Finding Success and Community: Laurel Hess’ Return to DFW

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Laurel Hess has fond memories of growing up in Dallas. Little did she know life would bring her to Cajun country and then lead her back with a family of her own, and a successful startup.

Hess had left the Lonestar State for college in the early 2000s. She was temporarily driven out of New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, but managed to finish her degree there. It’s also where she married and began her family.

And after several years in the Crescent City, they moved to Lafayette, which is where inspiration struck and she got the idea for hampr – an app-based laundry service. (See more about hampr in Dallas Innovates.)

Life was good, but Dallas was calling her name. So, they packed up again.

“We moved here in the summer of 2024,” says Hess.

Her sister who lives in Celina actually helped her launch hampr in the Dallas market—their biggest. And she recalls it was their mother, who lives in Frisco, who told Hess about her grandfather, and how entrepreneurship runs in the family.

“It’s funny, I didn’t really think about it, but she had told me that he owned a boat yard. She said he was very entrepreneurial – worked all the time.”

Hess is trying to maintain more of a balance. As she’s expanding the business from just residential service into B to B, she’s also trying to expand her social circle.

“… my husband and I were just talking about this – how do you find friends as an adult?”

As it turns out, she did have one friend here, whose own move into North Texas preceded hers by a matter of months.

“Leigh Ann and I were neighbors in Lafayette. She moved down here before me and told me how much she loved it. And I was like, yea I know, Dallas is great,” says Hess, laughing.

(See Leigh Ann Ripka’s My Dallas Story here.)

With so many foodie options—like Baonecci in Frisco, or concerts at Legacy Hall—and things to do with the kids (they’re currently huge fans of Grandscape—especially Scheel’s and Andretti’s) she’s not overly concerned, but she agrees that it’s harder when you don’t have a cohort that you’re hitting milestones with.

“There is a growing community of entrepreneurs,” Hess concedes.

Needing to travel for business is another reason she values living in Dallas.

“Before we moved here, I would often connect in Dallas, but it would add a whole day of travel just to get here. So, the fact that I can fly three hours in either direction to get where I need to be is huge.”

The culture, the lifestyle … as others have expressed, Dallas isn’t one thing, it’s everything. It’s also everyone … from corporate executives to artists and founders, Dallas continues to be the place people want to be.

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Esposure Says ‘Yes’ to Dallas

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E-sports: From Competitors to Creators with Esposure

E-sports is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, with millions of fans, players, and creators fueling its rapid rise. And right here in the Dallas Region, the momentum is undeniable. As a thriving hub for innovation, technology, and creativity, DFW is positioning itself as a key player in this booming space.

At the forefront of this growth is Esposure, an organization dedicated to educating and empowering the next generation of e-sports professionals. Their unique approach goes beyond competition, teaching teens how to transition from gamers to creators and industry leaders.

Want to see how they’re doing it? Check out the video below to explore how Esposure is shaping the future of e-sports and giving students the tools to thrive in this exciting, global industry.

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Deah’s Foodie Fort Worth Tour

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Discover Fort Worth Through Deah’s Foodie Tour: A Culinary Adventure for Every Meal

Fort Worth might be best known for its rich history as “Cowtown” and its iconic Stockyards, but Deah’s foodie tour reveals the city’s modern, diverse, and vibrant side. With stops for every meal—from breakfast to dessert—this tour takes you beyond the expected and into the heart of what makes Fort Worth a cultural and culinary treasure. Grab a seat and join Deah as she explores Fort Worth, one meal at a time!

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College to Career

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Meet Eric Aaberg, a proud member of the UT Dallas Class of 2023. Eric is more than just a graduate; he’s a thriving content creator and agency owner who attributes his success to the opportunities and connections he’s found right here in DFW. As a passionate advocate for the Dallas Region, Eric encourages fellow grads to #staylocal and launch their careers in this vibrant and dynamic community.

In this exclusive video, Eric shares his journey from college to career and why he loves calling DFW home. Whether you’re searching for entry-level positions, apartment resources, or simply inspiration, Eric’s story is a testament to the incredible possibilities waiting for you in DFW.

Ready to take the next step? Explore career resources at sayyestodallas.com/college-to-career and discover why the Dallas Region is the perfect place to launch your future.

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Big Rob- My Dallas Story

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Meet Big Rob: Dallas’ Dynamic Community Champion

By day, he’s crunching numbers as an accountant for the Dallas Cowboys. By night, he’s bringing the energy courtside as a Dallas Mavs ManiAAC. But Big Rob’s impact doesn’t stop there. With his infectious enthusiasm and dedication to giving back, Rob Maiden, better known as “Big Rob,” is the embodiment of passion and community spirit.

In this two-part #MyDallasStory, we dive into the life of Big Rob to uncover what drives his love for the Dallas Region. From the excitement of game days to his efforts to uplift the community, Big Rob’s story is a testament to the heart and soul of DFW. Get ready to be inspired by the man who balances spreadsheets by day and high-energy dance moves by night—proving that you can truly have it all in the Dallas Region.

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