Winning comes in so many different forms that it’s hard to define, but you know it when you see it. The CanvasRebel community is filled with so many incredible folks who have overcome long odds, challenged the status quo and won. Below, you’ll find stories of these winners along with much of the accumulated wisdom on what it takes to succeed.
Cash Branson
In the early aughts I lived in Japan, which is how I got into cosplay. My friend suggest that we go to Tokyo Game Show, the biggest video game convention in Japan. I told him “If we’re gonna be nerdy, we’re gonna go all the way nerdy”. We made ourselves costumes from an anime show we both liked and wound up in the national newspaper. After that I was hooked. I attended a number of local and national cons, Wizard Worlds, Amazing Cons, San Diego Comic Con, Dragon Con, and Tokyo Game Show. I tend to cosplay characters from movies, comics, and TV (Dr. Doom, Oberyn Martel from Game of Thrones, Matt Murdock/Daredevil, and a Thor to name a few). I believe that as cosplay I’m not passionate about is a cosplay that isn’t worth doing. Read more>>
Amber Miller
My name is Amber Miller and I am the founder of “Pretty as Peaches” — a content creation, blog and social media marketing personal brand! My story is very unique as I started my blog about six years ago with zero plan of where I wanted to go with it. I graduated from Virginia Tech with a dual degree in Multimedia Journalism and Family Consumer Sciences, where I was also a D1 collegiate cheerleader for 4 years. After graduation, I decided as purely a fun hobby to start designing my website where I would blog about my life to continue my love for writing and share my passion for fashion, fitness, beauty, and travel. In the developmental stages of my website, blog, and social media platforms, I decided to walk in Miami Swim Week for Vizcaya Swimwear and compete in Miss Virginia USA. This was such an amazing experience and solidified my passion for being in front of the camera and sharing my life with others. I started following other bloggers and influencers that I idolized to better understand the industry, researching ways to provide for my audience, and creating valuable content. This process was a grind — very transformative, experimental, and rewarding. Read more>>
Marissa Baez
Growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, my journey has always been intertwined with education. Sadly, my grandparents never had the opportunity to pursue schooling due to racial discrimination. My grandmother endured torment from white students, facing verbal abuse and even physical assaults like having rocks thrown at her. The derogatory terms like “greaser” and “Mexican grease” made her fear attending school. My grandfather did not discuss his racist experiences with the women of my family. My grandfather worked in construction, often recruiting other men for work to build roads. Witnessing their struggles fueled my determination to excel academically. Now I am an educator facilitating conversations involving decolonization, shedding light on marginalized history through the artists I showcase. Together, we explore untold narratives, challenge dominant perspectives, and empower voices that have long been silenced. While it has been five years since I left Texas, I try to return annually. This summer I am preparing for a project in Massachusetts, in the hopes of collaborating closely with the local community. The journey has been fulfilling, yet I recognize that there is more to accomplish ahead. Read more>>
Chris Martin
My story started when I was born in 197…too much detail? Okay, okay, I won’t start there. Instead, I’ll start with my current iteration of myself. My name is Chris Martin and I’m a documentary filmmaker, podcaster, and writer. Around 24 years ago, I was bit by the documentary bug, falling in love with the art of the interview, and telling stories about real people doing interesting things. I don’t remember a specific documentary that captured my attention, but I remember being enamored with the journalist, Bill Moyers. He produced an interview show, a series of books based upon his interviews, and many documentaries throughout his career. Not a bad model for the modern day content creator. Read more>>
Rita Ernst of Ignite Your Extraordinary
I fell in love with Psychology in high school. Then, the summer before my senior year, I was selected to participate in a special student exchange program in Japan. That summer, I lived with a host family in Yokohama. I was fascinated by Japanese culture and developed an interest in international business. Seeking to combine these passions, I found the emerging field of Industrial/Organizational Psychology. There weren’t many programs or courses at the undergraduate level, so I entered college knowing my true goal was acceptance into a graduate program in this field. I quickly realized that my passion was in application versus scientific study. So, upon completion of my Master’s degree at Clemson University, I stepped into my professional career. Read more>>
Elizabeth Petters’s Story
Growing up in conservative Christian churches, I spent a lot of my childhood-early adulthood years questioning who I was outside of my religion. I knew that as an adult I wanted to create a safe space for people whose religious upbringing had greatly affected their way of viewing themselves and the world around them. Read more>>
Tasha Scott of Lotti Creatives LLC
I’ve always loved writing, and hip hop, so I started blogging for DJ B-Lord in 2009. In 2010 I started my own blog, SheBloggin.com. It garnered a lot of attention, especially from independent artists. After seeing how much help they needed, I started getting into public relations. Fast forward to today, I still run my blog, but now include more business related content, as well as women’s lifestyle. I also own Lotti Creatives LLC, where we do PR, branding and marketing. Read more>>
Téa Luehne of Téa Rae Designs
I have always been a creative person, when I was little I loved to paint throughout my middle and high school years I was heavily involved in art classes. When I graduated high school I was going to college for a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and soon realized that wasn’t giving me a creative outlet. I was working at a job that wasn’t giving me that outlet either and I wanted something which allowed me to be creative while working with other people. Read more>>
Oryah
Hailing from the East Coast, I started as a kid making beats. During the pandemic I lost the passion for producing, but discovered my love for rapping by the end of that same year. Since then, I’ve been locked in with my team at QDUB Productions & building my brand through the power of Wav.Max Read more>>
