We are so thrilled to be able to connect with some of the brightest and most inspiring entrepreneurs and creatives from across the city and beyond and this series in particular gives us the honor of introducing these folks to you in a unique way – we go beyond the story of how they got to where they are today by asking them to reflect on a variety of deeper questions that we hope will help you better connect with them, their stories and their brands. Ultimately, our hope is that more of us will spend more of our money with independent artists, creatives and small businesses and we think getting to know one another at a deeper level is step one.
Pearl Fontaine
I’ve never liked doing what I was told to do. Every step of my life, I’ve been resistant to societal rules, even if that meant it took me longer to get somewhere—sometimes maybe even to my own detriment. I’m fully committed to following what feels right and seeing where it takes me. Read more>>
Cortland Hunter
A little of both. There were times when I was doing well, and times when I wasn’t. The path that I am on hasn’t been direct. I have wandered off my creative and professional path numerous times. Each time I find a new way to bring myself back. I center myself mentally and emotionally in order to be my best self. Read more>>
Mekai Ely
I recently signed a lease on a studio with my best friend that is a tattoo artist (@Maryhannahtattoos) in the area. We both are workaholics an have been spending the little free time we have working on making the studio cozy for both us and our clients. Read more>>
Kristina Gambarian
You are enough, exactly as you are. Don’t waste time trying to fit into molds that were never made for you. Trust your voice, follow your instincts, and know that the challenges you’re facing are shaping someone incredibly strong, wise, and capable. Keep going, you have no idea how powerful you’re going to become. Read more>>
Abrea Waddell
One thing that I would tell my younger self is to always appreciate the journey. One thing that I learned throughout my college experience is that, ‘The journey, is more important than the destination.’. That has been my motto for several years now. Read more>>
Mariama Sallah
If I retired tomorrow, my customers would absolutely miss the cakes. The flavor, the design, the intentional balance. But more than anything, they would miss the way I make them feel. I have always said I do more than just bake cakes. I hold space. I listen. I bring warmth and ease into what can sometimes be a stressful process. Read more>>
Alek Wasserman
Absolutely! I am a very strongly opinionated person in general, and that extends into my work. When I post on TMA’s social media, I always try to tie it in to something I actually believe about the work we’re doing. Read more>>
Andee Bingham
There have absolutely been moments when I almost gave up — usually when several things collided at once. I remember during Hurricane Helene, with roads washed out and power and cell service gone, we were running incubators off a donated generator, juggling dozens of fragile babies, and trying to find fuel, supplies, and staff while the whole town was in crisis. Read more>>
Christopher Evans
That you have to do everything a certain way. A big part of my journey has been realizing there are no rules. Especially as artists, we don’t need to be so strict with ourselves or our creativity. Read more>>
Tenille Byers
A relationship with my sister in law and her family. My sister in law was diagnosed with a brain tumor a little over 2 years ago. She was supposed to have it removed and be sent home a few days later, instead she ended up in a coma for over a month. When she finally did wake up, Thank God! Read more>>
Heidi Shabarek
Our friends, family, and social media followers only see a glimpse of our lives, a glimpse we choose to share. And with that, so many of life’s real moments go unseen; the quiet wins, the private struggles, the small steps no one claps for. Read more>>
Marianne Breneman
A lack of communication breaks bonds, whether it’s between siblings, spouses, parent-child, or friends. I’ve seen many relationships (including some of my own) break down because the parties involved either didn’t know how to communicate or weren’t willing to. Read more>>
Rusty Lewter
People often only see us on the day of their event, and that creates a misconception: bartending isn’t just about showing up and mixing drinks. On a typical Saturday we might staff 5–12 events across the Carolinas, and each one requires substantial advanced work. Read more>>
Jingqiu Guan
The fear of not being enough. For so long, I feared that I might reach the end of my life without accomplishing what I dreamed of. That fear turned me into someone who gets anxious when not doing something “productive.” It made me laser-focused on achievement, but in turn also prevented me from being fully present with my family and children at times. Read more>>
Justin Holdren
I think early on I had a lot of self doubt about my work. I was working nonstop to improve my craft, but was so afraid of people’s opinions about my work. That held me back from experimenting in my work, which is what fuels growth. Read more>>
Bethany Owens
The relationship with my ex was definetly one of the most hurtful experinences of my life. I experienced heartbreak, heartache, betrayal, mental, phsyical and emotional abuse, narcissiism, alcoho abuse/addiction and lots of loss in between. What I thought was normal; was far from healthy, loving and wholesome for 10 years. Read more>>
Radhika McDiarmid
The day kicks off at dawn with kid breakfast chaos and the school run. After drop-off, I grab my workout—Orange Theory if I want structure, a walk if I need space to think—then it’s work mode. From my desk I’m editing film, prepping galleries, and running the business while Ian is across the room deep in his own job. Read more>>
