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.

Cody Sexton

I crawled out of the poverty-stricken hills of Appalachia, where the only thing that thrived was misery. That’s where I learned to fight—not just for survival, but for something more. I didn’t have much, but I had grit, and sometimes that’s enough. I dragged myself out of those backwoods, kicking and screaming, straight into the heart of the Windy City. The skyscrapers cut the sky like knives, but they were nothing compared to the mountains I’d already climbed. Indie publishing and graphic design weren’t part of the plan. Hell, there was no plan. But when you’ve seen enough, you start to figure out how to tell a story that matters. And I told it. I took every ounce of pain, every scar from those Appalachian nights, and turned them into something real—books that bite and graphics that haunt. Read more>>

Vanessa Pagano

My name is Vanessa Pagano, and I live in Switzerland. I was born and raised here, but my parents are Italian. I’ve always felt a strong creative spark within me, but due to distractions and the things taught in school, I was steered away from that path and instead followed the conventional route of education, including studying business administration. During the pandemic, I realized that something was missing in my life, something that was truly mine. With fewer distractions and more time on my hands, I discovered 3D art. I taught myself through tutorials, and with a lot of fun, dedication, tears, and frustration, I’ve reached the point where I am today. Read more>>

Crystal Puim of Crystal Puim Photography

I sort of fell into photography. I wouldn’t have called it a passion but now looking back I was always into visuals. When I got accepted into the University of Alberta I had NO idea what I wanted to do with my life. I always thought I’d go into advertising but there wasn’t advertising degree offered through the UofA and for some odd reason I was determined to earn a degree over a diploma. So I took a few art based classes in my 1st year of Bachelor of Arts. I took printmaking, industrial design and visual communication design (VCD.) I thought I would most likely go the Art and Design major route but I just wasn’t cut out for it. I was good at printmaking but my heart wasn’t in it, I loved industrial design but I wasn’t as polished as I wanted to be with my deliverables and VCD was interesting but I seemed to gravitate to the photography portion more than the website designing & programing portion or the typography portion.  Read more>>

Kemberli Clark’s Story

My story is one of how God will work in the most unexpected ways! In 2018, I went through a devastating life experience that left me heart broken and financially unstable. It was suggested to me to start a side job cleaning to make ends meet. Cleaning was the farthest thing from my mind but it was convenient to do outside of my full time job. As I began to gain clients for cleaning, it was challenging putting myself out there but if you know me everything I do has to be with excellence! I made a promo video of what I was doing and began to share it. It was the start of things changing. My full time job was great and things seemed to be going well but little did I know the 2020 that the COVID-19 pandemic would change it all for me; for the GOOD! I was told my job was fine and I had nothing to worry about, but by the end of March I was laid off. I remember a peace came over me and I felt so secure that it was all going to be okay. It was! Read more>>

Kandiee Campbell

It was 1973 and I was three years old when I learned the weight of words. My name is Kandiee, and I am an only child in a home where silence spoke louder than words. My parents, once bound by love, now drifted apart on a sea of unspoken fears and buried emotions. In the quiet corners of our home my mother, Patricia sought solace in whispered confessions. She would beckon me close, her eyes heavy with the burdens she carried and pour out her heart as though I were her only confidant in the world. However, I was just a child; too young to understand the complexities of adult worries. Yet I listened with great attention, my small heart heavy with the weight of her words. I did not understand that her problems were not mine to solve, nor did I comprehend the toll they took on my tender soul. All I knew was that my mother needed me, and I would do anything to ease her pain, even if it meant sacrificing my own innocence in the process. Read more>>

Jaja Chen of Cha Community

I [Jaja Chen] was born in Norman, OK, and grew up as a 2nd generation Taiwanese American there. My family’s move to China and Taiwan during my middle and high school years profoundly shaped who I am today and deepened my love for boba tea (Taiwan being the motherland of boba), tea culture, and authentic Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine. It also allowed me to reconnect with my cultural roots and understand the power of how food and tea bring people together. Returning to the U.S., I pursued a degree in social work at Baylor University and went on to work as a trauma therapist/clinical social worker in nonprofit and counseling center settings, while my husband, Devin Li, worked as an engineer and high school teacher. Read more>>

