In our experience, talking about legacy is often subtly discouraged by society and we find this to be deeply unfortunate. Thinking about the legacy you would like to build can help you better align your work, life, time – your sweat and tears – with your values. Below, we’ve tried to create a space for folks to start conversations about they legacies they are hoping to build.

Adriana Carbajal

This is a big question that I’m going to force myself to answer, because I’ve been thinking about legacies and the mark we leave on the world and in our communities a lot lately. My hope is to build a legacy based on authenticity and empowerment. In my photography, I get to help tell vibrant stories of humanity – whether it be through portraits or a professional wrestling event. I want to meet people where they are at in that moment in time and help them tell their own story so that they can look back and have a sense of pride in who they were and who they are becoming.  Read more>>

Autumn Blackmon

I’m hoping to build a legacy of generational wealth something that my ancestors could have only dreamed of. I hope that my legacy will be one that my grandchildren’s great grandchildren will enjoy researching learning about what I was able to accomplish and hopefully how I was able to put everyone after me in a position to live a lucrative life. I think that when I’m gone people will have a lot of things to say about me maybe they’ll say I was ambitious or that I was bossy, opinionated, or humorous. What people won’t be able to say that I was not dedicated to my family, my business and being a person with integrity. Read more>>

Sherri Cobb

I am actively building my legacy as a fine artist and philanthropist with a deep commitment to capturing the essence of cultural heritage and the human experience through my dynamic and powerful art. Rooted in abstract expressionism, my paintings blend celestial and physical elements to create a unique visual language that reflects both the divine and the human spirit. While I am already devoted to honoring Native American history, my vision extends further—to establish a significant philanthropic endeavor in the coming years focused on supporting Indigenous communities, particularly women and children. My goal is to leave behind not just a body of art, but a lasting impact on cultural preservation and social equity. Read more>>

Wendy Knipp

I hope to build a legacy of breaking the generational cycle of dysfunction and creating a foundation of healthy boundaries and trust. Growing up, I wasn’t taught the importance of boundaries, which led me to let everyone into my inner circle. This often resulted in confusion and heartbreak, as I shared too much information and faced betrayal. Over time, I learned that not everyone should be trusted implicitly and that boundaries are essential for healthy relationships. Read more>>

Edrick Hamilton

This is a tough question because I’ve never thought about my legacy before. I just want to be a legacy that someone can follow. When I know what needs to be done, I just do it. I don’t do what I do just to leave a name for myself. My faith, family, and community give my life its forward driven purpose. The giving of my time, effort, known knowledge, and experiences is what I want to be remembered for. Our youth are our future, and I will sacrifice my lifetime to ensure that they are given the best mentorship possible to succeed successfully. Read more>>

Tyler Kinert

When I started Lost in the Trees Media back in 2018-19, it truly was all about my passion for photography and filmmaking. When I was a little kid, I was always stealing my parents camera or huge shoulder held video camera. Going out making funny videos or trying to film our our horror movies. That passion has not faded. So when I started Lost in the Trees Media, I had another full time job, so I was not worried about the money aspect of it at all. When I started working full time as a photographer and video creator in 2020, I kept in mind that I was still doing it for my passion and love of it. And if I ever feel like I am now doing this for money, that is when I need to stop. Now in 2024, I have never once felt like that and I am so happy to say that. Read more>>

Crystal Johnson

I want to people to remember me as a woman who overcame tremendous challenges and carved her own path even in, especially in, the face of adversity. I want to help change the game for young women and open their eyes to believing in themselves, seeing that anything is possible for them, encouraging them to dream even bigger than their wildest dreams, and that they don’t have to settle for the “status quo” or anything else society has taught them they must accept for themselves. I want women to know that they are the author of their own story – no one else. Read more>>

Christopher Smith

25 years from now i want to be known as one of the best recording engineer in Michigan. Ive been working hard, building up my resume by working with some of the most elite artist in the state and country. In the process i’ve reach the billboard charts three times and i’m hoping to chart a thousand more times. I think that i have only scratched the surface in my career, I want people to look at my discography and be amazed at the amount of work that i’ve done. Hopefully the audio nerds out there will listen to my work and appreciate my different style and techniques that i used when i mix. I hope that my legacy will inspire young engineers to break the norms and test the boundaries when it comes to mixing, because i think thats the only way to truly find your own style. Read more>>

Bella Arroyo

“My legacy, I hope, will be one where people remember the importance of self-care, the power of love, and the understanding that everyone is navigating their own challenges, both good and bad. Skincare is more than just a routine; it’s an essential practice to care for the largest organ of our body, allowing us to age gracefully and with dignity.” Read more>>

Kandace Lu

I hope my legacy is one of joy, connection, and dedication, reflected through my event planning company that I started for my children. I aim to be remembered as someone who created memorable experiences and brought people together with passion and integrity. Beyond the success of the business, I want my children to see the value of hard work and commitment, and for others to recall how our events exceeded expectations and made a positive impact on their lives. I also hope to inspire others to believe in their dreams and take action—if you believe in something, do it; you’ll never know until you try. Ultimately, I want my legacy to be a testament to meaningful connections and the example of perseverance and generosity I strived to set. Read more>>