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.

Summer Heideman

As a business owner in the newborn, maternity and family photography sector, the best investment I’ve made—both in terms of time and money—has been continuous education. Each year, I actively participate in workshops and classes led by industry-leading photographers. This commitment has greatly enhanced my growth and creativity. Read More>>

Dr. Nancy V Brown

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever given a client is to slow down, protect their peace, and create intentional space for themselves outside of the chaos of everyday life. Many of the individuals I work with are so used to surviving, supporting others, and pushing through life’s pressures that they forget they’re allowed to simply be. Read More>>

Chelsea Reyes

The best advice I ever gave a client was simple, but it completely changed her relationship with fitness. I told her, “Stop trying to earn your results with perfection and start showing up with intention.” One of my clients was a high achieving professional woman who excelled at her job but felt overwhelmed and inconsistent when it came to her health. Read More>>

Jack Cline

Our nonprofit organization, Youth Champions, didn’t begin as a standalone organization. It started as a small incubator program within a much larger nonprofit, AltaMed Health Services, where I’ve served on the Foundation Board of Trustees for many years. From the start, I wasn’t entirely on my own. Read More>>

Gail Gould

I began teaching CPR First Aid right after I received my master’s degree in Exercise Science/Health Promotion. My career prior to graduate school was being a group exercise instructor/personal trainer. I was 36 years old when decided to go back to school since I was tired of being in a leotard every day and I wanted to work in corporate wellness. Read More>>

Monique Fraile

I grew Momo’z Berriez super slowly and naturally. In the beginning it was just me making berries in my kitchen for fun, and I had no idea it would become what it is now. I scaled by learning as I went doing pop-ups, making mistakes, improving my systems, and listening to what my customers actually loved. Nothing about this was overnight. Read More>>

Ofelia Viloche

I went to architecture school, and I really didn’t know how difficult, exhausting, challenging, and demanding it would be. Now, I understand it was part of the process. But during my years in school, I couldn’t see it. What I appreciate the most about school was not only the classes, but also how strict and challenging every step was, so that even when I thought I could not keep going, a built-in resilience and skills to face problems were growing. Read More>>

Yolanda Wright

I graduated from the Joseph Business School (JBS) Entrepreneurship program in Chicago, IL, in January 2022. The mission of JBS is to eradicate generational poverty and create generational wealth for the glory of God. As a graduate of Tuskegee Institute, William S. Read More>>

Debra Whitson

People often ask me why I chose family law, why I built my own firm, or why I care so deeply about transforming the divorce experience. The truth is, my journey didn’t begin in a law school classroom or a courtroom. It began when I was fourteen years old, in a small Adirondack town, during one of the darkest moments my community had ever experienced. Read More>>

Sherri Franklin

I have made many friends and donors. It’s so important to me that everyone feels deeply appreciated for what they contribute to Muttville. For some it’s hours volunteering, or adopting a dog, donating to help cover the costs of our vet clinic! One thing I did for a special couple that never asks for any recognition. Read More>>

Taylor Bails

We treat every pet—and every client—like family. So when one of “our” pets passes away, it’s truly heartbreaking. Pet loss is difficult for anyone, but when you see these animals every day or several times a week, you build your own bond with them. Read More>>