Over the past few months we’ve reached out to members of the CanvasRebel community to dive deeper into their stories. We wanted to learn how they got to where they are today and we heard stories that will keep our inspiration cup full for a long time. Their stories, lessons and humor have lifted our spirits and we hope you’ll take a minute to check out the stories below.

Narelle Thomas

I have been a creative person since I was a child. I always have enjoyed expressing myself through writing. I’ve always drawn and made things by hand. I always enjoyed music and wanted to compose it so playing the piano, wanting to learn guitar and telling story through song had always been something I’ve appreciated. I’ve always loved reading and bringing characters to life, I naturally felt drawn to acting and the stage. I’ve always tried to gather people and put together “a show” I pretty quickly learned that not everyone is into the things I’m into and want to do. Some people want to sit down and enjoy life. Haha. Read more>>

Xintian Tina Wang

I started my journey in Hangzhou, China, where I often found myself pushing against cultural norms and expectations. From an early age, I had the urge to tell stories and challenge societal stereotypes, especially around gender roles. This led me to create a WeChat official account during high school, where I and a few friends produced articles and videos on timely topics. At 18, I moved to the U.S. to study, navigating a completely new cultural and linguistic environment. My undergraduate studies in advertising at Boston University laid a foundation for storytelling, though I knew my true passion was journalism. After earning my MS in journalism from Columbia University, I dove into the field, writing for outlets like TIME, HuffPost, VICE, and Teen Vogue, with a focus on underrepresented communities, cultural innovation, and breaking stereotypes. Read more>>

Eric Broser of B Built International

The beginning of my journey started when I was 16 years old and decided to begin lifting weights in order to feel better about myself and keep the bullies at bay. As my interest and knowledge increased in regard to the science of muscle building and physical transformation, I decided to begin training for competitions. Within just a few years I earned professional status (in a drug tested organization), which led the way towards becoming a personal trainer and coach to others who wished to showcase their physiques onstage. At this point I had become completely immersed in the bodybuilding/fitness industry and eventually expanded my horizons into other areas such as writing, modeling, seminars, gym ownership, and more. Read more>>

Stacey Shevlin

I’ll start by sharing that I’m still a newbie. I started my handcrafted wooden jewelry business last year, and I am very much still learning the ropes. I have a very varied background ranging from marketing to advertising to project management to acting, to commercial production and now jewelry making (I’m sure there’s a few paths I forgot to mention in there as well). I like to stay busy and learn new things :) I started out working with a friend in her established business then ventured off on my own. I always knew I wanted to work with wood in my designs and that was furthered due to my 2 home renovation projects, let me explain. My partner and I are renovating two homes top to bottom – full reno’s – it’s a serious undertaking and harder than I was prepared for — but we’re moving ahead and the end is in sight. From these renovations I have been left with a lot of scrap wood that I use to repurpose into jewelry. I really wanted to make stand out pieces that draw attention and put the wearer in the limelight. I want the person wearing the jewelry to feel bold, in their power, grounded and connected to nature. Read more>>

Santa Living

Santa was born in 2019 with a clear purpose: to find freedom in interior design and create a world that reflects our values—a world that makes us happier. We started small, with a textile collection designed by us and made by local artisans. Today, Santa has grown into an international studio where we explore and play with interior design, creating products and transforming spaces. We like to call it “designing atmospheres.” The journey hasn’t been easy, but with perseverance and good decisions along the way, we’ve turned Santa Living into a reference in interior design. Read more>>

Lily Bailey’s Story

I was born with a physical disability that affects my balance and coordination, but not my cognition. I started using a wheelchair due to fatigue in fifth grade. I had a hard time figuring out where I fit in for a while. A teacher in seventh grade pushed me towards a leadership role, and it went well. When I was in high school, I was able to participate in the National Science Foundation’s 2021 annual convening and share my story. I got to advocate for people with disabilities in STEM and it felt like what I was meant to do. I am now a sophomore Community Leadership major at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and the President and Co-founder of the Disability Awareness Club on campus. I want to go into disability advocacy so I can help people like me access opportunities and feel a sense of belonging. Read more>>

Xi/chloe Hua’s Story

Being born in central China granted me the privilege of originating from a culture that has held the arts in high esteem for more than five millennia. My mentors were masters of their respective fields, possessing exceptional eloquence in visual languages and a wealth of technical vocabulary. On day one of my art classes, my mentor took away my eraser and said that “every stage of the transformation of an art piece should be honored and preserved, rather than being neglected and erased.” I held this teaching dearly to my heart as I moved deeper into my art journey. Read more>>

Seth Holmes

I started tattooing in 2013 after working in the tattoo industry beginning in 2009, with managing the front desk of a local tattoo shop and quickly learning to do body piercings from there. At that time, I was the singer of a metal band full-time. When that outfit disbanded in 2012, I knew that I had to do something quick in order to pay my bills. Since I had a passion for tattoos and tattoo culture since I was young, and having a great foot in the door with piercing & managing shops, I decided to dive head-first into the art side of the industry and move to a different shop in Pittsburgh. I didn’t stop drawing until I earned the opportunity to apprentice at the shop. Since then I have had an obsession with becoming the best tattooer I can be. Read more>>

Jeremy Mcguigan

I was the youngest of two boys born in Reno, NV. As a child, I was often described as a shy boy with a kind heart who always sought to make people laugh. Little did I know that this trait would eventually lead me to the entertainment industry. At 15, my friends and I decided to emulate my father and start a stage magic show. I pursued magic throughout high school, performing at Christmas parties and even selling out high school theaters for fundraisers. Despite frequent warnings to have a backup plan—since success in entertainment was rare—I was determined to follow my passion. Read more>>

Patrick Demarco

While I could serve out every colorful detail of my delightfully bizarre life, we could be here all damn day! However, I will say that my story truly begins each new day when I wake up and am feeling grateful to be here, just doing my thing! I strongly encourage anyone and everyone to adopt that mentality. Just being alive in this moment is the greatest opportunity we could ever ask for. We must own each second and keep visually writing our pages like our lives depend on it! Because they honestly do. Read more>>

