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.
Carmen Sclafani
There’s definitely been times throughout my career wiith some of my work being misunderstood. And in truth, there’s also been moments where I haven’t shied away from voicing an opinion, and you have to expect that some people won’t agree. But a song like, Unreasonable Force, in particular the video gets a lot of blow back. People don’t realize that that’s not taking a political position. That’s just reporting truth as it happened. I’ve learned over the years to just let things go and understand where people’s positions are coming from, and not to take any of it with much weight. As you get older and as you become more comfortable in your skin and who you are as a person, I think it’s much easier to tune out the noise and just focus on mastering your craft and life. Read more>>
Rayna Roseby
This is a loaded question for me. My journey began with my own wedding when I wanted to wear a black wedding dress, as it is my favorite color. The responses I received were of shock and outrage, and needless to say I ended up in a traditional white dress. This is not to say that white dresses are not beautiful, because they are! It simply wasn’t a reflection of who I was and what I dreamed of for my wedding day. Fast forward to today…. When thinking about expanding into the wedding industry it was truly so that brides or couples would have a neutral and supporting ground to express their dreams, wants, needs in a judgement free zone. That they could feel as though they had a voice in their wedding day. I am that voice Couples hear a lot of “voices” from friends, family, social media, and I become the silencer, the protector, and their voice to help ensure they get their wedding of their dreams! Read more>>
Eva Lempert
Oh yes, do I love a vacation! Vacations are key to being a successful business owner. We talk a lot about finding balance and self-care in today’s world and I firmly believe things like vacations and “me-time” fall into these categories. If we can’t take time to take care of ourselves first, then how can we take care of our business (and others)? I guess it’s all in how you define a vacation. Vacations don’t have to be these pre-planned, 2 week long adventures through some country that you’ve never been to (don’t get me wrong, these types of vacations are amazing), vacations can also be a day-long adventure or a weekend staycation. I think what makes a business successful is when you’re able to take time away from your work to do things that make you happy and spend time with people (or even, just yourself) so that your soul feels fulfilled by the end of your time away. When I return to my work after some time away, I’m often feeling less cluttered in my brain and more inspired to create! Read more>>
Scott & Kayley Southern Huynhs
Who doesn’t love vacations, right? We love time away to recharge the batteries but both of us juggling a full-time job in healthcare and pursuing our unconventional job as digital creators can be challenging. However, we make it a priority to take some time off with our family. Time together as a family is the core root of our success and happiness. The benefit of being digital creators is that we can create content while vacationing and building memories with our children. The challenge is that a vacation is never truly a vacation for our family. Each vacation is an opportunity to document our travels, showcase new cultures, and share our food experiences. The way we find balance with this is to set up ‘working days’ while keeping other times as personal time with our family. Read more>>
Seth Levine
I’ve always believed in the idea of giving back and subscribed to the notion that companies are created in part as the result of the communities in which they operate. In 2014, I helped to found a non-profit based on these principles, Pledge 1%. My venture firm, Foundry, has been a member since its inception (and before that donated a portion of profits to charity through another organization). Pledge 1% helps companies of every size and stage leverage their unique assets by pledging 1% of equity, product, profit, and/or employee time to their communities. Since our founding, Pledge has signed up nearly 20,000 companies and has been the catalyst for more than $2 billion in gifts to local non-profits. I couldn’t have imagined this level of impact when we started the organization ten years ago, but we’re just getting started (and the embedded equity value that has already been pledged through the org but has not yet resulted in cash back to the community non-profits is massive). Read more>>
Max Ramsey
I donate a minimum of $25 per month (it depends on my sales but I always at least make that donation) to Upstate Food Not Bombs. They are an organization that works to feed those in need in our area, no questions asked. While their primary goal is to feed, they also provide other services like finding housing, fund raising for locals in need, providing clothing, and providing basic needs like Tylenol and sewing kits. They are completely inclusive, they will not turn you away for any reason. Come as you are, tell them what you need, and they will try their best to help you. I fully believe community outreach like this is fundamental to building a stronger community. This is how we help people. Read more>>
Raja Marhaba
I really never ventured out to start a business. I was always in corporate – administrator in the financial sector. It was my former husband who asked me to establish a construction business with him. He told me if we work together we can make more money than me working in corporate. At first I was not too excited about the idea because I had a stable job and doing well. I wanted to have a voice in the company, not just become a “fixture” working under him. I was ambitious and wanted more. Joining forces with my former husband meant I will lose my independence and that was very important to me. He had an electrical contractor’s license and he is one of the most impressive electrical contractors I have ever known (and I am not saying this because we were married – he truly is). He is extremely well versed in the industry and especially trouble shooting complicated issues. He wanted to expand and become a general contractor and specialize in commercial, federal, and industrial tenant improvement projects. He told me we can expand and grow the company since there was a lot of opportunities, especially in the federal sector. Read more>>
Ashley Arnold Morrow
