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.

Tasha Brown

So many of my life experiences have taught me that knowledge is a powerful tool. #1 – It was 2001 – I went straight to college after high school even though I was unsure of what I wanted to do with my life. This decision affects the advice I give my own children as they grow. Read More>>

Kayla Parker

I believe I am doing what I was born to do. In 12th grade, I wrote a paper on reducing prison recidivism through mental health rehabilitation programs. No one told me which injustice to fight for — that conviction came from within. Read More>>

Kalei Phree

I’m finally doing what I was born to do. For years, I followed the path I thought I was supposed to—working jobs that looked good on paper but didn’t align with my spirit. Once I began listening to my inner voice, I stepped fully into my purpose as a sound healer, yoga teacher, and guide. Read More>>

Karlye Sink

Absolutely. Some days it’s pretty much like that, I know so many photographers that would agree. Some days the camera gets the credit, the venue or the location, some days it’s what the equipment is worth that gets the praise. — But honestly? At the end of these days where I roll my eyes and shake my head, it’s not necessarily all “me” either. Read More>>

Jaime Saunders

Since birth my children have watched me capture moments for so many people. Now, as adults, they had the opportunity to take my birthday photos and show me what they’ve learned. Proud is an understatement. Read More>>

Juia Golden

I recently co-wrote a song with my good friend Garrett Huffman called ‘Born in the Carolinas’. We wrote the song on a visit to Nashville and Garrett actually produced it in Nashville with Savio Studios. He did such a good job with the song and I was honored to sing back up vocals on it. Read More>>

Melissa Shuford

I would stop holding myself back – overthinking, worrying about what others think, spending unnecessary time moving on from disappointments and things do not align with my joy and purpose. That does not mean abandoning responsibility – my work, my family, my friends are meaningful – but I would be far more intentional with my time. Read More>> 

Michael Newby

Well, first off — let’s be real — who wouldn’t miss the classic pressure washing experience? You know, taking time off work just to be home for an estimate (because that’s always convenient). Or driving an extra five miles to the one ATM that’s open because “Joe’s Splash-N-Dash” only takes cash… in exact change. Read More>>

Joe Lopez

Yes! I strive to be authentic and true to myself in every interaction. Whether with friends, family, or clients, I aim to show the same genuine version of who I am. Read More>>

Brianna Tate

Absolutely not 😂 Let’s be real — the public gets the more polished version of me. I’m 28, single, with no kids. So I am very much young, wild, and FREE baby! However, I am mature enough to know how to carry myself in every room I walk into. I know when to turn it up and when to keep it classy. Read More>>

Eric Dixon

Right now I’m chasing my dream of being a full time artist. Over the years I’ve done art part time. I had some success over the years, but I want to see how far I can take it. If I stopped I wouldn’t know what to do. I’ve only wanted to be one thing. Sure I’ve tried a multitude of other things. Read More>>

Ericka Spradley

I am intentionally pursuing women in the workplace. The reason is, so many women are not only desiring financial increase they actually deserve it based on their performance and contribution to the organization. In addition, women are seeking meaningful work and fulfillment. They are craving roles and opportunities that fuel them instead of leaving them exponentially exhausted. Read More>>

Jeanette Philips

I am most proud of building a calm, positive, and resilient mindset. I am also proud of being able to pay attention to people in the moment whether it is a customer, staff, or anyone in our community. Read More>>

Aubrey Zinaich

Bonds between people are often broken when there is a lack of clear interpersonal communication, leading to misunderstandings, assumptions, and feelings of disconnection. Without open dialogue, trust erodes and distance grows. However, relationships can be restored when both parties choose to engage with transparency and honesty, creating space for genuine understanding. Read More>>

Apurva Shah

Let me start by saying I’m not one of those 4AM, journal-for-two-hours, meditate-until-sunrise types. I keep it simple and focused. Most mornings, I’m up around 7. I’ll get in a 45-minute workout, usually on the Tonal or Peloton, just enough to get my body moving and my mind sharp, especially since an average day comes with its fair share of stress. Read More>>

Ibadan Mack

I understand that the community that you serve is all you need in order to position you for sustainable success ‘if’ you continue to treat them with the dignity and respect they are due once they have help you to attain your position of prominence. Read More>>

Forrest Uden

Being sick at a young age was a quick way to confront the mortality of being human. I’m not sure my wounds are really healed, but they’re healing. I’m not sure we’re ever fully healed, it’s a journey that may or may not carry into the next life. Whether that’s in the soil or in the stars. Read More>>

Jeopardy J

Some of the biggest wounds in my life came from family situations. Like moving from NC to VA, falling out with my mom at an early age to the point where I’d be staying at relatives’ houses just to get away. I went through arguments, fights, even times where the cops had to come find me after running off. Read More>>

Carlota Manrique

I hope people say I lived with purpose, not perfection. That I dared to create a life that felt true to who I was, even when it didn’t look like anyone else’s. That I turned vulnerability into strength, and that I built things — spaces, pieces, conversations — that helped others feel seen, inspired, and safe to be themselves. Read More>>

Deborah Kruger

I would like people to remember that I utterly believed in the importance and power of art. I want to be remembered as someone who believed in her art, in her environmental message, and in supporting other women in my community by inviting them to work on my team. Read More>>‘

