Winning often looks like a long trail of losses that were too weak to keep you down. We are beyond inspired by the stories below. Resilience cannot capture the true nature of what so many of these entrepreneurs, artists and creatives possess and there is so much to learn from the folks highlighted below.

Martin Geller

I began my career in the analog world of graphic arts in the early 1970s. Following my fine arts studies at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, I was hired by ABC and soon after, NBC, where I spent 35 years as an art director, designer, and animator for various shows and programs. From 1994 to 2009, I worked exclusively on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.” Over the course of my 50-year career, I’ve created artwork for a wide range of institutions, including The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Paramount Television, VH-1, national magazines, renowned music labels, and major book publishers. Two of my posters appear in the 2023 film “Dream Scenario,” produced by A24 Films and starring Nicolas Cage. I’ve been honored with multiple New York Emmy Awards for my work in television and numerous international awards for my print work. In 2011, I launched Blue Lightning TV, a YouTube channel dedicated to teaching Photoshop, which has garnered over 1 million subscribers. Today, I divide my time between producing Photoshop tutorials and creating original artworks that celebrate the rich tapestry of 20th-century art genres I love. Read more>>

Amy Herzberg

I moved to New York City two years ago now, just me my husband and a big dream to work as a musical theater artist in New York City, and I’m proud to say that today I’m an actress, singer, dancer, choreographer, model and vocal teacher working in this incredible city Read more>>

Aldo Andreoli

My name is Aldo Andreoli, A is the initial of my name, but A is also the initial of my last name, so my obsession with this letter of the alphabet started very early in life, as soon as I was able to pronounce and write my full name. Back in Italy, during my school years, I was always the first of any list, with a few exceptions to the rule, for example when I had a class-mate called Abate, but this was a rare situation. Strangely enough my class section was always the A: Prima A, Seconda A, etc. My main field of interest as a young man was to become a great Amante (Latin Lover), I had a strong passion for Automobili (to the point that I became a racing car driver), and I choose Architecture as a field of study. Read more>>

Ali Victorious

sounds. Thankfully I was introduced to music at a very young age. My mom would always have a song playing at home. Especially while she’ was cleaning up, every Sunday we already knew what time it was. Even though she didn’t enjoy cleaning up after our mess, she did enjoy dancing and singing while she cleaned. That smile meant she was living in the moment. Now I do the same but to my own music. I also remember watching my uncle and his friends write songs and then record them on a computer. I was around 7 years old when I found out he did that and I was beyond amazed. As the timed move forward i’ve been my own quest to discover my full potential and unlock my inner self. Regardless of what’s going on in the world. I will master that through the power of my lyrics and the most pure energy. Read more>>

Lanie Vox

I sang at every chance I got growing up whether that be for family karaoke nights, talent shows in school, being a part of chorus programs until I graduated to eventually releasing original music on streaming platforms. I couldn’t have gotten anywhere without making friends in music. Since I was 17 (I’m 25 now), I’ve watched those friends rise in the music industry. I did my best to follow in their footsteps with my own songs because they seemed happy and fulfilled chasing their dreams. I was able to perform once at a silent disco show but while I followed my friends, even all way to California in 2019, I realized something huge while living there. I didn’t have the same heart as everyone else around me when it came to making music. For me, it was an outlet but for them, it was their life, career and motivation. Music was all they cared about. I thought the same when I first moved but every time they got to work, I questioned why I didn’t have the drive they did because even when I did try to book shows, I never felt happy or excited about it. I just felt anxious and avoidant. Read more>>

Cheyenne Sampsill

After growing up in my grandmother’s beauty shop in Oklahoma, which was attached to her house, I attended cosmetology school at ‘The Hair Academy’ in Bismarck, North Dakota in 2014. Throughout the past 10+ years of my career, I have worked in every salon environment you could think of, from commission to booth rent, in large and intimate settings, etc. About 6 months into my school journey I was introduced to Aveda and fell in love with the brand, from their ethos, to their mission statement and their ethical standards. All of this landed me to my current salon home Ihloff Salon and Spa, located inside Utica Square in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Read more>>

Jenny Cresswell

Oh, wow. Life has taken me on quite a journey so far! In terms of my music, I always knew I wanted to sing. My mother sang in church a lot, so I grew up hearing beautiful singing at home. After seeing a movie with opera in it when I was eight, I announced to my piano teacher that I was going to be an opera singer, and I never really changed my mind, even if life sometimes tried to get in the way. I moved to New York City just a few hours after graduating high school. I can’t say that I would recommend that others do that. My early years there were difficult, and I dropped out of conservatory training several times due to money and also due to the fact that I was trying to learn how to be an adult in a city that can be challenging even for people with much more life experience. I don’t look back on those years and see them as failures though. I created a lot of art in different mediums, and I did what I needed to survive and gained a great deal of wisdom about people and what drives us all. I also gained many chapters’ worth of stories someday when I sit down to write my memoir.  Read more>>

Jenny Cresswell

Oh, wow. Life has taken me on quite a journey so far! In terms of my music, I always knew I wanted to sing. My mother sang in church a lot, so I grew up hearing beautiful singing at home. After seeing a movie with opera in it when I was eight, I announced to my piano teacher that I was going to be an opera singer, and I never really changed my mind, even if life sometimes tried to get in the way. I moved to New York City just a few hours after graduating high school. I can’t say that I would recommend that others do that. My early years there were difficult, and I dropped out of conservatory training several times due to money and also due to the fact that I was trying to learn how to be an adult in a city that can be challenging even for people with much more life experience. I don’t look back on those years and see them as failures though. I created a lot of art in different mediums, and I did what I needed to survive and gained a great deal of wisdom about people and what drives us all. I also gained many chapters’ worth of stories someday when I sit down to write my memoir.  Read more>>

Stephanie Mcgovern’s Story

I grew up 50 miles north of San Francisco in a small town. From a young age I knew I wanted to spend my life pursuing a creative career. As far back as I can remember I have been an artist, there was never a time where I wasn’t making art. To this day I can’t hold a pen and pad of paper in my hand without doodling (makes for very interesting meeting notes in my professional life). I attended an arts focused high school and my time there was spent in the theater arts program. I loved performance, it was the one space where I felt I could really express myself. There I learned the art of stagecraft and acting. My senior year production was the 1990 play Dancing at Lughnasa. In preparation for my role as one of the four Mundy sisters, I learned to knit with my fellow cast mates. It was this moment that first exposed me to the world of textiles and the possibilities of yarn.  Read more>>