Jenna Ragsdale

Hello! I am a published poet from Reading, Pennsylvania who has always been captivated by stories. My love for poetry took root at a young age when I discovered the beauty of finding meaning in seemingly small moments that are often overlooked in stories. I derive immense joy from the diverse interpretations, symbols, and ideas that different lines of poetry can evoke in people. Read more>>

Katey Hicks

My name is Katey Hicks and I am a content creator and the owner of KT Social Media + Marketing. My journey is still relatively new. In March of 2022, I signed on with my first Social Media client. From there, I turned a freelance side hobby, into a state registered business that will one year old in March of 2025. KT Social Media + Marketing works with small businesses and helps them with their online presence. I am the sole employee and help with social media platforms, website design, graphic design, email marketing, influencer marketing, and more. On the side, I do UGC Content Creator and am very active on almost social media platforms (lets connect – @kateymhicks) Read more>>

Stephany Ann

From Unpolished to Polished: The Journey to Becoming Magnificent “In the middle of chaos, I found the most brilliant, magnificent version of myself waiting to emerge.” My story is one of transformation—of moving from the depths of despair to embracing a life of purpose and empowerment. After enduring two deeply toxic marriages marked by narcissistic abuse, I found myself standing in the ruins of not just my relationships, but my sense of self. The breaking point came after Hurricane Ian, when the devastation of my Florida home became a physical manifestation of the wreckage within me. It was a moment of reckoning, and I knew that just as my home needed to be rebuilt from the ground up, so did I. Read more>>

Mel House

As a student, I heard poet, playwright and professor Amiri Baraka (also known as Leroy Jones) speak about the importance of becoming a producer in our own lives. Mr. Baraka explained that so many people educate their minds and then go out and beg others for work. He insisted that we choose to become the creators and producers of our lives, by taking the unique gifts and skills that our individual life experience has revealed to us and transforming that knowledge into art and businesses that serve others. Read more>>

Yobe Qiu of Book an Author

Yobe: I’ve always had an avid interest and stake in children’s education and development. Having studied Education at The New School, and Childcare Management at New York University, I was 100% committed and ready to give back to my community and help educate the new generations. I got a job as a preschool director right out of college. I learned so much during those years about what kind of person and educator I wanted to be, and I used those skills to open up my own schools and childcare centers. Throughout the first half of my career, one thing that became so apparent to me was the huge vacancy in schools for diverse books and stories. This gap is what led me to write my own children’s books, focusing on the diverse Asian American stories. Read more>>

Crystal C Martin-johnson

I started creating content when I was in high school (2008) and continued while I was in college (2012). I created strictly beauty content and highlighted my transition journey from relax to natural hair. I did swap videos with other beauty creators, and makeup videos as well. I stopped creating content due to various reasons. But in 2019, I started back creating content consistently and was determined to become a success. Read more>>

Dominic De Souza of LegendHaven

I was born on the north Island in New Zealand, with a mountain at the end of the road and a clear memory of causing havoc with a yellow bike and dog named Barney. I blinked, and was 9 years old in a country school in Fiji, thick with fascinating, faithful Indians and thin, active Fijian children. Everything was beaches and late night dinners, mango trees and mosquitors, and massive frogs that edged the smoky pit-fire cooking. I’d been homeschooled till that point, so this was a deepend dive into squealing busses and grim bus drivers and the crush of curry-scented sweat as we kids rattled shoulders on rough dirt roads. Read more>>

Johanna Griesé

I grew up in Long Island, and my family moved us to Florida after I graduated high school. While they remain in Florida (my parents and my brother), I moved to Brooklyn to pursue my acting career full time several years ago. I am a huge animal lover, and have one cat. In addition to being an actor, I also sing, and produce. My first play production was starring in the play “Proof,” directed by my mentor, Eugenie Bondurant. I also believe in artists helping to impact change, and am a member of SAG4ceasefire. The beach is my happy place, and my friends and family are the most important things to me. I’m an avid reader and also working on my writing. Read more>>

Brandon Mead’s Story

There’s this joke about young gay men and their emotional support English teachers. In middle school, I absolutely had one. My mom still has pictures of the first story I ever wrote, something about a cat that I’m certain was some form of Ugly Duckling fanfiction. But the first piece of nonfiction I remember was a persuasive essay I wrote in seventh grade. My teacher read it out loud to the class and added, “This is how you know someone is destined to be a writer.” Read more>>

Massiel Alfonso

My story starts off like many others—experiencing life and needing a place to release my thoughts. For me, journaling became my safe space, where I could freely express my most honest, vulnerable feelings without judgment. As I filled pages, I unknowingly began writing my own story, and over time, my confidence in both my writing and myself grew naturally. It wasn’t until I shared a poem with my friends that I realized I had a gift. Their excitement mirrored the same joy I felt when reading my work back to myself, affirming that this craft meant something deeper. Read more>>

Maria Tilkens

My journey began long before I opened Bubble Bar Boston. It started when I was young, trying to figure out who I was and where I fit in the world. I became a mother at a young age, and for the last 34 years, I dedicated myself wholeheartedly to raising my children. Being a mother has been one of the most fulfilling roles in my life, but at some point, I realized that I was losing a part of myself in the process. I was happy with my family—my spouse, my children—but I wasn’t living the life I was truly meant for. I had dreams and passions that had been pushed aside. Read more>>

Emma Medeiros of Medeiros Fashion Public Relations

Originally from Providence, RI, president Emma Medeiros received her degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Emerson College, located in Boston, MA, in May of 2012. Married that same summer to her best friend, Adam, she started a blog called Curves, Cats, and Creams, which focused on bridging the gap between straight size and plus size fashion. Emma explains “I’m so glad I had that journalistic experience because now I know how to pitch members of the press relevant, timely and, most importantly, truly newsworthy stories. I know how they want to be treated and I do my best to live up to that!” Read more>>