Embarking on the journey of establishing my own “practice” was both exhilarating and daunting. Driven by a passion for environmental stewardship, I began by taking small yet meaningful steps. It started with simple acts like acquiring free seeds and plants from local seed libraries and certifying my yard as pollinator-friendly through partnerships with zoos, parks, and conservatories. As my garden flourished, I pursued certification for its native plant composition, deepening my connection with the natural world. These early experiences led me to found the Wild Ones Youngstown Area Chapter, uniting like-minded individuals in promoting eco-friendly practices. Through Operation Pollination with the Youngstown Rotary Club, I discovered the power of community-driven initiatives. Read more>>
Niya Williams
My first experience earning as a creative was when I attended 2 cannabis festivals during the summer of 2023. The CannaBash Festival was an amazing 1-day festival. I got to meet a couple of well-known artists like Julian Marley and Jolo Reeves! It was the same thing for my second event, which was a Big Cloud 3-day camping event. I met, connected & traded with many different creative artists from all around Michigan. I made a profit at each festival, which made me very proud for my first time vending. I plan to continue vending at different festivals all over Michigan in the upcoming years. Read more>>
Guido Arcella
Remote work has been a transformative experience for our company, especially following the pandemic. We have embraced the flexibility and adaptability that come with a digital academy model, allowing us to connect and collaborate effectively from various locations. At Arcella Sound, our music and sound production studio for film and video games, we have successfully operated remotely with our dedicated team. Utilizing online collaboration tools has enabled us to maintain high productivity levels while fostering creativity and innovation. The pandemic highlighted the importance of efficient communication and project management, which we’ve integrated into our workflow. This transition not only allowed us to continue delivering quality work but also attracted a diverse range of talent from different locations across Latin America. Overall, remote work has proven to be a valuable asset, enabling us to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Read more>>
Jimmy Viquez
If I were starting over as a freelance designer, I’d focus more on finding a niche early on instead of trying to appeal to everyone. By narrowing down my services and building expertise in one specific area, I could have set myself apart faster and been able to charge higher rates sooner. Additionally, I’d make it a priority to build my brand from the start—consistently sharing my work on platforms like Instagram and Behance to create visibility and establish myself as an expert in that space. This would have accelerated my ability to attract the right clients early on. I’d also invest in fostering long-term relationships with clients rather than just focusing on new projects. Repeat business and referrals are so important for sustainable growth, and nurturing those connections would have streamlined that process. Automating parts of my workflow, like invoicing and project management, is another thing I’d do differently to save time. Lastly, I would have more confidence in valuing my work from the start, setting my rates at what my services are truly worth. This approach would have gotten me to where I am today much faster and with less effort. Read more>>
Kellee Tarum
I’m sure this will come as a huge surprise, but I’d get my systems in good shape right away! I’d create standard operating procedures for my repeatable tasks and automate the ever-living heck out of things. I can’t tell you how much time I spent early in my business on things like bookkeeping just because I had to do it infrequently enough that I forgot everything in the interim. It was like starting from scratch every time because I hadn’t taken the 5 minutes to write out each step the first time I figured it out. Read more>>
Soraya Gonzalez
One of the most important lessons I learned while in college was when a business professor of mine was explaining the importance of choosing the right company to work for after graduation. She said that if you want to move up in a company, to start at a small company therefore you will be able to move to the top of the pyramid quicker because you only have to move up through 20 other employees. This is in comparison to starting at a larger company with 200 employees, meaning you would have to move up through way more employees, taking you a longer time and more effort. This taught me a great lesson that it’s not always a good move to work for a larger company just for the sake of telling others that you work for a household name. If moving up the ladder is a goal you have for yourself in your career, work for the smaller company, give it your all, and work your way up to the top that way. This lesson has always stuck with me, and I’m very grateful to have learned this before I graduated. Read more>>
Nolyn Jacobs
I started my personal social media brand while I was in high school and the biggest lesson I learned was to stop caring so much about what other people thought of me. When I first started posting brand deals and photos from different modeling shoots, there was plenty of encouragement from friends, but also plenty of judgement and hate from my peers. According to them I was a ‘try hard” and “not an influencer”. Which they were right, I wasn’t. I had maybe 1000 followers on TikTok at the time and was just on socials for fun, but as the years have gone on, the amount of people who have reached out and asked me how I got started who also bullied me for it in high school would be more than you think. I had to sit down and realize that while my peers were hating, I was creating extra income and making a name for myself around the community. During this time, I was modeling for different local photographers, being an extra in major movies such as “What Happens Later” with Meg Ryan, and slowly building up my resume with social media experience. Read more>>
Kathy Gonzales
