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.

Allison Stepka

In my personal and professional life, I’ve had to unlearn that it is my job to fix people’s problems. I grew up with a problem-solving state of mind: if there is a problem, just fix it. And while this works with external problems, like car troubles and deadlines, we are not in control of many aspects of our lives, and some problems can’t be fixed. And while that may sound hopeless, it can actually be really empowering because it gives us an opportunity to reflect on what is in our control and can be acted on, and more importantly, what is out of our control and changing our relationship to how we relate to that thing. Read more>>

Hillary Hawkins

Glory to God, right now I am a Singer Songwriter on the TV Show “Gospel Music”! My prayer song “Protect” aired on the CW, CBS, ABC & FOX as a part of “Gospel Music” over the summer and is now available on the new BadamiTV Channel! You can enjoy the episode which stars Hillary Hawkins, Dante Bowe, Lucinda Moore, Jeff Roberson with NuLife, Pastor Jason Nelson, Anthony Brown, Bri Babineaux, Sherwin Gardner, Ethan Kent & Melissa Bethea at https://www.badamitvchannel.com Read more>>

Barbara Ellen Leicht

Absolutely, thanks very much for asking! I am a Former Teacher Forever Educator, Trauma Survivor turned Thriver, and Mindset Career Coach. Growing-up, we did not have much money, at least not at first. I loved growing-up in the city of Rochester, NY for my first 10.5 years–the Beechwood Neighborhood specifically. However, it was not lost on me that my family was discriminated against, by the private school I went to, due to our Socio-Economic Status (SES). We paid 50% tuition. Very distinctly, I recall <i>not</i> being called on to answer questions, being told to sit on my hands when I did have questions, and being left behind while most of my peers attended a “smart” school program, mid-day. Read more>>

TaTyana Price

I am the founder of TJPRICE Productions media company , created as a one stop business for all your creative, auditory and visual needs. As a child, I always found myself gravitating towards a camera and capturing every moment that happened around me. My career began in middle school at Louis Armstrong Middle school where I was introduced to the world of Performance and Live Entertainment. I indulged myself in any dance productions available. I was taught the introductory fundamentals of sound systems , lighting and productions through a program led by my at the time science teacher, Gregory Grambo. Read more>>

Ainsley Ericksen

My journey began over two decades ago in the dynamic world of marketing and business development, where I spearheaded initiatives across global markets—from North America to APAC. This global exposure not only broadened my professional horizon but also deepened my understanding of diverse workplace cultures and leadership styles. Read more>>

Talaya Moore

I was born in Alabama but have been raised in NYC since I was 3. Growing up in New York was not easy at the all by the end of 2nd grade my mother and I were homeless. I spent most of elementary school without a home living out of a suitcase in the nyc shelter system. I graduated high school in 2013 from A. Philip Randolph and was accepted into SUNY Oneonta through EOP(educational opportunity program). After studying mass communication and event planning for 4 years I went on to study long form improv with Upright Citizens Brigade. Through improv is were I found my love for not only entertaining but for music as well when I discovered musical improv. Read more>>

Finnley Ward

I was born in Washington DC, assigned female at birth, to two baby boomers who have a beautiful interracial marriage. My mom is white and my dad is black; they have two children together. They are the type of parents who feel blessed to have children and are very proud of the people my sister and I have become. My parents were in their 40s when they had me so they were very far in their careers by the time I was born: my mom a life long government lady and my dad a U.S. Navy veteran who has worked for the local health department the last almost two decades. A few months after 9/11 we moved a few hours South from where we lived in Northern Virginia. As a child/teen I played sports, I was in band, I had an active social life, I had a good relationship with my family, and it seemed like nothing was bad happening to me from the outside. Read more>>

Jeff Robbins

My journey started in the vibrant world of organic gardening, founding Revolution Landscape (www.revolutionlandscape.com) with a vision for sustainable and eco-friendly landscapes. This passion soon blossomed into Instant Plant Food (www.instantplantfood.com), a venture with my partner, offering effective plant care products that also cared for the planet. Read more>>

Cha’Ron Clark

Thank you so much for the opportunity to share more about myself and my work! My name is Cha’Ron Clark, and I’m a Realtor based in the vibrant city of Nashville. I got into real estate because I’ve always had a passion for helping people navigate big milestones, and what’s bigger than finding the perfect place to call home or securing an incredible investment? Read more>>

Namrata Katira

I grew up in India in a middle-class family with very strong ethics and values. My parents never believed in fitting in, and majority of their life decisions were based on what was best for us as family. I was exposed to many different beliefs, and I saw the world very differently than most of the kids at my age. Growing up in a very different home environment gave me this desire for adventure and innate ability to be a risk taker in my life. Even though, on the surface it felt like I wanted to belong to the rest of the crowd, my inner calling was always to break free of the monotony of life and wander off to explore the world inside and outside. Read more>>

