Reporter Tuyen Hoang asked workers in the 109 to share their hidden passions, and here's what she discovered.
Mark Lunde
Neighborhood: Cross Creek Ranch
Job: Mixologist
Where: Fruitealicious
Secret passion: "Just helping people around me… it’s about shifting perspectives and making people the greatest versions of themselves."
Lorena Hernandez
Neighborhood: Burleson
Job: Server
Where: Café Brazil
Secret passion: " I like to live life every day like it’s the last day of my life and thank God for what he’s given me every day."
Hernandez said she likes to take care of her kids, her husband and her job and loves what she does.
"It doesn’t matter if it’s a big day or just a regular day," she said.
Melissa Brock
Neighborhood: Aledo
Job: Manager
Where: TCU Florist
Secret passion: "Our passion here is making people happy with flowers whether it’s events, birthday or get well. Just trying to brighten people’s days."
Francisca Jimenez
Neighborhood: Near Southside
Job: Starbucks barista
Where: Starbucks kiosk located inside Kroger
Secret passion: "I really like cosmetology and after working here, I want to study cosmetology so I can do makeup or hair."
Ernest Howard
Neighborhood: East Rosedale
Job: Stocker
Where: Kroger
Secret passion: "Make a lot of money, start my own business and have a family."
James Vanek
Neighborhood: Loftvue
Job: Sales
Where: Radioshack
Secret passion: "Electronics, that’s why I work here."
Jasmine Turner
Neighborhood: Crowley
Job: Cashier
Where: CVS
Secret passion: "I really like to travel."
Bob Goode
Neighborhood: Historic Fairmount
Job: Manager
Where: TCU Printing and Copying/Frog Prints
Secret passion: "Pittsburgh Steelers football. It really gets me going."
Ashley Thaxton
Neighborhood: Berkeley Place
Job: Manager
Where: Dirty Laundry Boutique
Secret passion:
"My secret passion is actually medicine. I’m at the boutique right now but actually going to school next year starting for my BSN [Bachelor of Science in Nursing]. It’s a very different field than I’m doing right now, but I’m really excited about it."
Lincoln Forehand
Neighborhood: South University Drive
Job: Bartender
Where: Buffalo Bros
Secret passion: "I like writings. I guess journalistic, fiction or nonfiction."
Gerard Daily
Neighborhood: Westcreek
Job: Clerk
Where: Record Town
Secret passion: Music
Gregory Pfaff
Neighborhood: Pembroke
Job: Salesman
Where: Flash the University Store
Secret passion: "My secret passion is race car driving."
Gerardo Arenas
Neighborhood: Northside
Job: Lead Snob
Where: Pizza Snob
Secret passion: Helping kids find God within themselves and finding themselves to inspire doing something greater.
Natalie Simpson
Neighborhood: Southwest side
Job: Cashier
Where: Kroger
Secret passion: "My kids and my grandbaby. They push me a little harder every day."