I had 2 starts at consulting! My first start was in 2010. I had been doing family mediations “on the side” since 2005. In August, 2010 I was about to start my Ph.D. program in Conflict Analysis & Resolution and I decided that it would be a good time to launch a consulting company that offered a full suite of conflict resolution services including system design and assessment. I thought that having my own consulting company while I was studying would be very complimentary–I would be able to implement what I was learning in real time and I would be able to use my practical experiences with clients as live examples to support my theoretical work. Looking back, that was not such a great idea. I completely underestimated the Ph.D. workload so there I was struggling to get my business off the ground and trying to wrap my head around this demanding academic program *AT THE SAME TIME*! That first year was CRAZY! I eventually got my rhythm in terms of balancing my class/study time with my business development/service delivery time so that I was not feeling completely overwhelmed. I also did reap benefits of doing conflict resolution work at the same time I was doing my doctorate in that field. Read more>>
Tyler Smith
Since, I’m in the skincare industry the number one thing I can come across is revenue and costs. When starting out, you should keep your prices very firm and make sure you’re profiting correctly. I said that to say this, for example it’s compare and contrast. You have to factor in business needs: supplies, ingredients, bulks, profit, loss, and much more depending on the area of business, you specialize in. I’ve managed keeping costs under control by budgeting, having a marketing plan, and the most important one is keeping track of my fixed and variable expenses. Because; my variable can vary from month to month, as to my fixed expenses aren’t going anywhere, whether it’s a change in my sales, or volume. It stays the same. Advertising and marketing costs, but you get that back with in increase in sales due to the traffic. I have a financial advisor that helps me manage my company, to help manage cash flow with free advice on controlling expenses. One thing my grandma would always tell me was to make sure I come out ahead and not in the red and that stuck with me to help me grow, maintain my business. Read more>>
Zaire Bellamy
I helped my client gain the strength to confront their abusers. It all started from a reading deal that I offered. It was meant to be a short reading but I kept feeling called to dig deeper. I picked up on their trauma with being abused physically and sexually. At the start of the session they were fearful and felt powerless in their circumstances. Speaking from a similar and personal experience I shared with them the tools I used to heal myself. I usually apply additional charges but this client truly needed healing right then and there. So I helped. 3 months later they reached back out to me to thank me for my help, they were able to confront their abusers and get everything off their chest. And they were able to pursue charges since there was partial evidence and the statute of limitations was still active. And then 5 months after receiving that news they informed me they were able to receive legal justice for their pain and suffering. It made me so happy because I wasn’t able to receive legal justice in my situation. I say it all the time, while my spiritual services are my livelihood, it’s not all about the money for me. I truly enjoy and find a sense of fulfillment helping people heal. Read more>>
Jennifer Evens
As a luxury service provider, it is my goal to provide my clients with a superior experience! My clients receive a personalized experience based on their wants, needs, likes/dislikes to ensure they look back on their time with me with only positive thoughts and feelings. Before their photo sessions with me, I chat with every potential client to learn about the expectations and answer any questions they may have. Once they book, they receive communications from me about how to prep for their photoshoot, a shopping guide, a link to my client closet (all the things I have on hand that clients can borrow), and more! This helps to ensure that they have all the information necessary to make the most out of their Boudoir experience. Read more>>
Jerry Barrish
I am so lucky to work with an amazing team of people. I work with an artist management firm and have gallery representation. My manager handles studio operations, supervises my body of work, PR, digital content and gallery communications. The management firm is Lion in Oil, and our manager is Andy Nelson. He has done a great job since we started working together. I am represented by Tuleste Factory in New York. My gallery shows my work, puts me in fairs and shows. They drive and manage my sales. I am so grateful to Celeste and Satu [Greenburg sisters, founders and directors of Tuleste Factory]. Tuleste Factory has introduced my work to a whole different demographic of young, fresh eyes. Read more>>
Mercedes I Peterson
At the age of 44, my failure was my health.. In January 9th 2024 I was diagnosed with sepsis and was admitting to ICU for blood transfusion. This was my first time in my life admitted to a hospital for a long stay. They couldn’t determine what caused it . I tried willing myself back to health and i couldn’t. Up until this point I didn’t worry about my health I drink water, eat my fruits and vegetables, excercise and I thought I was at the best shape of the life. We worry about a million things a day until you get sick and you worry about one thing, getting healthy. A few weeks later I had emergency surgery because my intestines were twisted. My mind and body were separate; my brain in denial and my body fighting to survive. In order to heal I had to unite the two. Face my reality of being Ill so I can transform it. I was in the hospital a total of 26 days with both diagnosis. In the meantime I lost a job and was being evicted. I focused on my health to improve so that I can tackle my other challenges. Within a month of being released my surgical scars healed, started my new job and I am currently still in my apartment. Failure is truly a state of mind. Read more>>
Christopher Martinez
I believe family businesses are the bread and butter of any city or town. From big city life like Los Angeles to the suburbs of West Covina. Your mom and pop shops show you can get quality and great service from your neighbors to your friends to your family. As a small business owner, I have seen what a small business can do for a community. It brings people together, not just as a consumer but as a friend or family. You get that warm touch where the owner or associate knows your full name to your favorite color to your ticks. I have personally learned that sometimes listening to your customer goes a long way, from their goals to their daily schedule or to even how their day was. Read more>>
Marcus Evans