Haley Knaub of Elevate Mushrooms

I grew up playing competitive sports and was a college athlete; my experiences in athletics instilled the importance of hard work, persistence, and teamwork. After college, these values carried over into my career as I worked for several startups. I was captivated by the excitement of getting businesses off the ground and knew that entrepreneurship was the path I wanted to pursue. I launched my first business, Earth Air, a cannabis lifestyle brand, and quickly noticed the male-dominated nature of the industry. This observation led me to found the Maine Women’s Connection, a nonprofit focused on uplifting women in my community. Throughout my ventures, I noticed a gap in services surrounding holistic-preventive health. Read more>>

Natalie Wong of AlignWorks Chiropractic

I was introduced to chiropractic care at a young age as my parents sought alternative and holistic approaches to musculoskeletal health. Throughout my upbringing, I experienced the benefits of chiropractic firsthand, navigating challenges such as sports injuries, car accidents, and post-surgery rehabilitation. Witnessing the significant improvements in my health and that of my family deepened my appreciation for the positive impact chiropractic care can have on everyday life. During my post-secondary education, I found myself uncertain about my career path. I explored pre-medicine courses and participated in several shadowing experiences, but nothing felt like the right fit. At the same time, my growing interest in business prompted me to consider a switch in my degree. Read more>>

Venkatesh Thimma Dhinakaran

In terms of my career, it all began when we got a computer when I was about 8 years old. It was Windows 98, and I had no prior knowledge of computers. I never imagined that this incident would shape my career trajectory. I developed an interest in hardware, to the extent that I dismantled and reassembled the CPU box used in our computers back then. While this may not seem particularly impressive, it felt like a significant achievement to me at the time. I pursued computer software studies in college, and today, I am transitioning into a software engineering manager, holding a Master’s degree in software engineering with 7 years of professional experience as a software engineer. Read more>>

Heather Shaw

Hi! I’m Heather, a filmmaker and choreographer based in the Bay Area, California. I started in the arts as a young child and have always been in love with storytelling and creativity. I’ve worked as a dancer, actor, curator, choreographer and filmmaker in various capacities. At the moment, I am launching my own production company and working on a new documentary “The Kid in Blue”. My prior documentary, “Telephone”, co-directed by Krishna Washburn was the first screendance documentary created specifically with a visually impaired audience in mind and brings awareness to the important art form of audio description for dance. Read more>>

Felicia Carpino of Dr. Felicia Carpino, ND

I always knew I wanted a career in health care, but it wasn’t until my first few years of university where I was introduced to Naturopathic medicine. I wanted to be able to treat more than one area of health to people and provide more natural alternatives. My values aligned with the Naturopathic principles and this was confirmed when I has success as a patient myself with my Naturopathic Doctor. Read more>>

Derek Pfister

Last time I explored how I first picked up a camera and how it became my passion. This time I wanted to discuss my business, Chair on Stair Films. Chair on Stair Films, formally known as Chair on Stair Productions, was originally just a production name for all my film works as a teenager and high schooler. The name came from my brother’s old high school video project from his media class. I loved the name so much due to its originality; I took it on and gave it meaning. What does the name mean? Taking simple ideas from unique places and turning them into stories. Friends and colleagues loved the name and meaning, so from then on out we kept it. Read more>>

Emma Bouthillette

I was headed to a private, all girls college in Massachusetts the fall after high school with the goal of earning a business degree. My father had owned and operated his own electrical business, and while my mother hoped I would follow in her footsteps and become a nurse, I had his entrepreneurial spirit. However, the universe had a different plan for me. Less than halfway through the fall semester, I had my first major panic attack that left me in the fetal position at a rest stop on my way back to school after a weekend home. Mom and my uncle came to my rescue that day, and by the end of that week I had withdrawn my enrollment, packed up my dorm, and moved back home. This is how I ended up studying for my bachelor’s degree at the school I refused to consider when initially applying for college, the University of New England, which is one mile away from my parents’ house. Read more>>

Amelia Bushell

My story is one of constant growth, creativity, and emotional exploration. It’s not just about creating art but about connecting with others through shared experiences, emotions, and music. From a young age, I was drawn to the performing arts, even though I was very shy. Moving around a lot as a child left me with a sort of unclear sense of identity. I was able to discover who I am and find my voice through music. Read more>>

Allison Laguardia of ALL Media LLC

I started ALL Media to bring my expertise of media buying, advertising and planning to small to mid size brands who weren’t able to hire a large Ad Agency and who also who didn’t know what the advertising costs are and the opportunities out there in the media landscape for them. We are in our 10th year in business and have proudly worked on over 250 brands and counting! Read more>>

Adam Yohanan of Yohanan Law

I started my career as a Wall Street lawyer, closing billion-dollar transactions for banks and private equity firms. But at some point, I realized that was not my path, so I gave it all up to start my own law firm serving Main Street businesses across the USA. When I was a Wall Street lawyer, I worked in the largest law firms and served the biggest clients, but many restrictions bothered me. For example, I could not serve the clients how I wanted to and develop my own style for practicing law because the method of practice and the style of service were so rigid. Read more>>

Alexandra Borzo

I like to tell my clients that, when I first started working independently and from abroad, it was back when that was still novel. I could mention where I lived on an onboarding call, and it would cast surprise and marvel over the conversation. Post-covid, however, and with the boom of gig work, my whereabouts are no longer a surprise. My path to independent work, though, will forever be unconventional. It was an accident, actually. When I moved away from the U.S., I left a cushy job at a big bank’s headquarters in the Midwest. It was the most engaging role I’d even had — better than any I’d even dreamed of — but my heart was elsewhere. For a long list of personal reasons, I left the bank for a marketing contract that I was offered in Guatemala. Read more>>

