We asked some of the city’s rising stars about why they think they have been so successful and we’ve shared their responses below.

Matthew L. Houston | Entrepreneur/Professor/Economic Development Activist/North Texas Influencer

Authenticity and transparency to me are the most important factors behind success. When you are honest with yourself (and others) of your abilities, goals, and aspirations, and can effectively communicate and illuminate your direction, people will notice and will want to join you. Also, aligning my personal mission to inspire change and growth in anything I’m involved in with my professional aspiration of achievement and excellence is the most important factor behind all I do; whether it’s in the marketplace, the classroom, or the community. Read more>>

Meet Charmaine Chao | Owner & Maker of Charm and Chloe Collection

I believe that the most important factor behind the success of my small business is the quality of work and great customer service. To me quality is more than quantity. I stand behind every handcrafted item I make. Each one is made with love, passion and artistry. I believe that if you love what you do it really shows! Great customer service is very important to me. I go above and beyond for each of my client. I treat everyone the way I want to be treated. Whether you are a new or return customer, buying 1 item or a dozen you get the same great customer service from me. I get most of my business from referrals and return clients. To me that shows a lot! Read more>>

Jerry Mooty | CEO/Realtor/Attorney

I think any brand is a representation of the people behind the brand. I strive to find the right people to create the right culture. I believe people are more successful if they enjoy the people they work with so some of my success is tied to the people I have put in place and their interaction/production as a whole to build a culture that representes success. Read more>>

Sarah Marlette | Functional Nutritionist, BS, MS

For me, the most important factor behind my success has been my authenticity, my ability to be a storyteller. As a functional nutritionist, the market is incredibly saturated. It is easy to get lost in the noise and lose your voice, your brand, your identity. My personal story is what drew me to the field of functional medicine and nutrition. I always say my passion grew from pain, and by having the courage to tell my story to complete strangers on the internet, I found my people, my audience, and by finding them, I found my success. Read more>>

Rezahn Clayton | Personal Trainer

Easily the most important fact would me being true to myself! I am not here to pretend to be anything I’m not. Some look at me as the bad guy because I give people the things they don’t want to hear. My delivery has never been sugar coated, and we as a society even more than before can’t handle the ugly truth. Read more>>

Danielle James | CEO and Professional Organizer of In Sight Organizer LLC

The most important factor behind my success and brand is my team of employees and our passion. I instilled the importance of appreciation and going above and beyond for our customers. Not only as a team with our results but our efforts to make a difference for our clients lifestyle though organizing. Not only do we teach skills we create a different view of space. We care and befriend our clients! It takes allot to ask for help so we’re try to be a bond of trust and efforts beyond just organizing. Read more>>

Erin Shumate | Photographer & Full Time College Student

I am always myself. I never change who I am or my style of work for other people. If people want to work with me, it’s for my style & personality, not just because I’m a photographer. Read more>>