my Christmas décor rental business, I had to build trust with customers and establish a reputation in a niche market. Educating potential clients on the benefits of renting high-quality, professionally curated holiday decorations took time. Transitioning from a rental business to a full-fledged storefront brought new challenges—finding the right location, securing inventory, managing seasonal demand, and ensuring that people even knew the shop existed. Spreading the word and building a loyal customer base has been an ongoing effort, requiring creativity and persistence. Read more>>
Trev Trevino
At this point I only took photos of friends for fun so I took that opportunity and turned it into something I wanted everyone to enjoy. Because I enjoyed being a creative and helping people take pleasure and appreciate their milestones or helping be able to show off on their social media, I vowed to make my photography accessible to everyone. Everyone should be able to show off their happiest and proudest moments no matter what their budget is. I also began to take pride in my individuality of my creativity by fusing a business with my personal vision ideation of photography. Read more>>
Elizabeth Williams
As with many companies and organizations, the pandemic years presented challenges. Most of us thought it would last weeks not years. The biggest struggle was determining how our audience wanted to connect as the various waves of COVID-19 rolled through. Few were comfortable with attending events in person. I think our decision to use video enhanced our reader experience. Read more>>
Maxine And Desirée Cofino
The style of lemonade we make is based on the lemonades Maxine would have in Puerto Rico, where she is from. Fresh, squeezed to order, tropical. We took about a year to organize our menu and set up the business. Our first pop up market was at Bandera and 1604. Quickly we expanded to several markets around the city. Now we mostly work out of our brick and mortar, but we enjoy select events under our tent on occasion. Passion Fruit and Brazilian are still at the top of our greatest hits list. Read more>>
Natalie Munoz
Originally from Colorado, I moved to San Antonio in 2021. I have worked in the dental field since moving here. My father, Orlando, has owned and operated his construction business for over 30 years. Because of his strong influence in being a hard worker, I always knew I wanted to work for myself too. Once I was more established in San Antonio, the wheels started to turn with how I could finally start my own business. Throwing around ideas in my head, bouncing them off of friends and family, nothing felt right. Read more>>
Victoria Castro
I’m a proud Chicana, born to Mexican parents and raised on the west side, where Chicano culture deeply influenced who I am. I started singing regional Mexican music, like mariachi, at around 4 or 5 years old. My dad was a charro, so I grew up attending charreadas—Mexican rodeos—which exposed me to dancing, music, and the art of bringing people together. That early exposure really rooted me in my culture and love for community. Read more>>
Robert Baxter
In early 2024 co-owners Brenda Whitney-Skaggs and Tim Skaggs approach Bob to help continue to develop and grow the Whodunit? Murder Mystery Show company and brand. With the offer of a three-way collaboration and a 50-50 split of the company Bob signed on and became the company’s Producing Director overseeing the resident production of The Alamo City Murder Mystery Dinner Show currently at the Alamo Cafe 281. Opening in late April 2024, this production has been running for a year with great success and performs every Saturday at the popular Tex-Mex dining establishment. Read more>>
Lesley Santafield
Circa 1993-1994 at Sam Houston High School on the east side of San Antonio is where I earned my Cosmetology hours. I worked as a shampoo assistant on the weekends for Philip who owned Hair Unlimited which was located in the shopping plaza of H-E-B off W.W. White Rd. I took State Board exam and failed initially. Once I relocated to Houston I partnered up with Houston Community College Cosmetology Instructor who willingly allowed one of their students to train me on the side to get me prepared for the State Board Exam-although I still did not feel confident enough to retake the exam. Read more>>
Xochitl Valentine
Since then, I’ve had the chance to collaborate with influencers, artists, streamers, and iconic owners of world-famous attractions. I’ve stage managed high-traffic, immersive experiences, helped run major shows, and brought visions to life both behind the scenes and on stage. My theater background includes producing and putting on shows for various entertainers, blending performance, production, and audience engagement in ways that continue to influence my work today. Read more>>
Gilbert & Sydnie
We met in San Antonio at the end of 2021 and naturally developed a connection beyond words. We spent some of our first few dates in Austin, Texas and New York City. We visited Oregon and Washington in fall of 2022. This foreshadowed a year and some months living out of state. Gilbert successfully graduated from PTA school in summer of 2023. We decided to use that opportunity to travel together and change up our scenery. Read more>>
