Over the years as we connected with incredible from folks from almost every imaginable industry we realized that every nook and cranny of our economy is full of small business owners, artists and creatives who live and breathe what they do – and their stories are nothing short of heroic. It’s the immigrant parents who overcame the odds and kept their small business alive for decades allowing their next generation to thrive and the artisans who pour their passion into every piece and refuse to let even the most common items remain mundane that make our communities come alive. The stories below will inspire you and we hope you’ll take the time to read and connect with these incredible folks.

Jeremiah BOWTIE Woods

When I first started my own practice, I jumped in headfirst with passion… and not nearly enough planning. My biggest mistake? Quitting my job too fast. I didn’t realize that your current paycheck can actually act like your first investor. It gives you space to build without stressing over survival. Because I didn’t have that cushion, I had to master storytelling. Read more>>

Izumi Asura Serra

My holistic wellness path started as a massage therapist 21 years ago. I was very lucky to learn from several teachers with great skills and knowledge. I started working at a day spa after finishing my first massage schooling; however, there were so many different modalities that I was able to learn to meet the demands of various clients. Read more>>

Jessica Dorsey

One of the most heartwarming moments in my career happened during one of my BADD Girl retreats. A woman arrived carrying years of emotional weight; grief, burnout, and feeling unseen. During our “Sacred Release” session, where I combine prayer, energy healing, and prophetic counseling, she finally allowed herself to let go. Read more>>

Javion Whetstone

There’s a story I carry with me—one that began long before I ever had a title like life coach, doula, or leader. It started when I was a 15-year-old girl who had to grow up faster than she was ready for. I became a wife and a mother before I learned who I was. I survived abuse, rejection, and years of feeling unseen. Read more>>

Rochelle Sunglao

After graduating high school, I spent a few years at San Diego State University. I was in pursuit of a double major and finally hitting some of my upper division classes when I decided to leave. My plan at the time was to do field research with a background in economics and anthropology. Read more>>

Ja’Net Adams

It was in college and I was being interviewed for an internship that I would eventually get. Read more>>

Susan Herson, MD

I spoke tonight at Cornell University to Rho Psi sorority about several U-turns on the path to becoming a physician and then an entrepreneur. The first was a change in major. I was a student of Industrial and Labor Relations and graduated with honors but my last 3 credits were the completion of an Emergency medical Technician EMT) certificate. Read more>>

Tiana Phenix

Absolutely — my entire business model diverges from the industry standard, and that’s intentional. B Unlimited Creative doesn’t operate like a traditional branding agency or consulting firm. Most agencies focus on visuals, campaigns, or short-term performance. My work is rooted in identity, governance, legacy, and structural transformation — the things that make a business sustainable for decades, not just seasons. Read more>>

Samantha Thornhill

Samantha Speaks, my writing and intuitive healing consulting company, stands on the frontier of holistic healing for aspirants of their own liberation and expansion. Read more>>

Tatiane Silva

I always had the goal of having my own firm, but after graduating from law school, I thought it was important to first get some real life experience in the field before I did that. Read more>>

Cassandra Davis

Usually at the end of every year, I gift something special for my clients just to say thank you for booking and allowing me the opportunity to capture their special occasion or event. I love photography and the fact that my clients, most of who are repeat clients, choose to do business with me, makes me very appreciative of them. Read more>>

Bridget Francis

One of the most meaningful ways we’ve shown customer appreciation is through our annual tradition of gifting our top customers a significant-value gift card. It’s our way of saying, ‘We see you, we appreciate you, and we’re grateful that you trust B Luxury Essentials to protect your family.’ The reaction is always the same—surprise, gratitude, and a genuine sense of being valued. Read more>>

Darren Stewart

Melissa Krause hands down receives this award. While many individuals in the fitness industry excel at the technical aspects of training, few possess strong business acumen. Melissa took me under her wing, teaching me essential skills in organization and business management. The professionalism she instilled in me was instrumental in carrying me to where I am today. Read more>>

Tiffany Green-Williams

My mission with Style By Tipp is to help people use style as a form of self-care, confidence, and authentic brand expression. I believe style is one of the most accessible ways to reconnect with yourself, especially in seasons of transition or uncertainty. Read more>>

Cheryl Kraus

Some of the most unexpected challenges I’ve faced have had nothing to do with food and everything to do with the realities of running a business—managing facilities, handling refrigeration and equipment failures, navigating growth at different stages, and even adjusting to how often people want to hear my personal story which I struggle to open up and share. Read more>>

Chrissy Bernal

One of the most unexpected challenges in my business came after I was thrust into the global spotlight because of my identical twins. Their story spread worldwide in a matter of days. It was the first time I saw how fast visibility can escalate and how unprepared most people are when it arrives. Read more>>

Sarah Coco

I believe honest is kind! I had an executive of my company who was an incredible advocate for me in my career growth. I had been working and exceeding expectations in my previous role, and I was expecting that my work would speak for itself and propel me to a promotion. I waited and waited. Read more>>

Julie Burke

When I think about what kind things people have done for me, I’m grateful to have access to many instances where people I know, love, and trust have been kind (which feels like an understatement…more than generous, in fact, to help me out). Read more>>