I believe family businesses can thrive with the right family members involved. While it may not sound appealing, it is still business at the end of the day. A clear separation between work and personal life is essential for family businesses to succeed. Owners must avoid showing favoritism to any team members and maintain a focus on what will grow the business and benefit all employees. Choosing the right family members to work with is akin to selecting the right employees who share the company’s enthusiasm for its success. However, alongside the benefits, there are pitfalls that can have the opposite effect when deciding who to involve in the business. With that in mind, ask yourself: “If I were to work a job with my family members, who would I prefer to collaborate with without risking my position, even by association?” Read more>>
Ken Toki
The pleasure of making art from my early days, at home and at school, came to an abrupt halt as wartime began in Japan. Schools closed and the art supplies I had access to dried up. I recall wondering what could a soldier do with our papers, crayons, pencils, not realizing manufacturing of these materials had discontinued as war raged globally; I was 14. After university and at the start of my career I quickly learned I had little time for creative pursuits. However, I did notice early on that when I gave presentations to explain, for instance, computing systems at airports I could include artistic and anime-type illustrations to make these complex systems more accessible to clients. After my retirement in 1996, I was finally free to fully pursue my passion for art. It was the opening of the door onto my future and my life as an exhibiting and competing artist, which I remain to this day. Read more>>
Ludrick Fortune
Transitioning from a structured 9-to-5 to the unpredictable world of freelancing presented me with a unique challenge: creating a routine amidst the chaos. While I’ve always thrived on a balanced routine, the nature of freelance work has forced me to adapt and take on more responsibilities, such as marketing myself, finding clients, planning my schedule, and handling finances. This journey has been both exciting and daunting. I’m constantly growing and learning and trying to balance the familiar comfort of a structured workday with the unpredictability of freelance life. I definitely don’t have all the answers yet, but I will as long as I continue to work hard, develop my skills, and embrace the chaos that freelance life brings. Read more>>
Meghan Fabulous
Is design dead? In the fashion industry, the combination of corporate focus on low-cost goods and expense control combined with the increasing centralization of retail in massive, leviathan companies creates a nearly insurmountable obstacle for small, creative businesses. “I want it cheap, and I want it delivered tomorrow” seems to be a sign of the times. In such a world, can art and creativity still thrive? Our little clothing brand and Meghan’s design aesthetic have always been different, fresh, irreverent and extravagant. Our customers LOVE it and take a deep personal interest in the brand. The experience of buying from Meghan Fabulous provides very high quality goods extraordinary design talent. Our website is loaded with glowing reviews from new and old customers alike, and they just adore everything Meghan makes. Read more>>
Ellie Fuqua
In the photography world, larger corporations upscale their business by adopting business models that serve a wide audience. While their work tends to be easily palatable and affordable, this method of upscaling also sacrifices personal connection and many of the specific needs that clients have for their weddings. People who go with corporate photography companies end up getting a standardized service with less connection, along with simplified and standardized imagery. On occasion, people have inquired with me and decided instead to go with a more corporate wedding photography company because their pricing made sense for them. Those same people often return to me for photo sessions later because they could sense that my work dove to a deeper level than what a larger corporation might be able to provide. As a small business owner, I can take a more personal approach that delivers personalized experiences, along with imagery that tells your story uniquely. Read more>>
Chef Stacey Chandler
My husband bought me my dream car before he bought himself a car in 2012. I cried because I was so happy and extremely grateful. We had been struggling financially for a few years and all of the cars that I owned previously kept breaking down on me so for a while we walked ,rode bikes and caught rides with other people to get to work.. I now use that same vehicle to deliver my orders for my business. Read more>>
Brynn Fuentes
One belief I hold that many in the skincare industry disagree with is the idea that natural skincare can be just as, if not more, effective than harsh, chemical-based formulations. The common narrative suggests that unless a product is packed with man-made chemicals, it can’t deliver results. I wholeheartedly reject that notion. My journey with skincare started in my childhood, growing up on a small citrus grove where my mother and grandmother used our garden as their pharmacy. They crafted remedies from herbs and plants, passing down generations of knowledge about the powerful healing properties of nature. This upbringing shaped my philosophy about skincare—that Mother Nature, in her purest form, offers unmatched harmony for our skin. Read more>>
Jessica Mcdaniel
For people who take family photos for their job (aka my people, for the last 20+ years), the elusive everyone-smiling-and-looking-at-the-camera photo is the one grandma wants, for the frame. It’s one I consider necessary, of course, because more often than not it’s one of the main reasons I’m there take photos for a family — it’s hard to get that photo without hiring someone. But I always do those kind of photos first, to get them out of the way, because then I can be creative, and spend the remaining time photographing moments — documenting real fun and interactions. Read more>>
Brenda Stokes
I have been active as a musician since I was four years old, but it wasn’t until I heard Canadian jazz pianist Oscar Peterson play that I knew this HAD to be the life for me. I loved playing music, but the classical piano lessons I took as a child didn’t really light a fire for me. When I hear Oscar Peterson play C Jam blues something opened up inside me. I immediately switched to playing jazz and I felt like I was in the right place musically. There was no question that was what I was going to do with my life. Read more>>
Ryan Jones