Gerardo “Jerry” Peña
My musical journey started back in 1972 when I formed my first band, Los Arcos del Norte, with some of my school friends in Marion, Indiana. A few years later, in 1977, I brought my brother into the group to play the bajo sexto, making it even more of a family thing. Then, in 1978, my family moved to Dimmitt, Texas, a place that quickly became home. That move changed everything. The band eventually evolved, and before I knew it, it was made up entirely of my brothers. That’s when I changed my groups name to Los Arcos Hermanos Peña. Read more>>
Adrian Gonzalez
We faced a lot of struggles, music taste changes often, and so do the goals of bands and band members. We at a time were not interested in choosing to be a “bar band” and wanted to pursue original music as this duo. Then, other times we didnt want to pursue music at all. Its great to finally be able to be in a place where we can dedicate time to playing music we love and sharing it with people and being able to move a crowd and have them have a good time as well Read more>>
Cecilia Jones
I would model for him a lot and he eventually passed the torch to my two older brothers, and around high school, I developed an eye for it and would assist him, and pose the individuals he would shoot, then he gifted me my first camera and oh I would go crazy capturing all the photos!! Now, I really enjoy doing it, capturing memories, and just being creative. It’s a way I can make people happy and freeze the memory for them! It’s a blessing. Read more>>
Gabriella Rodriguez
I am a licensed and certified lash artist that specializes in natural customizable lashes for my clients. I get a lot of clients in for my customized wet sets! I love it. I recently added lash lifts/tints to my services and I’m most excited to start that service! I am most proud of how far I’ve come and how my clients continue to trust in me. I’ve always been an outgoing person and have always listened to people/ clients. I’m here to not only beautify the client but be a trusting friend, and I’d say that sets me apart from others. Read more>>
Kenneth Durant
It’s been about 5 years now and I still have people ask me about it till this day. It’s one of the things that really catapulted me back into making music again so it was a proud moment for me. Aside from that creating the Wreckin On Wednesday series where I would have people pick industry beats for me and I would drop a verse over the beat every week. That was a big time for me as well coming back into the scene I knew things had changed and new faces wouldn’t know who I was so I needed a way to showcase my verbal skills and what better way then to consistently do it for a whole year. Read more>>
Valerie Criado
She trusts me (way too much maybe LOL!) so she immediately said, “just tell me where to sign”. In January 2024, we bought the franchise together as 50/50 partners and we officially opened Bee Organized San Antonio on March 11, 2024. Today, we have been open for exactly one year, and it has been one of the most amazing, rewarding and interesting years of my adult life. I couldn’t be happier! I am once again a business owner, I am meeting and interacting with so many different people all around San Antonio, and I can truly say that what we do is making positive changes in the lives for so many Read more>>
Justine Flores
Recognizing my drive and results, I was recruited by two of the nation’s largest auto lenders. In these roles, I managed multi-state territories, built strong relationships with dealership partners, and helped grow their business through strategic financing solutions. Today, I’m also a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator with Gold Financial, guiding individuals and families through one of the most important financial decisions of their lives. Read more>>
Carmen Whizin
We are very proud of the fact that we have our skincare brand where we create skin care products for the people of south Texas by incorporating native ingredients like cactus and aloe vera. We are also set apart from others because we concentrate on being a very friendly spa, we know skin care is a luxury and our prices are very friendly, also provide product dupes, and work with people’s budgets while still attending to their needs. Lastly, we go in-depth about each service by providing a follow-up email going over step by step of everything we did during your appointment and what my best recommendations are. Read more>>
Bethany Heyne
Have you ever dreamed of becoming a parent? Picture it for a moment. Family dinners filled with laughter, cozy bedtime snuggles, and afternoons spent making memories. But what happens when that dream meets the raw reality of sleepless nights, endless tantrums, and moments when you feel completely lost? Whether you’re already a parent or hope to be one someday, the truth is that parenting is often more challenging than we expect. Especially when we’re unprepared for the emotional rollercoaster it brings. Read more>>
Drew Henry
Eat It Up Marketing started in 2022 with a simple goal: help local restaurants get back on their feet after COVID turned the industry upside down. I was working with spots like Biga, Maverick, and Acenar—places that really define San Antonio’s food scene—and helping them show up online in a way that matched the magic they were creating in real life. Read more>>