Brigid Turner’s Story

Thank you for the opportunity to share a bit of my journey. I truly believe this is the path I am supposed to be on because I didn’t set out for this journey. It started out in college, with me modeling and dancing. This led me to become a teaching artist for school-age children. I am grateful to my dance teacher, Terry Whitt Bailey, for giving me the opportunity to teach a youth program. After graduation when, I was scouted to be in an independent film as a model. I had 1 line and 2 scenes. My next role was where I played the role of a Diana Ross look-a-like in American Gangster and a model in Spiderman 3. Some time after that, I was given an opportunity to be an assistant for a director of music videos, a short web series, and a feature film. That led me to create my own pilot that I filmed in New Orleans, called For A Dark Skin Girl. From there, I created my own production company and produced multiple independent films, which we have won a few awards for. Read more>>

Jalyn Nwogu

I am currently a Graphics Artists working in the news in Manhattan, New York. I am originally from Irving, Texas. I studied fine arts all throughout my high school experience and switched to Computer Animation in college. I still continued my work in the fine arts, but I also learned so much about the technological side of art that included photography, video editing, graphic design, 3D animation, 3D sculpting, compositing, and photo manipulation. I feel as though art is such a core part of who I am as I’ve spent over 12 years taking in all that is art. I have gone through many ups and downs in my art journey, but I feel that every artist should be allowed to go through that as art is never liner and is never set in stone. The beauty of art is the person who is creating it and how their life experiences has allowed them breathe life into their work. There have been times that I didn’t do art for some years, but that does not define me. I am forever an artist. Read more>>

Je’vel

My artistic journey began on the island of St. Lucia. I fell in love with music before I could even communicate clearly. There are stories about the toddler version of me who would climb a huge rock near the house, sing melodies, and clap for anyone passing by or just myself. I do remember glimpses of those days but more so the feeling of pure joy. From there, my parents and I moved to NYC. My elementary school teacher saw I had an eye for media and convinced my parents to nurture this. I spent my pre-teen and teen years learning Photoshop, Final Cut, Premiere Pro, how to take proper photos/films, market products, and distribute. At the time, music was at the forefront of my mind, and I studied the art intensely from learning sightreading to music theory up until my senior year of high school when I was faced with the question, “what now?” Music didn’t seem to be a feasible future so I turned to studying biology to be a doctor. I grew physically ill often from stress brought on by knowing my heart wasn’t really in biology. Read more>>

Isabella Talbott

Six years ago, I was working on setting up my massage practice. It was slow going but I was dedicated to helping and healing people. To make ends meet, I realized I needed a side project and I turned to a lifelong hobby of mine, writing. I began ghostwriting non-fiction books as a side gig. Over time, I got more and more invested in writing and my career took off. It morphed from working a few small gigs here and there to getting regular, moderately paying gigs. I even took on book coaching and content editing projects to round out my expertise and portfolio. Read more>>

Lauren Shaffer of Gentle Beast Coaching, LLC

I’m now living my most fulfilling dream career as a women’s weight loss and fitness coach. For the longest time, I knew I was meant to help other women discover their most confident selves and feel proud in their own bodies.  But I haven’t always been confident myself. In fact, it was quite the opposite.  When I was 10 years old, I was diagnosed with anorexia nervosa and major depression. At age 14, bulimia was added onto that list. Between the ages of 10-18 I was hospitalized 6 times. There were so many nights I’d fall asleep completely OK with not waking up in the morning because my recovery seemed way too much for me to handle.  Read more>>

Saira Anwar

Every journey begins with a pivotal moment, and my turning point came in 2011—a year that reshaped my life and it started with a marriage proposal from Australia. A dream was about to come true. I was swept off my feet by the promise of a new life in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. Sunshine, fresh starts, and that beautiful Aussie accent everywhere. Who could resist?⁣ Read more>>

Matthew Mahler

Sure. I grew up in a household with teachers for parents. My father was actually a high school art teacher and there were always art materials available. From a young age, I instinctively used drawing as a means to combat boredom and nerves which eventually became a way for me to ground myself. I didn’t know it then, but all those hours formed the foundation of my committed studio practice today. Read more>>

 

 

 

Shannon Motzer of The Lavender Trail

Prior to covid my business had been mobile. I loved the traveling, markets and meeting new people on a weekly basis. Then Covid changed everyone’s life and livelihood. Life as I knew it stopped rather abruptly. I had to get creative to try and keep my business or some form of it alive during that time. Like my daughter, Mackinley, I too, began my current business in the middle of the pandemic. God provides a way and people to help even in the worst of times. During the Holiday Season of 2020 I received an opportunity to have a small pop-up shop with my business. I took that opportunity without hesitation. All I wanted to do was earn enough to help my family get through the remainder of the pandemic. Read more>>

Yvonne Liao

From a very young age, I dreamed of becoming a fashion designer. I remembered always being inspired after watching the annual Miss Universe competition on television. The contestants’ colorful and fancy evening gowns led me to spend countless hours sketching models in elaborate outfits. I would draw on any blank surface I could find, including the backs of old calendars and notebooks. In school, I even organized fashion sketching competitions with my classmates, where we judged each other’s designs during our free time. Read more>>

Jasara Ponton of The Melanated Blind Baker

My story begins as a little girl always wanting to be by my mother’s side in the kitchen. I wanted to wear her apron, help wash dishes or grab the big wire whisk and help mix things in a big mixing bowl. There was always a race in the kitchen between my older sister and I of who could grab the mixing beaters once my mom removed them after mixing up a cake, or something sweet. I laugh at how tight my little hands clutched those beaters, truly a sweet triumph. I wasn’t always tall enough to see over-the-counter so my mom would be sure to have a stepstool on hand for either one of us when we wanted to be mommy’s assistant chef’s in the kitchen. By age four, I was tall enough to finally assist without the help of the stepping stool. One Saturday afternoon our mother announced that she wanted us to help make some chocolate brownies in the kitchen. I for one was over the moon. Chocolate is my absolute favorite and of course I have my mother to thank for that! Read more>>