Jody & Jennifer Lyddane
We have been married for 19 years and have consistently pushed one another towards our goals. We enjoy getting out of our comfort zones whether it is competing on a television show, opening up a Barber Shop, going on adventures with our two children, or pursuing a challenging course. Jody began learning about metallurgy, forging, and working with steel allows out of college while working as a Farrier. While the couple was building a house, he decided to experiment with knife making and became intrigued by the craft. Jennifer started working with him as a way to bond and share a similar interests and the two became ‘Forged Together’. Getting to where we’re at included many mistakes, trial and error, studying, and learning from others by attending classes and events. Read more>>
Katheryn Labosky
I started early when working a full-time job. I always loved sales and communication, especially the written word. I became noticed online and offline for my writing and started selling sales copy and content. It progressed slowly and I was able to do it full-time now for twenty years, and am now a consultant focusing on content strategy for other businesses as well as non-profits and for-profits seeking grants from the government. I especially enjoy what can only be called “contentious issues” where problems need to be remedied as I adore problem-solving. It’s partially financial but also altruistic. I do write quite a bit on topics regarding mental health on platforms devoted to this and have amassed followings for this. It is just an interest of mine. I like to balance the workload between projects to keep enjoying what I do. I am an extreme extrovert and will go the last mile for all my clients as I enjoy the interaction with others and network quite a bit. Read more>>
Regina Craig
Tanisha L. Scott is a living, breathing beacon of hope, author, life coach, and appointed prophet whose essence brightens the lives of women around. Her story serves as a tribute to the transforming potential of faith, fortitude, and the unwavering pursuit of one’s goals. Tanisha was raised in humble beginnings, and her early years were difficult and uncertain. But in the midst of life’s challenges, she found an unwavering faith that would serve as the foundation for her vocation. Tanisha set out on a spiritual journey, delving into her soul to discover her divine mission, led by a strong inner conviction. Read more>>
Tanisha Scott
Tanisha L. Scott is a living, breathing beacon of hope, author, life coach, and appointed prophet whose essence brightens the lives of women around. Her story serves as a tribute to the transforming potential of faith, fortitude, and the unwavering pursuit of one’s goals. Tanisha was raised in humble beginnings, and her early years were difficult and uncertain. But in the midst of life’s challenges, she found an unwavering faith that would serve as the foundation for her vocation. Tanisha set out on a spiritual journey, delving into her soul to discover her divine mission, led by a strong inner conviction. Read more>>
Rachel Elder of Connected Couples Counseling
I started my mental health therapy practice in 2018 and closed it down after 6 months due to struggling to find clients to work with. I eventually opened up my therapy practice again in 2020 with a focus on working with couples and grew quickly. I am now the owner of a small group practice focused on serving couples in Washington State and have one employee on the team. Read more>>
Nia Alexander Campbell
I come from a very creative and intellectual family—my mom studied visual art and art therapy, my dad studied music and psychology, and my grandparents are involved in teaching, crafts, fashion design, and architecture. This environment very comfortably supported my early interest in visual art and my pursuit of academia. Art was always my favorite subject in school, and in high school, I was accepted into my county’s Center for the Arts. It was a serious commitment as a teenager because art was no longer an optional elective; it was a necessary part of earning my diploma. I had at least two hours of art every day for four years, alongside being in AP classes, being Art Club president, being in the National Arts Honors Society, and just navigating that major transitional period where everything is changing that defines being a teenager. Read more>>
Haley Hoover of The Sparkling Hippie
I knew at a young age that I wanted to help people spiritually though art and journaling, and that somehow I wanted to do this through my (at the time) new blog. This was around 2010 when blogging was new and getting paid on the internet was definitely a new idea. I was a Public Relations major in college who was absolutely crushing PR, but who knew deep down she was built for more. In 2012, which one semester left to graduate, I dropped out of school in effort to pursue blogging, painting and writing more intensely. My friends were confused, my parents were horrified and the spiritual groups I belonged in at the time were done with me. If I was going to walk this path I was going to have to find a new tribe to support me. After some time, I did. I got two life coaching certifications, one in spirituality, the other in success mindset and by 2018 I was helping clients achieve massive goals in the personal life and in their business. Read more>>
Aleksandra Jakubowski
I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey two years ago, stepping into the world of window treatment design while balancing the responsibilities of being a stay-at-home mom. Alongside my husband, I transitioned from years in the industry working for others to establishing our own business. We felt a calling to leverage our industry expertise and creative vision as a dynamic duo. My background in psychology, a field that has always held a special place in my heart, added a unique dimension to my approach in this profession. Understanding the psychological impact of colors, textures, and designs on individuals and their living spaces fascinated me. I recognized the power of aesthetics in transforming a house into a home, shaping emotions, and reflecting personal narratives. Read more>>
Julia Adragna of Giana Rose Couture
I started my business with my mother Fran in 2018. My mom and I always loved to shop together but we especially had a love for prom gowns & special occasion dresses! This store was our dream come true, we named the store after my youngest sister Giana Rose mainly because we love her name and we are just a very tight knit family. My sisters Ally and Giana both joined us at the store after graduating college so working with my mom and sisters has been the greatest joy in my life! We really try to make our store more of an experience for our customers, they are all so important to us and we want to make sure they know that as soon as they walk in. Shopping for prom, weddings, and other important life events can be so stressful so we really just want all of those customers to be taken care of and have an amazing time shopping. Read more>>
