Over the years as we connected with incredible from folks from almost every imaginable industry we realized that every nook and cranny of our economy is full of small business owners, artists and creatives who live and breathe what they do – and their stories are nothing short of heroic. It’s the immigrant parents who overcame the odds and kept their small business alive for decades allowing their next generation to thrive and the artisans who pour their passion into every piece and refuse to let even the most common items remain mundane that make our communities come alive. The stories below will inspire you and we hope you’ll take the time to read and connect with these incredible folks.

Ro Daar

My best investment was buying a laser cutter. Previously I used a scroll saw and band saw to cut out the pieces for my sculptures. Then, about 10 years ago I decided to buy a professional laser cutter. It lets me work with far more precision and speed. Unfortunately, at a far higher price. LOL. But that’s water under the bridge now. Read More>>

Open Face

One of the worst investments I’ve ever made was giving money to someone to help manage my music career. I met this person at a job I was working at, and over time, we built what I thought was a trustworthy relationship. He seemed genuine—someone I could believe in. Read More>>

Shira Schwartz

When families reach out to me, it’s often because they’re feeling uncertain or worried about their child’s educational plan. I always begin by listening—really listening—to their concerns. Every situation is unique, and it’s important to me that parents feel heard and supported from the very first conversation. Read More>>

Yvonne Heimann

One of the best pieces of advice I have ever given a client was to stop building their business for where they are right now and start building it for where they want to be. A few years ago, I worked with a creative agency owner who was drowning in day-to-day work. Every process, approval, and client deliverable depended on her. Read More>>

Haylea Ray

Over the course of my work with Sanctuary there have been many heart-wrenching moments. It is inevitable as an advocate working with those in need in any capacity. Yet, there have also been many heart-warming and uplifting moments that truly solidify why charitable work is so important. Read More>>

Chelec Pinkcney

Testimony of Transformation: A Marriage Restored A co-worker of mine shared a powerful story. Her sister was on the verge of leaving her husband—bags packed, heart weary, and ready to walk away from her marriage. She felt exhausted by the ongoing issues and had reached her breaking point. Read More>>

Lisa De la Torre

I got my first job in the industry by creating one. In my early twenties, I was diagnosed with a mental health disorder that unfortunately can’t be managed with medication (believe me, I’ve tried). It’s been painful at times — things can shift quickly — and for years I did my best to hold steady in a corporate management role. Read More>>

Christy Bennett

I am currently working on starting my own brand not just about cosplay, but it involves my weight loss journey too. I titled it Punk It Up because the cyberpunk genre really influenced me, especially when it involves style over substance. Read More>>

Gerita Cook

About the Author – Gerita Cook Gerita Cook is a visionary entrepreneur, educator, author, and community advocate. She is the proud owner of Xpress Medical Specialist and GC4 Enterprises, where she provides publishing, consulting, and professional development services to help others reach their fullest potential. Read More>>

Erica Kennedy

I aspire for my legacy to be: ‘She built places that worked and people who thrived.’ As an architect, hospitality consultant, yoga instructor, and career coach, my core principle is clarity, transforming complex projects and careers into calm, focused progress. Read More>>

Anniola Cesar

My hero is my father, André Cesar. He was born and raised in Haiti and came to the United States with a dream of building a better life. As a single father, he raised my brother and I while running his own businesses, he was a real estate investor and the proud owner of Cesar’s Barbershop. Read More>>