Shin Yu Pai

I worked for 20+ years as a public events producer for lots of different kinds of organizations, including museums, literary organizations, and Atlas Obscura. During the pandemic, I was working at a major cultural institution in Seattle producing 25-30 events a month, when I realized that I didn’t want to gather people in rooms together during a public health crisis. It was also during a period of time when anti-Asian hate crime had risen dramatically and I wanted to see and hear different kinds of stories about my community in the media and to create platforms for storytelling that could be more impactful and wide-reaching. Read more>>

Cori Wamsley

I grew up reading tons of books and loving everything about where they took me when I sat down and got absorbed in a really good story. As a professional, after obtaining my master’s, I started working for the Department of Justice and then the Department of Energy as a technical and scientific writer and editor. Fast forward ten years, and half of the PR department was let go, so I had an opportunity to reinvent myself as a writer/editor. I started freelancing and enjoyed helping people tell their personal stories through articles, blogs, web copy, and press releases. The funny thing is that I had written five novels by the time I started my freelancing business, so whenever I spoke about my work and mentioned that, people were really curious about how to write a book. I didn’t realize till then that coaches and speakers need a book for their brand. Read more>>

Keinesha Brown

I started my brand in my home in 2017 merely as a hobby and to help myself. I had some health issues and I wanted to give myself natural relief. Then it all started from there. I now have a trademarked brand called House of Kay Designs LLC and House of Kay Wellness, House of Kay Heath and Beauty. I have supplements, health and beauty products and some patent pending products as well. Read more>>

Rachel D. Greenwell

I started in my work as an author and life coach after having a spiritual awakening on Oct. 13, 2014.

This spiritual awakening was much like the NDE experiences you might hear of on documentaries about proof of the afterlife. It came with a sudden and intense realization of a lot of information that makes no logical sense as to where it came from. It also came with a past life review of everything I had done good and bad and the deep knowing of my actions had impacted myself, others, and the world at large. Read more>>

Nina Schuyler

Ten-year-old me loved to read fiction and often did so very late at night with a flashlight. Skip to 24-year-old me, and I was still an avid reader of fiction, but I was also a curious searcher, meaning I became a journalist. Skip to a little bit older me, who earned a law degree and got to cover court cases, trials, and anything legal for a legal newspaper and magazine. I learned tremendous things working at the newspaper: I learned to write fast; I learned the world is full of fascinating stories; I learned to ask people questions, even the most banal, stupid questions, and to listen closely, and this, you must know, is an art which seems to be dying. Read more>>

Gabrielle Garofalo

Wow, my story is a beautiful one, and I’m proud to say I’ve curated a life I love. AND? It’s totally different than I ever imagined.

When I was little, I dreamed of being a singer and performer. Broadway was my obsession, and I took every opportunity to sing or perform for anyone I could captivate. My first solo was in kindergarten, and I sang again at my high school graduation. Yet? My parents encouraged me to focus on “a real career,” so I headed to college to explore the liberal arts and ultimately landed in the world of advertising during the heyday of the early ’90s. And let me tell you—it was a blast! Read more>>

Hannah Barnthouse

I started my jewelry brand during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020 as a way to escape the unknown and channel my emotions and efforts creatively. I was working for a non-profit, the Down Syndrome Association, which i often referred to as my dream job! My work was shut down for a couple of months due to the lockdown and my passions felt void! I missed having community, people and human interaction, so i decided to create my own version of community online! I made my first ever “drop” of jewelry; hair clips that I named “Hair Candy” and earrings in the shape of rainbows that I called “rainbows.” Read more>>

Khatera DeGrate

I first got into sewing when I was a junior in high school. Once school was out and summer came, I bought myself a sewing machine and two other clothing machines. I felt like making clothes was the coolest thing ever, so I took the knowledge I learned from school and perfected my craft over the years, while also learning from YouTube. Participating in fashion shows as a designer has gotten me to where I am today. It has allowed me to gain exposure, sparked my networking skills, and provided me with leadership skills. Read more>>

Kinslo

I was born August 24th in Chicago, illinois as I stated earlier I started making music shortly after my father passed. I made a name for myself by networking with other local artists around the city who had a larger following than me & by consistently putting out music. All ranging from singles, mixtapes, videos, etc. I feel like what makes me different from other artists is I have 3 things most people don’t have and that’s ambition, dedication, & determination. Something I’m most proud of is my work ethic & my consistency. It’s something in me that will not allow me to fail and I do my music with real passion. That’s something all my supporters and followers should know. Read more>>

