Jessica Gray

age: 35 | Instructor and Owner of TXK Yoga | Hairstylist at Shear Country

While Jessica Gray loves the connections that she has built while doing hair for the past 13 years, she felt led to branch out so she cut her time back in the salon and bought Texarkana Yoga. Never in a million years did Jessica think that God would lead her to this position, but she is so grateful to be the one to fill the previous owners’ shoes.  She explains, “Teaching yoga is not only fun but very rewarding. I love to love, and the studio allows me to do just that.  Texarkana Yoga has been special to me, along with many others, for several years.”

Jessica and her husband, Rocky, have been married for 15 years.  Together, they have worked hard to create a happy life for their children, Luke (14) and Everleigh (11).  They love spending time together as a family.  “Laughter is truly the best medicine,” Jessica responds.  “Even though I teach yoga, I also enjoy having my own private practice, too.  I also enjoy going for a hike, and like most women, I love to shop.  Traveling is definitely on the list of things that I enjoy, as well.”

 While Jessica loves to support local schools, businesses, and nonprofit organizations with donations for their causes through TXK Yoga, she also has a special place in her heart for those who are homeless.  She collects toiletry items and other personal items to donate to the Randy Sams’ Shelter; this winter, she plans to collect coats, blankets, and other items for the shelter.

Since she loves teaching yoga, in the future, Jessica sees herself phasing out of the hair business and focusing all of her attention on the yoga studio.  

Best piece of advice:

“Everything will be okay; it will always work out as it should.” –Patricia Launius, Jessica’s grandmother

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I have a 10-year-old cat that is named Kitty Kitty Meow Meow. He is the best kitty in town.”

Nick Mudford

age: 38 | Equipment Operator/Forester | Slam’n Timber Management

Nick Mudford manages a logging company with his two younger siblings. Slam’n Timber Management buys and harvests timber with the hopes of continuing the management of the timber throughout its lifetime. Nick takes a lot of pride in his job and really focuses on the future management of the timber so that it can benefit the land and the landowner as much as possible. 

“I have been on tractors and other heavy equipment long before I ever even had a driver’s license. Hard work was bred into me, and I spent summers and weekends when I was younger as an extra skidder operator or doing odd jobs around the farm,” he describes.  “Now I can run every piece of equipment we own, I manage multiple crews, and negotiate timber deals. I recently began buying timber, which is a different aspect within our business.  So far, the deals I have made have been profitable for the landowner and for our business which is saying a lot in such fluctuating times in our industry.  In the logging community, I have made a name for myself on my timber management abilities.  It gives me a lot of pride when someone takes notice and appreciates the work I do.” 

Nick and his wife, Shanna, have boy/girl 14-year-old twins, Kye and Kami, and another daughter, Maggie, who is 7 years old.  They are proud of their children and have raised them to be God-fearing, kind, respectable, and hardworking.  

Singing in front of a crowd is Nick’s greatest personal accomplishment.  He explains, “If you would have asked me 15 years ago if I would ever sing in front of a church congregation, I would have laughed at you.  Through God, I was able to tackle my fear and now have been honored to be on multiple worship teams and lead a worship team. I thank God for the gift that He gave me, and it feels good to really know I am using it for God’s glory.”

Through his company, Nick has been able to help Habitat for Humanity and the Greater Texarkana Young Professionals with the “Nail A Stud” program, even earning an Honorable Mention for his company in the Stud Muffin Category. He has also been honored to help sponsor Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, a Texarkana area outreach for NICU families.  Active in his church’s youth group and worship program, Nick has been the leader of multiple church youth groups in the community and truly finds working with youth in a Christ-centered environment is where his soul feels fulfilled.

Best piece of advice:

“Always remember to say your prayers.” – Dolores Mudford, Nick’s grandmother

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I used to ‘make’ cookies when I was young. I would pick the cookie dough out of cookie dough ice cream, lick the ice cream off, then bake the dough. My siblings were fans until I told them how I made them.”

