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.
MICHELLE MCGUINNESS
Yes! Absolutely. I feel that level of excitement every day with WellChild because the work is mission-driven and deeply impactful. We’re not just building a business; we’re building connections, opening doors for families, and reshaping how care is accessed. For me, entrepreneurship is like an art form blending creativity with strategy. Read more>>
Shelby Bransgrove
I am tap dancing to work every day! I get to beautify the homes of wonderful people and make their design dreams come true. Design has excited me for as long as I can remember. When I was a little girl, I always wanted to redecorate my bedroom. Read more>>
Faith (F.K.E) Escarda
They say Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life, but I don’t think that’s true. I think you do what you love, and you won’t ever stop working. Sun comes through the windows of my art space every morning, and I am always excited to paint my time away. Read more>>
Quo’Shay Jackson
Yes, I do it every day. I’ve learned that it’s not all about the praise or the support—it’s about the passion behind the talent, the heart behind the work, and the strength it takes to keep showing up. Recognition is nice, but it isn’t what fuels me. Read more>>
Damarys Mora Crawford
I already have. Most of the time, you don’t get applause for doing the hard work of building something from scratch when you run a small business, especially as a woman, a mother, and a Latina entrepreneur. But my best isn’t for show. It’s for the people who trust me with their spaces, their stories, and their plants. Read more>>
Maria Florio
Yes, I could give everything my best, even if no one ever praised me for it because what I’m trying to do is leave behind what will stand as an example of how to keep moving forward in life with your best foot forward, no matter what. It’s important to lead by example, for the children and the adults. Read more>>
Minister Travis Green
“Yes, I could—and I do. I give my best not for applause, but because I’m called to serve with excellence. Even if no one ever praised me, I know God sees it. Purpose isn’t about being seen; it’s about being faithful. That’s what drives me every day.” Read more>>
Deb Slowey-Raguso
When My Voice Was Truly Heard Absolutely, I remember a time when someone truly listened to me, and it was a moment deeply tied to my greatest passion: painting. Beyond my love for people and for God, the world of art and painting has been my life’s devotion. Read more>>
jeff jacob
While, I certainly try not to live in the shadow of fear with my decisions, we’ve all been there. Read more>>
Paula Agudelo
For me, the difference between a fad and a foundational shift is how it feels in the body—not just how it looks on the surface. Fads are fast. They’re urgent. They pull you out of yourself and into comparison. Foundational shifts, on the other hand, feel like a homecoming. They are aligned with your core values. Read more>>
Dionys Kam
There has been rapid change in media creation in recent years. Advanced technology has made many tasks much easier. I do think these tools are good. What I do not like is how many creative decision are given to (AI ‘Automated Implementation’) I do not expect for this trend to fade anytime soon. Read more>>
Michael Patella
Great question! It happens more often than not actually. I’m the type of person who will try to do everything, but that does not mean I’m good at everything! That’s for sure. After enough failed ventures, I realized that it’s ok to not be good at everything and it’s even better to not do everything. Read more>>
Paola Bayron
The Garden of Ezer is the embodiment of my belief that we are both eternal and human. It’s a space where souls remember who they are before the world told them who to be. We gather in circles to cry, to laugh, to move our bodies, to reclaim our voices, to connect with our ancestors, and to give thanks to the divine. Read more>>
Robin Glass
Oh… but immortality IS real. Death is not the end, the story does not end with this body. All attempts of defining the ‘after’ are childish at best – streets of gold, 70 virgins, Nirvana, Valhalla… these are man made inventions that try to express the climax of existence. So I don’t even try to fantasize about the ‘after’. Read more>>
Claudia G Paz
I think I would move to Tulum. There’s something there that calls me, something that makes me return again and again. I would love to be in that place, close to the sea, with the smell of salt in the air, welcoming people who come to connect and heal. Read more>>
Wrendly Mesidor
If I knew I had 10 years left, I would stop wasting time on things that don’t align with my values or bring meaningful growth. That means letting go of distractions, unnecessary stress, and activities that drain my energy without purpose. Read more>>
Belinda Stohner
It’s hard to say. I think a lot of people would say that they would stop working, but in reality, I think I would end up working in some capacity still. I enjoy work, and I like what I do. It’s important to contribute positively to society. Read more>>
Vanessa Bedoya
I would immediately stop doing anything that distracts me from being fully present, with my daughter, with myself, and with the moments that make life feel meaningful. My first priority would be to pour everything I’ve learned into my daughter, not through lectures, but through experiences. Read more>>
Elizabeth Nickerson Hill
If I were to retire tomorrow, I believe the people I work with and the communities I serve would most miss my unwavering support and my collaborative spirit. I’ve always aimed to be someone who brings people together, elevates their work and helps them see their own worth. Read more>>
Natalia Magdaleno
“If I retired tomorrow, I think my customers would miss more than just my smile when I welcome them—they’d miss the care I put into every detail. I’ve often been told that my semi-permanent makeup work looks so natural, people can’t even tell they’ve had something done. That subtle, effortless result is what they love most, and what I take the most pride in.” Read more>>
Gabriela Perez Siman
