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.
Randy Johnson
Without a doubt – both, almost every single day lately. These recent storms have pushed God’s Pit Crew beyond anything we’ve known in our 26 years of serving. The depth, the scale, the speed of the response, it has all been bigger than ever. And yet, in the middle of all that pressure, I have felt an overwhelming sense of joy and pride. Read more>>
Knox Peake
I love this question. Hey kid… you don’t know it yet, but everything that makes you feel different is going to become your magical superpower. The softness you worry about? Cherish it. The light you feel? Use it, share it, and fiercely protect it. The way you dream with magic bigger than the world around you? Don’t shrink it for anyone. Read more>>
Lafonda Blackmon
For me, the public version of myself is the real me—no filter, no switch-up. What people see is exactly what they get. I don’t put on a different personality to impress anyone or fit into a certain space. I move the same way in private as I do in public, and that’s what keeps me grounded. Read more>>
Haze Nguyen
I’d like to think that consistently working on my courage is something to be proud of. Small things like trying new food, experiencing a class alone, practicing a new language, it all build the muscle of courage. I’ve always found it important to actively grow as a person, in my skills or career. Read more>>
John Blakley
I am most proud about holding myself to a higher standard and building my character. As we know, one’s character is “who someone is when no one is watching” and it has always been my goal to be the same person on and off the screen. Read more>>
Te’Kia Young
Although suffering is never ideal, I think it makes you appreciate the reward when you come out on top even more. Suffering requires you to sit in it. You become familiar with it and have to decide how you’re going to fight your way out of it. It requires creativity and can be full of trial and error. Read more>>
Jesse La Flair
I believe that rules are often just curtains hiding opportunities. Very few people agree with me on that. Most see rules as fixed lines that define what is possible. I’ve always felt that there is almost always another way a third door that most people never notice because they don’t take the time, the energy, or the risk to look for it. Read more>>
Romeo Pough
The part of me that had to move from pure survival. Growing up in poverty trains you to think small, move defensively, and carry everything on your back alone. That mindset kept me alive, but it doesn’t serve the vision I’m building now. I’m releasing the belief that I have to do everything myself, that rest equals weakness, or that I can only expect scarcity. Read more>>
Tonya Cross
My earliest memory of feeling powerful is during childhood! I’ve always enjoyed creating things by hand. Bringing an idea in my head into fruition with my own hands is powerful. My fashion accessory brand allows me to continue this experience. Creating things by hand gives me joy and peace. I believe that positive energy is pass down to each piece I create. Read more>>