Ann Rigby

I started drawing as a child but became more intense with my drawing when I became very anxious. Since this time, I have always used my drawing as therapy for severe anxiety, autism and adhd. Read more>>

Briana Silvio

In February 2020, I resigned from my corporate job as a Financial Paraplanner for a Wealth Management firm to pursue a career as a private consultant for Corporate Event Planning. The onset of the pandemic took place a mere 2 weeks later and I found myself in a scary, isolating position as my original business plan was a “complete dumpster fire”. I searched for a way to find financial security and reintroduce joy into the Community amidst the unknown fear of the pandemic deepened. I reminded myself that we are in the business of spreading happiness, we are creative, and we have some resources to share and began to brainstorm ways to make a change, even a small one to help support our community. Read more>>

Leslie Young

To be competitive as a college applicant, I studied diligently in high school, taking the most challenging coursework and excelling at it. My journey, however, began with a significant disadvantage—I did not understand English until I was 13 years old. When my family immigrated to the United States from Taiwan, I had to quickly master a second language and catch up with my peers. The language barrier and culture shock instilled in me a mindset of perseverance and overcoming obstacles. Read more>>

Ken Henry

When it comes to asking friends and family to support your business, my opinion on the matter is to NOT ask friends and family to support your business. My reasons for this is to maintain healthy boundaries with close relationships and allow family and friends to initiate and volunteer to support you. It is not a good idea for business owners to automatically expect family and friends to support their business. Family and friends have seen the human side of them and as the saying goes, “it is hard to be a hometown her0.” Read more>>

Nena Speed

In my opinion, asking friends and family to support your business is the best way to test your skills. These are the people who will be the most honest about what you do well as well as help to identify areas of improvement. The appropriate thing is to treat them as you would any other client, offering them professional design consultation as well as finishing the work on time. I personally draw the line when family or friends expect me to do work for free. This should be a no brainer but it is not wise to cheapen your services to suit anyone, it just makes you look unprofessional and like you don’t know what you are doing. Never forget why you were hired, it is because YOU are the expert. Read more>>

Lauren Freedman

Here’s the advice I give to all my clients: “You’re not responsible for systems that oppress you, but you are responsible for thriving despite them.” This is a big reframe for the many recovering people-pleasers I work with who are often conditioned to apologize for existing rather than to ask questions and identify needs, let alone ask to get them met! Read more>>

Jason-Michael Gray

In the Interior Design industry, like most; absolutely nothing is more important than you relationships. That’s relationships with vendors, fabricators, clients, everyone. I’ve made it a point to gather and build relationships throughout my time as both a General Contractor and an Interior Designer. If I find a situation where I’m in need of a Manufacturer or Fabricator that I don’t currently have a relationship with; I almost always rely on word of mouth; 95%. Read more>>

Amy Carson

One of the great things about specializing in CPG & product photography is that I can work completely remotely from my studio. Clients send me their products from across the country all the time. Pre-production meetings are done via Zoom, and we can actually be connected virtually during the shoot. I’m always shooting tethered (with my camera connected to the computer), so I can easily send previews of the images in real time. Read more>>

Frederick Jefferds

If I were starting over, I would commit to growing the business full-time from the beginning. I’ve realized that dedicating my full energy early on would have accelerated progress and opened up more opportunities. Additionally, I would prioritize building relationships with complementary businesses and service providers. Strategic networking and collaborations can create powerful synergies and drive mutual growth far more effectively than trying to do everything in isolation. I would keep engaged with makeup artists, bridal shops, lingerie businesses, and increase my social media presence. Read more>>

Hollei Hayes

As a Surface and Product designer, I’ve had the joy of seeing my artwork in stores like Target, TJ Maxx, Hallmark, Paper Source, Walmart, and more. Through my studio, Hollei Anne Design Co., I create art that lives on products people bring into their homes—from seasonal decor to stationery, packaging, and beyond. Read more>>

Brayden Wisniewski

One of the most important lessons I learned came in high school during an art class — a class I honestly did not enjoy at the time. Somehow, I now find myself studying art and design in college, but back then it felt far from where I belonged. I had worked hard on a project I was proud of, but when I presented it, the teacher dismissed it, saying it wasn’t done “the right way.” At first, I felt discouraged and questioned if I belonged in art and design at all. Read more>>

Shannon Hawley Mariani

I suppose the U-Turn that makes the most sense to talk about is how I learned from all of my social work positions (after graduating from NYU in 2006 with my MSW) in the field (a school social worker in an alternative school in Vermont, a role in a domestic violence shelter in NYC, on a team in hospice care in Los Angeles, and working in outpatient care) and used all of those experiences not only in my songwriting but also in my work as a sound therapist and breathwork facilitator. I often felt burnt out from specific roles and my dedication to songwriting kept my life-force and creative energy alight. Read more>>