Chealsea Wierbonski of Confident, Healthy Leadership for Women by Chealsea W

My journey to becoming a Writer, Keynote Speaker, and Coach has been a long one that includes a lengthy career in tech and a lot of inner growth and personal transformation. I grew up in a small town in West Virginia and graduated from West Virginia University in 1995. At that time, tech hadn’t fully permeated into the main stream. The Internet hadn’t really taken off yet and having a computer in the home just wasn’t a common thing, especially in West Virginia, where many people live modest lives, especially then. So when I graduated from WVU, all I knew was that I wanted to leave the state to pursue a different life in a place where there was more opportunity. I had my heart set on a career in social justice or environmentalism, and so I moved to California. But I wanted to take a year off before I started working, so I moved to a ski resort town in Tahoe first to snowboard and work at ski resorts.  Read more>>

Dawn Gregory

My story within my journey began at a very young age. I loved words and also love writing. It gave me the perfect combination to writing stories and excelling within all the writing projects I had in school. I continue to write as I became older and having a Near Death Experience (NDE) opened up another space within me for poetry. The push to write was more and more apparent each and every day and the words would flood my mind and leading me to writing them down within a notebook. As the notebook grew then became the intrigue what will I do with these. I began to open them and read and at that point I knew that they were all poetry coming from within me. That is the day that I became a vessel scribing the words of life that flowed through me. That was also the day that my purpose showed itself to me without question. That is the day that I embraced the gift of writing and the birth of Dawnolgy began for me. Read more>>

Naikey Lenescat’s Story

My journey began with curiosity. As a creative, I always wondered how far I could take my career or passions, but it often felt out of reach. In 2017, I connected with my mentor, Fena Fenelon, and that changed everything. She not only showed me what was possible but also helped me carve out a path I never would have been able to envision on my own. Today, I run a successful creative agency for small businesses and have worked on personal creative projects that have connected me with incredible people—connections I never would have made if I hadn’t embarked on this journey. Read more>>

Suzannah Bozzone

I started on the physician track like so many- checking all the boxes, living the life expected to complete medical training. Along the way, personal injury, passion for art, music, and healthy living, along with a growing awareness that symptom-based treatment seemed to drive more illness broadened my curiosity. This paved my path towards practicing root-cause medicine. In the journey, I’ve given up benefits and dependable income, but I’m so much more fulfilled now practicing medicine and educating communities authentically, and expanding awareness of evidence-based Lifestyle Medicine. I’m now working as a partner with patients and workplaces to drive power and better understanding on how to live a lifestyle that fights disease rather than feeds it. Rather than throwing medications at a lifestyle-driven chronic disease epidemic, I now feel much more part of the solution. Read more>>

Catalina López

Ever since I can remember, I have had a special taste for experimenting with shapes, textures, and the smells of materials. I enjoyed creating spaces to play out the characters from our childhood games with whatever was around me. As time went by, exploration found fine motor skills, the example of which was the manual work of my mother and grandmothers. As a child, while I was in a space, I would redistribute objects, adopt a wardrobe and arrange lights that I would dress in colors with some translucent material, which would illuminate us when we sang and danced, I would compose and inhabit, as long as possible, those scenarios. I liked to classify and organize the materials that I found useful to express myself with my hands. I liked giving my grandfather’s typewriter a new use, and getting to have my own. Writing by hand at night, during my days. Read more>>

Yae Seul Kim

Pianist, composer, arranger, and bandleader Srisley hails from Korea and began her illustrious career at the young age of 11, making her debut on KBS (Korea Broadcasting System) with a solo performance of Chopin’s Fantasie Impromptu. She holds a master’s degree in jazz music from Kyung Hee University Graduate School in South Korea and received a World Tour full scholarship at Berklee College of Music. Srisley’s decision to leave her well-established career in Korea to undertake a grueling 14-hour journey to study Latin American music reflects her unwavering dedication to her craft. Read more>>

Michelle Tomlinson

I made my big stage debut as a dancing tree in the traveling Missoula Children’s Theatre production of Snow White when I was six. It was the first time I was on a stage and I was barefoot. To this day, I still love taking off my shoes on stage. In high school, I fell in love with video productions and my focus became creating content by working with my classmates in writing, producing, directing, and editing our own projects. It was a very inspirational time for me, experiencing complete creative freedom. College at Eastern New Mexico University took me down the road of theatre, in which I got my major. Combining those two loves and a tremendous amount of film industry experience later, I am happily coaching actors and directing films. Read more>>

S M Raza

I was born into a lower-middle-class family in Karachi and grew up in a challenging domestic environment. Fortunately, my mother’s younger brother, who was a self-taught artist, inspired me during my early years. I used to keep a diary in which I would draw different species of birds that I saw during my travels. My interest in art began in my childhood, and after college, a career counselor suggested that I join the fine arts department at the University of Karachi. For my thesis at Karachi University, I focused on the theme of socio-political issues in Karachi. After some years, I realized that Karachi is already a very tough city to live in, and people, including myself, don’t want to see chaotic art, especially when all they see around is chaos. In 2020, when Covid-19 happened, I experienced the most phenomenal views of Karachi, and my work changed drastically. Now, I paint nighttime compositions, capturing quiet and nostalgic moments. This is partially connected to my teenage years when I used to observe the sky from my rooftop at different times. Read more>>

Tanya Momi

I got married in my early twenties, moved to San Francisco, and quickly became a mother of two. At the same time, I had started my own business while raising two kids. By the time I was heading into my thirties, I had a successful business, two wonderful children, but a failed marriage that was steadily heading for a divorce. While my twenties were challenging and tough, it was my thirties that became a battleground where I had to strap on my boots and fight for my own survival and my children’s future. I was thrown into life’s challenges without the necessary tools, without much support, and I felt alone, but I was also fearless, bold, and unstoppable. Read more>>

