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.

Amy Todisco

My journey into green living and sustainability started early in life. My mom, an Adele Davis nutritionist follower, and my stepdad, a chef, instilled in me the value of wholesome, made-from-scratch meals. Growing up, I learned how to cook this way and have carried that habit with me throughout my life. At 16, I worked at a health food store, where my interest in healthy living deepened. Read more>>

Brian Dixon

As a third-generation lawyer, I was always destined to go into the family business. But, how I got here and what I am doing was the furthest thing from anyone’s imagination. Read more>>

Michelle Ribadeneira

If you had asked me years ago whether I thought I would ever become a published author, share my story, or serve as a panelist, I would have said no. Those ideas were far beyond my comfort zone. But looking back, I know there is a greater plan and purpose behind my journey. I am here today to share my story, to become the person I wish my younger self had, and to inspire others along the way. Read more>>

Idalin McKenzie

My journey is deeply rooted in the values of hard work, education, and community service instilled by my parents. From an early age, I was inspired by mentors who demonstrated how professional success could be balanced with purpose and impact. These foundational lessons, coupled with my drive, shaped how I lead with intention, focusing on delivering results and making a meaningful difference through my work. Read more>>

Chynna Morgan

I’ve always known I wanted to be an entrepreneur, but I never imagined my journey would lead me to tech. While pursuing my master’s in healthcare management with plans to start a couple of homecare agencies, everything changed. I was just three classes away from finishing when I had an idea for my first tech company, GIF Out Loud. Read more>>

Dr. Wally Bartfay

I was always interested in science and music as a young child growing up in Chateauguay, Quebec. Perhaps, I shall start with the science side. I had my own little wet lab in my parents basement and would do experiments with chemicals I managed to collect. In high school, I entered regional science fair competitions and placed first consistently in the Life Sciences division. I had the distinctive pleasure of being chosen to represent Quebec four times in national science fair competitions known as the Canada Wide Science Fair run by the Youth Science Foundation. Read more>>

Yvette Salva

I’m Yvette Salva, and my story is one of survival, transformation, and hope. My journey started when I was just 16, working as a receptionist at an all-women’s fitness studio. It didn’t take long for me to catch the fitness bug. I started teaching group fitness classes, and from there, my passion for health and fitness grew. But behind the confident persona and six-pack abs, I harbored a dark secret. Read more>>

Nicole Albani

I have always loved making things. For as long as I can remember I was doing some sort of craft, and would give handmade items on special occasions and holidays. When I was a teenager, my mother and I got into card making and started taking a monthly class together. This became my passion. When I had my daughter in 2021 I decided to start an Etsy shop while I was out on maternity leave and it quickly became successful. I can now share my passion with so many people- in fact in 2024 my shop reached people in all 50 states! It has been a wonderful outlet for creativity and to give me purpose outside of motherhood. Read more>>

Emily Tyler

The journey to becoming a photographer has been anything but straightforward! I don’t have any formal training, and photography initially started as just a hobby. I’ve always loved taking photos (cliché, I know!), and after years of using whatever camera I could get my hands on, I finally saved up for an entry-level DSLR. Read more>>

Chami Saks

I grew up in an Orthodox Jewish community in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where, according to our customs, married women cover their hair, often by wearing wigs. When I got married, I started wearing a wig myself. However, I wasn’t thrilled with my first wig. I soon realized that the wigs available on the market weren’t ideal for me, either in quality or style. Read more>>

Bryanna Keiser

I dreamt of owning a hippie business since I was 16 years old. I always joked with my family that I would name it Trippy Hippy. I thought more in the way of tie-dye items, oils, and incense. However, life had a different plan for me. As I continued through my journey, I tried to find different methods to help with my healing journey. I tried talk therapy and their suggested medications as I was struggling through different traumas and a miscarriage, but I was not making much progress. Read more>>

Marcia Armstrong

I am a former banker with a decade of operational experience, and like many people, my life took an unexpected turn during the height of the pandemic—I lost my job. I was faced with a decision: take another role within the system I knew, or take a bet on myself. Read more>>

Sandy Martinez

From a young age, I found solace and joy in the world of creativity. Whether it was drawing, piano, or crafting, I always felt a deep connection to the act of making something with my hands. Each project became an opportunity to express my emotions and ideas, allowing my imagination to flow freely. This passion for creativity has been a constant thread throughout my life, always guiding me. Read more>>

Lisa Guo

My journey in music started at a young age. I began playing the piano when I was five, then picked up the harmonica, flute, and guitar later. My love for music kept growing, leading me to study at the Eastman School of Music in 2019 before transferring to Berklee College of Music in 2021 to focus on Contemporary Writing and Production. Read more>>

Parinaz Ghanbari

Hello, and thank you for having me again! I’m honored to be interviewed by Bold Journey Magazine for the second time. It’s always a pleasure to share my journey and insights with your audience. Read more>>