Sarah Bossio of Your Zen Baby Sleep

This is a COVID story, as so many entrepreneurs can identify with. When COVID hit, I was teaching special education to high schools with profound disabilities in a self-contained high school. My job was stressful, both physically and emotionally, and while I was happy to remove the physical stress by working remotely, this new way of working opened my eyes to the holes in our education system. I found that, now more than ever, my district was more concerned about their budget than the well-being of my students or their staff. Seeing how my husband’s corporation supported him through the pandemic had me raising a lot of questions as to why I was working so hard, caring so much, and earning way less than my peers with less degrees. Read more>>

Sarah Magill’s Story

After college, I spent five months traveling the world alone, with just a carry-on and a backpack. I decided to start a travel blog in 2013. I put everything into it as I saw more and more regular people living unconventionally and traveling full-time, funded by their blogs and books. This was the first time I explored digital entrepreneurship but I always clung to my day jobs. Read more>>

Winter Harris

My journey began with a deep-seated passion for helping others uncover their full potential. Through my own personal experiences and challenges, I discovered the transformative power of hope, healing, and authentic self-expression. As I shared my insights and wisdom with others, I realized I had a unique gift for connecting with people and inspiring them to create positive change in their lives. Read more>>

Torie Wiksell of Torie Wiksell Therapy and Confident Boundaries, LLC

Absolutely! I began my journey in therapy in 2013 as a grad student, and it’s incredible to reflect on more than a decade of experience now. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in diverse settings, including hospitals, community mental health programs, and schools. In 2018, I took a significant step and opened my therapy private practice. A substantial part of my clinical background involves working with clients in crisis, including those dealing with severe depression, psychosis, and personality disorders. However, in recent years, I’ve honed my focus to specialize in helping adult children of parents with borderline and narcissistic personality disorders. Read more>>

Jamel Mcduffie

At the ages 14 & 15 despite me being pretty good at sports I realized politics and things I can’t control such as my height & size were likely to put me at great disadvantages. So I began to evaluate my personal strengths & weaknesses outside of sports which led me to creativity. Being inspired by shows like Avatar the Last Airbender & Arrow as well as musicians such Kendrick Lamar & Travis Scott, I recognized my strong connection to artistry & storytelling. I then began writing a both reflective & fictional story about my life & events that has taken place through my lens. Read more>>

Peiyang (camille) Li

In fact, I started with fashion because when I was young, my father would buy me Disney Princess series magazines. Every few issues, the magazine would come with some stickers for readers to match the princesses’ outfits themselves. Later on, it was all about constantly meeting different people, learning about various resources, and then step by step, I successfully became an alumnae of the top fashion school “Parsons School of Design” in the United States. Read more>>

Skye Morriseau

I started playing and writing at age 12 and from there it blossomed into recording music and playing live. I competed in the judges round of American Idol when I was 17 but my audition was never aired. Now, I’m in college, still playing live and writing songs. I plan to move to Nashville post grad and I’m hoping to get a publishing deal so I can make money writing songs. At the same time, I still want to continue to write songs for myself and perform and eventually record my own music. Read more>>

 

 

 

Natalie Wilson

I have always been in love with photography. Growing up, I’d point to almost anything and tell my dad how that would be a great picture. One day, he got me my own camera to use, and the rest led me to where I am today. I started with film and had to evolve to digital, but I have loved every bit of the journey. I’ve had the pleasure of developing film in a dark room to watching the beginning of digital format. It gives me a whole appreciation for what photography means. I am passionate about my work and love what I am able to capture. It’s been a lot of ebb and flow, but I’m proud of how I got to the point I am at with my business today. Read more>>

Valerie Chen

My passion for cameras and visual storytelling began early in my life. Even as a child, I was captivated by the idea that stories could be brought to life through images and motion. This fascination guided me toward a path in journalism, where I found myself naturally inclined to video storytelling. I quickly discovered a love for video news, which then evolved into a deeper interest in documentary storytelling and editing. Read more>>

Sabrina Wooten’s Story

As I reflect on my journey to becoming a Virginia Beach City Councilmember and Mayoral Candidate, I am both humbled and proud of the path that has brought me to this point. My story is one of dedication, community service, and a deep commitment to the values that define our city. My involvement in local governance began with a simple yet profound desire to make a difference in my community. Early on, I engaged with various local organizations and initiatives, seeking to understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing our residents. From volunteering as a former Virginia Beach Police Chaplain to serving as the Vice Chair of the Minority Business Council , I immersed myself in the issues that mattered most to our city. Read more>>

Samantha Bessudo Drucker of SamanthaBessudoDrucker.com

Today, I’m an Actress/Host/Author/Speaker/Coach I didn’t just wake up with a long list of television appearances, a book, projects that I’m passionate about, and clients who seek my help. I started with nothing but an idea, passion, drive, and a stack of business cards. That’s all I could afford. I wrote my press release, licked some stamps, and made a few targeted cold calls. Read more>>

Megan Bull of Reclaim Foundation

In the midst of rebuilding her life after experiencing multiple traumatic events within one year, President and Founder Megan Bull wished she could lean on a community of fellow trauma survivors for additional strength. Noticing the absence of such a community, Megan decided to build her own, and Reclaim Foundation was born in 2020. Throughout her research, she recognized a pattern where trauma resources typically congregate in the exact location where a specific traumatic event occurred. Megan acknowledged this as a major limitation. One of Reclaim Foundation’s fundamental goals is to expand access to meaningful trauma support, regardless of one’s current proximity to the location of their traumatic event. In addition, Megan noticed the trauma community is often underserved and is in great need of comprehensive support. Read more>>

Uriah Garrett

Hard work! I started music when I was really young playing the drums at church. That, with time, developed into multiple instruments, songwriting, recording, and engineering. None of it came easy and most times I had no idea what I was doing until I did. Music is a form of creative expression that, no matter your skill set, if you put enough time into it tomorrow’s work will sound clearer than yesterday’s. I realized this really early in my journey and it’s something that keeps my inner drive fueled. Read more>>

