We asked experts from a broad range of industries to open up to us about things they know about their industry but that we probably don’t and we’ve shared some of those responses below.

Jeff Skinner | Black Level AV, Owner

Planning and execution…the typical end user does not understand the value in well thought out and planned A/V project. And to be fair it’s not really their fault, the market pushes their products so hard as “easy” or “anyone can install this” they fail to realize certain foundations must be in place to have a stable and serviceable system. Sure most people can throw together some sort of DIY type “smart home” but the end in mind is never usually thought out from the get go. Read more>>

Luke Bennett | Photographer

Starting off you have no care in the world other than a burning desire to create and learn more. As you get more serious, social media is the biggest thing with early years of getting your art seen, with that comes jealousy, crippling doubt and demotivation a lot of the time. You learn that networking and pushing yourself as much as you can is one of the best ways, from my experiences, to get seen and meet people who are alike but even then it’s just a constant struggle. Read more>>

Carli Dunham | Restaurateur

I grew up in Quanah, Texas and come from multiple generations or restaurant owners and chefs. Read more>>

Natalie Maldonado | Esthetician\Lash Artist

I was born and raised in Fort Worth Tx. I grew up in poverty with my teen mom. While growing up I always knew I wanted more in life, and one of the biggest things was to become financially stable. So because I grew up in poverty it made me want to chase my dreams to be a hard worker. Which is why today I am a strong young independent Latina business owner. Read more>>

DDiltz Productions | Music Producer, Artist, Audio Engineer, & Composer

I am originally from a small town in East Texas called Longview, but moved to Dallas with my mom when I was a child. Moving to Dallas allowed for better education opportunities and in middle school I was accepted into a magnet school to study music which led me to playing in the marching band and learning composition throughout high school. Being around music allowed me to express myself in a way I wasn’t able to before which has left a foundation for a very passionate career. Read more>>

Sister Shalom | Christian Artist

I’m originally from Atlanta, GA born and raised. My upbringing was centered around church; my family was heavily engaged in the church starting when I was just two years old. I sang at church growing up, and my sister, my cousin, and I started a rap group. We would write gospel rap songs and perform them at church. My mom was also a gospel artist; I sang background vocals for her when she performed at churches and events. So, singing, rapping, and making music is something I’ve been doing my whole life. Read more>>