Kristina Panettiere
Kased was a Covid baby. It started when I had time to reflect on what I truly wanted and what I made me happy. After having multiple knee surgeries I wanted to design clothes that could be dressed up or down. Something you could wear with a sneaker or a heel and still feel confident and sexy in. I started online and once the Covid banned was lifted I did pop up’s all across NJ. This is where I gathered feedback and created relationships with customers. Once I saw the response I was getting in Asbury Park from both customers and support from other local businesses I knew this was the place for me. I opened my first brick and mortar in March 2023 at the Shoppes at the Arcade and in November moved to a store front on Cookman. In I have taken my designs along with other women own small business to curate collections for the new store front. Read more>>
David Boynton
Well, where to begin… how about a few years after I retired from the US Air Force; that’s a good place. I retired after 21 great years, went to the Civil Service for a bit under the Presidential Management Fellowship-it wasn’t for me, and then went to work for the airline industry running ground operations for two major carriers at the same time. The airline gig was very stressful, and one of my coping tools was to get on YouTube and watch woodworking, specifically woodturning on lathes. it was very calming to me and after a while, I had a thought… if its this fun to watch, I bet its even more fun to DO! Read more>>
Max Gondek of GondekEDC
Now this could be a very long story but I will try to keep it short and sweet. I am an Engineer for my day job (which unfortunately I still have) and I have always wanted to make some sort of tangible product I could sell. This has been an idea in my head for years but it was my wife Lauren who indirectly gave me the motivation to start GondekEDC. She started her own business in a different industry and got really busy really fast. At first I worked out a bunch and ran through my Netflix queue, but within a week or two I got pretty bored. It was the perfect time for me to start GondekEDC and design our first product, The Traveler. Read more>>
Vanessa Lawrence of Vee’s Catering and Spice Rubs
Vee’s Catering was birth more than 26 years ago when I knew I wanted to have a career in food service. I did my first wedding and was hooked. My family and I moved to Denver Colorado after surviving hurricane Katrina. The adjustment was just what I needed. I became a single parent when my daughter was 9 years old, living in Denver. I know I had to do something different from cosmetology. The culinary world was literally calling my name and I answered the call. Read more>>
Lauren Ciaglo of Honeycutt Culinary Concepts
My husband and I both attended schools on the east coast (CIA being one of them) and we ended up staying out east afterwards. We were living in Connecticut when we started our family. We had been working in kitchens for years and decided to move to Oklahoma to be closer to Curtis’s mom, who was ill. After our relocation we decided it would be a prime time to try to go into business for ourselves. We saw opportunity in the marketplace and learned that we could use services available at the local business development center to get started (The Great Pains Business Development Center). This was at the tail end of COVID so this avenue was helpful for us to start a business with minimal overhead costs. We started by doing artisan bread at the local farmers market, home meal replacement options, catering, and themed monthly pop up dinners. Read more>>
Eston Browne
I started playing in bands and doing vocals 20 years ago in 2004 when I formed my first band, Merciless Mutilation. At the time I was 14 years old and when I got into metal around age 11 it always stuck with me. Over the years I played in multiple bands throughout the metal subgenre to where we are today with VULNIFICUS. VULNIFICUS got started in late 2021 and we released a compilation, a 4 way split record titled “Four Dimensions of Death” and 3 EP’s, the recent one being called “INEXTRICABLE” Read more>>
Gel Raquel of Angelica Raquel Virtual Services
When my husband proposed to me in February 2021, my whole world changed. Saying yes meant in 6 months I was going to 2 hours away and quit my job. I was talking with a friend asking for wisdom about what to do next, and she suggested I help brands with their social media content. I wasn’t sure how to execute this, but a few weeks later she sent me a course about becoming a virtual assistant. A few months after taking the course, I landed my first client and was helping with their social media content. Around this time Instagram launched Instagram Reels so I quickly niched down to a ‘Reels Specialist’ and my business took off. I was more successful than I could have ever dreamed that first year, and it was a really exciting time. I’ve now been in business for over 2.5 years and it has not always been easy, but reflecting on where I started and where I am today is deeply encouraging. Read more>>
Ramil Carr
I began personal styling for family and friends years ago, before I even realized that I could pursue it as a career. As someone who has always had an undying love for fashion, I wanted to share it with those around me. I began picking out pieces here and there for friends and family, based on my perception of their personality and style. After countless requests to take it more seriously, I finally decided to become a professional Fashion Consultant. Which later lead to becoming a fashion designer. Read more>>
Erin Griffiths’s Story
During the pandemic, I was fighting boredom, laziness, and negativity like most of the world. I decided I wanted to teach myself a new skill. On a whim, I went to the craft store and bought a couple skeins of yarn and a set of knitting needles. Through various YouTube videos I taught myself how to knit. I enjoyed making pieces for my family and friends who all kept telling me “you need to be selling this.” I was nervous about the idea of putting my work out there. What if people don’t like what I make? What if I don’t have any success? It took me a while to work on creating a brand, a logo, figuring out what to make and sell, but when I was ready, I launched Knit ‘Em Up Creations in February 2021. The support I received was astonishing! My favorite part about my business is meeting people. I’ve had so many people share their stories with me either about knitting, teaching, a family member who used to knit, etc., and that has been the most rewarding. I also love the flexibility of having my small business. While most of it is online, I also attend local festivals and fairs as a vendor. I thrive, mostly during the fall and winter seasons leaving me some much needed downtime for spring and summer. Teaching full-time, being on the executive board of my sorority, taking dance class, and being in grad school is a lot to manage. I’m happy that I can choose to fit my business in with everything else in my life. Read more>>