Giovanni Jennings of Middle Fork Films

My name is Giovanni, and I started my own video production company when I was 18 years old. Video and film has been a passion of mine since I was 15, starting off working on short student films. Once in my first year of college, I continued the student film route, participating in the film production club at Western Washington University. However, in that freshman year, in which I was studying geology, I realized I wanted to pursue the industry full-time and on my own terms. Upon completion of my freshman year of college, I dropped out and moved back home to a suburb near Seattle, WA, with the hopes of starting my own video production company focused on commercial and music video production. Since then I’ve been in Seattle working on my business and growing my client base. I’m only now starting to see the results of the initial efforts that at the time seemed fruitless. Read more>>

May Bugenhagen of Two Asian Matchmakers

When I turned thirty, I took a leap and signed up for a dating service, hoping to meet someone special. But instead of finding love, I found frustration—I knew there had to be a better way. As someone with a thriving career, a home, an amazing circle of friends, and an active social life, I kept asking myself, “What’s wrong? Why can’t I find the right partner?” Read more>>

Veena Ramaswamy of Beyoutifully Empower Coaching & Consulting LLC

I’ve always been a very goal-oriented and ambitious woman ever since I was young. I’m an avid learner and always had the insatiable curiosity to unravel the many things that life has to offer. However, I always experienced self-doubt and imposter syndrome in various aspects of my life. I would always work so hard to realize that my effort never paid off no matter what I did which really reduced my confidence and self-esteem. I was also living a dual identity where it was an ongoing battle — being confined to Western norms, while simultaneously adopting ethnic traditions. I struggled to live up to the crazy expectations of being “Americanized” and to conform to societal standards of the ideal strong Desi woman. Read more>>

Lisa Ireland of Longevity Science Foundation

I earned my Bachelor’s in Communications with a minor in Political Science from St. John Fisher University. However, my career path soon took a different direction. At the end of their lives, both of my parents were cared for at the Hospice of Orleans. Witnessing the compassionate care they received struck a chord with me and prompted me to seek ways to provide essential services to those in my community that need them the most. Read more>>

 

 

Thomas Opia

As a young boy living in Nigeria where I was born and lived to the age of 8, I had always dreamt about going overseas to London and America- the land of opportunity where there were abundance of resources and dreams come through. Being Academically superior were non-negotiables in my household, as is the culture of many Nigerian households, where anything more than a couple “Bs” in your courses or a grade below a B in any course, were unacceptable. Education was not free, albeit public schools being subsidized by the government, but due to the competitive culture surrounding education, private schools were often sought after if your family could afford one. Private tutors, often called “Lesson teacher” were often used to buttress the already challenging curriculum from primary to tertiary education. The diverse knowledge I was exposed to both in school, with our lesson teacher and on TV sparked further curiosity and desire to explore the variety of potential career fields out there, like being a musician/dancer, police officer, airplane pilot or engineer. Read more>>

Michael Russell of Therapy & You

My name is Michael Russell, and I am the CEO and Founder of Therapy & You. My journey is one of humble beginnings and overcoming adversity, deeply rooted in my upbringing in The Bronx, New York. The energy, resilience, and diversity of the city have profoundly shaped my personality, style, and approach to life. Growing up in The Bronx taught me the value of perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to oneself—qualities that have been essential in both my personal and professional journey. Read more>>

Cinder Shine Ernst

In 2019 I got off my motorcycle and couldn’t walk. Cancer metastatic to the Bone. At that time I had a 50% chance of being alive the 26 months later. I asked myself what would make living more appealing than dying. The answer was having more fun. My motto became Fun Fun Fun Dead I put away a 30-year successful fitness business and started to focus on songwriting and making music for TV ads and films. At the heart of my music business is collaborating. I have friends all over the world I make music with. I have had songs used in TV and film and one ad. The connections and love that I feel for and from my music community makes getting cancer worth it! Really. Read more>>

Taryn Talley

Where I started is completely different from where I am today… if there’s one consistent mindset in my life, it’s growth. Growth as a person, growth in my career. As a person, I have grown exponentially. Quite honestly, I don’t know anyone who hasn’t – although I’m sure there are folks that are pretty steadfast in their ways – that’s just not me. Career-wise, I started as a creative professional – working on digital design in the early days of the internet – from there I toggled from opportunity to opportunity – eventually moving into a career as a marketer which is not uncommon because design is usually tied to marketing.  Read more>>

Felicia Stokes of Luxurious Wellniss

I grew up watching my grandmother and mother spend hours in the mirror, taking care of their skin and applying their amazing-smelling concoctions. I remember it like it was yesterday. Their vanities were treasure troves of Sea Breeze, St. Ives, Fashion Fair, Noxzema, and countless other brands. But just because the bottle or jar had a recognizable label didn’t mean the original product was still in there. So, sneaking a dab for my own routine without asking, “What’s in this?” was a tricky game! Read more>>

Anthony Giallanzo of No Limit Ninja LLC.

With a degree in education and certification in personal training, I quickly realized my passion was in teaching fitness rather than in a classroom setting. It was 2006 and at the young age of 25 I formed my first S-Corp and began accommodating Long Islanders with mobile personal trainers, as well as multi-sport classes and parties for children. Fast forward to 2017 and the sport of ninja warrior and obstacle course training was exploding on television and gyms. By 2019 I refocused my business and opened my first ninja obstacle training facility now called No Limit Ninja, offering classes, competitions, training and parties. Read more>>

Shalini Breault of Swan Goddess: Where Ancient Healing Meets Modern Medicine

I started as an entrepreneur after leaving my New York corporate life after 9-11 and moved to Southern Jersey with no desire to return to the corporate world. I was on a journey to reacquaint myself of my passions, reinvent a past outdated version of me and rebuild my life that was aligned with my heart and soul. Not too far fetched as being an entrepreneur runs in the family. Read more>>

Scott Mason of Scott Mason, LLC

Childhood circumstances — and how we interpret them — serve as our personal foundation myths. What we make of them, and to what extent we let them define our futures, can determine whether our personal epics end up as tragedies, comedies, or something altogether greater. I was born in London, England to a single woman in graduate school. She had an affair with a law student from Trinidad. Keeping the child was, apparently, not an option. As a baby, my name was changed; I was adopted by an African-American military family and raised in a rural area of Kansas.  Read more>>

Ryan Curtiss

I began comedy in 2016 and at my first open mic I bombed horribly. I kept pursuing it and began to see improvements after a few years of bombing and seeing no progress. Now I am getting shows, opening for bigger acts, and being presented opportunities I did not think would come. Read more>>