Cody
I hope people remember me as someone who genuinely cared—someone who showed up for his community, encouraged others to become the best version of themselves, and helped people embrace their potential and shine brighter. Read more>>
Sitch
Cliché as it sounds, music and drawing make me lose time and find myself. Particularly, working on a large drawing or portrait and listening to my Liked Songs playlist on shuffle can easily take me hours into the night without pause. I started drawing as young as I can remember, and it was a talent that especially bonded me with my dad. Read more>>
Liz Williamson
I would have to say my husband. He’s also an entrepreneur, and his encouragement and drive have had such a big influence on me. He’s always reminding me to embrace the joy that comes with building something of your own, even when the challenges feel overwhelming. Read more>>
Josiah Russell
I’m committed to becoming the man of God that He created me to be, and that’s not something that happens overnight. It’s a lifelong process. I believe we’re constantly being shaped, stretched, and molded, and I’m dedicated to that journey of growth. Read more>>
Golden Santos
Integrity is usually the most important, because without it, intelligence and energy can actually be dangerous. A brilliant, hardworking person without integrity can cause harm. Intelligence is valuable because it helps with problem-solving and growth, but if it’s not paired with integrity, it can be manipulative. Energy matters too, because without drive or consistency, neither intelligence nor integrity really gets put into action. Read more>>
Nancy Joyce
As an artist, I’ve learned you need thick skin. Rejection is part of the process, and so is the uncertainty that comes with putting your work in front of juries, judges, or whoever’s in a position to decide your future. Sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t. What I’ve changed my mind about, after failing hard, is how much weight I give those moments. Read more>>
Gracyn Dial
If I were looking for a new hairstylist, would I come to myself for services? The short answer is ABSOLUTELY! I believe in quality over quantity, so if that means seeing fewer clients per day than someone else in the area, I’m okay with that. Read more>>
Tiffany Ansick
For years, I was doing what I was told to do. Job after job, never a career, thought I would play the corporate game and keep moving up a ladder somewhere, and realized I am not that person. I am not a corporate puppet. I am much more than that. I can’t keep selling a brand that doesn’t give back to me. Read more>>
OfficialJWalker
The only version you’re getting of me is the real me. It never changes. I stay true to myself and my character. That’s what makes me unique. I’m real and that’s something that’s became hard to find. Read more>>
Mikeal Barnes
Wow! This question here is a good one! 2 Timothy 2:12 states “If we suffer, we shall also reign with him” and that taught me that your present situation isn’t final. In 2020 and 2021 I went down a rabbit hole. Read more>>
Tianna Sanders
I think there is a big misconception about what goes into being a photographer. Read more>>
Lee Kincheloe
Taking risks. Everything is a risk, so take risks on things that are truly valuable: a new idea, a new skill, a new friend, a new adventure. Don’t fear failure because it’s how we grow and learn. Don’t fear judgment because our autonomy, journey, and potential, are worth more. Read more>>
Nicole Burgess
Your thoughts shape your reality. This is very important – what you think, you literally create. If you are in constant fear, you will attract situations which will make you fearful. If you have a limited mindset, you will live a life full of limitations. It’s that simple. Read more>>
JQuan Robinson
I hope people say that I was someone who poured love into everything I did especially through food. That I used my gifts not only to build a business, but to build community. A big part of my story is my Auntie Mika, who inspired me with her strength and love. My future restaurant is in her honor. Read more>>
Katie Lumsden
My entire life changed the moment I first stuck my foot in the stirrup and swung my leg over to sit on the back of a horse. I was 10 years old and, to be honest, I’d never felt powerful (and tall!) in my entire life. Read more>>
Jenell Copeland
I would say honesty, integrity and a strong work ethic. I think my friends tend to share similar values and therefore recognize those are important aspects in my life. Read more>>
Michelle Shelton
The last time I felt true joy is being surrounded by the two people who mean the most to me, my son and my boyfriend. Watching my son smile, laugh, and grow reminds me of the purest kind of happiness. He gives me a reason to push forward every single day, and his love is the most genuine I’ve ever known. Read more>>
JAC MICHEL
This is a beautiful question. I am learning from the people in Gaza, Palestine. They teach us Life. Over 700 days of genocide and they are still alive. They hold onto their faith and humanity in ways we on the outside have never seen before. They are starving and exhausted, surrounded by death and yet they continue to live. Read more>>
Rhonda Jones
The person who taught me the most about work is my dad. He was a true entrepreneur at heart—someone who could sell absolutely anything and had the creativity and self-sufficiency to run his own businesses. Beyond that, he was multi-talented: he sang, wrote poetry and played musical instruments, showing me that work and creativity can go hand in hand. Read more>>