Martha Patricia Giovine

I didn’t join a firm—I joined a newsroom, and later, a small group of translators committed to making a difference in immigration cases.
I’m a journalist and a translator, specializing in the translation and certification of documents submitted by asylum seekers before U.S. immigration courts. I also work as an interpreter during asylum hearings. Read more>>

Stephanie Lugo

When I graduated law school back in 2015, life didn’t take me straight into the courtroom. Instead, I spent years as a mortgage broker and real estate investor. I learned how to build relationships, navigate financial systems, and take risks but I also carried this unfinished business of not yet being licensed. For years, I had the degree, but not the bar card. Read more>>

Kierah P. Quen

It’s challenging when you have to pull yourself out of some of the most darkest places both mentally and emotionally and face self reflection. I mean really come to terms with who you are and doing it completely sober to allow yourself to feel where you’re at, the pain, the disappointment, the hurt, the shame all of it. I didn’t want to continue to be this person I wasn’t proud of. My journey hasn’t been picture-perfect — in fact, it’s been far from it. I’ve been locked up, labeled, misunderstood, and counted out. I once stood in courtrooms facing drug charges, marked by a felon status that didn’t reflect the whole of who I was. Read more>>

Dana Rankin

One of the most significant failures I’ve experienced came during a time when I thought I was finally making progress — only to lose everything again.

After surviving 17 years of domestic violence and moving through 10 shelters with my four children, I had finally saved a little money and launched a small business from a place of hope. I thought I had made it out — I was finally doing something for myself and my children. But I made the mistake of trusting the wrong people in business. I didn’t do my due diligence. I rushed into partnerships and platforms without understanding contracts, fees, or even my target customer. Read more>>

Tiffany Harelik

The most exemplary leader I have worked under was Rochelle Johnson, President of the Taylor County Expo Center. While serving under Ms. Johnson in a managerial capacity, I once mistakenly provided incorrect information to a particularly challenging client. Rather than reprimanding me publicly, Ms. Johnson addressed the issue privately, offering constructive guidance and support. Her approach was focused on coaching and development rather than assigning blame—demonstrating a profound commitment to leadership with integrity and respect. Read more>>

Heidi Knight

I have a strong opinion here: I believe that when hiring a professional photographer, if you don’t receive tangible heirloom artwork, you wasted your money. Digitals are a junk product, and providing digital photographs alone is a disservice to my client, even if that’s what most people *think* they want. Digital images have become the “norm”, but in the last 20 years, I can count on one hand the number of friends who actually printed their artwork themselves and created something truly beautiful. Read more>>

Sharna Jenkins

Over the course of twenty-plus years, I feel my approach to introducing live theater to kids and teens was one of the most innovated things I’ve done. MY anti-bullying assembly has been welcomed by Schools, Churches and after school centers. I created a traveling group of actors called Theater in Motion… we took pride in bringing theater, to young people. Our approach was different each time we performed because we believed in bringing the audience/students into the experience. Read more>>

Danheisha Harding

Creating a women-only gym as a female trainer was both a powerful business move and a meaningful way to support my community. Many women feel uncomfortable or even unsafe in co-ed gym environments due to unwanted attention, fear of judgment, or a lack of privacy. By offering a space exclusively for women, I create an atmosphere where clients can feel secure, supported, and more willing to focus on their health goals. There’s also a clear market demand for such spaces, especially among women who are beginners, recovering postpartum, or simply looking for a more encouraging and inclusive environment. Read more>>

Eli Baksh

After three years of building my barber career, I’ve come to realize just how much my health plays a part in my craft. The long hours on my feet and the detailed work require a level of focus and endurance that can’t be taken for granted. By prioritizing my physical and mental well-being- from taking mindful breaks- I’m able to show up for every client with the energy , focus , and creativity they deserve. Taking care of myself has not only improved my quality of life, but it’s also directly translated into the quality of my work behind the chair. Read more>>

Diana Walker

When I took over Rehab Resource Inc. on August 1, 2022, I stepped into a role that demanded everything I had—and more. In those early days, it was just me, managing every aspect of the clinic alone. I handled patient scheduling, billing, insurance claims, marketing, cleaning, and front-desk duties. It was an incredibly overwhelming time, but I was determined to restore the clinic’s reputation and bring it back to life with integrity and heart. I believed that before I could lead a team, I needed to walk in every role myself and understand what it truly took to keep the business running. Read more>>