Mia Rotella

I’m Mia Rotella-White, a 22-year-old fueled by a deep passion for family, resilience, and cultivating positive change. In 2024, I graduated with my MBA from the University of Nebraska Omaha, and in 2023, I married Josh White, the most supportive and loving husband. That same year, I published my book “Life with Louie- A Sister’s Story”, which tells the story of my brother Louie, who happened to be born with Down syndrome, and the love he’s brought into my life. Read more>>

Katie Kobussen

My journey with coffee started when I was just 15 years old, working at Dunkin’ Donuts in my hometown of Appleton, Wisconsin. It was there that I first fell in love with coffee. I loved making drinks for all my friends in high school and took great pride in my work. By the time I turned 18, I had become a shift lead, which was a significant milestone for me. Read more>>

Ludovico Crisanti Cucchiella

It was thanks to music that I started writing. I was a child, about ten or eleven. I would listen to songs on the tv and then I would ask my parents to buy me a cd. Then I would go through the lyrics that were written in the cd booklet. I wanted to write like those artists did. So I began writing verses. Until the rhyme became a sort of cage. So I broke through into free verse, speech and book writing. Especially with books and speeches I could really write as much as I wanted. I had no constraints. Read more>>

Emily Wilkinson

I have had an interest in the arts my entire life. Many days have been spent visiting cultural facilities, as well as participating in music events, history symposiums, cowboy poetry gatherings, and more. I often perform with my father as a singer and have been on several of his albums, with the first being when I was only 14 years old. Read more>>

Ingrid Anderson

My entrepreneurial journey started when I was just a kid. Picture this: little Ingrid, armed with imagination and some wild ideas, creating secret candy concoctions to sell to my friends :D Among my dubious candy enterprises, I started drawing at a young age and had the privilege of attending private art classes after school. Those classes fueled my creativity and gave me a solid foundation in the arts. In high school I discovered textile arts and fell in love with sewing and crocheting. I taught myself everything, often spending late nights with a needle, thread, and a lot of determination. Read more>>

Alexis Elizabeth Ramdaou of Now It´s Hear

My adolescence was challenging, I grew up with limited resources, and my mother was ill during my formative years, eventually passing away when I was a teenager. As her health declined, I found myself in the role of caregiver, navigating the complexities of illness, pain, and loss at an age when most of my peers were preoccupied with trivial teenage concerns. To cope, I sought ways to express myself through art. I started in musical theatre at a very young age, which opened up a world of creation for me. It allowed me to escape the hardships of everyday life by stepping into different worlds and stories. Read more>>

Fin Rose Aborizk

I entered the publishing world in 2017. I self-published my first poetry collection, something I had wanted to do since I was a child. I found a way to get my work out there and through that whole process came a lot of learning and unlearning. The most important part of following your dreams is to begin. It’s been a wild journey so far, but I’m really happy that I decided to begin.  Read more>>

Paugh Shadow

I grew up in Washington, D.C. and NYC. My dad used to take me to night clubs there and in Harlem, NY when he would travel up that way. I saw all these performers and was surrounded by a lot of talent. Guess it rubbed off to want to perform and inspire others. I didn’t do much until I got out of High School and went to college and got out on my own and when I saw something I wanted to do I just did it. I did little things with cable access and indie things because the mainstream didn’t want anything to do with me. I worked with CBGBs in NYC to bring underground music to light. Read more>>

Nyteisha Stith of Thrive Studios LLC

My journey began in New Jersey, where I was born and raised. Growing up, I discovered my passion for helping others, which led me to become a case manager. In this role, I advocate for those who need a voice, particularly my brother who faces his own set of challenges. My work is deeply fulfilling, and it has taught me the importance of resilience and patience. Read more>>

Ivan Arroyo of Arroyo’s Welding, LLC

Hi, My name is Ivan Arroyo and in 2004 I came to the US like many people do, looking forward to the American dream. I worked in restaurants for a while, I cleaned apartments and always kept two jobs while trying to learn the language. 3 years later I went to Educational Cultural Complex in San Diego California and took welding classes. I really didn’t know where this would take me, but I still enrolled and got my welding certifications. Right after I got out of school, I applied at a shipyard near my apartment and got a job as a welder there. Within a year I was already a supervisor, and I was moved to another location the company had bought. Read more>>

Christina Sledge’s Story

We are a publishing and production husband and wife team in , co-founding Sledge House Media as a cross-platform entertainment company. Our journey began with self-publishing our memoir, “The Story of Christina and I,” in 2021. Inspired by its impact, we resolved to share our story and our growing catalog of content with others. Read more>>

Dr. Phyllis Pelzer

My story is a story of the fulfillment of HOPE. I can recall going through some turbulent heartbreaking days from being a divorced single mother, who has experienced domestic violence. As a Woman of Faith, I would cry out to God in prayer for help to navigate the challenges of life. I would like to recall one day, I was standing in my bedroom and having this heart to heart conversation with my Father God. I was looking for answers, that would help me emotionally to be a better me and heal. As I was praying, God impressed in my heart, like a whisper, “HOPE”. Read more>>

K. Krombie’s Story

Before 2020 I was hitting various dead-ends writing fiction and journalism. Then came the pandemic. Time plus observation provided me with the opportunity to write a book, Death in New York, which was published by The History Press at the end of 2021. I turned the book—about 400-plus years of the municipal management and mismanagement of death in New York City (as well as many other death-related topics)—into a walking tour. While researching the book, I found that the smaller islands around NYC share a history of potter’s fields/paupers’ graves as well as psychiatric institutions. So the cogs in my brain started turning. The result is the book I’m working on. I now have guides and several other tours for my company, Purefinder New York. while I continue to write and edit for publications such as The Times of Central Asia. Read more>>

