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.
Serayah SIlver
I hope people tell the story of how I bent reality in my image. I hope they tell the story of how I chose myself in ways that allowed me to choose others from a place of overflow rather than need or lack. Read more>>
Cori Stuart
I hope the legacy that I share forward is that we all have the capacity to create our own future. As an individual with a history master’s degree I find it crucial to learn from the collective past as well as from our own past, and embody the truths learned. Read more>>
Cai Cee Murgo
I hope people say that I loved deeply, created beauty wherever I could, and made others feel seen and valued. That I built a life filled with kindness, laughter, and meaningful moments—and left the world a little softer than I found it. Read more>>
Kate Kelleher
I used to always have a plan. Throughout school and college, I had plans for volunteer programs, graduate school, travel, and a career marked by great achievements in science and medicine. Today, if asked for my ‘5 year plan,’ I laugh. Life is unpredictable, as I have been so harshly at times taught. Read more>>
DeQuann Piner
I knew I felt at home; everyone was there to have a good time, laugh, meet celebrities, and most of all see the show in person. What can I say: Turning 30 definitely didn’t hurt. I also had the chance to play my music for an A&R music executive in which they described my latest project as “the future of music”, 15 years of making beats, my hardwork is really starting to pay off, who knew making beats would get me this far? The BET Awards must’ve heard “Escape Plan”. Read more>>
Erica Sizemore
Yes. A friend once told me in my twenties that I was one of the few people they knew who didn’t shift between my personal and professional self. That comment has always stayed with me. Authenticity is something I genuinely value—not because I’m trying to project it, but because I honestly don’t know how to be anything else. Read more>>
Bret Cooley-Jones
Yes indeed. Based off client testimonials after weeks/months of emails/calls/texts etc the in person interaction is so authentic and easy. I truly enjoy what I do and my clients just like my friends/family get the real me (quirks included). Read more>>
Utica Cason
Yes, July 2024. I was ready to stop being a nonprofit leader of my organization that stemed from a variety of personal, professional, and organizational factors. Due to: Personal Burnout and Well-being Organizational Stability and Transition Professional Shift and Skill Utilization Financial and Resource Constraints Nonprofit work, while rewarding, is emotionally and professionally taxing. Sustained, high-intensity effort without adequate recovery leads to burnout. Read more>>
Alisha Reid
I’m most proud of building my sense of self. It’s not something that people can see, but they can feel it on you, and either are inspired or intimidated by it. My sense of self allows me to love myself and others unconditionally, see myself fully, and show up exactly as I’m supposed to, when I’m supposed to, and where I’m supposed to. Read more>>
Aurielle Bryan
Two things: resilience and gratefulness. Through ‘not-so-good’ moment in life, I think I’ve truly learned how to be more grateful- enjoying the simpler things in life, which also means I’m content not being swept away by every trend; and much more resilient- people, opportunities, and things all come and go. Read more>>
Yvonda Seda
Suffering taught me how to pivot. When things don’t go as planned – when money is tight, when you’re exhausted, when the support you hoped for isn’t there – you’re forced to get creative and find a way forward anyway. It teaches you how to stretch what you have, how to adapt, and how to keep showing up even when it’s hard. Read more>>
Christie Myhand
I was told that being a creative would never be lucrative, that you HAD to have a college degree in order to make any money. I noticed that society always had a tone of sarcasm or superiority when it came to artists, hairdressers, anyone who dared challenge the status quo. Read more>>
Arnisha Gaither
Right now, my daughter is my daily dose of joy! She keeps me laughing, grounded, and on my toes. Motherhood has changed the way I see time and connection and that perspective has made me an even more intentional planner through The Gaither Collective. Read more>>
Josh Hanna
When I realized that everyone is in pain. Understanding that pain is a part of life and that we don’t have to be ashamed of our pain has helped me create connections with other photographers and business owners who struggle with the same things I do. Read more>>
Missy Bell
Yeah. I really am. There are days that are impossibly hard. Days where I am so tired I can barely make it. Where I’d rather vomit than get out of bed and drag myself to a film set. But at the bottom of it, it’s always so worth it. My soul is tap dancing, even if my body is slogging through. Read more>>
Zamariya Clemons
Disappointment breaks bonds. Humanity restores them. I really believe one sincere act of kindness can repair what frustration once fractured. Read more>>
LaDonna Williams
Honestly? Me. I’ve been dimming myself. My creativity, my voice, my brilliance — all because I didn’t want to seem “too much” or take up too much space. I haven’t always put myself out there the way I should. I’ve played it small, waited to be seen, instead of stepping out and showing people who I am and what I bring to the table. Read more>>
Kyndal McDuffie
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is my relationship with my mom. Growing up with a single mother wasn’t easy, but she never allowed that to define me. She and my family constantly spoke life, confidence, and positivity into me, always reminding me that I was meant to become something greater and to be a blessing to others. Read more>>
Gerry + Shannon Arner
Some of our most foundational beliefs are so ingrained that we don’t always think to say them out loud. We believe people are allowed to live lives that look different from the so-called norm, without needing to justify themselves. Read more>>
Dominique Adams-Hardman
One truth that’s so foundational in my life I rarely say it out loud is this: your purpose will always find you, even when you lose sight of it. No matter how lost, disconnected, or overwhelmed I’ve felt, my purpose has always found a way to pull me back in. Sometimes through pain, sometimes through peace , but it always returns. Read more>>
Bonnie Brooks
That everything has to be perfect. Life is often messy, and perfection isn’t something that is always attainable… no matter how hard we try. I’m still learning that where the imperfections are is often where there is the most growth, sometimes the most honesty, and where the learning can take place. Read more>>
Dan Irving
Supporting local artists is such an important aspect of maintaining community. We’re in a world that is shifting towards digital isolation, which is detrimental to mental health. In-person connections are more vital than ever, and I believe that supporting art goes a long way in cultivating in-person connection and a sense of belonging to one’s local community. Read more>>
Adama Jay
I used to believe that failure was a sign I had made the wrong choice or wasn’t ready. But after failing hard—more than once—I completely shifted my perspective. I realized failure isn’t a dead end; it’s data. It’s feedback. It’s an invitation to refine, redirect, or rise to a higher standard. Read more>>
Tyrone Johnson
I naturally find joy in everything but the past 2-3 years I’ve been working on creating ChocMuzic fest just to celebrate music and my growing DJ business. This past June I was able to finalize a location and date for my first festival and that was a euphoric joy I can’t explain. Not only am I doing a festival but it’s to help the community. Read more>>
