We’ve highlighted responses from some of the brightest and most talented artists, creatives, and entrepreneurs in the community below.

Hollon Beasley

I believe everyone should seek out a mentor in their life. My mentor, Rachel Romero is my hero. She has taught me how to always play and explore as an adult. When we grow old the world starts to harden us by other people’s expectations, finances, etc. We lose our freedom when we give up play and creativity for the sake of money or other’s comfortability. Rachel has influenced the way I love myself. She showed me that it is important to love yourself fully, even the darkness in you. It all plays a part and it matters. I broke free of religious trauma from this lesson. She taught me all of this by example, not just words. Read more>>

Jennie Neu-Sipkay

My father is the most caring, strongest & thoughtful person I’ve ever met. He taught me how to be a successful business owner leading by example. As a small child, I watched and went to work with my dad as he juggled our chaotic home life with keeping us safe & having money coming in for the necessities. We were never without. He would get up every morning, super early, to take care of business throughout my whole young life, on his own and made a great living. I salute my father for the greatness that he is. Read more>>

Julie Burke

When I first looked at this question, I had two people in mind (who I will write about below) & then immediately thought to myself, “what exactly IS a hero?” Naturally, I googled the word hero and was greeted with this definition: “a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities”-which confirmed who I most admire and who I would say my heroes are. The first person that came to mind is Fred Rogers…you know, the one from Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. I don’t doubt that I watched Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, but it wasn’t until 2018 that I really understood what a wonderful, special human he was.  Read more>>

Shawneda Crout

My foster Dad is my hero. He taught me to keep my word, love myself, and work hard to achieve my goals. His words of wisdom shaped a great deal of the ethics, morals, and work values that guide the career, business, and story decisions for the books I publish. Before it was popular he was “side hustling” and you couldn’t come around him without learning something that made you want to be a better you. Read more>>

Jessica Priest

I don’t know if I have exactly one hero. The genuine truth is I find my heroes all of the time while shooting and going about regular life. During a portrait session I run into a lot of parents that expect their children to behave a certain way. I see a hero when I see a parent that focuses less on tamping down their child’s energy and more on experiencing joy along with them, in whatever way that child might experience joy best. I see a hero when I work with a bride or groom who spend their entire wedding day exuding gratitude to all of their guests for celebrating with them. When I see a groom take time from all of the drinks and slaps on the back at the reception to squat down and make a shy little kindergarten sized guest smile. Read more>>

David Kuhn

My father is my hero. He was a simple man who did extraordinary things. Not extraordinary by societyies standards but extraordinary by Gods, family/friends, and anybody that came in contact with him standards. I learned so many lessons from him by simply watching his actions not necessarily things he tried to teach me. Read more>>

Frederick Lash II

One of my biggest inspirations would have to be my twin sister. Ever since she was a little kid she always knew she wanted to be an artist; in any way possible. Obviously this came with a lot of black-lash from outside influences whom would suggest she go for something “safe” or “reliable”. She stood tall and followed her passions which have taken her into some amazing places. She has worked or a number of big companies like Netflix, Marvel, Amazon, Cartoon Network, Nickelodeon etc. All because she found something she was passionate about and drowned herself in it. Read more>>

Viri Maldonado

My parents are my heroes. Both of my parents immigrated to The United States from Mexico. They both had an elementary school education. My dad is the oldest of 12 therefore was taught to work to help his family to survive. While my mother, being a middle child, was told that education would never teach her how to be a good house wife. The best thing they both did for their future was leave their country to find something better. Read more>>

Dwayne Kidd

My hero is my grandmother Paulene Kidd. She was a very strong minded woman and very smart she show me how to stand on my own 2 feet and be a man. I love how she love everyone no matter what you did are who you was she respected you on how you present yourself to her … She encouraged me to always be myself and always believe in me and my business’s. I will have never had a business is it wasn’t for her. She help me with my 1st business that was a janitorial company that was open for two years and a half and then a Catering company that been open 16 year! Because of here blessing in me I have had a opportunity, to see world cooking for people all over the world. Read more>>

Karen Vargas

My hero is, and has always been, my mom. She has been my rock and role model growing up. As a child, I admired her for her strength; as an adult, I now see so much further than her incredible strength. I see her resilience and her relentless attitude to be grateful for what we have at any given time. She was the first one to help me believe in something bigger for my future. She was the one who always taught me that so long as you work hard, there is nothing that cannot be accomplished. I am grateful for the gift of confidence she instilled in me. Looking back, I see how so many of my biggest life accomplishments have her teachings written all over them. Read more>>

Lea Hartsfield

My mom is my hero, my best friend, my idol. My mom has never stopped supporting me in absolutely everything in my life. When making any decision, my first call is my mom. She always gives the best advice and helps me weigh pros and cons. When I was 18, I worked for the same company as my mom. Everyday when my mom would walk out of her office, everyone who she spoke to along the way was left with the biggest smile. She has truly created so many amazing relationships, not only at her work but in her personal life as well. Seeing that, I knew I wanted to be just like her. Read more>>

Salina Tewelde

In received a diagnosis of malignant melanoma (skin cancer) in 2016 and began a centering self-care routine that focused on skincare. I studied healing botanicals traditionally used by my Eritrean ancestors and was introduced to me by my grandmother. I integrated natural ingredients and practices into my daily skincare regimen and adopted a more holistic lifestyle including prayer. Read more>>

Deyanira Galvan

As a daughter of immigrants , I can honestly say my parents are my hero’s! Starting with my dad , he left his home in Guatemala at the young age of 14! he ventured out on his own to try and have a better life. He was 16 working the farm lands in Mexico and doing odd jobs until he was able to cross over to the US. Growing up I didn’t see him much because he worked 2-3 jobs at a time so that we would always have clothes and food on our table. I could probably count on one had the times he ever called in sick or missed a day. Tired , sick, and probably some sleepless nights but he made it happen. His motto is that you rest when you die , until then you keep grinding! Read more>>

Jaquelyn LaVictoire

My dad, because he has always been a great example of how to balance a strong work ethic while being dedicated to your family, how to be resilient and how to have fun. I grew up on a farm in central Wisconsin and I was my dad’s shadow while he worked. I watched everything he did and saw how he committed fully to his work during the day and when he was done, he was 100% committed to our family. He coached baseball, rode horses, helped with school and so much more. Read more>>