My hero is my father because while moving in silence, you never knew what he was experiencing but he always made a way to get whatever was needed done; no matter if it was for self or someone else. He remained true to his self through his flaws. He kept major accomplishments to hisself because they didn’t matter if he wasn’t able to do for his family. My father was top in the state for track & field, he was a division 1 football player, who’s now well respected & top in his career of almost 40 years, showing consistency, work ethic and that same drive he had on the track & field. He was very talented & many people say I’m my father’s exact replica, except I accomplished everything he did x2 so I’m a more advanced version. Watching my father go through struggle, pain & hurt, all while remaining resilient helped me in life now that I’m on my own. I took that same mindset & put it toward the businesses I run that requires me to push others and not let them see me sweat. The athlete mindset, the discipline, the grind, made me an overall good team player, leader and coach now that I’m helping others change their lives in the health & beauty world. So all in all today the man God & my father helped me become has put me in position to never have to stress about being without, nor having to feel as though I need validation from the world to be who I am and was born to be. Read more>>
Baxter Orr
As a Designer/Artist my heroes are those who are committed to their craft and through that comes their purpose, livelihood, and influence. I have several, numero uno is Andy Warhol, that guy kinda just invented what all of us are doing these days, I think of that quote “Talent hits a target no one else can hit, Genius hits a target no one else can see.” Warhol saw clearly where the world was heading, I often ponder what that creative energy in 1960s New York was like, had to be an enlightened time (My B&W Profile Photo is an AI I made of myself at Studio 54 in that era of NYC) Other heroes include Artists: Damien Hirst, Mark Ryden, and Noel Gallagher of Oasis, all of them have found their voices in what they do and are passionate to make the best it can be. Read more>>
Stephanie Neville
I am a contemporary conceptual artist (b. 1973 Pretoria, South Africa) and have been residing in the United Arab Emirates since 1999. Working as a full-time artist since 2005, my interest developed with a great love for fiber and textile arts. I use traditional handmade techniques to express a feminist identity and delve into the complexities of diaspora, memory and absence drawn from my personal relationships. I earned my Master of Visual Arts (Cum Laude) from the University of South Africa (2019) and started my own company Stephanie Neville Projects in 2022. Read more>>
Keyundra Thompson
I’m a true southern Belle. I was raised in a small town in Arkansas where everyone knows everyone. I guess you could say I was always a bit on the nerdy side of things. I actually got teased throughout my childhood for being the “nerdy church girl”. Literature was my passion and hidden escape. I remember writing songs and short stories as young as 6 years old. Reading would be my way of escaping reality. With the right book in your hand, you can travel anywhere you want. It was just recently though when I decided to take that passion, and turn it into a career path starting with children’s books and poetry. I’ve done some blogging in the past during COVID, but this is my first time stepping out on faith, and really putting my work out there. Read more>>
Cheryl Cole
Unveiling My Gift: A Journey of Intuition and Connection The world felt different to me, even at four years old. It wasn’t a conscious difference, but a subtle hum beneath the surface of things. It was on that day, playing in the living room, that the hum intensified, focusing on my great-grandpa. “Mommy, Great Grandpa died,” I announced, the words tumbling out without understanding their weight. My mother’s phone call and the ensuing screams that followed were my first glimpse into the power, and potential consequence, of my gift. Years passed, a jumble of scraped knees, daydreams, and the usual childhood chaos. In third grade, my mischievous streak landed me in after-school suspension. Mr. Campbell, usually a source of stern lectures, was slumped over his desk when I entered. A jolt of fear ran through me as a voice, his voice, echoed in my head, “Cheryl, stop there… don’t come here. I died.” Panic surged – had I caused this? My heart hammered in my chest as I stumbled back, leaving Mr. Campbell and the terrifying silence behind. Read more>>
Kyle Kosior’s Story
I am originally from Saskatchewan, Canada and also briefly lived in Michigan and Manitoba, Canada. I attended the University of Regina (Saskatchewan, Canada) and then worked for a few years before moving on to the University of North Dakota School of Law in Grand Forks, ND. I settled in Grand Forks after law school, where I married Amanda and started work with the United States Hockey League. After a few years with the USHL, I moved on to Veritas Hockey (a hockey management agency) and have been there ever since. In addition to the work with Veritas, I also serve as a consultant to JLG Architects, a firm specializing in the design of hockey arenas, and teach a sports business class at the University of North Dakota. Read more>>
Olivia Macdonald
The earliest I can remember creating art is when I was very small sitting in a little pink chair at a white plastic play table in my house. My mom would give me a bunch of art projects to do like cutting papers, gluing, coloring, and drawing. She always said I was the happiest when I was sitting at that table crafting my little heart out. As I grew, I never held back my love for art. In high school, I joined the art club despite my rigorous AP class schedule and one of our tasks was to paint a mural in front of the music classroom. I worked through the night drawing up a design of instruments and music legends and it was chosen! I spent months painting the wall after school to bring that drawing on paper to life even when nobody else showed up to art club that day. Having my original artwork on a wall that large showed me that my art could make a real impact and bring beauty and color to a rather sterile, gray-looking place. Read more>>
Andrea Rodriguez
My journey as an artist has been an incredible adventure filled with passion, discovery, and growth. I’ve always had a deep love for art, especially for bold and colourful expressions. Growing up in Colombia, I was fascinated by the vibrancy of nature, mainly the rich and diverse rainforest landscapes. This fascination inspired much of my early work, primarily exploring the intersection of natural beauty and bold, expressive design. I started experimenting with different art forms, from small sketches to large-scale murals. My love for lettering and typography soon found its way into my work, blending with my passion for the lush, organic forms found in nature. As I honed my skills, I realized I could merge these two passions into a unique style resonating with others. Read more>>
