Everyday we meet business owners, professionals, artists and creatives. Photographers, florists, realtors and more. They might come from different backgrounds, work in different industries, have varying personalities, and have vastly different income and educational profiles, but the one thing we’ve seen over and over again is that most people have a unique and special reason for why they do what they do. From a realtor helping families afford the first home he always wished for as a kid to a photographer using her skills to give a voice and face to victims who feel voiceless, we have been blown away by what happens when you just ask people a simple question – why do you do what you do?

Jordan Gutierrez

Our story begins with our own dogs—our family. We started Native Raw Eats because we were determined to find a solution to the health struggles our fur babies faced. Traditional diets weren’t working, and it became clear that nutrition was the key to giving them a better quality of life. After transitioning to a raw diet, the changes were undeniable—health improvements, more energy, and longer, happier lives. Read more>>

Sarah Briginshaw

Having grown up in South Africa and having a deep love for Africa and all its deep cultural roots I have a desire to support and showcase the incredible product and design that is being created in South Africa. My desire is to showcase the incredible talent of the South African people to the world. Read more>>

Jaynard Carter

When I reflect on my immigration journey, one thought consistently resonates: If only I had known then what I know now. Navigating the immigration process was a daunting, confusing, and often overwhelming experience. The lack of guidance and accessible information left me feeling lost, vulnerable, and uncertain about my future. It was in those moments of uncertainty that the seeds of my mission were planted. Read more>>

Aleya Zenieris

I am the co-creator of a serial zine called Heard. We’re a culinary anthology zine that features individuals across the food space and gives them a space to gather, to listen, and to be heard. My co-creator, Codii, and I met while working for Buzzfeed’s food brand, Tasty. She was a culinary producer and I was a video producer. Fast forward a few years, we both are working at different places and missing what it felt like to find food inspiring again. We missed the creative zest we used to have for this space and decided we should change that. We came up with the idea of Heard. during some of the hardest times we had both gone through and found that working on it was a beacon of light and joy for us. Read more>>

Luke Kania

Our mission at LENZ Sports Group is to provide families with a tremendous experience in youth sports. We do this by being a one-stop-shop for sports organizations, helping in three key areas.

The first area is marketing / brand management consulting, to help better connect these organizations with their audience and be easily discoverable by families that would be a great fit. The second area is merchandising. The merchandising process can be a pain for coaches and organization leaders. We want coaches to focus on coaching the youth athletes, while we deal with the process of outfitting a team with fully custom uniforms and athletic apparel. Read more>>

Blair Speed

The mission of my company and the responsibility of a photographer, in my opinion, is to gift back images to a client where they feel fully seen. I believe the interaction of a photographer and subject is a Venn Diagram of souls and the images captured is the liminal space shared between the two: the place where the spirits meet is when the camera clicks. When someone looks at an image I’ve taken of them, I never want them to shrink, I want them to naturally and effortlessly stand taller, feel confident, and to know they were seen. I want them to feel celebrated. Read more>>

Danielle Carter

I started Sketch Lite Photography & Art Studio LLC because I wanted to create an environment where disabled people could come and get services from someone who was just like them and understood what they go through. I wanted to stop the stigma that says disabled people can’t do things, because we can and will! My journey has evolved over time, and I’ve had some very memorable experiences while pursuing this mission. An example of this would be when my significant other offered to help me pursue this goal by going back to school and getting my Associate’s Degree in Business Administration in Arts as well as my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management, and now I am obtaining my Master’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. Read more>>

Stephen Preuss

The current market for used electronics is plagued by online fraud, data breaches, and the risk
of purchasing stolen or defective items. Online transactions often involve dealing with
strangers and lack the security and reliability of in-person interactions.
PayMore® Stores has emerged as a secure, local destination, overcoming these challenges
with its innovative and out-of-the-box approach. It’s a place where individuals can buy, sell,
trade, or recycle their old electronic devices for cash. Read more>>

Sarah Fishbein

As an artist, I bring over 25 years of experience in several creative fields. As well as my work in mosaics, I also co-own and operate a video production company with my husband. Throughout my career, I’ve been a strong female leader working in male-dominated fields. I’ve had to work harder, prove myself repeatedly, and fight for every bit of success and recognition. Read more>>