President and CEO of Hope Biosciences shares her focus on a mission to revolutionize the field of cell therapy. 
Her passion is leading their entire team to find solutions to current limitations by delivering approved therapies to the market - quickly.  
Hope Bio’s groundbreaking patented core cell culture technology is utilized in over 30 FDA authorized protocols in the United States. Join us as we share their journey of  bringing these therapies to market in the very near future.

EP. #88 Donna Chang, CEO of Hope Biosciences

Ryan Jay, Neiman Marcus VP Market Manager of the South Texas region including Houston, Austin and San Antonio. 

Join us for an episode all about fashion and the future of luxury retail as Ryan shares his journey over 15 years in luxury retail around the country, most recently transitioning from Saks Fifth Avenue finding a home ultimately with Texas based, Neiman Marcus. We swap heartfelt stories from the over the top Christmas Catalog, to the famed Houston’s Best Dressed List to the special Breakfasts with Santa during the holidays that are sure to spark your favorite shopping memories too.

Ep #89 Ryan Jay, VP Market Manager with Neiman Marcus

Khara Breeden, founder & CEO of Texas Forensic Nurses joins us and shares her incredible story of identifying and following her purpose, becoming a nurse, forming The Forensic Center, now in its fourth year. We discuss living out her dream, earning her doctorate and opening a completely new set of health services for victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking. She shares the eye-opening experiences treating victims 24/7 in their community-based victim service center that provides confidential & free medical forensic exams, adult forensic interviews, legal support, counseling & advocacy to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, child abuse and elder maltreatment.

Ep #90 Dr. Khara Breeden, founder & CEO of Texas Forensic Nurses

Ashley shares her story as a pioneer of fashion blogging as we connect on how fashion brings people together and get Ashley's expert packing tips for fashionistas. We discuss it all—from her difficult health battle with arthritis to becoming a mother and expanding her brand.

Ep #91 Fashion Blogger Ashley Seippel

Deejay's mission is to create a safe space for people to enjoy dance and the Contessa has been having an absolute blast training with him as her partner for Houston's upcoming APAHA Dancing with the Stars event. Join us for a fabulous episode as Deejay shares his journey following a dream of professional dance from Virginia to NYC to LA and around the world, finally landing in Houston. From dancing as a performer on a cruise ship to dancing through a health scare while stuck in a hospital in Ibiza, Deejay's positive energy and exceptional commitment to his craft is truly special.

Ep #92 Professional Dancer & Choreographer Devontae "Deejay" Holland

Stephanie von Stein is The Innovative Luxury Consultant & CEO of von Fab Group

With over 20 years of experience in luxury retail and business, Stephanie has established herself as a trusted advisor with an incredible eye for luxury. Stephanie shares her incredible story from her years working in luxury retail with Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Saks Fifth Avenue to launching her own luxury consulting business, von Fab Group, at 50. 

With a heart for creating meaningful change in our community & a passion for advocating for domestic violence survivors through her work with AVDA, Stephanie's light shines through all she does.

Ep #93 CEO of Von Fab Group Stephanie Von Stein

Our fabulous guest is Cherise Esparza who is a Cyber Security Expert and Co-Founder of SecurityGate.io. We talk through our shared loves of fashion, family, cars and rediscovering our purpose. Cherise shares her incredible journey from finding her career path early developing software for publicly traded companies as a teenager, to developing the platform used by risk managers & executives at the world's largest critical infrastructure organizations, to being listed on the Forbes Next 1000 list.

Ep #96 Cyber Security Expert Cherise Esparza

Melissa is the founder of Melissa Sugulas Style, a premiere fashion consultancy with concierge-level personal styling services for women & men. Melissa has an incredible eye for fashion with a goal to inspire women everywhere to make every day an occasion. We talk about all our favorite classic styles & current trends from women wearing men's sport watches to dressing yourself out of your mood to the best fall basics & where to get them.

Ep# 97 Stylist Melissa Sugulas

Special Guest Mely Cruz is @allthingsmely…an entrepreneur, writer, content creator, influencer, model, philanthropist, breast cancer advocate, mom, wife and heartfelt friend. Mely shares her courageous journey as an immigrant leaving her business, family and comforts of her home country to build a new life in the United States with her husband. As an inspiring business woman balancing motherhood and her brand, she utilizes her passions for writing, beauty, fashion, travel and motherhood to inspire each of us to keep living our best life. The vulnerability of publicly sharing her breast cancer journey enabled her followers to see even deeper into her beautiful soul, which shines even brighter amidst the challenges of overcoming such adversity. Her loving heart brings me to tears almost every time we share with one another. Tune in to see why she stands out as such a positive influence for so many and why we have come to love her so deeply.

Ep #98 Entrepreneur, Writer, and Influencer Mely Cruz

This week we present a live podcast fireside chat with special guests Amy Pierce and Dr. Sippi Khurana at Turners. As pillars of our community, giving daily, and actively “living the authentic life”, these two women have chosen UNICEF as one of the primary charitable organization. 
Join us as we discuss the exceptional work UNICEF conducts in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. UNICEF is committed to never giving up because they believe every child has the right to grow up in a safe and inclusive environment. Tune in to find out how we can come together to make a difference by committing to doing the work, promoting inclusive policies and expanding access to services that protect all children.

Humanitarian Aid for Children in Crisis | UNICEF USA
https://www.unicefusa.org/

Ep #99 UNICEF with Amy Pierce and Dr. Sippi Khurana

What does it mean to pursue authenticity in science, wellness, and life?
 In this episode, Donae sits down with longtime friend and jewelry industry leader Danny Shaftel, whose family founded Shaftel Diamonds in 1978, to talk about his latest venture: Proliven Labs.

Born from a frustration with inconsistent sourcing and lack of transparency in the peptide world, Danny created Proliven Labs to raise the standard for research-grade peptides—focusing on quality, small-batch sourcing, and third-party verification. Together, we unpack the “Peptides 101” basics, their role in skincare, wellness, and performance, and how to separate fact from hype in a crowded industry.

We also explore Danny’s deeper journey of purpose—how reflecting on ikigai (the Japanese concept of purpose and fulfillment) shaped his mission, and why authenticity, community, and connection remain his guiding principles both in business and life.

From gemstones to peptides, Danny’s story reminds us that the pursuit of quality and truth never goes out of style. Whether you’re curious about wellness innovations or simply need a dose of inspiration to commit to your own purpose, this conversation is full of insights you won’t want to miss.


Ep #141 with Danny Shaftel — Proliven Labs Founder

Living The Authentic Life

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