Renee Ellis
My name is Renee Ellis, founder and CEO of Ellis Transit, based in Fargo, North Dakota. My story is interwoven with my family and Indigenous roots. While I live in Fargo now, I grew up in the Navajo Nation. The remote and under-resourced environment was hard, but my family and tribe instilled a strong sense of community and culture that shaped me and my worldview. One of my most profound experiences came during my youth while living in San Diego. I was caught up in an unhealthy lifestyle filled with drug abuse and bad relationships. Knowing I needed to change, I called my family for help and waited 32 hours at a payphone for my father to find me and take me home. With the unconditional love and support of my family, I endured the agony of withdrawals for four months, emerging sober. I remain in recovery today and advocate for behavioral health programs and support systems. Read more>>
Ora Lockett
As the proud founder of THE GR8FULL COMPANY www.gr8full.club, my journey began in 2019, driven by a deep passion for all-natural products rooted in my work in psychology. This passion led me to create over 24 diverse products, ranging from hair, skin, bath, and body, to men’s care, herbal supplements, teas, health and wellness books, and home fragrances. In counseling, I witnessed firsthand the powerful impact of natural ingredients on health and well-being. This inspired me to develop products that are effective and free from harmful chemicals. My commitment to quality and authenticity has always been at the core of THE GR8FULL COMPANY. Starting this business in 2019 was just the beginning. Along the way, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to meet amazing entrepreneurs and seize numerous opportunities that have helped me grow both personally and professionally. Each product I create carries a piece of my dedication to promoting a healthier, more natural lifestyle. Read more>>
Hanna Hill
I have always been told I had a big personality and was super creative. Those were my affirmations from a young age. But as I grew older, I also wanted to be successful and strong. I wanted my artist’s heart and confidence to do something meaningful in the world. My dream first took shape as a photographer, a passion I pursued on and off throughout university. In 2015, I finally took it seriously as a business. Starting small, like most photographers do, I eventually grew into one of the most recognizable and award-winning birth photographers in my area. I was immensely proud of my work, both for the mothers I served and the art I created. It was raw, real, and inspiring for so many families navigating the often complicated world of birth and maternity care. Read more>>
Leslie Ferris Yerger of My Density Matters
Leslie was born and raised in Worthington, Indiana. She attended Purdue University and earned degrees in Computer Science and Industrial Management, and was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority. She also obtained her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is both a proud Boilermaker and a Tar Heel. Leslie previously worked as a computer programmer and printed circuit board production supervisor at Data General in Massachusetts and North Carolina. She also worked as a Global Product Manager at United Technologies Carrier in Syracuse, New York, and as a Business Development Manager at DEK Printing Machines in Weymouth, England. Leslie now lives in Hawthorn Woods, IL with her husband, John. She is the proud mother of 3 children, Evan, Julia, and Megan. Read more>>
Adrian Mayse of A L Mayse LLC
I am a native of Victoria, Mississippi, and I graduated as the valedictorian of Byhalia High School in 2002. In 2005, I received my B.B.A. in Banking and Finance, and Managerial Finance from the University of Mississippi. In 2007, I earned my M.P.A. (Master of Professional Accountancy) from Jackson State University. I worked for the Mississippi Department of Revenue (formerly the Mississippi Tax Commission) for three years as a tax auditor and became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 2010. I taught as an instructor at Jackson State University from 2012 to 2013 and received my Ph.D. in Business Administration with a major in Accounting and a minor in Management in 2014 from Jackson State University. Read more>>
Renee Spears of Renee Spears Abundology
I was in the mortgage industry for 30 years. I worked for other mortgage companies for 10 years and then started and owned my own company for 20 years. About 6 years ago, I sold the mortgage company and transitioned to a Spiritual Mentor and Spirit Guide Channeler. I now offer one-on-one appointments, host Women’s Wisdom Circles and teach others how to channel. Read more>>
Shari Gullo
My story has been all about overcoming fear. I was raised by parents who felt it was in my best interest to be fearful and on guard. They wanted to protect me and in hindsight I think they must have felt that instilling in me the need to be on high alert would keep me safe. A big part of being taught to be fearful, was to be cautious. I understood that I was not to make mistakes. I was not to be impulsive or spontaneous. My journey has been about overcoming my upbringing. A woman I met recently had just become a grandmother. She said as a result she has stopped taking risks. I told her with age I have become more of a risk taker. Another woman listening in who knows me well, said she felt that in my case that was very true. It felt good to have that confirmation that not only am I less fearful, but it is noticeable. Read more>>
Mari Hashimoto of Trillium Healing Path
In a nutshell, it was like following White Rabbits (my curiosities!) which lead to exploring my inner Wonderland (the self.) It all started in 2013, when I had a severe burnout from working long hours in the corporate world. This was a blessing, as it gave me time to heal and reflect on what I really wanted to do! Which was to have a vocation where I used psychic abilities I had since childhood. These were communicating with Spirit and healing abilities I wanted to offer to the world, so others can become more aligned with their own soul’s purpose. This of course meant I had to do a lot of inner healing work to reconnect back to my own sense of self and my purpose. As soon as I set this intention, the Universe guided me down various paths: therapy, psychedelic ceremonies and spiritual classes to expand my knowledge. I went down quite the rabbit hole! As I healed myself, the past trauma was released and I became confident that being a channel for Spirit and facilitating healing sessions was my calling. I was seeing so much positive changes in myself, and had an intuitive nudge to create a space for others to experience their own shifts and explore their own inner Wonderland. Read more>>
