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.
Kheru DeFontes El
I feel that way in my life right now. I am very grateful I’ve learned to slow down and move more intuitively, without judging myself. It wasn’t easy, came with some lessons. Being from NYC, everything moves fast—especially in business. You’re expected to be in that ‘New York minute’ mindset. Read more>>
Rachel Takas
I would tell her to keep seeing the beauty in all things. To stay silly, keep playing in the flowers and never let her creative nature take the backseat. That one day things will work out and she will be able to own her own company that lets her do the things she loves every day. Read more>>
Denisse Diaz
I would tell her to never give up in the face of obstacles, that in life there is also great suffering but that will help her to come out stronger than before. , and learn to love yourself. Read more>>
Stephanie Locke
Worrying and just live Read more>>
Angela Robb
One of the biggest lies our industry tells itself is that surface-level fixes are enough—that if you slap a little makeup on it, it’s ‘pretty,’ and pretty is the point. But beauty without depth is brittle. You can’t contour over loneliness, burnout, grief, or the ache of not being seen. Read more>>
Jennie Griggs, MA
I believe that we all have a purpose, and every experience, whether good or bad, throughout our lives, has the transformative power to be used for the betterment of humanity if we listen to our higher power, for it is He who has a plan. Read more>>
Jasmine Janea Fleming
I feel that I’m being called to truly own my impact out loud. Before in my journey I would choose to be the glue in the background of most communities + companies I worked for. It was more comfortable for me to be great behind the scenes. I had that all too common fear of shining too brightly (whatever that means lol). Read more>>
223 Youngan
I’m chasing after a better life, & building generational wealth & breaking generational curses.. if I stopped I would not be the person I want to become one day, I feel I would be a waste of space if I don’t accomplish. Read more>>
Olivia Scott
The personal & professional growth of the team around me. Read more>>
Jillian Highsmith
As the Founder & President of The WNP Community & Education Development Foundation, one of the things I’m most proud of building, that often goes unseen, is the depth of community partnerships we’ve established. Read more>>
Jalen Ventrone
Suffering has taught me resilience in a way success never could. It’s shown me how to stand on my own two feet, find peace in uncertainty, and keep moving forward when everything feels like it’s falling apart. It’s stripped away the illusions and forced me to discover my own strength, my own voice, and my own worth.. Read more>>
Dr. Stacy Shepard
Growing up in the 80s, especially in a small military city, the narrative for girls was very clear, and very limiting. We were taught to be “good girls” do well in school, go to college, find a husband, get a job with the state, have children, retire, and then you can travel and enjoy life. That was considered the blueprint for success. Read more>>
Josh Goodman
If you work hard and be nice to people, everything will work out. All of us come from different circumstances, face different challenges, and pursue different goals. Many people achieve their goals by stepping on others and sometimes it feels like the ‘nice guy’ always finishes last. Sometimes it feels like luck just isn’t on your side. Read more>>
Marta Morales
A lot of people might not realise how much work goes into photography. There is a lot of pre-planning that I have to do when it comes to a wedding shoot. Read more>>
Bearta Alchacar
**“Some may assume my legacy was built on ease or privilege. What they don’t see is the young immigrant who arrived in the U.S. facing language barriers, cultural divides, and moments of deep uncertainty. They may not realize how many times I had to fight—to remain, to adapt, and to carve out a place for myself. Read more>>
LeJuane ‘El’Ja’ Bowens
The most defining wound in my life came this year. I found out in the most painful way that I was close to dying because there was a colon blockage in my body. Once I got the surgery to remove it, I found out weeks later that I had stage three colon cancer. Read more>>
Merritt Anderson Crawley
I absolutely love being on the water. Living at the coast already feels like a gift, but recently purchasing my first boat has taken it to a whole new level. We’re soaking up every moment and truly enjoying life on the water Read more>>
Eli Swinson
I have a 3 month old daughter, and one of my greatest joys has been watching her grow and experience so many new things—and learning to experience life through so many new perspectives alongside her. Read more>>
Maura Surles
“She was real. She didn’t fake it for anyone. She carried pain and power at the same time, and still showed up for others—especially when they needed a reminder of their worth. She believed in beauty, not just on the outside, but the kind that grows from resilience, from rising again. Her hands did hair, but her presence did healing. Read more>>
Patrick Geil
As a professional firefighter, I saw myself as a servant to those in need. I loved my job and found so much of my identity in that trade. In January 2022, 400 pounds of equipment fell on top of me, due to a fire engine’s mechanical failure that had no failsafe. This ultimately ended this large portion of my life. Read more>>
Emma Deese
Jesus! How can I state things about myself without giving credit to the One who gave me my personality and heart. Before I got right with Him and really surrendered to Him, I was so depressed amongst other things. I had a horrible perception of myself and everyone around me. I always said I was “christian” but I never lived it. Read more>>
Piragio Thompson
That if you really got it, you don’t have to brag about it. Read more>>
Laura Wolff
I think my work and the way that I work with people speaks for itself. I have never had to tell someone that I am a hard worker or have strengths that make me a favorable option to work with. Usually when your referred to someone by a current or former client, the referral alone speaks for itself. Read more>>
Eronger Kornegay
Two years ago, we posted a Reel about an oxtail cheesesteak from Where’s The Jerk in Durham, NC. It went completely viral, and suddenly, lines of people were wrapped around the building for weeks. At that moment, watching a local spot get discovered by a whole new nation of customers, we truly understood the power of our page, our reach, and our influence. Read more>>
Gracie Smith
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was a couple years ago around Christmas. I had made enough blog money that year to completely pack the Christmas tree for my family. As a housewife, having a side hustle like a blog to earn ‘fun money’ as I call it is amazing. Read more>>
Justin Meckes
Writing is always going to be part of my life. As a matter of fact, I’m one or two drafts away from finishing a book I believe is the best I’ve ever written. Read more>>
Tim Thayer
The idea that people have innate talent and that is extremely important to their success Yes, people do have innate talent but regardless it is dedicated work that makes the difference Read more>>
Nicole Jones
Energy is the most important to me! Without energy I can’t cope with my inner powers and that’s what brings the intelligence out of me. My integrity will be determined by my energy and I must say all three carry a very strong message to the outside world! Read more>>
Shanita Dixon
Good morning! Thank you for having me. Hmm.. integrity is most important, hands down. I prefer that folks are honest, accountable, and do right by people. You could be smart with a captivating presence, but if you are using those powers for evil, I have no respect for you. Read more>>
Martin White
The most surprising thing I’ve learned about my customers were they just had no idea about financial literacy. Even with the internet being a big resource. I knew there was a gap in financial literacy between the black & brown community verses the white community and other races. Read more>>
Nicole Cabrera
I feel most at peace when I am creating and feel connected to the source. Some people describe it as ‘being in the zone’, it is a spiritual experience. However, if I try to force the creative process, I will feel frustrated instead of peaceful. Read more>>
Tara
I feel the most at peace when I’m by the water and listening to waves an relaxing and envisioning new beginnings Read more>>
Vanessa Wright
The person who taught me the most about work was my grandfather. He was one of the hardest-working and smartest men I’ve ever known. Growing up, I always remember seeing him busy around the house, fixing things, building, or taking care of projects that needed his attention. His hands were always working, and his mind was always focused. Read more>>
Kyndall Owens
My parents were always incredibly supportive, encouraging my siblings and I to pursue excellence in everything we set our minds to. They taught us not to settle for being average, but to consistently aim higher and go above and beyond. Read more>>