Nick Cockerell, DDS

age: 27 | Dentist | Pleasant Grove Family Dentistry

“Dentistry is something that requires trust.  When a patient comes in, they need to be able to have full trust in their dentist,” explains Dr. Nick Cockerell.  “I enjoy helping patients overcome their dental anxieties, while also relieving their pain from a toothache.  My goal is to make a patient’s visit as pleasant and comfortable as possible.”

Graduating from Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas (formerly Baylor College of Dentistry) is Nick’s greatest professional accomplishment.  Since he and his wife, Collins, just moved back to Texarkana, they are eager to find ways to be active in the Texarkana community, volunteering in any way they can to give back to the community that raised them.  Since Collins is employed by the Alzheimer’s Alliance, they enjoy helping out with the Twice as Fine Texarkana Wine Festival, and they have always made it a point to attend Clay’s Golf and Guitars every year.  

While growing up, Nick knew the importance of finding someone to call his better half.  “Thank the Lord, I can honestly say being married to my best friend, Collins, is my best personal accomplishment,” he admits.  “She makes life fun!”

In his spare time, Nick enjoys hunting, fishing, traveling, spending time with friends and family, cooking/grilling, and going to church.  He also loves watching sports ... from the local high school level to the Arkansas Razorbacks to the Dallas Cowboys.  

Nick concludes, “Lord willing, 10 years from now, I see myself continuing to learn as much as I can about dentistry to better the Texarkana community and helping my wife raise a few children.  Oh, and of course, I plan to have a few big deer hanging on the wall.”

Best piece of advice:

“The choices you make today will affect you tomorrow.” — Greg Cockerell, Nick’s father

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I once ran a track meet for Pleasant Grove. I was the second leg of the men’s 4x100m relay. However, the title of the relay was, ‘The Big Boy or Honey Bun Relay.’ No one during the race was gifted as a sprinter, which made it a very entertaining event to watch.”

Jennifer Lewis

age: 33 | Nonprofit CEO | Texarkana Resources for the Disabled, Inc.

Jennifer Lewis advocates for people with disabilities in all ways.  She has always had a strong passion for advocacy and helping people whose voice is silenced to speak up for themselves.  “People with disabilities are still largely discriminated against and underrepresented in all facets of life,” she explains. “That just makes me want to keep doing what I am doing and fighting the important fight for those with disabilities to have equal rights, choices, and access.”

Securing an internship on Capitol Hill working for a Congresswoman during her undergrad is Jennifer’s greatest professional accomplishment.  That experience showed her how much she loved Washington, D.C., and gave her the courage to move back there a few years later. That experience led to her earning a scholarship to attend The George Washington University to obtain a master’s degree. 

Married to Trey, the Lewises have a daughter, Lily, and a son, Wyatt.  Settling down and having a family is Jennifer’s greatest personal achievement. “I know that might seem strange to some as an accomplishment, but I was very ‘free-spirited’ until I met my husband,” she admits. “He keeps me grounded and supports me everyday and because of that we have built a beautiful family, and I am so thankful for the personal risks I took to get me here.” 

Jennifer is a member and serves on the board of directors for the Kiwanis Club of Texarkana. She also participates in all the activities through the club to help children in our community. She has also served as co-chair for the United Way of Greater Texarkana Stuff the Bus Program the last two years where she helps promote, raise funds, and organize the distribution of backpacks to area schools to help children in need start the school year. “I have a soft spot for helping the children in our community get the resources and support they need and the organizations I volunteer with help aid in that,” she explains.

In 10 years’ time, Jennifer still sees herself working at Texarkana Resources for the Disabled, bringing new programs and resources to help in the community for people with disabilities. She hopes to better educate the Texarkana community about people with disabilities through new channels. She jokes, “Since my kids are only 2 and 4 now, I am sure that in 10 years, I will also be one of the crazy PTA moms, organizing bake sales or something.”

Best piece of advice:

“Just be honest with yourself, and do what you know is right in your heart.” —Karen Lindsey-Macdonald, Jennifer’s mentor and friend

Name something about you that very few people know:

“I moved to Foreman, Arkansas, after meeting my now husband at a wedding in Ashdown while I was living in D.C. I had only known him for three months and most of that communication was via Facetime. Seven years and two kids later ... here we are!”