Lindsay Carter
I grew up painting, drawing, and sculpting. From a young age I knew art of some form would be in my future. The first nudge I got was probably from my sister. She would insist I become a tattooer so she could be my “canvas” some day. The second nudge was in high school. Peers would ask me to draw their tattoos, or draw designs on them with a marker. So, maybe in a way tattooing found me. The idea kept orbiting around me, people saw the potential in me, and I was fascinated by the art form. The last nudge was when I got my own tattoo, I fell in love with the experience, and knew I’d pursue it. I was a teenager with a dream to chase. Read more>>
Briana Jackson of Privee Label
I started my fashion brand with a vision to create unique and stylish piecs that would empower women to express themselves through their wardrobe. Through hard work, commitment to my vision, and the passion and pride that I have for my brand from a small startup to a successful and more recognized nae in my community. I have collaborated with influencers, local models, and paerticpated in numerous of local and out of state markets. I have built a strong online presence to reach a wider audienc. I am proud of how far my brand has come and excited for the future of my fashion brand Read more>>
Katie Maloney
As a trauma-healing author and speaker, I am deeply passionate about oversharing. My mission is to share my very real (and frequently awkward) stories of navigating healing from eighteen years of childhood sexual abuse so that others feel comfortable laughing about, loving, and sharing their own stories. In my book, “Cake Pops and Coffee: A New Conversation About Trauma,” I get very real about the whole story of trauma—the difficult and the beautiful. I talk about how I made myself small and sabotaged my success because of negative beliefs. I talk about saving my past selves and learning how to find safety within myself. I share how I learned to masturbate in a way that transformed her perception of pleasure and allowed her to connect with her partner during intimacy (I told you I overshare!). I talk about navigating relationships and sharing my past with the people I love. I share how I cut through all the bullshit that resulted from the abuse and how I learned to love myself on a deeper level and truly live after trauma—all while sharing tips and guidance on how you can do the same. Read more>>
Steve Hanson’s Story
As a child, I went through a series of bullying events that lasted about a year. Those events had a direct effect on my confidence, and impacted my self-esteem, well into adulthood. As a result, my marriage, friendships, and even my career would all eventually suffer. After getting an opportunity to act as an emcee for a a July 4th celebration, I realized that I had the ability to connect with an audience. But it wasn’t until a friend of mine, who happened to be a behavioral psychologist, told me that if I ever got the chance to speak for people who would not, or could not, speak for themselves, I’d hit it out of the park. And so, while the emcee experience was the catalyst, the advice of a knowledgeable friend became the driving force that allowed me to step forward and take a risk. Read more>>
Ryan James of ryan james fine arts
Ryan James’ journey to opening his own art gallery in 2011 is a testament to the power of early inspiration and diverse experiences. As a child in elementary school, Ryan was captivated by the world of art. A school field trip to the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis introduced him to the vibrant, expressive world of painting and sculpture, sparking a lifelong passion. This formative experience ignited a curiosity about the art industry, and he spent countless hours studying art books, visiting galleries, and museums. The art world’s ability to convey emotion and provoke thought left a lasting impression on him, setting the foundation for his future endeavors. Read more>>
Colin Schindler of RE/MAX Ignite
My name is Colin Schindler and I have always had an entrepreneurial mind set. From middle school through most of college, I had a lawn mowing/shoveling “business” It started by walking the neighborhood knocking on doors (pre driving), to about 20 or so consistent clients by the time I was ready to move on to other ventures. I studied communications at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse and I truly had no idea what I really wanted to do with my life. My Aunt, a very successful Edward Jones Financial Advisor inspired me to get rolling down that career path, but I soon found out that was not for me. I wanted to work hard, but I also wanted to have fun. I took a little hiatus from professional life and moved out to Vail Colorado where I skied and worked in the service industry for a couple of years. I had gotten my fill of fun, and I realized it was time to move back home, although I was still unsure of what I was going to do. I connected with my old hockey coach, Otis Johnson, to see what he was up to and he had just opened up his own RE/MAX franchise. Read more>>
Nathan Webster of Nathan Webster & Associates, LLC
After leaving the United States Marine Corps in 2000, my only career post-high school, I went through one of the roughest patches of my life. Two of my outlets were working out and running. I worked out twice a day and ran approximately 30 miles a week. After several weeks, I was leaner and stronger, and everyone noticed, so I focused on competing in a bodybuilding show. After a few months of learning the demands of the sport and eyeing my competition, I was hopeless for a competitive activity. One day, while working in my gym, one guy spent about 30 minutes convincing me to do the Portland Marathon. The event was in three months, and a marathon is 26.2 miles. Now, I was in great shape but not marathon shape. Read more>>
Brittany Wilder’s Story
