Over the past decade we have had the chance to learn about so many incredible folks from a wide range of industries and backgrounds and our highlighter series is designed to give us an opportunity to go deeper into their stories with to goal of understanding them, their thought process, how their values formed and the foundations of their stories. Check out some incredible folks below – many of whom you may have read about already and a few new names as well.
Faith Ellis
Growing up, I always felt there was a bigger purpose for me. I’ve felt that way my entire life. When I discovered kettlebells years ago, and I started sharing them with other people, it’s like something clicked. Every part of me believes this is what I was born to do. Read more>>
Julie Armbruster
YES!! I love my job, my space, my studio neighbors, and being a full-time maker. I feel very lucky to have built this life and work hard every day to keep the dream alive. Read more>>
Shawn Verbrugghe
Take action! I’ve always been a dreamer, and for years I lacked the confidence to pursue many of these dreams. It wasn’t until I failed hard a few times in real estate that I realized it wasn’t the end of the world, and decided to start living life without the fear of ‘what-if’. I still have fails, and it’s okay. Read more>>
Chelsea Rose
I would make sure to work less and spend more time with my family. I would spend it with the ones who mean the most and have believed in me from the beginning. I would make sure to be kind and love everyone because you never know what someone is going through. Read more>>
Shy Santiago
My caring heart. My kindness. My love. My smile. My spirit. My energy. Read more>>
Ashley Moser
Now more than ever. Anytime I start to feel anxious in my role as a therapist or speaker, I remind myself that all I have to be is myself and that is enough. It’s gotten so much easier with time! I remember I used to wear business suits to sessions in my early career to project an ideal version of a therapist. Read more>>
Gabrielle Rivero
Honestly—almost every day. Starting Express and Release Therapeutic Dance wasn’t just opening a business; it was putting a deeply personal idea into the world. It’s not something people already recognize, like childcare or fitness. It’s a new concept, and every day I have to show up and convince others that it’s worth trying. That takes vulnerability, and with it comes rejection, shame, and doubt. Read more>>
Cassidy Burel
Coming up on graduating from design school in May of 2020, I had the job offers I had been working towards in the couture bridal industry in the city I’d been dreaming about since I was in fourth grade; New York City of course. But instead of taking this next step in my 10 year plan, COVID 19 shut the world down. Read more>>
Heavenly Mcfadden
The biggest lie the beauty industry tells itself is that entrepreneurship is for everyone, and that working for someone else is somehow “less than.” Social media has pushed a false narrative that every beauty professional should own their own brand, set their own schedule, and avoid corporate or chain settings. Read more>>
Shaleia Sanders
As the CEO of Life for the Hopeless Foundation, what I am most proud of building that often goes unseen is the strong, supportive culture within our organization. While our visible accomplishments—the programs, outreach initiatives, and community impact—are significant, the foundation of our success lies in the relationships we foster and the resilience we cultivate within our team. Read more>>
Hannah Jacobs Martin
I’m most proud of building a future for my kids. It’s not something you see every day, but every late night, every risk, every idea I chase is really about giving them opportunities I never had.’ Read more>>
Roseybi Sanchez
Everyday in the AM I do my usual routine which is meditation. I sit in with my thoughts and emotions to innerstand them. I ground myself with affirmations and tunes (balancing my chakras with words and sounds.) I have been working on my mind and soul for quite sometime now.. Read more>>
Jennifer Hutton
Great question. I think there’s a lot of misconceptions about the difference between a ‘designer’ and a ‘decorator’. They are very different, but both very important. Think of a designer as more technical, formally educated, perhaps certifications or formal affiliations. A decorator may be a stylist, a tastemaker, and likely isn’t providing technical drawings, though he or she may have some level of relevant education. Read more>>
Dj Nick Martin
I believe that people have a misconception about djs or running a dj business. They do not understand that like any business, there are factors that need to be considered. Overall, we djs just don’t come and play music. There is preparation behind every party, every gig, every wedding. Each opportunity to play is different and requires music search, sorting and prepping before hand. Read more>>
