We asked some very thoughtful members of our community to reflect on what they’ve learned from their heroes.

Jennifer Boonlorn

My father is my hero. My father risked everything to come to the United States from Thailand, to put himself through the rigorous Masters of Architecture program at PRATT University. My father came with no emotional or financial support from his family back in Chiang Mai, Thailand. My grandmother was the personal chef to the Queen of Thailand, and there were rumors that my grandfather was Thai Mafia. So when my father took off to the States, it was without their blessing or funds. Read more>>

Zsa Zsa C. Hubbard

The woman I call hero I also call mom! My mother Kelly Hubbard is my hero because she taught me the value in loving people for real and not for fake! She showed me the power of my femininity and how not to abuse or use it for evil. My mother was a woman of poise and grace despite raising several children with 7 different personalities! My mom was a friend to the friendless and hope to the hopeless. She tried her best to provide people with a positive experience whether it was from her impeccable customer service savvy, incomparable fashion , or simply showing up as a parent advocate & community leader. No matter what her job was or where life lead her she remained faithful to her family and that spoke volumes. Read more>>

Alex Brown

My Grandfather. He showed dedication to his career while also having time for his family and friends. He was a jack of all trades and held many jobs. One of which was taking photos. The photos ranged from weddings, car wrecks (to sell to insurance companies) and NASCAR photography. The images were beautiful, but the “behind the scenes” element really drew my fascination. In these early years of photography, the photographer had to be crafty. Weddings may have been a little easier to book. But when It came to get photos of these car wrecks, he would listen to police scanners and try to beat everyone to the scene to get photos before the scene was disturbed. Even the NASCAR photo… I remember asking “how did you get these aerial shots of the track?”. In which he replied “I got my pilots license”. Read more>>

Rachael Highsmith

That’s a great question! My mother, Sandra Highsmith. I have seen her face many challenges and yet never gave up. Her determination and the will to succeed is what keeps me going. Being an entrepreneur is not easy and you don’t become an overnight success. It takes true dedication, hard work, and the willingness to accept a few no’s to get to that yes. My mother gave me that, and that is why she is my hero, not to be afraid of failure, you learn from it, and keep going! Read more>>

Karl Dakin

I believe most entrepreneurs are heroes. These people take on a challenge to make the world a better place. Change requires innovation. Most people prefer the status quo – it is safer to keep the things you know than to try something new. Yet, entrepreneurs take on the challenge to do things differently and change people’s minds. In many cases this makes their lives better. Entrepreneur’s face rejection, are viewed as ‘different’ and often live on a financial roller coaster. With Splish Naturals, we are now launching the Heal Your Heroes program within its pending Reg CF crowdfunding campaign. Each investor may gift Splish products to a hero of their choice. As a result, I am studying ‘heroism’. Read more>>

Tom Wiese

Ironically I have never met one of my most influential heroes. His name is Ernest Shackleton and studying his expeditions has made me a better leader and inspired me and a great friend of mine to launch a business called Studio/E that helps leader’s create the future they desire. There are 7 core principles we have learned from this interesting person. We call these Exploratory leadership principles. Read more>>

TANECIA BRITT

When it comes to a “hero”, there is plenty that I would’ve said earlier in my career. I would idolize creatives including peers that would influence and motivate me to be better. Life happens, you live, you learn you grow and with that you understand what a hero really is. For me, a hero is someone who not only saves the day but saves me in the process. The older I get the more I have realized the true grace of God. I believe human beings are reflections of God, so as humans we all have the ability to “save”, to be the “hero”. As a filmmaker I am often inspired by random people that take honor is saving, helping, guiding. Whether it be a kind person taking the time to help and elderly person or someone who takes in an under privileged child to give them a better life. Read more>>

Marc Mauldin

My grandfather Bob Rogers is my hero. He started his career as a photographer during WWII aboard the USS Monterey. After the war he went to work for Kodak. We he retired Kodack ask him to come back and work as an ambassador. He and my grandmother move to Hellen GA where where they built their dream home on top of a mountain and he continued his love for photography capturing the beauty that sounded them. Read more>>

Nica Fazio

I think my heroes are my parents. Both of them. Even if a) I grow up in a house full of yelling and broken dishes (We are Sicilian) B) They are not together anymore (thank god) but they waited to divorce until i was 18 (why?) C) Even now they communicate sometimes with angry e-mails (but I feel now is kinda funny and low-key I think they care for each other). Read more>>

Gregory Austin

My Mom, she was so inspiring and encouraging and I’ve adapted much of my personality and approach to life the same way. She had an infectious smile and personality and drew people to her with just that. She has by far had the greatest influence in my life personally and professionally. I recall when she was an art consultant for a prominent local art company she asked me to join the business which I did and she was so successful and it fueled me to be successful and match her energy and enthusiasm for the business. We had become a great mother and son duo as result of us being in business together. When I started my personal business I did it in honor of her and legacy in my life. She will always have an imprint and impression on my life. Read more>>