Danielle Mccamey of DNPs of Color

I am here all due to the hard work, sacrifice and encouragement of the people that came before me and my family. I grew up in a single parent family household and so many of the odds were stacked against me just by that fact. I never realized that reality until high school because my mother always made sure we had the best of everything but that came at the expense of her working multiple jobs to make ends meet and to maintain an environment where we thrived. I look back now and see all the sacrifices that my mom, Shelley McCamey made to do the best she could with the cards that were dealt to her. I am forever indebted to her, but she would say otherwise that all was truly an honor to provide for her family. Read more>>

Shakira Jackson of Uniquely Engaged Citizen

I began my journey in a space where curiosity and a love for knowledge guided me. My academic background is rooted in history and political science, which I pursued during my undergraduate years at the University of Pittsburgh. This foundation helped me develop a strong understanding of government systems, democracy, and the intricacies of political affairs. From there, I furthered my education by completing a master’s degree in democracy and government at Georgetown University, which deepened my expertise and broadened my scope of interest in public policy. Read more>>

Antone Nixon

From simply just waking up each morning to walk my dog, little did I know that recording the sunrise each morning would turn into huge deal for the city of Virginia Beach and anyone who simply just loves watching the sunrise. Once I realized that my content was being shared on a daily basis, I reached a point where I felt like I couldn’t miss a sunrise, or I would let people down. No matter how tired i am some mornings, i still get up but i will admit, my dog doesn’t allow me to sleep in so i ALWAYS remind people, we can thank my dog Boomer for VB Sunrise and after that, it’s my son, Maddox, who wants to follow in my foot steps. Read more>>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stephanie Wein of Pinup Coffee Co

Starting a coffee business was something I wanted to do since I had my first blended coffee as a teenager. I day dreamed of “pinup coffee” and the branding, which at the time was more like the american traditional tattoo style. I had this idea in the back of my mind but did not think it was realistic to do; so I went to college while working various jobs, and then joining the US Navy as a helicopter aircrewman. Once of the most influential jobs I had prior to the Navy was working for a local craft hard cider company in the Pacific Northwest. I was able to grow with this company, and that is where I fell in love with craft culture. How they used genuine ingredients, transparent processes and were so friendly and welcoming in the community. I loved how a craft product like that truly bring people together over something to enjoy! Read more>>

Yeliena Theofilatos of My Blooming Heart Therapy and Pau Hana Counseling

In 2010, at the age of 20 I came to NYC from Russia and decided to stay. When I share about being an immigrant, my audience tends to assume that I left Russia because of political reasons. But it was much simpler and at the same time more personal than that. I left because I was heading toward a degree in Finance & Banking and a career that I would absolutely hate – something that I did not realize until it was too late to switch my direction. Read more>>

Daniel Lopez of Empire Business Law

I am the son of Dominican and Cuban immigrants, born in New York and raised in Union City, NJ. As a kid, I fell in love with the New York Yankees. One of my earliest memories is Wade Boggs riding a police horse around Yankee Stadium after they won the 1996 World Series. From that moment, I knew I wanted to play baseball for the rest of my life. That passion carried me through high school, where I had the unique experience of attending both the final days of Union Hill High School and the inaugural years of Union City High School. Read more>>

 

Jenny Watson of The Elderberry Co.

The story of The Elderberry Co. began quite unexpectedly in November of 2017, with a simple Facebook post. What started as a casual offer to friends and family to try my homemade elderberry syrup—a natural remedy I had been using to keep my own family healthy—quickly turned into something much bigger. Before I knew it, I was selling jars of syrup right from my front porch, as demand continued to grow. Read more>>

Angela Johnson

Born and raised in a polygamist cult, where personal freedom was a distant dream, life was a series of restrictions, expectations, and an arranged marriage and a future that felt more like a sentence than a celebration. I was raised to believe my path was predetermined, confined within the rigid walls of the church, where obedience was the highest virtue, and individuality was stifled. Read more>>

Amy Walton

All joking aside, I have always been focused on giving back and especially in terms of my Christian faith. My late father , an ex-POW, ran an outreach ministry for our church, and he started us small town kids doing “Trick or Treat for UNICEF,” educating us on the countries that were served and how. My faith has driven me in my career choices, from teaching public school and junior college to raising monies that support programs for underserved people, my Christian faith has been my compass. Read more>>

Albert Chernogorov

Our story has always been fueled by passion. It all started as a hobby in high school, where a simple love for photography began to grow into something more meaningful. Over the years, I gradually transitioned into doing it more professionally. My wife, who has always been passionate about design, became an integral part of this journey when we got together. It was the perfect match – we each brought different strengths that complemented one another, allowing us to grow even more. Together, we have continuously explored, learned, and evolved, driven by our shared vision to capture moments in a way that truly resonates with people. Every project, every client, and every challenge has been an opportunity to grow and refine our craft. This journey has been about more than just creating images – it’s about building connections, telling stories, and finding beauty in the everyday. And when you truly love what you do, there is no end to the exploration and growth. Read more>>

Leo Jerez’s Story

Hello, my name is Leo Jerez and I am the son of immigrants from the Dominican Republic! I was born in New York City, ever since I was a child I always very curious and artistic. I was always interested in art and acting, in 2008 “The Dark Knight” comes out in theaters by Christopher Nolan, watching Heath ledger act as the Joker changed my life forever. I was instantly inspired and wanted to be an actor, I did stage as a child and then did theater acting in high school, I also competed in theatre competitions around New York City. I continued to train in acting by taking classes in “The Barrow Group” around midtown manhattan. Read more>>

