Niloufer Merchant

I’ve had a circuitious route in my education and training. As an Asian Indian, raised in India, education was a highly valued endeavor that all parents strive hard to provide to their children. As such, my parents who had migrated for a period of time to Aden, Yemen, placed myself along with my older sister, in a prestigious boarding school in Pune, India, at the early age of 8 till 12 years old. Here I was raised by British nuns, in a strict disciplinary environment, to follow the “proper” norms and customs of becoming a well-behaved child. Read More>>

Caleb Braxton

My process is that of reflection and meditation on the experiences and emotions im having. Often pinpointing or meditating on a concept enveloping multiple feelings or experiences all at once. I use art to work through my problems and to empty my cluttered mind and soul. I think my work typical feels off putting but relatable. The beauty of art though is that once it leaves my head its meaning no longer belongs to be but to the viewer and those consuming it. Read More>>

Emily Campanella

Yes, one of the most common misconceptions I’ve faced as a therapist is the assumption that my job is to tell people how to live their lives. People will sometimes say things like, “You must give such great advice,” or “I could use someone to tell me what to do,” and while I understand where that comes from, it misses the heart of the work. Read More>>

Tina Wilmhoff

Running a service-based business, my whole world often revolves around my clients’ organizing journeys. I tend to get hyper-focused on making sure their needs are met, and sometimes, well, I forget to put my own needs first. Read More>>

Fabian Miranda

When I launched Fabian Miranda Salon, it was just me, a dream, and a lot of hustle. I didn’t have a team from day one — I wore every hat in the beginning. But as the demand grew, I realized quickly that I couldn’t do it all alone if I wanted to scale the way I envisioned.Read More>>

Yolanda K Churchwell

Absolutely. One of the most pivotal moments in my business came when I realized that hiring wasn’t just about getting help—it was about protecting my role as a Visionary CEO. Read More>>

Elizabeth And Elliot Collett

Yes, we definitely make time to step away and focus on our two young girls. Family is a top priority for us, and being present in their lives is number one. At the same time, we also want them to see us working hard and building something we’re passionate about. Running a food truck/catering company can be demanding, with long hours of prep and service, so it’s important for us to take breaks to reset and recharge. Read More>>

Robert Doyle

Ernest Shackleton, the polar explorer. Much has been written about the man, about his leadership on various Antarctic explorations. But he was also defined by personal and financial failures. In a broader sense, he is known for his ‘successful failures’ on the ice. He never achieved the big prize, yet he never lost a man under his direct command in difficult and dangerous circumstances on any expedition. Read More>>

Gretchen Otero

When it comes to scaling I’ve always believed that laying the proper foundation will allow for growth.
When I first started photography in San Diego, maybe I didn’t need a client management system and it was ok to handle clients one by one, but I realized to scale to the level I wanted to be, I needed automation and I needed a proper client management system to help manage the day to day tasks. It has proven itself time and time again, if I provide my business with the proper space to grow, it will flourish, Read More>>

Dominique Newman

When I first started I put so much pressure on myself to ‘follow the rules.’ I was drawn to this idea of “perfection” when it came to photography because if it wasn’t “perfect” then I may as well have taken it with my iphone. I wanted the perfectly smoothed skin, the soft even light, and the big flowy dresses. I felt like I always needed beautiful golden light to illuminate each of my images because without it, I would just look like novice creating flat images. Read More>>

Brooks Kashella

One of the biggest decisions I made was to go back to college. I wanted to gain more skills and knowledge and I applied to SCAD – Savannah College of Art and Design. I did not tell anyone until I was accepted and it came as quite a chock to my family and friends. I wanted to make a career out of my art and creativity. Read More>>

Veronica Villarreal

When I finished my Master’s program, I was so burned out from working in behavioral health. By the time I graduated, I had already been working in behavioral health for over 10 years, plus my stepdad had passed away during my last semester. Needless to say, I needed a break! I chose to take a step back and went to work in a trauma hospital as a Medical Social Worker. Read More>>

Elisabeth Richardson

Can you share a bit about your background and how you first got into business operations? Was it your original career choice, and how has your journey evolved within the field?

My journey began in early childhood, deeply rooted in service. My mother was intentional about instilling in my siblings and me the importance of giving back—not only to our own community, but to communities beyond our own. I began volunteering at just two years old at KPC Clothing Ministry, a free thrift store in Virginia Beach, VA. Read More>>

Mark Schlotterbeck

I took the “scenic” route to where I was going. And while much of that musical journey was barren and full of detours, I finally started to find my way and came across the right people that believed in me. The most important person is my wife. She not only believed in me, but she helped me believe in myself and my songs. That type of impact can’t be understated. Even if it was my songs that eventually did prove to be good enough, I might have never learned that without her lifting my confidence and cheering me toward that destination. Read More>>

Hayward J. Thompson

Yes, I am actually blessed to be listed with 8 agencies for my entertainment career. I was actually blessed to have been selected to be apart of a new artist showcase. This showcase was sponsored by Arts International and they only take 100 artists a year. The showcase was in Orlando Florida and I walked in the door without any agents and walked out the door with 8 agents! Read More>>

Shaina Zazzaro

Yes, I’ve failed—and it changed everything. About six months after starting my company, Effortlessly Healthy, I found myself homeless and nearly bankrupt. I had risked everything to build something that mattered, and I hit rock bottom. In that moment, I created something I now call The One More Minute Rule™: when you feel like giving up, give it one more minute. Read More>>

Lauren Evelyn

My most recent “fail” is one I think a lot of creatives can relate to, especially in today’s uncertain landscape, and I hope sharing it brings a little hope to anyone in the same boat. Read More>>

Jeffrey Thompson

Back in my early 20s, I was constantly on the road—traveling for tournaments, working random jobs just to make ends meet. Every paycheck went toward flights, tournament fees, and any opportunity I could afford to compete. It was a challenging time, both physically and financially, but I was driven by passion. Read More>>

Adam Jimenez

What would you change about the education system to prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?

I’d shift the focus from obedience and memorization to self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and real-world problem-solving. Students should be encouraged to ask big questions, try things, and fail early — not just follow instructions. Read More>>

SaulPaul

If I could change one thing about the education system, I’d make it more relevant and responsive. Too often, education feels disconnected from real life. I believe school should teach young people how to live well and earn well. That means integrating things like emotional intelligence, financial literacy, communication skills, entrepreneurship, and exposure to high-demand careers that don’t always require a four-year degree—like HVAC, electrical work, or tech trades. Read More>>

Carolina Cordoba