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.

Nika Hollingsworth

I have a colorful approach to everything, including the way I dress. My style is bold, my personality is complex, my smile is bright and I’m passionately expressive. I’m a Fashion Designer, Author/Poet and the CEO of Nilanjo! Fashion Entertainment which is 501c3 non-profit based in Boston, MA. The Nonprofit’s mission is to encourage, empower and inspire our community by generating awareness for women, children, and health-based charities. Fashion and entertainment are used to unite talent, small businesses, and volunteers in an effort to raise funds for selected causes and charities and to support local entrepreneurs through engagement events. Read more>>

Ryan Stevenson of Shore Smoke Seasonings

In 2013 when Ryan and Nicole were starting their lives out together Ryan was given a promotion at work. Ryan decided he was going to grill up some steaks to celebrate. Not having any money to spare, due to Ryan’s recent diabetes diagnosis, and just moving into a new place together, Nicole told Ryan he had to mix up seasonings they had in the cabinet. There wasn’t any extra money to buy more seasonings. Ryan reluctantly agreed, and he started mixing up a delicious blend. Read more>>

Adriana Carney

I started my journey as a Photographer, when I purchased a camera with my appreciation zone points I accumulated as a Retail Store Manager. Month over month, my store was the top in sales and I was rewarded with points I could redeem for Amazon gift cards. Around this time, two of my four kids, were diagnosed with life changing disorders. My now 8 year old was diagnosed with Autism and my now 5 year old was born with a Congenital Heart Defect and Rare Genetic Disorder. Through all of the challenges, finding peace and joy was a priority. Read more>>

Nick Clancy of Clancy brothers coffee roasters

I got my start as a novice barista, back in 2016 at a small roast house in Gilbert AZ called Bergies. It was there that I fell in love with every aspect of Specialty coffee. Eventually, I took up the art of roasting my own coffee at home- to my surprise, being responsible for turning a green coffee seed brown while retaining flavor was mighty difficult! After many failed attempts, I became obsessed with the challenges of not only roasting tasty coffee, but learning how to maximize flavor. I was determined. So I dedicated myself to the craft. Read more>>

Veronica Tynes

Born in the breathtaking, maritime city, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, I was born to sing! My father and his siblings all sang and or played guitar and bass guitar. During family events, I always got to have my 15 minutes of fame. lol My name is Veronica Tynes aka “LayDee Vee”, I began to grace the world with The Creators, gift of voice, at the tender age of nine. This is when I realized, I was pretty good at it.  It was during my young adulthood, highly blessed by this gift, is when I started to sing professionally. Young and eager, I began singing for the well received and immensely broadcasted televised production “God’s Trombone”, directed by none other than the actor and Playwriter, the phenomenal Walter Borden. Read more>>

Manuel Muñoz Gomez Gallardo

I was born in Mexico City in 1982, into a family deeply rooted in the arts, architecture, and design. Growing up in such an environment naturally influenced my path, leading me to pursue art from a young age. My journey took a significant turn when I moved to London to study at Chelsea College of Arts and Design. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language, I graduated with honors and became the first Mexican member of the Royal Society of Sculptors. This experience was transformative, broadening my artistic vision and laying the foundation for my future work. Read more>>

Suzanne Sendel

I began my journey in the optical industry 10 years ago, in falling in love with a pair of handpainted frames. I left my former career behind, a national sales manager, in the architectural and interior design world, to sell eyewear. Always inspired to build brands, share beauty and art, my heart was full of passion, when I shifted gears from interior to eyewear fashion Today, our niche agency distributes five international independent designer collections, which have all inspired me with their passion, dedication, and backstories. To me, it’s all about the people and their history. Inspired by the “likeminded” in terms of high fashion and quality, I am also on the lookout for the next best aspiring designer, to feature and introduce, to North America. Read more>>

Natalie Burnett

I am not yet where I aspire to be, but I understand that success takes time. My growth is ongoing, and considering my challenging start, marked by abusive relationships and the heartache of losing my children for three years before winning them back, I wouldn’t wish my experience on anyone. I’ve overcome a great deal, and I take pride in that. Now, I am determined to succeed in raising awareness and aiding those who have faced similar trials. My goal is to enlighten those who haven’t experienced such situations and to support families and children navigating the foster care system. It’s crucial to ensure they are heard and know they are important; these children and the families fighting for them matter, as do former foster children. Read more>>