Perpetua All Mother

My story doesn’t start at the beginning. It starts where the fractures are.
I was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where I first learned that art could be both a sanctuary and a rebellion. I didn’t create for the sake of beauty—I created because I had to. It was survival. Storytelling and ink became my weapons against life’s injustices, a way to externalize what was too heavy to carry inside. Every drawing, every word, was a small act of defiance—a way to say, “I’m still here.” Read more>>

Patricia Angelin

Every actor dreads the question: “Well, tell us about yourself.” Despite all the hundreds of times I have been asked this question by agents, managers, producers, and people at cocktail parties, I never got the “elevator pitch” streamlined. Unlike a lot of actors, I’ve always considered myself absolutely normal. Friends and colleagues have told me otherwise, but at this point I think my association with normalcy has served my own journey from actor and critic to master practitioner of Alba Emoting, in long association with the great neuropsychologist Susana Bloch, to master teacher and expander of her Alba Emoting system at Alba Technique in New York… Because Alba Technique works with the whole person just as we are and where we are at. I think that assuming I’m normal is okay. Read more>>

Rachel Beyer

My journey began unexpectedly in 2014. I was grappling with a chronic pain condition that conventional medicine couldn’t explain. Leaving my desk job, I found myself working part-time at a local apothecary, where I was introduced to the world of herbalism and aromatherapy. Working with these healing herbs provided a surprising sense of relief from my stress and pain. This sparked a deeper dive into herbalism and aromatherapy as a form of self-care. I realized that aligning my life with nature was essential for my healing. Read more>>

R. Scott Edwards

My Life has been a series of chapters; Chapter One: my early Home life was un-steady and challenging. Chapter Two: That led to early need for independence and going to work at age 15. Finding I was fired from most of the many jobs I tried, it seemed evident that being self-employed was a path for me. Chapter Three: I opened my first small construction company at age 17; and at age 20 another small music company. Chapter Four: My true success came at age 24 when I opened this country’s 12th full-time comedy club…Laughs Unlimited. Read more>>

Porsha Henderson

I’ve always wanted to bartend, but I was scared I wouldn’t remember anything. I worked a job I hated for about a year, and when I got laid off, I knew it was God’s way of separating me from something that wasn’t for me. I was on unemployment, but as it was about to end, I didn’t want to go back to that field. A friend of mine went through bartending school, and I decided to just go for it. I took the course and was working within two weeks. I faked it till I made it, and now I teach people how to bartend with no experience. Read more>>

Terry Stolz

I’ve been drawings, coloring and painting for as long as I can remember. As a young child I would often be parked in a corner, handed crayons and cut open brown paper bags to keep me occupied. Later I drew on my school folders and shoes. After receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from UNLV I began working as a commercial artist on several big projects throughout Las Vegas. Including 2 years creating artwork for the facade of the Venetian hotel and casino. Read more>>

Josefina Delaveau

It hasn’t been a smooth road… in fact, it’s been quite the opposite. I’ve felt lonely, lost, and faced lots of problems that I had to solve on my own at a young age. I knew that staying in my home country wouldn’t allow me to succeed or live the life I truly wanted, so I took action and I leave on my own. Read more>>

Rebecca Heidt

It’s always hard to say when or how I started, or when the spark happened. Writing, art, imagination, music, acting, it just is. If you weren’t a child making up fake songs with a chorus line of two words with your imaginary friend I feel like you missed out, really. But in all seriousness, what I love to do always existed. The art, writing and more was always there, I can’t remember a time it wasn’t. Getting to where I am today, now THAT is the real work. It’s the listening and believing in myself (or yourself) enough to follow the start of that joy and love. Read more>>

Frances

Like most people, I lost my job during COVID, and I saw that people were becoming innovative, creating new apps to interact with others, and launching online businesses. I also grew weary of working in the day-care because I was constantly sick because of a weakened immune system. I wanted to try something new and see where it would take me. Read more>>

Skyler Brady

I started SunShield+ out of a personal need. As a landscaper in California, I spent countless hours outdoors and struggled to find a sunscreen that was effective, safe, and felt good to wear. My family has a history of skin cancer, and I was concerned about the chemicals in most sunscreens, so I knew I had to create something better. Partnering with a chemist, I developed SunShield+, a 4-in-1 sunscreen that uses organic ingredients, provides blue light protection, moisturizes, and enhances complexion. It’s been a journey of learning and growth, but I’m proud to offer a product that is safe, eco-friendly, and made with care. Read more>>

Jesno Jackson

My journey began in a modest family, where my passion for art was nurtured by the unwavering support of my parents. From a young age, my mom became my greatest inspiration, guiding me in honing my skills and encouraging me to participate in art competitions. My dad was my steadfast supporter, ensuring I had access to the best art materials, even bringing them from abroad. Their belief in my talent and dedication laid the foundation for my growth. Read more>>

