Inspiring Stories from Palm Beach

Taylor Cruz

As I was learning to live life again, I came across these words my dad had written in his Bible: “I have a purpose in life.” It opened my eyes to see that he was reminded of his purpose in life and how I, too, have a purpose; I just have to find it or create it. I got this saying tattooed on me to remind me to always find the purpose. When he first passed away, it was my and my family’s mission to look through every photo album, digital folder, and computer to find every picture of him. Read More>>

Kristen Farrell

Although I am based in Bridgehampton, NY, I have been traveling to Florida to balance out the winters since 2000. We started by vacationing in a 3-bedroom townhome on the water in the hamlet of Hypoluxo and then moved on to build 10 houses, two personal and the rest spec, over the course of 10 years. Read More>>

Valerie Fitzgerald

My son Colin was in the Navy stationed in Norfork, Virginia and his longtime girlfriend Chariti was living right here in Palm Beach, Florida. They were secretly planning on going to the courthouse to get married when he was home and leave over the Christmas holiday. Well, a few days before Thanksgiving Chariti was hit by a car crossing the street and left for dead by a hit-and-run driver. Read More>>

Ashley Walker

Keeping a restaurant staffed through an economic crisis. Having to figure out creative ways to compete with other employers to maintain a professional and knowledgeable staff. Finding creative ways to incentivize staff to commit to working and demonstrating excellent customer service. Read More>>

Nicole Grimes

Nicole Grimes embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship, community engagement, and philanthropy. Nicole Grimes, with the support of her husband, embarked on a journey that transformed a small party rental business into a thriving enterprise catering to large-scale events. But her impact extends far beyond the business realm; Nicole’s commitment to her community and her passion for uplifting others define her as a leader both in business and in life. Read More>>

Glayson LeRoy

In 2017 I decided to jump into the curating and art management world with my first-ever art show “Stairwell Visuals” in Delray Beach and “Trackside Walls” in Wynwood (now Wynwood Mural Fest). With a lot of help from artists, curators, and industry movers I managed to grow my company Galera Collective into a brand that is recognized for large-scale murals, art festivals, and art shows. Read More>>

Nicole Galluccio

In May 1995, I relocated here from the NJ Shore area, where I was attending college as a Biochemistry major and transferred to Florida Atlantic University. Coming from spending many of my nights in NYC amongst the art and fashion students, I had gained a tremendous appreciation for the ability to truly express myself and my personal style within that environment. Read More>>

Darsys Milian

In our Venue, we count on everything our client needs for their special event! We have in-house full catering, bar services, full decorations, Makeup and Hair, and more! Our Garden Venue was designed with our client’s needs in mind from beginning to end! Making a luxurious yet comfortable experience is our passion. Read More>>

Babafemi Ogunkanmbi

Babafemi Ogunkanmbi is a passionate and talented creative mind with a sound understanding of Visual Arts. He bagged a Diploma in Arts, a Bachelor of Education in Arts, and a Master of Fine Arts, respectively. Babafemi has participated in numerous Art competitions and exhibitions at both National and International levels. His Artworks over the years revolve around two themes: equity and justice and clean planet. Read More>>

Alexandra Jenkins

Began designing in 2018 by working under a wedding dressmaker. Have been designing ever since. I focus on high-end accessories and custom dressmaking. I specialize in gloves and bows at the moment. I am mindful of sustainability and find interest in creative directing for my brand. Read More>>

Paul Fisher

My entry into the art world began around 1985 when I got to know Dale Chihuly. He purchased a 1956 Aston Martin DB2/4 Mk11 drophead from me, the one that Tippi Hedren drove in the Hitchcock film “The Birds”. Interestingly that tied together most of what would become the central themes of my life: art, vintage cars, birds, rare species conservation, and travel. Read More>>

Chnalie Galbart

After high school, I started doing makeup for anyone I could get my hands on. I would practice with friends and family to perfect my craft. My journey of being in the beauty industry officially started in 2020 when I attended Boca Beauty Academy to be a Full Esthetician to follow my dream. I discovered the art and fell in love with eyelash extensions by seeing one of my classmates practicing on a mannequin. Read More>>