Wylie of Hopes Rose llc

In the beginning of 2019 I was feeling very depressed and not knowing what to do. I turned to a friend who did reiki and I booked an appointment. From this spurred so many things in my own healing journey. I started getting reiki monthly and even became attuned to reiki in November of 2019. When the pandemic hit in March of 2020 I was working in a hospital and coming home. To pass the time I started running, doing yoga daily, I bought books to teach me more about spirituality, tarot cards, yoga, and I even took classes on chakras. I also became a certified yoga instructor. I went inside physically with the restrictions, but also mentally filling myself with knowledge and healing. I started offering virtual yoga classes, tarot readings, and distance reiki sessions. When restrictions started lifting I started doing reiki for people out of my home office. The energy work and yoga portion of my business started during a world wide pandemic. Read more>>

Kayla Cannon of Movement Mortgage

I started my working career in the food service industry until I found my calling in finance at 22 years old. My first job in finance was working at a local credit union where I worked my way up the ladder. After being a branch manager for a few years, I started to feel stagnant and wanted something new. Something that would present more challenges and push my limits. Somewhere I could continuously grow and learn but still wanted to be in financing. Thats when I switched to mortgages. Read more>>

Yooyeon Nam

Hi! I am glad to have an interview with you. My name is Yooyeon Nam, and I’m an oil painter based in New York City, originally from Seoul, South Korea. My journey as an artist began in my early 20s, about a decade ago. Even though I always enjoyed drawing using pen and watercolor and was naturally skilled at it, I never envisioned becoming a painter until the first most inspiring moment in my life at a music festival. There, I was deeply inspired by the rock band Nell, which sparked a desire to pursue a creative life. Nell’s music made me want to create and express what I feel, not merely reflecting my feelings to others’ artwork. I started teaching myself how to draw and paint but soon realized that to grow as an artist, I needed a more structured and professional education. Read more>>

Alexander Manzoni

Born in January 1986 during the Super Bowl, I grew up in Newfield, New Jersey, a tiny borough of mostly Italian-American farmers situated between Philadelphia and Atlantic City. Our town was mostly known for being a speed trap for unwitting tourists. My mother was a painter. My father, a behavioral therapist with the state. They separated in 1990, when I was only four. I grew up never seeing my parents ever have affection for each other. And it warped me. Read more>>

Ramon Shiloh

Born during the Occupation of Alcatraz in 1970, I was raised by my mother, who surrounded me with Native leaders, culture, and storytelling. After her passing in 1992, I dedicated myself to continuing her work. As a storyteller, educator, and advocate, I’ve collaborated with Native and non-Native communities for over 30 years, focusing on art, food sovereignty, and empowering youth through storytelling. My journey includes award-winning books, cultural programs, and mentorship, all rooted in honoring Native traditions. I aim to build bridges between worlds, inspire action, and preserve stories for future generations. “This is our way of life.” Read more>>

Leslie Glazier-werner of Gray Gangster Fitness

Ironically, my story starts at the “advanced” age of 71. A series of events have instilled a passion to put seniors like me center stage in a youth oriented culture. Read more>>

Betesha Bloise Ponciano’s Story

I would say my artistic development truly started with my time at Eliosnet Escuela de Arte. Though I had previously been part of different art classes, there I got to learn and develop foundational skills in drawing, figuration, and painting. At that time, I also participated in art competitions like Arte en Cuarentena by the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo and Pinta Tu Rincón Favorito de RD by Suzuki. Through it, I also had my first experiences with the Hilvanando Ilusiones collective exhibitions, which continue to set a precedent as I exhibit in new spaces, for example, in Inner Canvas at Arte San Ramón in 2024. Read more>>

Matt Wray of LENZ Sports Group

Being born and raised right outside of Philadelphia (sports capital of the world), my entire life has been surrounded by sports. I spent all of my early years playing sports, and around the age of 13 is when I started to combine my other passion with sports, which was business. At the time, my older brother Mike was running a travel sports events company in the region. Naturally, he hired me and all of my friends to work for his company. I had always looked older, even at that age, and people use to mistake me for Mike all the time. So, when it was time to expand and we had many different locations going, he was having me run 7K person events by myself at the age of 14 and people didn’t think twice about how old I actually was, so I was exposed to this business really early. Read more>>

Isaiah Garcia

I grew up in Wisconsin and did my first show in Kindergarten, I played the giant in Jack and the Beanstalk which is ironic because I’m 5’6. I did theater throughout school and then joined a local theater company when I was in High School. I fell in love with acting on stage instantly and started taking voice lessons as well as some acting classes. I tried my hand at musicals and really enjoy doing them but need to find one with minimal dancing so the audience doesn’t think I am going into cardiac arrest on stage. I met my best friend Will my Junior year and we instantly clicked we spoke the same nerdy semi antisocial language. Read more>>

Greg Howard Jr

Most of the things I’ve done have resulted from me saying “I bet I could do that,” and every time someone has said, “Ok, then do it.” I won’t say that everything I’ve done has been easy or I’ve picked up quickly, but Cindy Lauper once said “As artists, our job is not to judge but to keep the channel open.” As someone who has always been a performer, in some way or another, that quote helps keep things in perspective. I’ve gotten this far because I kept the channel open, even when the product of whatever was in my head at that moment was terrible. Read more>>

Brittany Tucker

I started writing at seven years old when I started making PowerPuff Girls fan fiction, illustrated and all! I’ve always had full, detailed stories swirling around in my mind, and I continued to tinker with writing fun short stories just for myself. As I got older, I tried many different outlets to try and bring the worlds in my head to life. I have no musical talent. Drawing and painting didn’t have enough movement. When I was nineteen, I had a story that wouldn’t leave me, and I decided it was time to shoot my shot at writing a full-length novel. I had the first draft done in six months. I was addicted after that. I didn’t know any of the “rules” of writing. I just did it because I loved it. Read more>>