Tiffany Baker’s Story
In 2020, during the pandemic, I experienced a harrowing miscarriage. Despite the profound emotional distress, my family urged me to continue moving forward. To help myself cope, I turned to soap-making, a hobby I had picked up about a year prior. Making soap proved to be a therapeutic escape from my depression, bringing me joy and anticipation to share my creations. As I showcased my soaps on social media, friends began to show interest in purchasing them. Initially, I gave them away, but with support from my family and husband, I decided to start selling them through auction-style posts on my personal Facebook page. Read more>>
Dr. Tracy G. Crump of Tracy Crump Enterprises®
I was born and raised in a modest household. We did not enjoy many of the comforts we have today, but we always had enough. My parents and grandparents graduated high school and elementary school, respectively. But their wish for me was to use education as a stepping stone to achieve dreams neither of us could have imagined. At fourteen, I was drawn to law. I watched as people I knew—friends, neighbors, even acquaintances—were forced to make life-changing decisions due to a lack of resources. I could not help but question why some folks had access to basic needs like food and shelter while others did not. As I grew older, these disparities became even more apparent as I competed in academic contests, visiting different schools. I saw firsthand how some schools were overflowing with resources while others were barely scraping by and how this gap directly impacted students’ readiness and opportunities. Read more>>
Llewelyn Thomas of Buddha Beauty Skincare
As a vegan owned and operated skincare brand I want to create a place where human can experience transformative skin results and all with out the need for animal testing or any form of animal cruelty. Our products are carefully crafted using essential oils, beautiful bouquet of scents and highest qualify ingredients. Having spent over two decades in the skin and body care industry, I recognised the importance of crafting products that not only deliver results but also align with my ethical values. During a trip to Thailand, I discovered the potent synergy of essential oils, and natural ingredients blended together can create skincare products that can evoke your senses and bring you on a journey. With a simple waft in the air as you apply you can be taken to places you have loved, a moment in time or simple to bring you to your quiet space all whist offering the skin results you have always dreamed of. Read more>>
Bianca Metz of The Giving Tree Consulting & Tiny Home Show
Our journey began 6 years ago when we decided to downsize into a tiny home! Six and a half years ago was the launch into why we wanted this shift so badly – I gave birth to our son 6 weeks early. Wanting a more simple life for ourself and our son, being overworked led to my premature birth experience and we never wanted to experience something like this again. Hoping for a simpler life we moved to the forest into a 240 square foot tiny home and never looked back. Over the past 6 years I have worked extensively in the tiny home community in Ontario to help pave the way for legal tiny home living, re-shaping bylaws and providing ideas for inclusive policy. This has led me to be able to build a successful consulting business and national Tiny Home Show! Read more>>
Andie Robbins of Cali + Ko
I started as a third grade teacher in Athens, but after 3 years I decided to branch out on my own. I quickly found a passion for graphic and web design, so I began teaching myself every day after I got home from teaching. I quickly knew I had true potential in this industry as I grew my skill set, experience, and services. A few things I love — the city Athens, dogs (Go Dawgs!), and connecting with people. When considering how I wanted to build my business, I wanted to tie these three loves of mine into one. Cali + Ko is named after my two fur-babies (Cali & Koda). With that being said, I started reaching out to local businesses in Athens to see if they needed support in telling their brands’ story through Social Media Management, personalized Content Strategies, or Web Design. I quickly met amazing people to surround myself with, support, and work alongside in telling their story. I have since then left teaching to pursue my business full-time, and I couldn’t be happier about my decision. I am doing something I love, meeting new people, and helping to tell different brands’ stories. Read more>>
Nicole Sweeney of SAVU
For me personally, Savu represents the perfect intersection of my background in architecture and my passion for sauna and bathing culture. I first experienced sauna culture in Finland when I was studying architecture abroad. The profound sense of relaxation combined with an deep feeling of internal wellness was unlike anything I had felt before and sparked a fascination with sauna culture that has stayed with me ever since. Fifteen years later, that influence has blossomed into Savu and to create the ideal sauna experience we had long envisioned. Read more>>
Arsh Pal’s Story
Arsh Pal is a 14-year-old artist and philanthropist. I started my journey when I was 8 years old. While exploring various hobbies my lean was always towards artwork. Acrylic paint, mixed media, and pencil sketches are my favorite styles of artwork. I started giving away my paintings to friends and family. Meanwhile, when I accompanied my mother, who was working in a nursing home as an occupational therapist, I observed many in pain, and lonely. I got an opportunity to talk/play therapy games with them. The short time I spent there made them smile and be cheerful. I was very touched by the seniors there. That sparked my interest in selling my artwork and helping someone in need. Setting my initial goal of 1,000$ for St Jude Research Hospital Became my beacon in the fog. Meeting my first goal gave him the drive to continue to paint and support the community. So far, I have raised & donated more than $22,000 to various Charities including St. Jude Research Hospital, Easter Seals, Compass to Care, Make a Wish Foundation, YMCA, and many more. Read more>>
Joanna Townsend
