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.
Allison Neiss
Yes, absolutely. Sometimes I do it for myself. One of my core beliefs is in achievement and responsibility; when I say I’m going to do something, I follow through and take ownership of it. Even if no one is watching or praising me, I hold myself accountable and do my best because it’s important to my own moral compass. Read more>>
Mariah Thompson
Yes, because my commitment to giving my best is rooted in purpose, not praise. Creativity, for me, has always been an act of expression, healing, and self-trust, and that doesn’t lose its value when recognition is absent. I’ve learned that if you wait for others to validate your work or your worth, you’ll be waiting forever—and in that waiting, you risk abandoning yourself. Read more>>
Yvonne Cano
The moment that has made me feel proud recently was when I received the Award from Diamante Latino in the Business Category. This has been a huge milestone for me and my business, and makes me feel valued by being recognized by my community. It also makes me excited about what is to come! Read more>>
Rahiem Thompson
I would probably quit my day job and downsize my life so that I have little no bills and travel the world with my camera gear telling stories and highlighting the lives of the amazing people that go unnoticed in the community. Read more>>
BRANDON SHARP
Plenty of times. But you look back down the mountain at how far you’ve climbed already, and it seems foolish not to crack on. The higher you’ve climbed, the harder it is to quit. It’s easy to reverse or change course when you’re only a little ways up, and that’s probably apropos. Circle around and find a different path. Read more>>
Julie Slattery
Starting my own foundry. I have spend years of my art career travelling to different foundries and workshops to cast my work because there isn’t somewhere accessible where I live. I am in the process now of planning my foundry/art gallery business to open sometime in 2026. Read more>>
Claudia Shivers
I have learned that we all only fight one battle and sometimes for the majority of our lives. I have, for many years, been avoiding the battle inside of me. I have been naturally shy and introverted since a child, but I always knew that there was something great I was meant to do that included many people. Read more>>
Christelle Wilson
I think many people assume my business is just about doing hair, when in reality it’s so much more than that. What we do is rooted in education, healing, self love and confidence-building. Hair is simply the entry point. Through personalized care, healthy-hair regimens, and intentional conversations, we help people reconnect with themselves and feel seen, valued, and empowered. Read more>>
Brianna Paauwe
Two wounds that have defined my life would be the wounds after losing a loved one and an actual skin infection that landed me in the hospital for a month in 2025. Death is a hard thing to overcome, and it never gets easier. Read more>>
Brandon Mann
Learning music is an apprenticeship. Just like I cherish the memories of teachers that inspired me, I hope to pass the craft to the next generation with patience, discipline, kindness, and a little humor. Behind every musician there is a quirky personality, this is what makes us unique. Read more>>
Lauren Patterson
I believe my social media presence. In all seriousness, it’s certain pressures that come with heavily prioritizing that for me. It’s hard because I’ve built a lot of connections and businesses through socials. It was almost as if I was beginning to forget why I even wanted to do it all to begin with. You begin to experience anxiety of the tiniest of things. Read more>>
Vera Morris
I’m truly committed to the belief that breast health education and early detection should be normalized, accessible, and free of fear or perceived stigmas. No matter how long it takes, I will continue using my voice and platform to encourage awareness, self-advocacy, volunteerism, and open conversations; especially for women who may feel unseen, overwhelmed, or may feel unsure where to start. Read more>>
Allyn Brennan
When I started my business, I planned to only work a few days during the week. I had it in my head that it would be wrong to take too much time away from my job as a caretaker for my young kids. Read more>>