Stephanie Colmenares’s Story

When first diagnosed with a chronic illness, it can feel completely devastating. You may struggle with acceptance and even avoid self care altogether. In the years following a diagnosis of Type 1 Diabetes, I struggled to care for myself because I did not want to accept that I had a chronic illness. Over time, I realized that my attitude, my beliefs, and the words I say about this “challenge” have a huge impact on my overall health! Our inner voice has a great impact on our daily lives and shutting down the negativity that surrounds a health issue has been imperative for me on this journey. Read more>>

Mark Jeffries

I started my solo DiLisio in 2019. I was in a band at the time that was on the verge of splitting, and with my creative energy still intact I knew I needed a music project of my own. And I’ve truly made it my own, with 3 full-length albums and a few EPs under my belt in just the past 5 years. Currently, I’m putting the finishing touches on my 4th album, and I’m confident it’s my best work yet. Read more>>

Akila K

I’ve been around music since legit birth. I was at my grandfather’s panyard (what we call steel orchestras’ practice grounds) at 3 years old bothering my mom, grandfather, and uncle to let me play. Several years later, I’m in after school writing in my notebook because I was mad that I lost a game of connect 4. Both times, I was reaching for an outlet to air out my feelings or my excitement, and thus, I discovered what could be done if I merged the 2. From there, I was writing any and everything. Whatever came to mind, as long as I could put a rhythm behind it so it could sound like all of my favorite artists. Read more>>

Chazelle Owens

After I almost lost my life 6 years ago, I was Divinely guided or more like a intense loving push into buying these quartz crystal bowls. I was not sure why but, I could not ignore the very loud intuitive voice coming through me. Since my NDE this intuitive voice has become so loud and clear. I had no money at the time to buy a set of bowls. I prayed about it and the money for them came within a couple of days. After I received the bowls they were a little tricky to play but I continued to hear “keep playing”. After a very short time of having the bowls I was guided to start singing with them. I began recording videos and spent the first year playing and singing and spent most of my days alone. Read more>>

Eric Impallomeni

I’ve always been drawn to the arts—whether it was drawing, writing, or exploring music. The summer before 6th grade, everything changed when I was given a guitar. I picked it up and instantly fell in love, spending hours teaching myself to play and experimenting with songwriting. That passion for creativity carried me through life, but along the way, I realized how much I valued connecting with people on a deeper level. This led me to pursue a career in therapy, where I’m currently studying to become a licensed therapist. Read more>>

Kristy Mickelsen’s Story

I am a Romance book author as well as some non fiction books. I also am the host of the W.W.A.A. Podcast, an advocate for causes such as cancer, autism, lupus awareness and for suicide prevention as well as other important causes. I also do user created content plus size modeling and i am a positivity social media influencer. In addition i also just started a business called Random Rose Author Services, in which I help new authors self publish their books and I guide them through marketing and PR work. Read more>>

Melissa Desrameaux

How I got to where I am today is not necessarily complicated, but it’s a bit complex to tell. And since I am relatively new at sharing my journey, I’ll start by saying I am a goal-digger. I started chasing straight-A’s in the first grade. I wanted to excel in every subject and make my parents proud. But it wasn’t solely my desire; it was their expectation. I was laser-focused on my studies and rarely appreciated art classes outside of music. Somewhere between 5th and 8th grade I took more of an interest in poetry. I didn’t geek out to it, but there was enough exposure to inspire me to express myself in such a way. In the process I realized how much I loved lyricism, writing, storytelling and communication as a whole. My first (summer) job came along as a junior in highschool at a personal injury and workman’s comp law firm. Read more>>

Anthea Piscarik’s Story

I’ve always considered myself a creative type! As a child, my twin sister Maria and I recorded each other impersonating known celebrities being interviewed on a talk show. In second grade, my teacher commented on my report card that I “read with too much expression.” I believe my dramatic way of expressing myself evolved and transferred to writing. I enjoy creating characters and giving them a voice and a life on the page! My professional writing career started as a news reporter for feature articles. The quotes from interviewees fueled my interest in writing dialogue. Read more>>

Marcus Harris

I started using a camera because while managing music artist because it was hard and very expensive to keep calling a photographer to follow us around to shows. I only planned to use the camera to take a few pictures at music events but my love for art took it a little further. I opened up one door after another until I was well known as a photographer. Still till this day I continue to look for new doors to open. Read more>>

Jake Bell

I first dabbled in producing toward the end of 2017. It was nothing special, I was only 14 and just making beats on Garageband on my phone. I did this for a couple of years and got pretty good at it. It wasn’t until 2019 that I started to put vocals over the beats I made. I was going through a pretty rough time mentally and used it as an emotional outlet. My mom used to tell me I had a good singing voice as a kid, so I gave it a chance and it paid off. Read more>>

Krista Cole of Sur Lie, Gather & Catface Cafe

My story starts in northern Maine, where I was born. I grew up in a small mill town of about 1,500 people. Neither of my parents had college educations…my dad ended up in the military then worked in the paper mill. At the time, this was a great living for a family living in the area. Read more>>

Sam Pickens of Buzzy Bees Honey

I recall mentioning to my wife (Katie) how I thought it would be cool to work with bees. As a lover of reading, she had bought me a book called, “Beekeeping For Dummies”. Approximately titled just for me. I read the book cover to cover, so by the time I had finished reading the book I had informed my wife that I was to become a beekeeper. Something I truly meant to do. I would continue to research what it took to become a beekeeper, from Google searches to joining our local Beekeepers Association, where I once functioned as Vice President. In the first few years of my beekeeping experience, I would give away the honey we were able to gather from our hives. We wanted others to taste how wonderful the honey was. Read more>>

Lisa Ascolese of Inventing A to Z

My journey started when I was nine years old, experimenting with changing things around my house that were not working for me. As I got a little bit older and was able to go out independently and play handball, I got very good at it. When you’re good at something, you can’t let anything get in your way of being your best at it. In my case, my shoelace came apart when I played my favorite game. So at a very young age, I created a way for my shoelaces to stay tied so they would not come loose while I was playing handball. From then on, I would create other items from hair accessories to jewelry. Friends in school noticed what I was wearing and liked my style. I would ask if I could make the same thing for them. So I would create a similar design from a hair accessory to neckwear and start charging people for what I was making for them. Read more>>