I’ve wanted to be an artist since I was a kid. In my fourth grade yearbook, we had to list what we wanted to be when we grew up, and under the picture of little me was “Artist” I was really lucky to have amazing art teachers as a teenager, and I ended up applying to attend the Oregon College of Art and Craft right out of high-school. I learned so much during my undergraduate, and got to work with so many talented faculty members and peers. OCAC taught me a lot about fostering a flourishing studio practice, thinking critically, talking and writing about my work, and maintaining high standards for both concept and presentation. My undergraduate degree was structured to have a year-long thesis similar to a MFA, which meant I graduated after spending a year building a body of work, writing a thesis paper, and exhibiting my work. Read more>>
Kayla Holland
During my childhood, I grew up singing in church and sung on a karaoke app called Smule. But I decided to take music into another level instead of just singing karaoke and freestyle collabs all the time. That was when I was introduced to this music app called BandLab. BandLab is where I first got started officially back in 2020. I had been dealing with a lot of challenges with insecurities, music struggles, and my real life. When I first joined Bandlab, I was so different from everyone on that app. Eventually, I ended up growing out of nowhere. People started to really listen to me and love hearing my songs where I would always share my stories. It had really encouraged me to create more, collab with great artists, and distribute my music on all platforms. Now as for today, I am currently going for mental help for my personal life which I’m taking step by step for myself. My music has grown so much over the years throughout my music journey. I am more confident when it comes to singing that has improved so much, I’m sharing my story to a lot of people who are going through the same thing as me with mental health. I am officially a verified artist on Bandlab now from all of that hard work I’ve been putting into my music. Now I’m exploring a new path of having my very own online Radio show on YouTube: RONI Music Radio. My show is still growing but I love it so much where I can be myself to everyone. What I can say is music is what always kept me at ease. Read more>>
Frank King
This is my fourth TEDx Talk (of the 12 that I have done) and it’s my origin story. How I got in to stand up comedy, and eventually speaking on Suicide Prevention; Suicide, The Secret of My Success https://youtu.be/3D4m33DXtsI Read more>>
Ashton Sotiro’s Story
I first picked up a camera in 2017, with the purpose of creating content for a club that I was a part of in college. I didn’t think much of it at the time – my main focus was just marketing. However, this changed fairly quickly when I was invited to cover an on-campus concert, and I fell in love with the images I captured. Growing up, I was often labeled the “creative” child, so it didn’t take long for me to discover photography as an art medium. I began asking my friends to model for me, and I tried my hand at photographing everything from graduation portraits to proposals. What was constant was my dedication to cherishing photography as a creative outlet first, a business second. I valued my work’s style and strived to be unique, even when moving to Washington DC, where the majority of the market here is corporate, business professional, and loves the classic “bright and airy” look. Because of this, you could say I was reluctant to turn my craft into a full-time career, so for a while it remained my side hustle and artistic outlet. I believe this approach might’ve been what I needed to secure confidence in my work and my brand, eventually leading me to go full-time in March of this year by remaining authentic to myself and attracting a clientele who resonated with my approach and my art. I am proud to introduce myself as a creative portrait photographer for artists and couples, and my firm belief that creativity and individuality should be valued above all has propelled me to where I am today. Read more>>
Tyler Graham
Talking about myself isn’t the easiest, but here goes! My journey as a photographer began in August 2012 while I was studying Art/Graphic Design at Shippensburg University. My first photoshoot was an engagement session, quickly followed by a wedding. Photography has always fascinated me because it not only captures a moment in time but also offers a glimpse into the creative mind and perspective of another person. Since then, my career has been an incredible rollercoaster. There were times when I felt like giving up, thinking I wasn’t making progress and that my efforts were in vain. But instead of quitting, I chose to keep learning, growing, and connecting with other creatives to sharpen my skills. This persistence has paid off, and now my business has grown to the point where I’ve been invited to photograph New York Fashion Week again this September. Read more>>
Mx. Pucks A’plenty of Puckduction
I got started doing burlesque back in 2017. I was involved with an organization planning a fundraiser and ended up meeting several burlesque performers during the production back in 2016. I studied under Miss Indigo Blue in Seattle, Washington and debuted in the summer of 2017. I thought I was just scratching an item off my bucket list. Almost seven years later I have appeared in almost 20 burlesque festivals, and have headlined in US and Canada. I now produce two burlesque festivals of my own, a conference, and was even one of the Grand Marshals of the Seattle Pride Parade in 2023. Burlesque has played a HUGE part in my journey. Read more>>
Jason Hunt
After working in ministry for a little over a decade, I was given the opportunity to teach outdoor skills due to a transition in my life and ministry at the time. I started a faith-based outdoor school teaching primarily survival skills and bushcraft camping. Within a few years, I began developing products made from waxed canvas to solve problems we faced while going on woodland expeditions. A larger company asked me to manufacture gear for them and coupled with our growing demand for products; we began a small-batch manufacturing company from our living room. Read more>>
Dave Shecter
I never even thought about being an actor when i was growing up, i mean i was in school plays and things but that was about it. After high school i joined my first modeling and talent agency but wasnt really serious about it. It wasnt until 2012 or so i answered an ad looking for actors for an indie film. I auditioned and didnt get the part i auditioned for but they offered me a different part and that was when i got bit by the acting bug. I started looking through ads and auditioning for just about everything i could and here i am. Ive got a pretty good resume and IMDB page along with a website. Met some great people and having a blast and i dont have any intensions on slowing down. Read more>>
Doc Wilson of Peace Peloton