Andrea Webb of Every Light Wellness LLC

I started my journey to clinical astroherbalism as a teenager in the Midwest who was curious about the weeds and wild flowers growing in our farmyard. I read voraciously, everything our small town’s public library had on the subjects of wild plants and herbs. I still have the tattered pages of notes I scribbled! As I learned something new, even the smallest bit of information, I would try to test it out. I read that Yarrow was traditionally looked to for wound healing and so the next time someone got a cut – they also got Yarrow! Read more>>

Rachel Canelo of MODERN SKN

I am the Founder and Owner of MODERN SKN. I am a licensed esthetician, a full-time business owner, and a content creator. It all began with a passion for helping others to look and feel their very best. 2020 was the year I discovered the beauty industry; due to my skin condition (Rosacea), a skin condition that causes redness on the face, nose, cheeks, or chin. The issue catapulted me to learn more about the anatomy of the skin; it was a topic I was heavily invested in. Read more>>

Sage Coffey

I was very lucky that my mom was supportive of my being an artist since I was little, so I started drawing and just never stopped! Even in high school, we had to do a dedicated “senior project” for or about something we were passionate about so I painted a mural in the hallway of the school. I’m sure if I saw it now I’d be like “wow, that’s awful looking”, hahaha but what’s important is that I stuck with it- Doing what I loved while balancing multiple part time jobs while pitching to multiple comics anthologies, zines and media outlets. I feel very privileged to be able to do comics and illustration full time. Read more>>

Carlotta Berry of NoireSTEMinist Educational Consulting, LLC

I am a professor and endowed chair in electrical and computer engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology. There are so few Black women engineering professors in the United States so people often want to know my story and my journey to STEM. I started out as a young girl who played with her dolls and wanted to be a school teacher. It was only after mentors who saw my potential and encouraged me to move to a magnet school and consider engineering as a major that got me here. Please learn more about my story from this excerpt from my website blog. Read more>>

Christi Friesen

i was born as a very young child… hee heeSo my life as an artist did indeed start as a very young child and i’ve created and sold my art for most of my life. This business version of myself started in 2000 and since then in addition to creating art, i’ve written a dozen books on polymer clay and creativity. Up until covid, i taught around the world and since then, my teaching is online. These days i have several membership groups in addition to workshops and a youtube channel.  For many years, my product line production and shipping as well the location for many of my workshops was in Denver, which will always have a special place in my heart and career as an artist. Read more>>

Aus10

I started rapping when I was 14 years old. I always knew I had talent and the ability to be great when I first started. I’d be head in the notepad writing rhymes at home and at school during the time sharpening my skills. I was known around my school for Rapping, When they’d have special guests like radio stations or more locally known artists come out during lunch time I’d always get called to come get in front of the crowds and I’d meet people in the process. I also had a large boost in confidence when I won my high school talent show! Read more>>

Adam Godet’s Story

Sure, I covered my early journey in our previous discussion. But picking up from where we left off there, I started making furniture professionally around 2010. Almost immediately, I started planning to take my hobby to a full-time profession. I achieved that in 2021, but really, for about 6-7 years prior to that, I was making furniture full-time while holding an office job full-time as well. To make that transition, my wife and I saved a lot of money and reduced expenses. We don’t have children. Read more>>

Cassandra Le’s Story

I started my business, The Quirky Pineapple Studio a marketing and media agency, in December 2017. I made the jump to quit my full-time job, launch my business, and then two weeks later decided to move abroad because I fell in love abroad. Sounds like a fairytale dream and like a true romance novel… but after going through so much change in a short amount of time, I would not recommend starting a business and moving abroad at the same time – hah. Read more>>

Melanie Chaponan of Mel Chaponan Photography

I was always very fond of photography, especially in High School. A lot of my friends were in the photography magnet class so it was fun always watching them take pictures! My mom gifted me my first camera as a graduation gift and thats where it all started. I finally decided to start my photography business journey back in 2021. Fast forward to now, I have about 30ish weddings under my belt, as well as quinceañeras. I specialize in all kinds of portraits and special events. To this day I can’t believe how far I’ve gotten and there’s still so much to go! There were definitely struggles along the way but constant discipline is what kept and keeps me going. Read more>>