Camila Hargett

What makes me lose track of time is immersing myself in creative problem-solving for my clients. I first realized I function differently when I was diagnosed with ADHD in college. Later, I took a personality test and discovered I’m an INFJ-A—the rarest personality type in the world. Read More>>

Brian Wallace

I lose track of time and find myself again when I’m surrounded by family. Whether it’s my brothers, my wife Paige, or my son—Lil Chef B, Bryson—they bring me joy and ground me in who I am. I grew up family-oriented, and I have my mother and my late grandmother Sheila to thank for that. Read More>>

Amya Janine

The part of me that constantly seeks validation from others has served its purpose. It once helped me stay aware, stay driven, and stay “liked” — but now, it only holds me back from showing up fully and freely. I’m releasing the need for approval and choosing alignment over acceptance. Everything meant for me will recognize me as I am. Read More>>

Dr. Howie Shareff

A foundational truth is that things are temporary and it is essential to cherish them now. I do this through focusing on what is around me, pausing before acting, and most times before speaking and affirming others. Read More>>

Mrs. Stephanie Swain

I believe everyone deserves to be happy, and I take quiet joy in the small things that bring a smile—a painted cheek, a kind word, a shared laugh. All life is sacred. Every moment matters, no matter how ordinary it may seem. I’ve learned that I am enough. We all wish life would line up neatly, that we’d always get it right. Read More>>

Isaiah Holley

After my freshman year at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, I began testing the waters for my small print and apparel business. My dad mentioned that in my hometown of Holly Springs, North Carolina, the Chamber of Commerce organized artisan markets during the summer. Read More>> 

Gavin Larsen

My earliest memory of feeling powerful was doing soaring grand jetés back and forth, over and over, all by myself in a huge, empty dance studio early one Saturday morning when I was about eleven years old. Read More>>

Lotus Wilson

A cultural value I protect is the concept and execution of blackness. Blackness, as a social construct, speaks of trial and tribulation, resistance and resilience, setbacks and comebacks, and excellence and triumph. Blackness has been through wars (physically, psychologically, legally, and morally), slavery (chattel-physically, generational-oppressively handed down, socially-legal, medical, environmental), and excellence’s (academic, social, global). Read More>>

Ashley Merklinger

It takes a village.’ Life is infinitely better when you’re surrounded by a community of people that love and care for one another, providing support and teamwork toward goals that enrich everyone. Read More>>

Robin Jarvi

Integrity all day. You can lose everything—possessions, positions, even people. They can try to defame your name or question your character. But what no one can take from you is your integrity. It’s the cornerstone of truth—the silent strength that doesn’t waver under pressure. When everything else falls away, integrity remains. Guard it. Live it. Let it speak for you. Read More>>

Cortez Bass

Ive had a couple of things I have changed my mind about but this one thing helped me a lot, That was changing my surroundings meaning environment, family, friends, etc. Read More>>

Lauren Dipasquale

One of the most surprising things I’ve learned is that most small businesses put a lot of energy—and often budget—into social media, sometimes hiring a dedicated social media manager, yet they often overlook their local business pages on platforms like Google, Yelp, and Apple Maps. Read More>>

Tal Blevins

I’m not a rigid thinker and I’m open to a variety of ideas and perspectives, so I change my mind all the time. Read More>>

Kocaine Kay

Right now I am learning from AJ “BuckTv” Johnson (google him BuckTv)… He is one of the greatest to take any camera and tell a story. When I say any camera that mean your phone, iPad, drone or any device that’s capable of recording. I always had a passion for music and filming my own videos. Read More>>

Laura Mc Donnell

Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a curious, creative child deeply connected to colors, shapes, and my imagination. I would spend hours exploring, drawing, inventing stories, and finding beauty in the smallest details—free from limits or expectations. Today, I strive to keep that curiosity, creativity, and imagination alive. Read More>>

Megan Baxendel

I was a creative, imaginative, and playful child, oftentimes writing plays in which I would ‘cast’ my friends and classmates. My dad jokes about a time we were at a father/daughter summer camp, and the dads were gathered around a campfire while the girls were in the cabin. Read More>>

Carole Cullen

I admire my husband, Chris, of 21 years. He is my strength, my support, and my best friend. He makes me a better person and teaches our children , through both his actions and his words, about faith, love, and compassion. He’s my biggest supporter and my constant source of strength. Read More>>

Tolu Kamoru

No, I wouldn’t hire me. I’m not the most employable individual. Being an employee has specific guidelines that one is supposed to follow, but I can’t fathom the idea of being put into a box. My creativity runs wild and refuses to stay within the confines of anything. I find myself wanting to push boundaries, and do what’s not meant to be done. Read More>>

Brian Pate

My day starts typically between 5:30am and 6:00am although many days I am up by 4:30am. I start with my reading. I’m using artificial intelligence to give me summaries of news stories and I can dig deeper if I want. Read More>>

Alexis Holmes

A normal day for me is all about being intentional and setting myself up for a productive and positive mindset. I like to start my mornings with something uplifting, either reading a few pages of a good book or listening to a podcast, while enjoying my daily greens or my current obsession, a homemade strawberry matcha (thanks to my fancy new Amazon equipment). Read More>>

Cecelia Bailey

As I rise each morning, the day begins with a blend of excitement, responsibility, and love. As the owner of a group mental health practice, a mother to a spirited five-year-old who just started kindergarten, and a partner to my significant other, my life is a beautiful whirlwind of activity. Read More>>