I started Peace Peloton with a few cycling friends, all dedicated to equality of opportunity for Black people. Our shared passion for cycling helped us transform a social demonstration into a thriving economic development non-profit. Read more>>
Susan Goldman’s Story
In March of 2020 (height of Covid) I was furloughed from my job that I had in the fashion industry and I was at home with my husband and then 5 year old daughter. My daughter and I did crafts everyday together. She would pick a theme for the day and I would pick activities to do with that theme in mind. One day she chose crayons as the theme so we read the book “The Day The Crayons Quit” book and I looked on Pinterest on how to make crayons. We made crayons together and we wrapped them in tin foil (we didn’t have wrapping paper) after they had cooled so she could give them to her friends when she saw them in the park. Her friends loved the crayons. Read more>>
Sylvia A Faircloth
Life started for me somewhat complicated.I would loose my mother while in school.This was my first lost. I didn’t understand death..I would go on to be living in Foster Home.I would graduate and I found myself married. I always felt there was a void in my life.I didn’t what it was.It seemed I didn’t fit in anywhere.Depression would come and I dealt with set backs setbacks. One day I heard a voice calling me to preach the word.I was invited to a Church Service to give my testimony and I knew that was confirmation. I knew that was my calling. Basketcase Ministries was birthed out of my pain.Childhood abuse, sexual abuse,verbal abuse and physical abuse..I had very good teachers who always encouraged me,supported me. Read more>>
Mark Jones
I worked in higher education finance and budgeting for over thirty years. I had enjoyed writing when I was younger, so, taking advantage of my proximity to the university’s library, I wrote a rough draft 1994 of a historical fiction novel. It never improved after that. Once I retired in 2017, I decided to try writing again. I took classes, began networking with other authors, and completed a detective mystery draft in 2021 called Peculiar Activities published by The Wild Rose Press. The follow-up, Shadowed Souls, was published in 2022. The third in the series, Glass, will be published in 2025. Read more>>
Whitney Frederic of It’s Seasoned™
As a child who could barely reach the stove, I was drawn to cooking— it allowed me to spend time the beautiful Haitian queens who came before me. Mommy-na (my great grandmother), Momma (my grandmother) and Mama (my mother) taught me how to cook— and each time we prepared meals in the kitchen, stories were told, laughs were exchanged and a whole lot of herbs and spices were involved. Which brings me to where I am today. Read more>>
Jen Cameron of The Agency Seattle
Real Estate was always a part of my life. Many of my family members were in real estate as agents, builders, and land developers. It was not something I had planned on for myself, although I had a background in working for a lender and a land title company. Fast forward and as life circumstances unfolded and I found myself about to become a single mother of 2 that needed to have have flexibility it made all the sense in the world. About the time that I got into real estate, my daughter was diagnosed with Autism. The flexibility to be present for both of my kids lives through creating my own schedule, coupled with the ability to provide them with a great life were key in my decision to get my real estate license. It has truly been the best career I could have asked for. Read more>>
Bethany Dobson of BethAliceArt
I always loved creating fantasies I wished I lived in, and since I was very young, turning the things that frightened me into things that were beautiful. I grew up with a lot of harsh ugliness. It forced my mind to wander into other places, and art helps me bring these places and things alive. Ultra colorful horrorscapes and the lovely and broken. Being chronically ill helped push me into art being a career rather than a hobby, and although the road is bumpy and difficult, I couldn’t be happier with my ability to grow my creativity. Read more>>
Laurena White of The Eudaimonia Center
Since I was a pre-kindergartner, I knew I wanted two things: to be a doctor and to be a mom … in that order. High school was easy for me, and it was the first time I realized that health disparities existed even though I didn’t know that was the name for what I was witnessing. Once I got to college, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in medicine erroneously thinking that I wanted to be a pediatrician. However, once I got to medical school, I quickly realized that I loved the children; however, I did not like their parents. Pediatrics was not for me. I also hadn’t really considered any other specialty until then. Read more>>
Sharelle Austin
I knew I needed to make some changes to my overall health. I was diagnosed with diverticulitis and was also dealing with recent weight gain so my friend Britney and I joined an online fitness class during the pandemic. During the class my fitness instructor was talking to us about a type of sea weed called Sea Moss that he suggested we start consuming due to its benefits . I was one of those people that really didn’t want to try anything new so I did my research. In my research I found sea moss can be taken in different forms but the popular way people consume it is in gel form. I ended up buying my first order of raw sea moss and made my first jar of sea moss gel. After creating my first jar I took a picture of what I created and posted a picture of it to my facebook story. I was shocked to see that people started to inbox me on facebook to ask me to make them a jar. I started making Sea moss gel for customers. As business progressed I knew I needed some help so I reached out to a business called Crossover coaching and consulting LLC who helps businesses with start ups. Tiffanie Lee the owner of Crossover helped me with doing a business analysis and also gave me several ideas and wisdom that I still use to this very day. About a month later I ended up adding two other products to my product line called Elderberry Syrup and Whipped Body Butter . So far my business has shipped products to several different states including California, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, Delaware, Indiana,and Florida and its still growing. I’m so grateful to see what the Lord has done and what he will continue to do with the business he has given me. Read more>>
Kate O’neill