Reed Allen

Hi, I’m Reed Allen, the founder of ISLES, a premium instant latte tea brand based here in Maine. My journey into the world of vegan lattes started after I lost a kidney at age 13. This life-changing event pushed me towards a vegan lifestyle in my teens, which led me to experiment with all sorts of exotic ingredients and spices. Living in Maine, finding good vegan lattes was tough, so I began crafting my own at home. My friends and family couldn’t get enough of them, which got me thinking: why not create a powdered, shelf-stable version so people everywhere could enjoy them? And that’s how ISLES was born. At ISLES, we’re all about simplicity, quality, and bringing a bit of cozy Maine comfort to your cup, no matter where you are in the world. Read more>>

Dan Shaikh

I went from being the shy immigrant who never spoke up to becoming the host and founder of North America’s largest inspirational speaking competition: Speaker Slam! I remember, at the age of 19, I was full of self-doubt and deep insecurities. I would go on Reddit to escape from life. I stumbled upon a subreddit that changed my life. I began reading about regrets from people in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and beyond. Every story I read showed me the decisions that led them to feel miserable and unhappy. Read more>>

Monica Justesen

I’ve loved taking photos and capturing the magick I see in the world since I can remember. I started my business shortly after graduating high school and have had a slow and steady climb to finding a place of feeling truly fulfilled by what I do. Throughout my journey, I have explored so many types of photography before really finding my passion and niche working with women, retreat leaders, and small business owners in the wellness industry all over the world. After really leaning into what lights me up the most, I created my signature offering, the Initiation Ceremony, a transformative ceremonial photo and video experience that captures the essence of your magick and how life is Initiating you in this season of life. It’s been a messy and beautiful journey that is ever evolving and I love knowing that it will likely look different from this a year or two from now. Read more>>

Hannah Linder

I first realized I love to write at twelve years old, when I ambled into the kitchen and found my mom reading a Christmas letter. “Did you know your second cousin is writing a novel?” she asked me. I shrugged, thought about it a moment, then said, “I think I’ll do that.” My mom smiled—imagining, I suppose, that I would give it a chapter or two, then move on to more diverting childhood pleasures. Read more>>

Zoe Pappenheimer

A few years ago I started looking at fashion online and creating paintings of clothes and shoes and accessories. A friend suggested I try putting the clothes on paper dolls. At first it didn’t sit right with me because I had a preconceived notion of paper dolls as very generic and bland. But then I painted and cut out my first person and it was not bland or generic at all. It seemed less like a doll and more like a portrait of a real person. It then became really fun to think of creative ways of transforming these people using clothes. A body could go from looking masculine to feminine, conservative to punk, just by whatever I decided to create for them. Read more>>

Maria Glezelli

When I was a kid, I dreamed of becoming an artist. I would spend hours crafting all sorts of things with any material I could find. Later, my grandmother taught me how to knit, and that memory has always accompanied me throughout my journey. While studying at the University of Fine Arts, I fell in love with metal. Initially, I worked with larger pieces such as objects and theatrical costumes, and gradually, I started working on a smaller scale. I was fascinated by the intricacy a metal wire can create and decided to make jewelry. This is how Maria Glezelli Jewellery started. I built my own business from scratch, and I couldn’t be more proud. Read more>>

Elorm Dela-seshie of Adorn Me Africa

Adorn Me Africa started as a dream and morphed into a business to help sustainable, independent African artisans and fashion creatives get more exposure in the US market while simultaneously sharing the beauty and creative capital that Africa is packed with; through fashion, art and handmade goods. I began this project by bringing in designs from different African countries. I did this to show how different and diverse African cultures are and to showcase the works of the talented artist community that is represented on the Continent. This created a space where our diverse African customers could see themselves represented; our customers from diaspora to feel the connection to the Continent ; and for our customers that may not have been at all connected to the African continent by lineage to feel a spark of curiosity and a gentle nudge for them to dive deeper. Read more>>

