Through our work we have had the good fortune of seeing firsthand how success comes in every shape, size, color, faith, and orientation. More importantly we’ve learned that success is often the result of people embracing their unique backgrounds and so we’ve asked the community to tell us about their background and how it has impacted where they are today.

Emily Kuentz | Licensed Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbalist

In my 20’s I spent over six months completing post graduate work studying Chinese Herbal Medicine with a specialty in Women’s Health in, both China, and Australia. When I look back and reflect on my life, I can say that it was a gift from above that led me to study under mentors across the globe who inspired me to continue to learn acupuncture and herbal medicine that would deepen and enrich my skills and understanding. My personal health journey wasn’t an easy one. I had hormone issues, skin problems, and an unfortunate car accident that occurred when I was 15 years old. Due to the physical pain I experienced daily, I underwent multiple lumbar facet and epidural block injections, myelograms which caused painful migraine headaches, and many days that left me physically and mentally exhausted from the pain. My wise mother introduced me to an acupuncturist that I began to seek regular treatments from. Read more>>

Valenti Funk | Musician & Producer

I was born in Dallas and raised in Irving, TX. That would be Bear Creek, TX to be more exact (look up it’s history when you get the chance). In my era of growing up in Irving, it was pretty diverse. I recall having just as many “band geek” friends (as I’m a self proclaimed band geek) as I did have “friends from the hood”. I enjoyed having friends of all walks of life. I got/get along with any and everyone. I divided my time among all of my friends pretty equally. I was cool with “good people”, period, no matter their ethnic background. That same attitude or philosophy is with me until this very moment. Read more>>

Alex Thomas | Illustrator & Creative Director

I’m from Pensacola, Florida. I was heavily influenced by the DIY and hardcore scene since the age of 12. I owe my creative process to that type of upbringing. I learned that if you want to create something cool, just do it. If it sucks, or fails, that’s okay. Hardcore was all about the amplification of the voice, and not tradition. I would make flyers for any band, and create merch for all types of projects. I just wanted to join in on the collective efforts that had already been paved. Once I moved to Dallas in 2013, that really grew in me. I fell in love with the mindset and intention of underground music. Those pillars built me into who I am as an artist. Read more>>

Sarah Kee | Planner & Avid Learner

I was born in Malaysia. Due to the nature of my father’s job, we moved a lot. I decided to count it out the other day and realized that I have moved over fourteen times! We uprooted to other countries like Singapore, the United States and China. I experienced the biggest culture shock getting off the plane in the U.S. Growing up in Malaysia, everyone had dark hair and I was familiar with the setting with all my family and friends there. At the airport, it seemed like the complete opposite with everyone having lighter hair and speaking in a different accent. I remember being overwhelmed and feeling like everyone was staring at me for standing out. It was after I started attending school when I realized I needed to adapt (fast!) in order to learn and thrive. Read more>>