I’ve been painting for more than a decade, but only in the last three years have I felt like I’ve finally found my style. I remember being about 12 years old, learning to paint, and being told by my teacher, Deborah Fletcher (shout out to Coral Springs Museum of Art), that an artist’s style would come with time. As you can imagine, I responded to this like any 12-year-old being told to wait for something would—with frustration and determination to, essentially, hurry up and find myself (spoiler alert: it didn’t work). And I’ll be honest with you when I started, I sucked. Like, really sucked. And I know my mom would tell you that that is inaccurate, but it is so totally true. Anyone who knows me knows I suck at sucking at things, and so I made it a point to paint until I didn’t suck (by my standards– sorry, Mom!). So I’ve been painting now for over half of my life and even now I create things that I think suck all the time. I think the trick is respecting perspective and learning to be patient and trust the process. At this point, I have had the chance to share my work with thousands of people and travel for my art, and talk about my work with some incredibly talented peers- something I think 12-year-old me would agree is pretty freaking cool. I don’t think that covers the whole story, but I think that’s what resonates with me now. That’s the beauty of growth, you know? It’s been a wild ride, and I’m excited to see what my work will look like in another ten years. Read more>>
Alexandra Schrecengost of Culture With Us
2021 Wine Enthusiast 40 under 40 Tastemaker, 2022 Tory Burch Fellow, Inc. Female Founder 2023 and WSET JancisRobinson.com Outstanding Alumni winner, Alexandra Schrecengost founded Virtual With Us in 2020 following Culture With Us in 2021 – and serves as the CEO. The organizations’ missions are to support global corporations with teams and clients/prospects that are geographically dispersed with food and beverage gift boxes and experiences including wine tastings [with wines from around the world], spirits, mixology and cooking classes. The cultural and inclusive-driven programming focuses on improving human connections no matter where you are in the world to ensure everyone has a seat at the table. With more than 18+ years of experience in wine, spirits, hospitality, lifestyle, and luxury public relations, Alex’s focus has been on community-building that ties into events marketing. She holds the WSET level 4 Diploma distinction in wine, hosts a number of wine and spirits trade activations, trips and events including the Brown-Forman Women in Spirits to bring to light female leadership in the beverage industry and has been featured in Wine Spectator, The Today Show online, Vogue, Ebony and more spreading the message of diversity. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and their identical twin 8-year-old boys, is a huge fan of tequila and tempranillo – and enjoys traveling, reading, and dancing in her free time. Read more>>
Emily Acevedo of Mix it up bake shop
Having been blessed to grow up with a large family presence in my life, I spent many mornings, afternoons, and nights in the kitchen being surrounded by food and love. These deep roots brought me to the Institute of Culinary Education in NYC, where I developed and practiced proper technique and skill to earn my certificate in baking and pastry arts. At the end of my program, I began an internship in Chester Township, New Jersey. Working in morris county and the greater area, has been such a fun and rewarding experience. These experiences would help me immensely when I open my own business during the height of the pandemic. Read more>>
Natalie Cook of Copper8 Strategies
The desire to run my own business started 12 years ago. My husband and I had a little hobby Etsy shop right when Etsy was taking off and we managed to pay for a vacation from the money we made. It was my first mini-taste of running a business, but I didn’t consider jumping in all at once or even think that was the business to go all in for A few years later, I felt a desire to go to get an MBA with a focus in finance and entrepreneurship. I was also working at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation at the time managing a small portfolio of for-profit grants. The combo of the two is what pushed me into the finance / CFO space. I spent a lot of time reviewing project budgets and grant budgets and started to find a lot of joy in the numbers. There was a particular finance professor that also spurred on a love for numbers by showing us the “real world” strategy behind them – that’s when it all clicked that I needed to be near finance. Read more>>
Lillian Jackson of Brown Skin Brunchin
Our journey with Brown Skin Brunchin’ began with a simple desire for connection and community. Melissa and I found ourselves feeling isolated after relocating, longing for a space where women of color could come together, share experiences, and support each other. So, we decided to take matters into our own hands. We started by organizing small brunch gatherings, inviting friends and acquaintances who shared our vision. The response was overwhelming. Women of color from all walks of life showed up, eager to connect and uplift each other. It was then that we realized we were onto something special. As word spread, our little brunches grew into something much bigger. We started hosting events around the country, bringing together women from diverse backgrounds and experiences. The sense of sisterhood and empowerment that permeated these gatherings was palpable, and we knew we were onto something much bigger than ourselves. Read more>>
Vernon Williams of Karibe
It all started in New Jersey. The garden state is where I was born and raised. Growing up I was heavily influenced by my family to be ambitious and work hard on your goals. In this process I had many setbacks that I learned from that propelled me to graduate college and create Karibe. Read more>>
Ryan Laessig
My name is Ryan Laessig and I started Milwaukee Makers Market in 2017. Prior to owning and running M.M.M. I was a freelance event organizer for different neighborhood BID’s and associations. During this time I was running my Art & Photography “Milwaukee Alt.” working with different tattoo magazines and websites creating alternative content. Looking for a place to sell my photography and artwork I started vending in local street festival and pop-up markets. I then took the leap into event management once I saw how things were being ran and took what I liked and listened to what people didn’t like and created my own style of shop local markets. After doing street events like Brady St. Sunday Funday, Neighborhood Festivals, & Local Markets; it became time to create something bigger & better and started the Milwaukee Makers Market. Read more>>
Ariel Brown of Pumped 4 My Journey
