HOME Travel Guide Common Sense Travel
decorative font style
    Travel >> Holiday Travel >  >> Travel Notes

Inside Dallas: Lisa Willis Shares Her Jewelry Journey and Favorite City Spots

Welcome to Deep in the Heart of Dallas! In our new series we spotlight the vibrant Dallas Black community, following local creatives around the city to uncover their favorite spots, culinary treasures, and the inspiration that fuels their work. Today we feature Lisa Willis, a talented jewelry maker whose love for Dallas runs deep.

Inside Dallas: Lisa Willis Shares Her Jewelry Journey and Favorite City Spots

From St. Paul to Dallas: Lisa’s Journey

Born and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, Lisa’s Midwest roots remain strong, but her affection for Dallas has only grown stronger. After a childhood move to Grand Prairie and a stint in Arizona, she spent four years in Dubai as a flight attendant. During that time she kept returning to Dallas to visit family, a rhythm that reinforced her connection to the city.

In 2019, Lisa returned to Dallas full‑time and reignited her passion for jewelry making—a hobby she had begun before her overseas adventure. She launched Small Talk, a handmade jewelry line that transforms clay into ultra‑lightweight, wearable art featuring unique patterns and color blends. Instagram became the platform that helped her build a thriving community and grow the brand.

Inside Dallas: Lisa Willis Shares Her Jewelry Journey and Favorite City Spots

What Makes Dallas Feel Like Home

For Lisa, it’s the people. “Every time I come back, there’s a warmth in the air—Southern hospitality, smiles that’re returned instantly—that’s rare elsewhere,” she says.

A Perfect Day in Dallas

Lisa and her partner reside in Downtown Dallas, near the AT&T Discovery District. Their routine starts with a coffee (and possibly a breakfast taco) at Rise & Thyme, followed by a stroll through one of the many parks within five miles. A short walk later, they might explore the Sixth Floor Museum or simply enjoy the vibrant cityscape.

Favorite Eats

Grimaldi’s Pizza is Lisa’s top pick—“a chain that feels personal”—especially the Uptown location. She also loves Ka Thai in Knox/Henderson for its authentic Thai flavors. Though they cook at home, they occasionally take out from Grimaldi’s or Ka Thai.

Weekend Vibes

On a relaxed afternoon, Lisa is usually downtown or at home, working at her desk. She loves the Bishop Arts District for its record store, Spinster Records, which was among the first to carry her jewelry.

Welcoming Out‑of‑Towners

Klyde Warren Park offers stunning city views, food trucks, and proximity to the Dallas Museum of Art—a perfect spot for visitors.

Memorable Moments

In 2019, Lisa hosted “Vegans After Dark,” a night of food, drinks, a DJ, and creative showcases that united local small‑business owners.

Looking Ahead

Lisa is optimistic about 2021, eager to see venues open again and to make the most of the renewed momentum.

Want to see more of Lisa’s work? Follow her on Instagram: @makesmalltalk.

Travel Notes
  • -

    Pack your bags and head to Dallas—your next adventure awaits. The Dallas CityPASS booklet gives you discounted entry to five of the city’s premier attractions, making it simple to craft the ideal summer escape. Each venue features special summer exhibits, ensuring fun for guests of all ages. Dallas Zoo Catch the Dino‑mite exhibit this summer, where the zoo transforms into a prehistoric jungle with over two dozen dinosaurs waiting to be discovered. Hunt for fossils in the Dino Dig Zone, solve din

  • -

    Valentine’s Day is more than a romantic celebration—it’s a perfect opportunity to share joy and connection with the whole family. Below are family‑focused activities that promise fun for every age.Enjoy a Picnic at the Dallas ArboretumThe Dallas Arboretum offers one of Dallas’s most picturesque picnic spots, surrounded by vibrant floral displays. Bring a homemade lunch or pick up treats from the Cafe on the Green, and let children explore the lawns while parents unwind amid nature. Admission is

  • Crossing the Chile-Argentina Border: Cyclists Face Swampy Challenges

    “We’ll have to cycle through at least one swamp” announced Tim, suddenly self-satisfied. The three of us frowned whilst we mulled over the prospect of the impending challenge. We had only scraps of information about the remote Patagonian border crossing between Chile and Argentina, most was rumour and hearsay gleaned from other cyclists who had braved the passage before us and whom we all suspected had toyed with the truth by weaving exaggerated tales of hardship. But in amongst the hyperbole