Vanesa Reeves
That I was never trying to build a legacy in the first place. I suppose part of why I never found myself preoccupied with the concept of a ‘legacy’ is because part of me always knew that the art I create will outlive me. Read more>>
Dasha K
Something that brings me true joy outside of work is my faith in the Lord. Real joy doesn’t come from circumstances but from the hope, peace, and purpose I have in Christ and the good news of the gospel—that through Jesus, we have forgiveness and new life. On a more personal level, I find so much joy in my husband and our amazing children. Read more>>
Diesha Banner
Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, and what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I hope that when I’m gone, people remember me as both a safe space and a source of joy and a person whose energy lived on in the lives I touched. Read more>>
Brittany Mangum
When I’m gone, I hope people remember me as someone who showed up — for my kids, for my neighbors, and for the small-business owners and residents I worked alongside. Read more>>
Sasha McIntyre
There are a few things that make me lose track of time and help me find myself again. Being out on the water, especially kayaking, gives me a sense of peace and clarity. That silence hits different and allows me to reset. Journaling and carving out space to connect with God is another way I stay grounded. But at my core, I’m an artist. Read more>>
Tyler Beauchamp
I think what’s become understated is the reason I chose to go into pediatrics and why I feel connected to telling Children’s/YA stories. Simply put, magic is real. Growing up, I would open a book and watch the real world ripple into a fantastical one. It’s only as we get older and are repeatedly told, “Magic isn’t real,” that we stop believing. Read more>>
Anna Claire Schellenberg
My friends would say that what matters most to me is creating memorable experiences where people feel genuinely seen and valued. When I moved during COVID and needed to build community, I started inviting people over to celebrate the smallest things whether it was the longest day of the year, a friend landing a new job, or a new movie dropping. Read more>>
Sabrina Patel
Integrity is of upmost importance to me. Staying true to who I am; what I believe in; the causes I support are all a part of my identity. I’m, of course, very passionate about music and sharing music with others which is why I am a Junior Ambassador for Kids Music Day with the non-profit Keep Music Alive. Read more>>
Chad Treaday
Integrity, hands down. Look, in today’s world, intelligence is literally at our fingertips thanks to AI and technology, and energy comes and goes depending on how much coffee I’ve had that morning. You can be the smartest person in the room with all the energy in the world, but if people can’t trust you to do what you say you’ll do, you’re done. Read more>>
Jessica Abreu
For many years, I carried the weight of believing I wasn’t enough. That pain shaped how I saw myself, what I pursued, and how much space I allowed myself to take up in the world. Everything began to shift when I decided to stop letting those old beliefs control me. I chose to release negativity and step into a mindset of worthiness, positivity, and growth. Read more>>
Paul Barnette
Sitting by the ocean, listening to the rhythm of the waves. Doesn’t matter if I’m going out for a quick surf session, fishing, or just reading a book while my son builds a sand castle. Nothing eases my mind like being next to our wonderful ocean. The sea cures all! Read more>>
Jerry Grimes
Every time I pursued a higher academic degree, I had to relinquish a substantial salary. A close mentor of mine told me that I gave away more than most may ever earn, but the opportunity to study with some of the most brilliant people in the world was well worth whatever sacrifices I made. Read more>>
Vlada Strange
As a child, I spent much of my time alone. Due to circumstances, I had little interaction with other children until I started first grade. I managed well on my own—though at times I felt lonely and missed my parents, who I didn’t see often. Read more>>
Bryce Batts
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a curious, fearless girl who loved to dream big and cheer others on. I was adventurous, creative, and confident enough to try new things without worrying about being perfect. I saw possibility everywhere — whether it was in sports, school, or imagining what life could look like one day. Read more>>
Taesjah Tucker
The world didn’t tell me who I had to be — I’ve always followed my own path and trusted my instincts. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to create, serve, and build something meaningful on my own terms. Read more>>
