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

Kenya Graham

My hero is my mom. She is the strongest woman I know and has her own business. She taught me many things without really trying to teach me if that makes sense. I learned from her by watching her as I grew up. When I’m passionate about something I go for it even if I don’t feel the support from others. She is my #1 supporter and I’m hers. When she started her business when I was a little kid it was different because social media wasn’t as big as it is now. She couldn’t promote her small business like how people do now through TikTok and Instagram. It was all about word of mouth and business cards. And during that time I noticed some people didn’t seem supportive and kind of didn’t believe in her, but that didn’t stop her. Now I’m doing my thing on my own and even if people don’t take it seriously, I know there are people ( even strangers) that love my work! Read more>>

Shaniqua Scott

I’m my own hero. Growing up, I never had it easy in life. Unfortunately, I did not always have my parents neither, so I feel like I’m my own hero. I survived a lot, especially at a young age. I will say my parents have taught me not to follow in their footsteps. The lesson I’ve learned is to not make the same mistake twice. Sometimes I can be hardheaded, but I’m also the type of person that likes to take chances and risk so I feel like is it really a lesson learned if you haven’t tried it? Read more>>

Vanessa Mayberry

Both of my parents are my heroes, but if I had to pick one, it would be my mother. They’ve both been incredibly influential in my journey. Since I was a kid, they’ve always been supportive of any passion I pursued. I was a creative child, constantly drawing, dancing, playing dress-up, exploring the backyard, or acting. When I decided to pursue photography, my mom was right there with me, helping me thrift and pick out costumes for the models, or even sewing costumes herself. Read more>>