I’m a day away from my 35th orbit around the sun. It’s pretty wild to reflect on where I’ve been, where I am, and what’s ahead. In some ways, I feel like my life has just started and in a lot of other ways, I feel like I’ve already lived so many lives. I think both can be true. I am of the belief that we never arrive at figuring it all out. Life is a journey. It takes us through joys, aches, depths, pains, triumphs, defeats, and everything in between. While I have so much hope and eagerness for what’s to come, I also find it important to take moments to pause and look back. There’s learning in doing so, but also appreciation that we can garner. I am of the belief that we never arrive at figuring it all out. Life is a journey. It takes us through joys, aches, depths, pains, triumphs, defeats, and everything in between. While I have so much hope and eagerness for what’s to come, I also find it important to take moments to pause and look back. There’s learning in doing so, but also appreciation that we can garner. Read more>>
Melissa Stevens of Motiv
I currently live in southern Maine with my husband and two pups. Maine is such a beautiful state– and I’m still unsure of how I ended up here! I was raised all over the U.S. with my military parents but primarily lived in Alaska for most of my life. Moving many times in my childhood had made me to learn how to make new friends and adapt to new environments quickly. It was the driving force as to who I am today. After high school, I moved to Maine (sight unseen!) for college and got my Bachelors in Marine Biology, following my love for animals, science, and the ocean. I was able to combine that love with my other love of sports and played collegiate volleyball as well. Since then, I’ve grown my professional career working at a global biotech company and expanded my love of sports into my current small business– Motiv; an athleisurewear and lifestyle brand. My journey here has been nothing short of amazing, and I am so grateful for the experiences that led me here. Read more>>
Tommy Vohs
My father was a hobby photographer. He had a rudimentary darkroom set up in a closet in our modest apartment in Jersey, Channel Islands. I have only one box of his black and white photos;, the only keepsake of early childhood.. Hauntingly beautiful snap shots of my brother and I capturing the moments and facial expressions of excitement and sadness. I’d like to think that I also possess that gift of being able to capture a precious, candid moment in my photos. Read more>>
Chuck Steele
My story starts out fairly simple. As a child growing up on a small farm in Eastern Wyoming. I was born in South Dakota and have a love of the Black Hills. We moved back and forth between Wyoming and South Dakota several times. My father was always chasing some sort of work. My teenage years was spent in Casper Wyoming, graduating from one of the two high schools we have here. Again, standard teenage years. Hot rodding and cruising around with friends. Always working on cars and motorcycles and just living life carelessly it seems. My adult life has been work based mostly. Taking time for my family first though. Working on my project called 307 Back Road Bikers Road, Rallies & Rides. A docu-series project put together as mentioned in a different article. Plus working on myself by hitting the gym and fueling myself properly! Read more>>
Aza Enigma
I had made a few mistakes by 2006, and as a result of those mistakes, I found myself with a felony charge. Fast forward 11 years, and I had rectified most of my mistakes and was graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Now, instead of pursuing a strictly normal psychology career, I decided to combine my love of psychology with my passion for helping others and The Friendly Felon was born. Now, I’m a published author, blogger, reentry advocate/ coach and writer for hire, that has a side hustle of creating various crafts for decor and novelty. Read more>>
Sarah Johnson
Growing up in New Haven, CT I used to be extremely shy and mostly stayed to myself. Throughout my high school and college years, I started making goals and staying positive to be able to meet my goals. I have always thrived on getting to the next level in life and doing everything that I said I would accomplish. My mom watched over the years, how I graduated and received two degrees and still didn’t get the career job; while my friends were easily getting hired with the same degrees. She noticed that I was discouraged deep down, even though everyday I walked around smiling. Once I started my business in 2022, my mom noticed a change in me that I desperately needed. I became actually happy and finally felt that I had a sense of self-worth. My purpose in life to create handmade products has been keeping me fulfilled. Read more>>
Nithya Karia of Nithya Karia Wellness
I’ve been a creative entrepreneur for almost 20 years. The scope of my work has ranged from fashion design and calligraphy to being the chief creative officer for a shopping app, all the way to a lifestyle coach today. The common thread through all of it has been bringing joy into women’s lives, first from the outside and today from the inside. My coaching work has been a natural extension of my own evolution. At one point I had all the things I’d wanted: marriage, motherhood, and creative work. At this very full stage in life, I realized that I was great at the work of life, but enjoying life was a whole different story. What I came to learn was eye-opening. Achievement is based on your ability to give and do, but happiness is based on your capacity to receive. And that’s a completely different skillset. It’s one that’s accessible to everyone, but practiced by very few. Read more>>
Madhu Sahoo’s Story
I’m a passionate fashion creative currently based in Florence. I hold a Master’s in Fashion Styling from Polimoda and have over three years of experience in the fashion industry. I have a background in English and French Language and Literature, but later pursued my passion for the industry and moved here. Read more>>
Chau Saenz
I was born in Vietnam and came to the U.S. with my family when I was two, after spending a year in a refugee camp. Growing up, I was surrounded by my mom’s sewing as she worked tirelessly as a tailor. Though I was always creative, I initially didn’t see fashion design as a realistic path for an immigrant, so I pursued journalism and communications instead. It wasn’t until I started traveling frequently that my love for bag design emerged. Frustrated with chaotic packing, I began sketching bag ideas. For over a decade, the dream of Chau Sáenz simmered, sparked by my need for a compact, organized makeup bag that didn’t exist at the time. I often saw bags I’d envisioned appear on the market months or years later. Read more>>