Josefien Stoppelenburg

Born into a family of artists, I’ve always been surrounded by music and creativity. My Dad, a conductor and composer, and my Mom, a professional pianist and music educator, instilled a love for music in my sister Charlotte and me. Charlotte and I spent countless hours practicing choir music together, and soon discovered that our voices blended beautifully. As a vocal duo, we won competitions, performed on TV, and presented concerts to the Dutch Royal Family. Renowned composers created pieces for our voices, and we got to perform oratorio works, operas, and chamber music. Read more>>

Eila Algood of Raise Your Vibration

In 1988, two weeks after my mom died from a long cancer illness, I said to my 3 year old daughter Kristin “I miss Grandma Jane today”. Her innocent little voice replied from the back seat of my car “why mommy, she’s right there.” I slowly pulled the minivan over to the side of the road and gently turned around and said “what do you mean, Honey?” Kristin pointed to the passenger seat and said “she’s there, holding your hand.” I got full body chills. Over the next couple of years, Kristin would announce when Grandma was in the room or the car or walking with us outside. As for me, I saw, felt, heard absolutely nothing. And so began my quest to take a deep dive into the metaphysical world of energy and unseen forces. Read more>>

Michelle Janas

I first learned to cut glass by hand in 2012. I apprenticed for a framer where I learned to make lots of precise, straight cuts. My intrigue for the medium soon grew, and I began exploring what I could do with glass. I soon found a love for the process of making stained glass and things really developed from there. I continue to enjoy exploring different ways to use and manipulate glass to create pieces that I hope folks find to be uniquely me! Read more>>

Maccabee Griffin

From day one, my life’s journey has been a mystery, even to me. If you had told me in my youth that I would achieve what I have so far, I wouldn’t have believed you. I’ve been fortunate to participate in a documentary, serve my country for nearly a decade, voice act in various global projects, speak at UNC’s School of Arts, create a podcast for newly published authors, and consult on an indie film last year. These opportunities came my way because, by the grace of God, my name reached the right people at the right time. Read more>>

Charmaine Dantzler

My story began as a child wanting to become a psychologist because I wanted to help people, although I didn’t become a psychologist, that childlike mindset to want to help the world paved the way to identifying my passion and purpose to want to make a change and an impact through my creative outlets. Pursing and briefly studying psychology, I realized that my journey was more geared towards expressing myself and making an impact culturally and creatively. From Interior Design, Event Planning, Fashion Design, Skincare, Life coaching/Influencer and my Digital wellness brand, I have used my passion and purpose to create a common mission and vision for all of my business endeavors. Read more>>

Danielle Turner of Inner You Clinical Services

My story is one of transformation, beginning with a woman battling depression and anxiety. It evolves into a journey of sharing hard-earned wisdom with other women of color navigating similar challenges and life transitions. Today, I am proud to run a flourishing business that spans mental health therapy, authorship, podcasting, self-care advocacy, and hosting international wellness retreats. Read more>>

Ariana Abedini

Of course! My name is Ariana, and I’m a professional musician and visual storyteller based in Vancouver. I have a background in psychology and have had the pleasure of playing with the SJMA orchestra. I also have a passion for video production, creating engaging content for brands. As you can probably tell from my Instagram profile, I’m truly passionate about exploring and playing on all the wonderful pianos around town. It’s my mission to showcase these unique instruments locally, with plans to expand globally in the future. My series hosts themed live episodes that aim to celebrate collaboration and creativity among pianists of all backgrounds and skill levels. I am very adventurous and love learning, so pretty much anything I do is based on that. Read more>>

Nikky Starrett

My late father was an incredible entrepreneur. He worked hard to build a business that would give him the flexibility to support his community. I was prepared to do the hard work if I could do the same. Giving back and building a system of support was always important to me. Unfortunately I was diagnosed with a disabling neurological syndrome that left me with too little energy to pursue my ambitions. Then, after years of preparing to be a disabled parent, my spouse and I overcame infertility and the pregnancy cured me! I wasn’t aware that this was possible and informed that the odds where not in my favour. Moving forward with immense gratitude, we decided as a family that launching my own product line was the right move. Read more>>

Annie O’malley of Central Mass Mom

This business was born out of my own need for guidance, support and connection in the early days of motherhood. I designed this business to provide other new moms with all of the things I so desperately wanted as a new mom. I needed someone to normalize the struggles I was experiencing and the feelings I was having. I needed a way to find my village that didn’t feel super intimidating. I needed to know where to take my tiny human, and what products and services would make my life easier. But it didn’t exist, so I created it. Read more>>