My story began the moment my daughter became fearful of my diabetes. In August of 2019, I began looking for a book for her to understand my diabetes. I asked my endocrinologist to assist me with looking for a book. We searched the internet to find one, but we were unsuccessful. My endocrinologist said that none of these books could help my daughter to relate and he suggested that I write a book. I told him I wanted to find the book, not write one. From that moment, we never talked about the book again and I never thought about the idea ever again. Fast forward 5 years later, I self-published that book “Pumped 4 My Journey” that I was trying to find for my daughter. Through this entire process, I know in my heart that it was God that brought all things to past. I tried to find a book for my daughter, but God said you are the book. If I can be completely honest, I laughed at the idea because I didn’t think I could do it. Growing up, I never had a desire to write a book and especially not to share my story with diabetes. What I love about God is how he wrote the pages of my story before I even realized I had one. The reason I couldn’t find the book in 2019 was because I hadn’t written the book yet. Read more>>
Nikki Crum’s Story
My name is Nikki, and I am the anchor of The Crum Canoe. I am a mom to two beautiful children and have been sailing through life with my best friend and husband – The Captain – for the past 17 years. We are a canoe built by two who created two more and welcomed in a few sets of paws. Our canoe is treading the wavy waters of life, allowing our light to guide us, in hopes of finding the still waters we know are true. For those of you just discovering Crum Canoe Candle Co., we are a hand-poured soy wax candle company from The Poconos, PA. We create a mindful candlewax experience free of harmful toxins, while amplifying mental health and over-all well-being. Crum Canoe Candle Co. came to light as a way for me to navigate and cope with my mental illness. It is a great outlet for me to live a healthier and more productive life as a mental health patient while bringing awareness and breaking stigmas. I always say that if I must have a sick mind, I will use this mind and my time here to create something healthy. That is exactly what The Crum Canoe SOYage has set out to do. Read more>>
Leo Cuesta of Uncharted Earth
I’ve always loved nature and active travel and in my mid twenties I decided that I wanted to run my own adventure travel company. I went back to school in the US to study business with a focus on entrepreneurship and set up my company in the Philippines in 2011. Uncharted Philippines quickly became a leader in that country’s adventure travel industry. In 2015 I moved back to the US and have since set up Uncharted Colombia and Uncharted West which specialize in Colombia and the western US. Read more>>
Kayla Cummings of DQ Surgery Bar LLC
I started by having a vision to offer a platform to those whom desired, or those whom already invested time, effort, emotions, and money into having any type of bodily alterations. Whether it was because of a life tragedy, divorce, self-esteem issue, getting a job etc, or just life in general. I began this platform in July of 2021 and launched mutiple pilots the following year of 2022 along with a sequence of show episodes in 2023. Since then….The “Dollz & Queenz” Talk Show has opened endless possibilities of advancement for me. I host red carpet events on the west coast in Hollywood, LA, and Beverly Hills. and landed an opportunity to host a red carpet venue in Las Vegas as well. I have also landed a radio(Onl-line) radio station slot that airs very Thursday at 3pm (PST) and 6pm(EST) called The “Pink Passion Show” where we have music, guest interviews, and passion callers that participate in the show. The “Pink Passion” Show is based around taboo sexual topics and callers have an opportunity to chime in as we discuss a particular area of sexual conduct, performance, or sexual additions. I am also in the process of writing a book that will be published in 2025! I currently manage a Michael Jackson Tribute Artist as well. I’m super excited about everything that I do. I’m busy doing things that I love to do! I’m able to communicate, assist, and give love to people. Great Energy! Love! Laughter!, hard work, dedication and consistency is the key to anything that you are asking the creator to bless you with! Lets definetly include the creator! Nothing is possible without his blessing on your soul! Read more>>
Olivia Wirkkala of Wine and Design Newport News
I visited another paint and sip in April of 2022 and loved the idea of it. I wanted to take the painting aspect and turn it into something much more entertainment based. The goal was to have people come for celebratory moments. Birthdays, anniversaries, bachelorettes, and more! Read more>>
Taylor Boyd
During the summers when I was in elementary school my parent’s would sign me up for art classes and day camps. When I was around eight years old I took a bead making class and was introduced to polymer clay. My parent’s got me a few colors of polymer clay to play with after that class, and I’ve been working with polymer clay ever since! I wanted to make some plant inspired jewelry for myself and thought that I would give selling it a try. Read more>>
Haley Biggins of Haley Rose Photography
I was truly born a natural story teller. For some reason, I can take the most simple conversation and create an entire screenplay from it, or inspiration from it for another creative project. I’ve always been a creative writer and I was always fascinated with photography / videography. I told everyone growing up “I’ll be living in LA one day working on movie sets” and sure enough, my senior year of college that’s exactly what I did! Although my experience was short lived, it was an experience I needed and longed for a very long time. Read more>>
Heather Donis
In 2010 I quit my job as a graphic designer with the Navy Exchange corporate to become a full time mom to my 1.5 year old son. I didn’t feel comfortable not earning any income so I continued freelance graphic design and also picked up the paint brush after a long hiatus of not painting. Freelance jobs started becoming few so I was on the hunt for the perfect part time job. I had a friend tell me her cousin in Florida was doing what was called Mobile Paint Parties. I chatted with her and developed my own version and in 2012 launched Heather Donis Designs Mobile Paint Parties. Within months it became a hit. This was before any corporate versions were in town or any one else was doing it here locally. I continued to do personal paintings and dabbled in a few small shows. Then Covid hit and I was forced to pivot. At this time I was divorced and a single mom with a mortgage to pay so I went into survival mode and jumped into the Market scene with both feet. I participated in as many as I could. Read more>>