Alexandra Garcia
My childhood was filled with movement — attending kindergarten and first grade between Mexico and Detroit, traveling every six months, and eventually settling in Palmview, Texas. Even then, weekends were spent visiting family in Mexico, staying deeply connected to my roots. Summers took us to different states, wherever my dad’s work led him. Each place taught me something new: resilience, adaptability, gratitude. Read more>>
Michael Guzzetta
We’re originally from Southern California, and when we discovered the Cookie Plug brand—also born in SoCal—it just felt like home. The vibe immediately clicked with us: the hip-hop beats, the bold street art, the unapologetically fun branding, and of course, the cookies themselves are next-level. We were introduced to Cookie Plug through family, and the moment we experienced it, we knew we had to bring that flavor and culture to San Antonio. Read more>>
Tiffany Maneewat
One of our proudest collaborations is with the Capps family of Devine Acres, a cherished local tourist farm where we create large seasonal installations that have become part of their visual identity. From eight-foot manger characters and towering carrots to six-foot bunnies, eggs, and expansive murals, we pour our heart, sweat, and soul into every single piece. These projects allow us to share our art on a grand scale and connect deeply with our community. Read more>>
Ryan Howard
When COVID hit in 2020, the city shut down gyms and martial arts schools, forcing us to adapt quickly. We immediately transitioned to online classes, with hundreds of students joining Zoom sessions each week to train with our instructors. Through perseverance and dedication, we gradually overcame the challenges and returned to in-person training. Read more>>
Jessica Philpot
The desire to learn and really focus in on pastry led me to attend the French Pastry School in Chicago. It was the greatest debt I could’ve gotten into and loved every moment of the experience. I relocated to Los Angeles and began my career there, working at several spots, including Akasha, Lukshon/Father’s Office and most notably Providence. After about a 7 year stint in LA, the unfortunate loss of my mother brought me back home to San Antonio. I briefly worked for the CIA Bakery and Bakery Lorraine, before finding my home with the Empty Stomach Group and opening Extra Fine. Read more>>
Nancy Nieto
Our small business journey began 2020, during the pandemic. I purchased my first sewing machine and taught myself to sew. I began by making tortilla warmers and started selling them to family and friends. Read more>>
Coach Tony Charles
In the world of elite football coaching, few stories are as compelling as that of Coach Tony Charles of world renowned Terror In The Trenches. A man whose intellectual prowess rivals his football acumen, Charles has carved a unique path that spans from academic excellence to the gritty trenches of professional football; ultimately to becoming a global ambassador for the sport that has been featured on the Today Show and in Esquire Magazine Read more>>
Samantha Pedraza
One day in 2018 my neighbor suggested I start selling instead of just giving things away, and Pedraza’s Pastries was born. I’m so greatful that I was able to create a Texas cottage law business for myself while being a stay at home mom. Our legislators have worked hard to create laws that allow bakers such as myself to have thriving businesses without having to invest in a brick and mortar storefront. Read more>>
Lisa Bella Ramsey
Understanding the nuances of different skin tones and mastering the application technique took time, but I loved the challenge. After completing my training, I decided to start my own business in San Antonio. I began by offering makeup and spray tanning services to friends and family, relying on word-of-mouth and social media to build my clientele. I set up a small studio in my home, ensuring it was a comfortable and welcoming space for my clients. Read more>>
Cristina Solorzano
I learned to ride a bike as a little kid, like many kids in the 90’s. My cousins and I would hop on our bikes and ride to a nearby park and hang out all afternoon until supper time. As I aged out of playgrounds and became a motorist, I let go of riding a bike. I didn’t consider riding a bike could be my lifestyle, until I started working at REI in San Antonio. Being that REI embraces the outdoor lifestyle, it was easy to ask some coworkers to help me figure out a commuting route. With time, I became a confident bicycle commuter and that confidence led me to Ghisallo, where I teach other community members the joy of integrating the bicycle in their lifestyle. Read more>>
Jeremiah Burns
After searching for my next path in life, I landed on a PB&J restaurant and wanted to do something in the city and in my life that has never been done. I wanted to establish something in the city I grew up in, that became a staple in this town. I wanted to establish a one off concept that encompassed childhood nostalgia and family values. Our motto is “made with love, served with kindness” and I truly believe if you do anything with these values it will succeed! Read more>>