Bronte Williamson of Nourished Not Deprived

Growing up as the only child of two disabled parents exposed me early to the challenges of limited income, ongoing illness, and persistent pain. My parents are beautiful people, but they were handed a difficult set of circumstances. This led to growing up in an environment that wasn’t always ‘pretty’ or ‘easy’. To cope, my brain focused on what it could control: food and my body. This eventually led to my personal journey with Bulimia Nervosa, my very first battle for survival. Without access to the necessary financial support for proper healthcare (due to my BMI not meeting the required threshold), I had no choice but to figure out how to recover on my own. My brain, as it does now, sought solutions. I fought for my life, and once I could afford appropriate treatment as a young adult—similar to the services this platform now provides—I did. Read more>>

Jenny Gossell

All I ever wanted was to craft fantastical stories. I had no idea that desire would lead me to live a fantastical story myself. It was at the ripe old age of six that I decided I would become a published author when I grew up. By “when I grew up,” I meant by the time I turned sixteen. And by the time I turned sixteen in 2018, I did, in fact, have a trilogy of books I wanted to publish. But I didn’t have any idea how publication, marketing, or an author career actually worked. I printed copies of my books and sold several to my exceedingly generous family members and friends. But I had no idea where to go from there. Why wasn’t I selling more books? Why was it so hard to land a traditional publisher? I’d been working on this one trilogy for years–how could I move forward? Read more>>

Heidi Lowe

I started making beaded jewelry when I was 13 years old. I would take the screens from the windows in our house and decorate them with ribbons, add my bio and company logo, “Cosmic Creations.” I hung the earrings on the screen and brought them to boutiques in town, and they would buy the entire display. I thought I had hit it big, and then they would re-order! From that point on, I was hooked. I continued making jewelry in high school. I made my first silver band when the teacher sent me to the back to hammer on a big piece of silver, thinking I would get bored and tired. Four class periods later, I was as excited as ever, and he helped me see the ring to completion. I had already been accepted to Maine College of Art and knew my major would be Jewelry and Metalsmithing. Read more>>

Juri Love’s Story

Juri Love bio: Juri Love (AKA Goddess of Connection) is a survivor of child sex abuse, domestic violence, bullying, and homelessness. She was born and raised in Japan and was greeted by the Japanese crown prince and princess, now emperor and empress, when she was sent to the U.S.A. as an emissary at age 18. She now resides in Foxboro, MA. She has two children, Jaden and Jayla, and is thriving in her life as a single mom and entrepreneur. She has many accolades that include being a recipient of Heroes Among Us from the NBA Boston Celtics and a Volunteerism Award from the New England Patriots. She is also an award-winning TV/Film producer, journalist, musician, model, actress, and podcaster who uses her platform to bring awareness to people suffering from similar social issues she endured. Juri was the president/founder of a non-profit called Genuine Voices which taught music to juvenile offenders in the detention program. Read more>>

Sebastian Paredes of Interlix Staffing

I’m Sebastian Paredes, a 22-year-old entrepreneur and founder of Interlix Staffing, where we are transforming the staffing and recruitment landscape by placing elite remote professionals and software developers from Latin America with companies across the United States. My journey began in Cuenca, Ecuador, where, due to challenging economic conditions, my family made the life-changing decision to immigrate to New York when I was just 7 years old in 2009. Growing up in Washington Heights, a vibrant yet tough neighborhood, I faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture while growing up in poverty. The adversity I encountered shaped my character and work ethic. Immersed in the rich Latino community, I discovered a passion for Spanish rap battles, and soon made a name for myself as a professional Spanish Rap Battler. This journey saw me travel across the U.S, competing in and winning numerous championships. My rap crew even earned sponsorship from Red Bull for major events. Read more>>