Jessye Finch of Future Spell Specialty Herb Farm

Like many herb loving folk, I came to the herbal world during a personal crisis where the herbs available to me filled a gap in my support system and got me through. Discovering that botanical medicine could hep me regulate, ground, breath during times of distress was profound and really made me fall in love with herbs. I immediately looking into career paths and quickly decided to begin my educational path of becoming a clinical herbalist. Four years, thousands of hours of class, thousands of hours studying, and two clinical mentorships later, I was living my dream. Supporting folks through botanical medicine in a way that is client focused and coming from a trauma informed and harm reduction inspired framework is truly an honour and something I enjoy immensely. This love for herbs and plant-human connection is what lead me to becoming a commercial herb grower actually. I found there was so few locally grown herb suppliers, many herbs are imported from overseas and already degraded by the time they arrive to the consumer. I knew I wanted to fill some of that gap. It’s safe to say my life really is 100% guided by the plants. Read more>>

Stells Di Rossi Hurst’s Story

I come from a family deeply rooted in the arts and entertainment industry, with generations of musicians, writers, painters, models, and dancers- we are a creative bunch is just something a lot of us are drawn to right from childhood. Creativity has always been a natural part of my life, shaping my passions from an early age. Read more>>

Ray Fontaine

Where did it start? I spent a lot of time alone as a child. My parents worked a lot. We moved in the pursuit of advancing my father’s career. I was insatiably curious, and would join lots of clubs, anything my school offered for free. I danced and choreographed. I sang and acted. I drew and wrote. I stayed after school talking my teacher’s ears off. Read more>>

Kenneth Minor

Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. Trust me, my move 20 years ago from my hometown of Washington DC to New York has been an adventure. The dream was to be a Broadway singer and actor. I believe it’s a dream deferred rather than letting something go that you love to do. Read more>>

Caitlin Gemmell’s Story

The urge to write — to make sense of the frantic thoughts running through my head, give a voice to the characters constantly pestering me to be brought to life, and craft a story that only I can tell — has been with me for as long as I can remember. I’ve always known I am a writer. What I didn’t accept until recently is that I am a poet. But my poems have found homes in the world, whereas I’m still working up the courage to publish prose. Read more>>

Michelle Gill

When I was in college I worked at a coffee shop. A political campaign headquarters was located next door temporarily. I became interested in political campaigning as a career through my contact with their staff. I changed my major my senior year from English and graduated with a degree in Political Science. After college I worked as a director for the American Heart Association, worked for several other nonprofits and political campaigns as an event planner. Through my event planning and fund raising experiences I learned how to set up websites. Read more>>

Josie Mae

I started my High=Profile Nanny journey by working in the childcare industry, as an Infant/Toddler Teacher. I always knew I wanted to work with children and having embarked on so many different careers journeys, childcare was the only one I was passionate about. It was truly my life calling! I literally woke up one day (not even being dramatic, haha) and decided to take my Celebrity Nanny journey to another level. I created a nanny guide filled with everything I knew about being a High-Profile Nanny. I wanted to teach other nannies how they can elevate their careers financially that were struggling to make a livable wage, or nannies that were curious on how to become a six-figure nannies. Read more>>

Daria Kobzar

My passion for art has been a driving force throughout my life. It began in middle school and continued for many years, culminating with a Master’s degree from the Stroganov Moscow State University of Arts and Industry. Following graduation, i channeled my artistic sensibilities into the design field, working as a lighting designer on renowned architectural projects across Europe and the US. While design offered a creative outlet, my artistic fire never dimmed. Here in New York City, I actively participated in figure drawing events, immersing myself in the artistic community. Read more>>

Courtney Sanello

My Story: I was brought up a Scholastic; Princeton Review College-ranking Book that everyone bought to make sure their kid went to The Best of the Best of the Best. Life had other ideas for me. Being Senior class of the unfortunate year of 9/11, the Ivy League applicant pool from the New York area dramatically changed; no one traveled beyond a stone’s throw from home, let alone dare to fly. Despite being told as an Early Decision Columbia applicant I’d be “a sure thing,” even my G.P.A. performance, extracurricular activities and all the other stand out gems of an application, fate had other ideas.  Read more>>

Michele Romeo

NYC-based guitar player, producer, and composer Michele Romeo has had a fine ear for music since an early age. When he was only 4 years old, his parents gifted him a present that would be a life-changing milestone: his very first guitar. That is when his fascination not only for music but for playing itself blossomed to never go away. He formally started to study guitar at the age of 10, and shortly after, he began attending the Centro Formazione Musicale in Palermo, Italy, to enrich his knowledge and start mastering the instrument professionally. Read more>>

Dana Cannon – Bryson of Dana Cannon Bryson Inc.

In 2010, while I was deep into my graduate studies, I found myself working side-by-side with my brother, whose entrepreneurial spirit had always been a beacon lighting the way. My brother’s foray into the business world wasn’t just impressive; it was transformative—for both himself and for everyone around him. Watching him navigate the complexities of running a business ignited a spark within me, compelling me to dream beyond the conventional confines of a 9-to-5 job. Read more>>

Yolanda Rawlings of Just B U Inc.

“After losing my husband, with my children grown, I realized I didn’t know who I was anymore. God had placed this calling on my heart years before, but I kept running from it. At this point in my life, I was alone, scared, and out of excuses for why I couldn’t pursue it. I had always found reasons why it wasn’t the right time, even though God had clearly given me this purpose—it’s almost funny in hindsight. So, I channeled all my grief, depression, and solitude into starting my nonprofit. I reached out to two mentors who were successful in their own fields. They supported my idea and helped me clarify my vision. Now, five years later, I’m still moving forward.” Read more>>

Susan Thornton

The road to completing my first independent feature film has been long and circuitous. It started by attending Wright State University’s P.A.T. program, (Professional Actor Training,) with the intention of working in film. As a young acting student, I had a desire to be in front of the camera; age, experience, and a passion for storytelling changed that view, I’ve comfortably found my place behind it, calling the shots. Read more>>

Mrinal Gokhale

I come from Indian parents who immigrated to the Midwestern United States in their twenties. I grew up in a non-diverse, highly segregated suburb until I became an adult and went off to college in the city. Growing up, writing, reading, and language were my talents, and I dreamed of becoming an author since I was little. I was also always fascinated by human behavior and developed an interest in psychology and the DSM-5 in my late teens. When I was in high school and took a class writing for the school newspaper, I considered a career in reporting. Read more>>