Brittany Sanders

I began my career by studying photography, composition, and lighting at a community college in Norfolk, Virginia. I officially launched my photography business in August 2022. Before diving into photography, I had a background in restaurant management, but I initially lacked knowledge about the business aspects of the industry. Since starting my journey, I’ve gained invaluable insights into my business, identified my ideal clients, and honed in on my niche. Today, I specialize in capturing weddings and destination elopements around the globe, and I couldn’t be happier with my career choice. Read more>>

Erin Osborne of Osborne Northwest Public Relations

Independence and autonomy have always run in my blood. At age five I was convinced I would own my own hair salon, which was quickly followed by visions of my own veterinary practice. These entrepreneurial aspirations then evolved to cafe ownership during my days as a barista at the height of Seattle’s grunge scene in the late 1990s. Shampoo, pets and coffee aside, those dreams have now been realized in my adult life with my company, ON PR, a female-owned and operated PR agency focused on lifestyle and hospitality clients. The journey wasn’t a direct line, yet each detour, challenge and celebration has contributed to our philosophy. Read more>>

Julianna Writing As Lalalalawriting

In general, I’m a young/new adult romance author with a love for all things romance, tea, and the color yellow. I’ve always been a hopeless romantic. After falling in love with reading romance as a tween, I fell into writing because I wanted to create stories that felt more relatable to me, which led me to stumble upon Wattpad and write my first novel when I was fourteen years old. After winning a 2021 Watty Award, I self-published Potentially You and Me in 2022 and The Culture of Hooking Up in 2023 under my penname, lalalalawriting. I’m also currently pursuing a M.A. in Sociology. I’m interested in researching anything related to gender, women’s issues, and dating expectations/hookup culture. Read more>>

Alexus Edmonds of Made Gentle, LLC

I’m the oldest child, with one sister, and we grew up in the Chicago suburbs. Our parents instilled values of faith in God, education, hard work, generosity, and entrepreneurship in us. We were fortunate to explore our interests in science, the arts, travel, and culture, which helped shape the path I’ve taken. I pursued a Bachelor’s in Neuroscience and later earned a Master’s in Medical Science, but my love for hair care, which started in childhood, never faded. During the pandemic, I began experimenting with hair care formulations in my kitchen, using my science background to create products that are gentle for all. My sister Phallon gave me the push I needed to take it to the next level, and that’s how Made Gentle was born. Read more>>

Izma Anwar

I am Bangladeshi and grew up in Dhaka — a city choked with dust, replete with traffic, bustling with as many rickshaws as people, and not a moment’s rest. At seventeen, I swapped the familiar chaos of home with the steady calm of eSwatini — a small monarch country in Southern Africa, with its cool, serene mountains and rolling hills. Here, I lived for two years and earned my International Baccalaureate Diploma. Read more>>

Sonja Harrison of Sonja Harrison, Psychotherapist

As I think about it, I am an amalgam of women who exemplified some form of felt beauty that touched me in such a way that intentionally or unintentionally, I chose to make that part of them a part of me. So, like a collage, my story is comprised of many pieces. I am a composite of many beautiful women. And, like a piece of art, I’m uniquely me. My story speaks to the connectedness of humanity, of seeing yourself in another, and our power to create our lives. Read more>>

Lisa Pizzimenti’s Story

I’d like to say my story started when it seemed like my life had ended. My mother, who was my best friend, had passed away from a rare form of blood cancer. I was living in the hospital with her, and watched as she battled through eight different infections, with the last one taking her one week before Christmas. I was married at the time, and my ex offered about one month of support before he became increasingly distant and acted as though life would be better if I just wasn’t around. Now, I’m naturally a positive person, but I was reaching October and knew I couldn’t continue on this way. I sought therapy, and in the months to come found out that my ex was living an unfaithful life. At this point, I had ended the relationship with him, moved in with my cousins, and still hadn’t processed the grief I was carrying from losing my mom. My self-confidence was shot, and I felt like my life was at an all time low. For some reason, I knew I just had to keep going and so this unearthed my pathway to healing. Read more>>

Liz Solar’s Story

My story: Well, that’s a tall order. Today, a six-year-old told me, “Maybe you’re a kid in an adult body.” I took it as a complement. Life stories are as varied and personal as each individuals. What do I do? For work, I am a voice actor and writer. Storytelling is not only my job, it is my lifeblood. As a narrator, I give voice, breathe life or provide an ‘audio brand’ to commercials, corporate videos, audio books, eLearning and interactive projects. Even before the pandemic sent most of us into a home office, I had been recording from my home studio since 2005. Read more>>

Gabriel Campolla of Teyko Automotive Lifestyle LLC

August 2021. I’m sitting with my real estate team in business coaching when suddenly, a question came to me like a bolt of lightning. I had been a REALTOR® for a handful of years up to this point. I absolutely adored my career and my “CB Family” (and still do!) But, I had gotten into real estate out of necessity and a part of me felt a little empty as we were setting goals for the following year. My soul is built to design and create, and though I’m great with people and conducting their transactions, real estate just isn’t the most creative career field. This goal planning for next year was just a bunch of numbers – that’s what real estate is. Read more>>

Reynna Romo’s Story

I am an herbalist indigenous to southwest United States and Northern Mexico. What I do today starts with overcoming behavioral health/substance use issues and reconnecting with my heritage. While living on the streets of Santa Monica, I found momentum for working with plants and community. There are many different herbal allies growing on the west coast, so I started getting to know them and using them to help with physical and spiritual ailments. Needing connection to maintain a healthy recovery guided me to working in treatment and creating a small business out of my passion for ancestral wisdom and holistic wellness. I use whatever platform I may have to advocate for co-occurring disorders, homelessness, and indigenous affairs. Read more>>