Akiode Olasunkanmi of Resonance Couture

I began my journey in fashion with a deep passion for design and creativity. Starting with a small studio, I focused on blending traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, quickly gaining attention for a unique style. My early collections were well-received, which helped me secure partnerships with influential boutiques and fashion houses. As my reputation grew, I expanded my business to include a broader range of products, from high-end couture to accessible ready-to-wear lines. My commitment to quality and innovation continued to drive my success, leading to a loyal customer base. My journey reflects a combination of passion, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Read more>>

Adam O’day

Even though I was always drawing and interested in art, I Graduated from The Art Institute of Boston with 2 degrees: Illustration and Design. I worked at nightclubs, then as a designer for a printing press. Next was a 5 years stint working for the US Navy as an engineer and designer. Between 2007-2017 I contributed to over 100 art shows , and about 50 murals, getting the word out along the way. Even when I had full time jobs, I was continuing to create art, with plans to be a full-time artist as soon as I could afford it. Read more>>

Dr. Raynetta Stansil

I am a doctoral educated Healthcare Executive and Consultant, with extensive skills and experience across different healthcare sectors with progressive exposure to national and international healthcare compliance in organizations, I design and execute successful strategies to enhance quality and develop brands. I am an adaptable, innovative transformational leader, committed to honesty, transparency, and improvement of processes. Key Competencies: -Leadership and Management -Communication and Negotiation -Digital Marketing -Account Management -Healthcare Policy creation -Business Development -Healthcare/ Regulatory Compliance -Project Management -Quality Control -Analytical Skills -Relationship Building w/ Executives Read more>>

Oleg Boyko

I was born in Ukraine in the city of Mariupol in 1976. I lived and received my primary education in the city of Chernihiv. Later I entered the National Music Academy of Ukraine in Kyiv. While studying in Kyiv, I took part in several international guitar competitions, winning which gave me the opportunity to take training courses in Italy and Germany. Since 2000, I worked as a guitar teacher at the Chernihiv High College of Music. Over the past years, I have often given solo concerts in European countries, and have taken part as a jury member in many regional and international guitar competitions. I am also the author of several methodological works for beginning guitarists. And since 2020, began actively participate in various projects as a composer. Some works have received awards at international composition competitions. Read more>>

Dr Ava Eagle Brown’s Story

DMy Journey: From Adversity to Achievement My name is Dr. Ava Eagle Brown, and my journey is a testament to resilience and determination. Born in Jamaica, I moved to the UK in my early twenties, where I faced significant challenges, including battling racism and overcoming personal hardships. My story of overcoming these obstacles has shaped who I am today. In the UK, I worked in various roles, from teaching to banking and retail management. These experiences were not without their struggles, and I encountered profound racism and discrimination. These challenges drove me to use writing as a tool for social change. My memoir, The Mango Girl, details my personal struggles and triumphs, including a particularly harrowing incident of racism in the London Borough of Merton. Read more>>

Arkh Zeus

I started out writing a lot when I was a kid. Writing became an outlet for my creativity after I gave up on trying to draw. Eventually, I began crafting stories and building entire worlds with my words. Fast forward to age 12, I heard “Highs 2 Lows” by Nujabes and was inspired to write my first verse. I wouldn’t begin honing my rap skills until my freshman year of high school, though. Around that time, I met my mentor KayO and she motivated me to give it a genuine try. I’ve been Zeus ever since. 10 years later, rapping became just one of the many skills that I picked up. I learned how to engineer and make beats in the first 2 years of me becoming an artist. I went on to put out several albums and produced a countless amount of records for myself and many other artists. I even started my own record label, Zenith Royale. Read more>>

Lauren Najar of Lauren Najar Coaching

I was unfulfilled in my corporate job and was surrounded by family and friends who loved what they did. I knew there was more than going to a job hating what I do. I started blogging but then stumbled upon the online coaching industry and was instantly intrigued. I have constantly worked at my goals and getting my business off of the ground these last six years and being consistent despite what life throws at me has gotten me to where I am today. My business has been built through a very stressful 9-5, switching jobs, moving and having a baby just to name a few! Read more>>