Our path to owning a towing company wasn’t exactly a straight line. Daniel went to school for pre-med, aiming to become a doctor, and I studied history and education before becoming a high school teacher. After teaching for a few years, I moved to Seattle, where I met Daniel while he was working for another towing company. We fell in love, dated for two years, got engaged, and, in true entrepreneurial fashion, started our business before we even got married! Read more>>

Cinzi Lavin

I was a child performer, playing music in various settings; by the time I was 16, I was playing professionally. I sometimes worked with other musicians–established entertainers–and from them I learned what was expected in the business. They taught me the basics of success, such as respect for the audience and the importance of being reliable. Over time, I gained confidence. Read more>>

Cyan Townley

I started my apprenticeship in a small town in Texas. While I was training, I worked two jobs and spent every free moment learning how to tattoo. Read more>>

Christopher Cochran

Life has a way of shaping us through both profound joy and deep sorrow. My journey has been one of resilience, love, and an unyielding commitment to making a difference.

It all began with my son, Christian. From a young age, he embodied kindness, empathy, and an incredible strength of spirit. When he received a terminal diagnosis at 22, he responded not with despair but with grace, saying, “It’s OK, I would rather this be my burden than anyone else.” Instead of asking, “Why me?” he asked, “What’s GOOD About TODAY?”—a question that would change my life and the lives of countless others. Read more>>

Debra York

On December 9th, 1982, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. Aaron was always a fast learner; he started walking at just 9 months old, and I knew he was going to be a superstar. At the age of 6, the school called to ask if he could be advanced to the talented and gifted class because he was far ahead of his classmates. Read more>>

Danny Augustine

I began my artistic career as the founding member of the visual art major at Alderson-Broaddus University and later earned my B.F.A. from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. My first painting was exhibited in the West Virginia Governor’s Juried Exhibit held within the state’s museum. Shortly afterward, I was juried into the annual catalogue New Art International by Book Art Press. Through out the years, I have participated in numerous exhibitions on a national and international level, In which, had the honor of being named one of the most compelling artists. Read more>>

Danielle Rackowski

Photography and art have always fascinated me from a young age. I liked to draw, sketch, paint, and take pictures. In community college, I took an Introductory Photography course and learned about self-portraiture as a genre. That idea really intrigued me, because I was still finding and developing my style within the photographic medium. Photography has become a major part of my healing journey. It is an act of catharsis. Photography helped me visualize how I felt about my childhood traumas and emotional wounds. Overtime, photography showed me a path toward spiritual resilience, perseverance, and transformation. Read more>>

Train Daly, LLC

Swimming has been a central part of my life, from competing as a high school All-American and collegiate athlete to coaching swimmers and endurance athletes of all levels. My passion for training led me to pursue a degree in Exercise Science and Nutrition, and I spent over a decade in corporate fitness, where I specialized in biomechanics, strength, and conditioning for swimmers and triathletes. During that time, I developed training programs, mentored coaches, and worked with athletes ranging from age-group swimmers to professionals, refining my approach to performance optimization. Read more>>

Destiny

I am Destiny Santana, a self-made painter, born and bred from Harlem, NY. Six years ago, I chose to walk the path of an artist, surrendering to the unknown, yet trusting the rhythm of my journey. New York, a city of infinite possibilities, has tested and shaped me, but I have remained unwavering—authentic, fearless, and aligned with my purpose. Read more>>

Erica Everett

When I was 7 years old, I auditioned for the musical during my first year at summer camp and instantly fell in love with performing. I started taking dance and voice lessons, and by the end of high school, I was working professionally in regional theatre and film. Over time, I grew more interested in film and classical acting, which led me to train abroad at a drama school in London. Read more>>

Sunshine Zerda

Overcoming the challenges of my childhood has been a profound journey that has shaped who I am today. As a survivor of child abuse, I grew up in an environment marked by physical, mental, and emotional turmoil. However, these early experiences instilled in me a remarkable resilience that has become an essential quality in my life. Read more>>

Candice Hunt

I remember graduating from college and panicking because I didn’t know what I was going to do with my life. It seemed that all my classmates had a plan; they were going to become doctors, lawyers, teachers, accountants… and they had a real passion for their chosen careers. I still hadn’t figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up! I thought I may want to be a lawyer, so I took a job as a legal assistant at a big law firm and I cried pretty much every day on my way to work for the seven months that I lasted there. Up until then, I had been so successful my entire life- I graduated valedictorian from high school, was one of a handful of students in my college graduating class to be chosen for the college-wide honors program, I had been elected Vice President of the Student Senate…. and here I was feeling like a complete failure. Read more>>