Evonne Barrier of Barrier Consulting, A Virtual Assistant Agency

Born and raised in Norman Oklahoma to a middle class family, my childhood was rather unremarkable. I was a straight A student, very shy and loved reading, especially if it was Star Wars! I didn’t grow up thinking, I’ll be a business owner when I grow up. I wanted to be a teacher, and then eventually an occupational therapist with a focus on therapy on horseback for children to learn to walk. I went to the University of Oklahoma to pursue my degree. Read more>>

Mariah James

In October of 2017 I was terminated from My stock associate position for Walmart. At the time I was burnt out & filled with resentment that I didn’t pursue a job that aligned with my interest & skill sets. Amongst my trials I started remembering roughly 2 years prior my Aunt admired my makeup application skills. She stated that the blending techniques & precision was very intriguing. Furthermore, she insisted that I should consider attending makeup cool. Read more>>

Dzon

Well if you guys tuned into the last interview I had with bold journey then you’ll know about my upbringing in life & music. But I’m just a young 21 year old that’s from Louisville Kentucky with a dream & has love and passion in music. I’ve been releasing music for almost year it would actually be a year in November, I started by freestyling in class back in 2019 & now I’m working on my first album in 2024. Read more>>

Hallie Knudsen of Wally’s Corner

Today, I am the owner & operator of Wally’s Corner; a small-town gift shop in Cuttingsville, Vermont. But 3 years ago, I was a tech startup expert specializing in Customer Service. I worked for companies in their early days to help lay down their foundation to get them to where they are today. I juggled an insane amount of tasks; it was stressful and fun and never the same day-to-day, which were all the reasons I LOVED doing what I did. Read more>>

Dale Rockell

In September 2019 I ground physically and mentally to a halt due to Central Sensitivity Syndrome and Fibromyalgia. I had been aware of the former since 2018 after discussion with a Neurologist who surmised that I was born with it, and despite doing my best to manage the symptoms that I had been experiencing for several years, I was forced to take leave from a demanding logistics management role and didn’t make it back. Read more>>

Frank Matos

The Genesis of Iron Garden: A Journey in Balance and Strength** The inspiration behind Iron Garden sprouted from Sifu Frank during his early years in bodybuilding and personal training. Etching the name “Iron Garden” onto his right arm, he symbolized a harmonious existence—a fusion of unwavering willpower and inner tranquility akin to a serene garden. Read more>>

Danielle Hobbs

My story begins with unlocking my family legacy because God and community building is in my blood. My paternal grandfather and his brother and my maternal great grandmother three times removed set the stage for me. Amos Hobbs and his brothers, fled the terror of the Klu Klux Klan in Ty Ty Georgia. Amos, my great uncle, became a construction worker in Brooklyn, NY. He heard a couple acres of land was selling in NJ and decided it was the place he and his brothers would settle. They set out to build a few houses for their families, working during the day and sleeping in a trailer at night. Hobbstown wouldn’t be a plot of land with a few family houses. Hobbstown would be lauded and commemorated 100 years later a safe haven town including a church, gas station, convenience store and baseball field. Read more>>

Mishell Theriot

It started one evening after I’d finished for the day of doing Hair…. Cosmetologist of 30 years at the time. My back was so sore and sitting felt good! I was happy to be home and had no rehearsals that night either. Was also a professional Singer and had my own top 40 band. This was in the 90’s. I wasn’t quite happy with a lot of the jewelry that was out there to wear and purchase and I had some crafting wire and beads lying around in my lil craft room at the time and just decided to challenge myself… I said to myself, if I can loop this wire and it look half decent I’m going to start making my own jewelry… I can wear that on stage instead of this tin stuff I’m stuck with. Sure enough the loop came out great! I began my journey. Read more>>

Christian J Vázquez

It’s a been a battle since I left the house I had with the love of my life. I was heartbroken. I could hardly get from one day to the next. Sometimes I was very discouraged. Very depressed. I was homeless. I went through some very dark times. Then my brother told me it was time to do music again. He knew I had something to say now. So I sing my pain, Every day I ache to see my kids again. And I channel that pain into music. As my kids grow up, they will know without a doubt that I missed them. I sing something new for them every day, day after day. Read more>>

Tara Neilson’s Story

As any writer who tries the traditional route will tell you, the road to publication is nothing but obstacles. I sent out a hundred queries to literary agencies and was rejected or ignored by most of them. I finally managed to get an agent, but she was disillusioned by the business and when the book she was representing for me was accepted by a publisher, then orphaned when there was a change in ownership, she retired (i.e., rage quit) and I had to start all over again. Read more>>

Arafat Abdul-razak

Football was my first love, but my parents, like many others, stressed the importance of education. During my final year at university, I unexpectedly found myself choosing photography as my project focus – a decision that would shape my future in ways I couldn’t imagine. After graduation, I balanced my time between helping a friend shoot events and playing football. Realizing that a traditional office job would force me to abandon my passion for football, I made the bold choice to pursue photography full-time. This decision allowed me to maintain both aspects of my life, and thankfully, my parents stood firmly behind my choice. Read more>>

Devin Cobleigh-morrison

There are two separate paths I’ve had to walk that have led to living seemingly two separate lives. The arts is one in itself, and owning and operating a business in another industry is the opposite side of the same coin. Sparing you a scattered tale of two stories, I will try to intertwine the two with the commonalities, lessons and growth that led me to where I am today. Read more>>

Nicholas Boyce

Definitely not. I’ve had setbacks aplenty, The mental. The psychical. The financial. Life does get a little bit harder as a self employed person especially in a small country. Some of my biggest struggles were the results of funding or lack thereof. Communication and understanding from one creative to another was another struggle as I learned to navigate and educate myself on the very thin lines between friendships and being a business owner. This was my hardest lesson but one I’m glad I’m learned very early. It’s made me stern in how I address and approach a great deal of scenarios and opportunities. Read more>>