Lisa Happ of Lisa Happ Coaching

Today my life is amazing, full, happy and abundant. This was not always my life. My story just a few short years ago was much different. I have gone through a life journey I would not wish on anyone, but I have come through difficult journey feeling whole, healed and happy. I have now dedicated my career and my life helping others find their path to healing, wholeness and happiness. Twelve years ago, I got divorced. Looking back the day I got married I already knew I would get divorced. My partner was manipulative, unmotivated and was overall not a good person. He was self-destructing. I knew as events unfolded, (that I won’t go into here ) that I had to get myself and our two children and out of this marriage and away from this man fast to save us. I knew if I did not leave, he would take both my children and I down his path of destruction with him. Getting divorced and becoming a full-time single mom with full custody of my children was not easy. I was a successful business owner and entrepreneur who was growing and building a business. I was tired, exhausted, lonely and depleted, barely sleeping or eating trying to be both a mom and dad to my children while building a business. At the end of each day my body would shake from exhaustion. I had never been so tried or felt so alone in my life, but I pushed forward because I had no other choice. Read more>>

Renee Jones

I spent 40 years on the Diet Yo-Yo — just up and down the scale and clothes sizes, wandering through all the diets and plans, pills, potions, and powders trying to lose the weight AND keep it off. It didn’t work, and my diet left me tired, hungry, and cranky all the time. No wonder I failed. Along the way, I earned a Master’s degree in counseling to help others work through their issues to heal, grow, and reach their goals. I knew what to do. I could help others deal with self-sabotage and blocks, and I’d done it myself in other areas. Yet this one thing I could not manage. I could not find a way to overcome emotional or stress eating. Once I did figure it out, I knew I was not alone.. Emotional eating is a thing! So many give up on their health because emotional eating sabotages their efforts, and they don’t know how to overcome that drive to eat for comfort or stress relief. “Feel mad, sad, frustrated, lonely? Have a cookie. You’ll feel better!” And we do feel better for about a minute, but then we’re left with feeling bad about ourselves – plus the joy of an increase in our waistline.  Read more>>

Curtis Haynes

My interest in art grew while living in Germany and traveling Europe after my time in the Army. Seeing the works of great masters I never imagined I could become an artist. Although I may never be on their level, I may have found my unique style. My art journey began in 2010 when my wife called to inform me that her art class was at risk of being canceled unless more participants enrolled and that she had enrolled me. My initial response was no, I would not take an art class. I couldn’t even draw a straight line. She replied that the class was abstract art, so I would not need to draw straight lines. At a loss for other excuses, I reluctantly agreed to participate. I struggled at first. It seems I was an expert at creating the color of mud. Thankfully the instructor, a very well-known artist, was very patient.  Read more>>

Maddison Fortuna

I started lashing 7 years ago as a means to make extra money while working full time and studying to get into a registered nursing program. I have always had a passion for the beauty industry and used to do bridal makeup so going into lash extension services as well was an additional income boost. 5 months into offering lash services, I was accepted into a registered nursing program. I had to quit my full time job since it was recommended to not work more than 16hrs/week while studying to be a RN. I had to find a flexible job, so I practiced every single day the art of lash extensions. You see when I first started lashing I did not take it seriously enough, I only had 5 clients, and wasn’t all in. Now that I had no other income to depend on, I had to take lashing seriously. I practiced until I felt confident enough taking in more and more clients. Read more>>

Brandon Ross

So basically how I started my journey in the Music business was sorter interesting, during the time Drill music first was introduced to the industry originating from the roots of Chicago, I wasn’t one of the originators but the sound was a very common sound that specifically every artist from chicago manipulated…. Growing up on the west side of chicago and the sound starting on the south of Chicago we created a sound called bop music which is a form of drill but more so dance and Autotune based Read more>>