Aliyah Ferrell

I got started modeling back during my freshman year of high school. I worked with this photographer who had brand ambassadors just doing fun shoots and it led to doing prom fashion shows here and there. When I went to college I joined the fashion group on campus and they invited me off rip to be apart of the board to help coordinate fashion shows and fashion related events. After I graduated I started working with my now mentor and friend Blake Martin, working with him helped elevate my career and travel the world doing something that I love. And here I am today, an international model owning a business geared to help other models gain similar experiences and coordinate events in the entertainment industry. Read more>>

Emmy Emmilia Kateme Joroh

MARLVIA She Global Initiative as a not-for-profit organisation (N.G.O) was founded in 2023 by 3 siblings; Victor NAMUTWE Joroh, Juliana NALUWU & me, Emmy KATEME . However it started as a Community Based Organization (CBO)as an appreciative & creating a legacy to young mothers & single mothers since I was brought up in a female based homestead who played a vital role in my upbringing plus my siblings singlehandedly (my maternal grandmother & mother respectively ( the late Mary NASSOLO Kamugwa & Sylvia NANTUWA) hence the name MARLVIA a combination of their names MARY & SYLVIA and SHE GLOBAL is a recognition to all single mothers, vulnerable women who work tirelessly to cater for their families globally, to bring up and raise, educate, discipline the next generation of children regardless of the hustles & hurdles they pass through. Read more>>

Floyd Takeuchi’s Story

Much of my professional life has been spent as a journalist — a reporter, editor, foreign correspondent, then a media company president. But as I moved up the professional ladder, I realized that I was missing what drew me into journalism in the first place. And that was being a storyteller. So after 40-plus years in the business, I gave up the corner suite for going out on ny own as a writer-photographer,. I’ve done well on the creative side of the ledger. A few books, some big projects, a lot of travel. And telling stories that I think are important, mostly focused around the Pacific Islands and their people, I’d like to think the best is yet to come. Read more>>

Nicole Teschl

Born and raised in Toronto, ON, Canada – I grew up loving to draw. Ever since I was a little kid my parents would buy me blank notebooks which I’d rapidly fill with doodles, “tattoos”, typography, sketches, you name it. My school notes were always covered in random shapes, lines, and colour – I listened best when my hands were busy. That hasn’t changed to this day, I’m still a big visual learner, leaning into graphic organizers and doodling to help consolidate my understanding of things. My academic background is in the sciences, but my passions extended into visual art, education, and the environment. Read more>>

Tara Coyote

I grew up in Northern California, with a father with deep roots from Kaua’i, Hawaii and a mother from beautiful New Hampshire, in New England. Both of my parents were exceptionally rare, special beings that loved nature, bird watching and learning everything there was to learn about the environment. When my brother and I were young, they started an ecology safari business, which allowed us all to travel around the world as a family through their business travel. I am grateful for having such a young exposure to the splendor of the earth, her wild creatures and other cultures at a young age! Read more>>

Alexandria Singleton-smith

I grew up in Sacramento, California, with my parents and two older brothers. My passion for makeup began in childhood when I would sneak into my mother’s Mary Kay bag to play with her samples. This interest led me to start doing makeup for my classmates and friends at school events. As a young adult, I worked weekdays at my Uncle Cedric Singleton’s record label, Black Market Records, where I served as an office administrator and also handled hair and makeup for video shoots, album covers, and movies. I even appeared in music videos. This experience led to a modeling agency discovering me, and I began doing print modeling. On weekends, I apprenticed at a friend’s salon, further developing my hair and makeup skills. Read more>>

Juliana Miller of Blobbify

I grew up in Fairbanks, Alaska, and as such, I spent a lot of time indoors drawing during the colder months. I grew up drawing as a joy and an escape. When I was in middle school Biology class, we were instructed to draw the cell structure and label the parts of the cell, and out of boredom and silliness, I drew the blob-ish shape and added big eyes and a smile. It was pretty adorable, so I called it Bob the Blob and continued to doodle it through my other classes. My classmates also enjoyed this character, so I drew them as blobs as well. Read more>>