Nicole Engelgau

I had never been overweight in my life, but while I was growing as a child, my body was also repairing the nutrient deficiencies from being heroin chic thin. Looking at my baby, feeling so at peace with this precious little life I had brought into the world, and over a year sober–I was hellbent on becoming my best self. I hired a personal trainer and got to training like my life depended on it. Read More>>

Beth Lynch

My personal story of my dad’s passing and mom passing tragically 30 years ago catapulted me into a search for understanding life and death. Little did I know it would bring me to understand life, death, and all the in-between. The title of my most recent book! I woke at the moment of Mom’s death, hearing a voice tell me she died. I woke to hear on the news that Amtrak crashed in the middle of the night, the same time I was awakened. Read More>>

Deena Rahill

I’m excited to share with you the transformative journey that led me to the world of Sound Healing and Mindfulness. Back in 2019, I started on this path by launching my practice at The Elliott Museum in Stuart, Florida. The inaugural event—a soul-nourishing sound bath—drew over 50 attendees and ignited a deep passion within me for the healing power of sound. Read More>>

Ahmad Mayes

After transitioning from the classroom and stage to eventually behind the scenes on the administrative staff, I was thrilled to go to work helping share the same great classical music that inspired me as a kid with the public on the staff of various orchestras from Sarasota, to Atlanta (my home town orchestra) to Cincinnati, and eventually to my current role as ED with the Chamber Music Society of Palm Beach. Read More>>

Dr. Matt Helm

I dropped to my knees, completely shattered. My life would never be the same. 12 years ago, I walked into an empty home, divorced, and without my children. In my life, I have had several progressive awakenings. One of the most prominent was my divorce, and more specifically, the first night I walked into my new home without my children. Read More>>

Warren Scott

Prior to starting comedy, Warren was a Real Estate Attorney and a former prosecutor. Warren tried on comedy class, and after the graduation show, he was hooked. Warren was one of the producers of the largest outdoor comedy festival in South Florida, ever. The Laughing Spree comedy festival in December 2021 featured such comedy giants as Jim Norton and Andrew Schulz. Read More>>

Aarial Mitchell

I would say my love for beauty started way before I knew it! Before I could walk, I began participating in beauty pageants. I was always mesmerized by the glitz and glamour. I often preferred my mom’s lipstick, nail polish, and combs over any toy. In high school, I would do other students’ makeup during free time or even before classes! I fell in love with the feeling of making other women feel and look their best! Read More>>

Crystal Baez

I quickly grew a following that kept coming back for more and sharing the word around town. I did zero advertising besides word of mouth. Fast forward to now, this brand is exactly what I was hoping it would be. I am so thankful for all those who supported me and still do, along with my family and friends. Read More>>

Lynette Meglio

When I got married and moved to Northern VA, I was ready for something totally new and different. My husband spent 30+ years franchising with several food brands and was also ready for something new. After a lot of conversations, we decided to combine our personal and professional skills and work together. Read More>>

Kendra Bergman

When I moved to Vero Beach in 2015, there was no NGO focusing its mission and programming on sea turtle protection, outreach, and conservation. So, in 2017, I founded one! I know that sounds so easy, but it has truly been a learning experience every day, with ups and downs and new challenges and rewarding outcomes. When you first start a grassroots movement or organization, you do not know that much. It is the passion for the cause that fuels you to learn, try new things, and then learn some more. Read More>>

Elizabeth Z. McDonough

The birth of You First Now (previously Strength &Happiness occurred during a rebranding process). I was with a therapy group operating as an independent contractor and was feeling empty and not attracting the clients I wanted. During a run, it hit me like a bolt of lightning to my head. You First Now is the answer! No more waiting on or blaming others. It’s my time to take action and choose my life NOW! Read More>>

Alison Kay Bowles

Absolutely not! The industry is so incredibly flawed, and that is something that I have been continually working to change. I was told I could never do runway because of my height, and at first, I would wait in line for hours at castings just to be turned away and not even given the chance to walk. I waited for years to walk my first show… but I never gave up. Read More>>