Lauren Petraglia of LNProduction VA, LLC

I got to where I am today out of pure rage over being mistreated mixed with a delusional mindset that I could make something work that I had no experience in, and had never done before. I worked for local government in my early career life after graduating with a Bachelors in Health Promotion and Wellness Management. Read more>>

Jessica Valenzuela of Not Jess A Planner

Since I was 12 years old, I have always dreamt about becoming a planner, but with much discouragement from my loved ones I was told this occupation would not give me the stability I would need in order to “succeed.” So, I did as I was told and went to college to pursue a degree in accounting. After a year of working at Big 4 accounting firm in the Silicon Valley, I decided enough was enough. I packed my bags, quit my job, and moved to my hometown in Los Angeles to start my dream event planning business. Read more>>

Khaos Kyle

My journey into music began in 2021, during a challenging period in my life. One day, I vividly remembered an old piece of paper from my therapist, listing hobbies to help me express my emotions in a healthier way. Strangely, the only legible suggestion in my mind was “write a song”; the rest was blurred. Intrigued, I spent the next hour and a half pouring my heart into writing a song. Read more>>

Clara Ma

My journey as an entrepreneur into the executive search and talent sector began with my own career experience. I took on a Chief of Staff position in February 2020. I had never previously served in the role and I was supporting a CEO who had never had a Chief of Staff. The Chief of Staff role was an emerging feature of the startup ecosystem at that time. Therefore, my executive principal and I didn’t have much to rely on when it came to defining what a successful Chief of Staff/CEO dynamic looked like. I found myself reaching out to other Chiefs of Staff on LinkedIn, sending cold emails asking them for 15 minutes, or buying them virtual coffees so I could benchmark myself against a new set of peers. Read more>>

Catherine Filloux’s Story

In first grade I won Bookworm of the Year and was given a book of verses by my beloved teacher Miss Doss. French was my first language and when I learned English I consumed it with joy. Each week at the public library I checked out my limit of books. Five. It is because of borders and migration that I am the first-generation artist I am. I grew up on the border between San Diego and Tijuana and was very familiar with that border and with Mexico. My father grew up in France during the Nazi occupation when the country was split into zones. My mother’s French-Belgian-Corsican family lived in Algeria, North Africa, for 3 generations before her. And, yes, I’ve been to Kansas! (“There’s no place like home,” but where is home? I have asked myself.) I went to Kansas for a playwriting residency at the William Inge Center for the Arts. There I visited William Inge’s tombstone, which says one word “Playwright.” I find that a beautiful word. I am an artist who finds my place in theatre. https://www.instagram.com/catherinefillouxwriter/ After thirty years I see PTSD, violence against women and censorship as an activist who works for change. Read more>>

Therese Deutschlander of Thin Ice Gift Shop

I started working in a customer service oriented job when I was 14 and quickly realized how much I loved being of service to others. I kept that same job until I graduated from college with an English degree while simultaneously working in retail. Right after graduation I continued to work in retail and also worked as a communications coordinator for a disability rights advocacy group. I knew that retail and that level of customer service was my passion so when a few retail stores near me announced they were closing I looked into why, ascertained it was for personal reasons and not due to lack of business, and decided to open my own, focused on providing a place for local artists to sell their work to the local community. Read more>>

Mary Rooney Armand

Changing directions and pivoting personally or professionally is difficult. As my children became independent, I contemplated reentering the business world; my safe known space. Instead, I embarked on a new opportunity creating the blog ButterflyLiving and publishing two books. It was scary but leaning on my marketing and writing background, I learned about blogging and social media. Read more>>

Nicole Johnny

The timing of this question is great because I spent a few days back home and it prompted some reflections on where I’ve come from and where I find myself today. Home to me is Navajo land, the community of Crystal, NM a small community located near the Chuska Mountains. It’s here that I feel the most rooted and connected not only to the land itself, but to the people, the language, and customs of Navajo life. Read more>>

Mitchell Burrows’s Story

I’m one of those people who are lucky enough to have known what they wanted to do from a very young age. I don’t think there’s been a day in my life where filmmaking wasn’t my dream career, so as soon as I had access to anything with a lens and storage space, I gathered my school friends and dragged them into making some backyard (and terrible) short films. Read more>>

Frankie Elder-reedy of Wrax

I’m a curvy girl who loves working out, but I was incredibly frustrated with the way sports bras were designed while claiming to be “no bounce.” I was tired of searching for a sports bra that actually kept my boobs from bouncing, only to find more discomfort in bras that attempted to reduce bounce by either being too tight or lifting my boobs higher, which only caused shoulder pain. Whether I was running, playing volleyball, or doing a HIIT workout, I kept thinking, ‘Why don’t they make something that keeps boobs from going up?’ I realized that the only way to actually stop the bounce was to keep them from going up in the first place. This thought stuck with me for YEARS. Burpee after burpee, mile after mile, I struggled, cursed, and complained—until finally, I decided to see if I could make something myself. Read more>>

Mayara Sousa

I got my first computer when I was 11, and that was it – I fell head over heels for tech. By 12, I was already knee-deep in the online world, running my own blog and even selling design templates. Fast forward a bit, and I found myself studying Multimedia Arts. It was perfect for me – a multipassionate creative who couldn’t choose just one medium. I love it all: videos, photos, graphic design, you name it. And I still dream of publishing a poetry book (or a few) someday. Read more>>

Chante Bradley of Acereel Studio, LLC

My name is Chante Bradley, and I am the CEO of Acereel Studio, LLC, the Owner and Editor and Chief of Smooches Woman Magazine and the Smooches Women Empowerment Movement. I am also a Financial Literacy Coach, teaching business owners how to get access to the funds required to elevate their business. Read more>>

Sydney Alleyne of Digital Marketing Discipleship Movement

My story begins in 2021 when I started my entrepreneurship journey! Pertinent Media Group was born and I was focusing on a little bit of everything – social media, content creation, writing, copywriting, consulting, branding etc. I quickly realized that I need to focus on the areas of digital marketing that I’m the strongest at, which are social media, email marketing, and paid advertising! Throughout 2021 and the beginning of 2022 I was still working full time and had the business on the side. Read more>>