We had the good fortune of connecting with Abdullah Riaz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abdullah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
For me, it started with a feeling I couldn’t ignore. I’ve always been drawn to stories — especially the kind that get overlooked. And I realized a lot of small businesses, especially in our communities, had powerful stories but lacked the visuals and strategy to match. I wanted to change that. Starting my own business wasn’t about chasing money at first — it was about building something that made people feel seen, that elevated them. I had skills in design, media, and tech, and I knew if I combined those with purpose, I could create something meaningful. The more I leaned into that vision, the more it made sense to bet on myself.

What should our readers know about your business?
The Storyline Studio is a creative agency that helps businesses bring their stories to life through powerful design, media, and strategy. We specialize in web design, social media marketing, and cinematic video production — but at our core, we’re storytellers. We work with brands that care about how they show up online and want to build a real connection with their audience.

What sets us apart is how deeply we invest in the people behind the business. We don’t believe in cookie-cutter templates or recycled strategies. Every project starts with a conversation about why you do what you do, and from there we craft something that feels personal, intentional, and built to grow with you.

The journey definitely wasn’t easy. I started this on my own, juggling a full-time job and trying to figure things out as I went. There were challenges — financially, creatively, and mentally. But every challenge pushed me to get better. I learned how to be resourceful, how to build systems, and most importantly, how to lead with authenticity.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about The Storyline Studio, it’s that we’re here to help you show up like you mean it — with clarity, confidence, and creativity.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting Dallas for a week, I’d definitely want to give them a mix of the city’s culture, food, and creative energy.

We’d kick it off with some of the iconic spots — the Sixth Floor Museum, Reunion Tower for skyline views, and a walk through Deep Ellum to see the murals and grab some coffee. White Rock Lake is a favorite for peaceful morning walks or catching sunset.

Food-wise, we’d be eating nonstop. Noodle Wave is a must — it’s Thai, fully halal, and honestly one of my go-tos. Kafi BBQ in Irving is another favorite — they do halal brisket and ribs that are actually smoked right. We’d also stop at Ariana Cuisine for Afghan, Mai Colachi for some solid desi comfort food, and Hadramout for Yemeni.

We’d spend a day in Bishop Arts — walkable, creative, and filled with cool little shops. At night, maybe catch a show at the AT&T Performing Arts Center or just chill at Klyde Warren Park with food trucks and live music. And of course, I’d want to take them to one of the big local masjids like IANT or Qalam to show what the community here is like.

It’s a city with a lot of hidden gems, especially if you know where to look — and it’s even better when you get to experience it with someone.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely — without question, my biggest shoutout goes to my wife, Hafsa. From day one, she’s been my anchor, my motivator, and my reality check all in one. Starting a business can feel like walking through fog — uncertain, overwhelming, and honestly a little lonely at times. But she believed in me even when I doubted myself. She’s supported me through late nights, creative blocks, financial stress — all of it — and still managed to cheer me on like it was our first win every single time. This journey wouldn’t look anything like it does without her, and I’ll always be grateful for her love, her patience, and her vision.

Website: https://thestorylinestudio.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.storylinestudio/?next=%2F

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-storyline-studio/?viewAsMember=true

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.