Jordan Penny
Fast forward to when I was 16, I was craving something sweet, specifically a cookie, and I found myself wondering why it was so hard to make a good cookie from scratch. So, I did my research, watched some videos, and found a recipe to try. That batch of cookies turned out better than any I had ever made. The next day, I brought them to church for some people I love and wanted to share them with. I left them in the kitchen and went to service, but before I knew it, random people I hadn’t even planned on sharing them with were coming up to me saying how good the cookies were. That happened all day, and it felt amazing to bake something that people truly enjoyed. Read more>>
Telelingo, LLC
There’s also been a steep learning curve. We didn’t go to school for filming, editing, marketing, or business management, but we’ve had to take on all of it to bring Telelingo to life. Wearing so many hats as both clinicians and creatives has stretched us in ways we never expected. Along the way, we’ve leaned on mentors, friends, and fellow creators, and their support has made a huge difference. Read more>>
Victoria
Despite the obstacles, I always believed that there is more than one way to achieve one’s goals. By the age of 21, I had two more children. Seeking new opportunities, I moved to Killeen, TX, and enrolled at Central Texas College. A pivotal moment came when I realized, as I walked my son to kindergarten, that I wanted to pursue my education before he did. This revelation led me back to San Antonio, where I enrolled at Palo Alto College. Initially, I aimed to pursue a law degree, but my passion for English led me to transfer to the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). As a proud Roadrunner, I graduated in May 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in English. Read more>>
Yvonne Wyne
I’ve made some of the best friends through that app—people I genuinely text every single day. They’ve become family. That’s also where I discovered indie authors, and I realized I have a true passion for finding books that no one’s talking about. I love helping indie authors get their books out there and into the hands of new readers. Read more>>
Oliviah
Honestly, having only started about 2 months ago, there hasn’t been anything particularly difficult. I would love to grow my skill level such as painting my guest portraits faster. I feel like I take a bit too long on each portrait as of right now. It takes me about 20mins for each portrait and that includes the background plus the amount of people in the photo. So, my goal is to become more efficient. Read more>>
Vanessa Irino
My first cast plush given to me by my great-grandmother, had been bringing me comfort. Casper himself had always brought me comfort since a very young age. It wasn’t until my son was 4 years old when I introduced him to Casper and he just fell in love with him also. But of course in different reasons than I did growing up. I started collecting a few items until it got to be so much that I had to transform the guest room into the new Casper room. After a couple years of collecting I had made a friend on tiktok that has the world record for the largest scooby doo collection. She inspired me to go towards the world record for my Casper collection and helped to me all the way through it. Since achieving this Guinness world record my life has completely changed. Read more>>
Laura Cisneros
The plan was to stay a few months and then buy an RV and travel for awhile. About three months after moving back he got called to go back to his oilfield job he used to have. He fearfully told me he was taking it and that meant we weren’t going to be traveling. I huffed and puffed and said “Fine, then I’m getting my real estate license.” His response was “Great, you should have done that 20 years ago.” SO, that began my career as a Realtor. Read more>>
Karen Carifee
Life didn’t follow a perfect script. A couple of failed marriages, abuse, homeless, and so much more left me wondering: Who am I really? But every experience shaped me. Then, everything began to shift when I met my now-husband. Together, we didn’t just fall in love—we built a life, one brick at a time. Seven years ago, we started our company, Climate Express Heating & Air, LLC, from the ground up. Today, it’s grown into a thriving business with over 20 employees and a reputation we’re proud of. Read more>>
Debbie Carroll
There are always struggles. I have been accepted into galleries whose doors have later closed, but it does seem that something even better comes along in these situations. I don’t always jury into the shows I’d like to be in, but rejection is part of the art business, and the sooner one accepts that the better. Telling me “no” is a sure fire way of making me double down and try that much harder! Read more>>
Celinda De La Fuente
During the chaos of 2020, when the world stood still, I finally listened to the whispers of my soul. I left behind my teaching career because my body would no longer continue to function—but the Universe had a plan. Something greater was calling me. Energy healing found me like an old friend I had forgotten, and as I learned to awaken the great healer within my being, I knew I was meant to share this medicine with others. Read more>>