If I retired tomorrow, I think people would miss our physician-patient connection and the service we provide in our office. We keep close communication with our patients, and we try to address any concerns as well as we can. We are also a fun office and have good working relationships with out patients. I think they’d miss the atmosphere we provide. Read more>>
Ariana Roque
My naivety—lol. When I was around 18, I started my very own skincare line. I was so passionate and pursued it with everything I had. Looking back, that was such a special time in my life. I genuinely believed that “no” just meant “not right now,” and I think there’s something really precious about that kind of mindset. Read more>>
Christopher DiSchino
A “normal” day does not really exist for me right now, but there is definitely a rhythm. My mornings usually start early with family, and then I move straight into client work. That can mean reviewing agreements, negotiating transactions, or putting out fires in active litigation. I structure my day in blocks so I can move between matters efficiently. Read more>>
Carolina Sosti
I’ve felt deeply called to lead yoga retreats—spaces where people can truly step away from their daily routines and immerse themselves in healing, growth, and connection. At first, I was honestly afraid: afraid of failing, of not having enough students join, of putting my heart into something so meaningful and it not working out. Read more>>
Ryan Stewart
The first 90 minutes of my day never really belong to me — they belong to God and my family. I have an 18-month-old son, so no two mornings are exactly the same. Sometimes it’s peaceful, sometimes it’s chaos. But I do my best to stay anchored. Read more>>
Dr Cali Estes
Is the Public Version of Me the Real Me? People often ask me if the version of me they see on stage, in media interviews, or leading high-level programs is the real me. The short answer? Yes… and no. The public version of me is composed. She’s articulate, confident, and knows how to hold space for others while delivering massive transformation. Read more>>
Marc Hurwitz
One of the biggest misconceptions about Crossroads Investigations is that we’re just ‘gumshoes’—someone sitting in a car with a camera waiting for something to happen. That’s the old stereotype of a private investigator, and it doesn’t reflect the premium, white-glove service we provide today. Crossroads Investigations is a modern intelligence and research firm that offers far more than surveillance. Read more>>
Sasha Scott
The younger me would be in utter shock at the first 90 minutes of my day. I am so much more intentional and present. I wake up and immediately grab my phone to play either 963hz or a list of manifestations on audio. I take time to give gratitude for waking up, forty eyes, my senses, my brain, my heart. Read more>>
Prashant Thakker
Right now, I’m chasing a goal that both excites and scares me—visiting all 197 countries in the world. It’s not just about collecting stamps in a passport; it’s about stories, faces, and moments I’ll never be able to relive. Every border crossed feels like opening a new chapter in the book of my life. Read more>>
Davit Ro
As a magician, I’m chasing moments of wonder—those rare flashes when someone sees the impossible and everything shifts for a second. That spark of disbelief, that “How?!”—that’s what keeps me going. If I stopped, it wouldn’t just be the end of performing—it would be stepping away from what makes me feel alive. I don’t just do magic. I live it. Read more>>
Ivan Garcia
I’m chasing success not just to come out on top, but to build a lasting legacy for my family and create a life where I can manage my business instead of being consumed by it. It’s about growth, stability, and more time with my kids. Read more>>
Jennifer Lazarus
I am chasing an education revolution — a movement where learning is alive, passion-based, and truly honors each child’s heart and mind. If I stopped, we’d stay stuck in an outdated education system that was never designed to nurture the whole child. If I stopped, we’d keep forcing square pegs into round holes and calling it success. Read more>>
Christian Dominique
What I’m doing with Manjay today is laying the groundwork for something much bigger — a long-term vision of bringing Caribbean cuisine into the mainstream culinary conversation. My goal is for Caribbean food to be recognized globally, not as a niche or regional curiosity, but as a staple, just like Italian or Chinese cuisine. Read more>>
Liudmyla (Mila) Krotova
Among those I continue to support on their path to international recognition are the 2024 world champions: Oleksandr Kodak, Dariia Balaban, and Valeriia Krepel. Their victories at the OMC Hairworld World Championship marked a major milestone for the American beauty industry and proved that the United States is ready to lead confidently on the global stage. Read more>>
Dr. Lori Lundin-Fish
I believe what breaks the bonds between people is often the feeling of being blindsided—when something happens that catches someone off guard, especially when it contradicts what they believed about the relationship. It could be a betrayal, a harsh comment, a decision made without communication—anything that makes a person feel left out, devalued, or suddenly uncertain. Read more>>
Sarah Cohen
I believe that food can be an excellent middle ground between people. I love learning about a person’s culture and heritage through food- what do they eat at celebration times? Or during a certain season? It is a powerful way in which we build connections. Read more>>
Gee Griglen
I think what often breaks the bonds between people are unrealistic expectations, a lack of trust, and the way we project our needs onto others (guilty.) Instead of seeing people for who they truly are, we sometimes see them for who we want or need them to be and when they don’t meet that version, disappointment sets in. Read more>>
Dr Corinne Scholtz LMFT
As a couples therapist, I’ve seen how disconnection doesn’t happen all at once – it’s often a slow drift. What breaks the bond between people isn’t usually a single event, although it can be, but the accumulation of small ruptures: moments of not feeling seen, misunderstood, dismissed, or emotionally unsafe. Over time, protective patterns take hold – like shutting down, blaming, controlling, or avoiding vulnerability. Read more>>
Leslie Lawson
Disconnection breaks bonds — when people stop listening, stop seeing each other, or stop showing up with honesty and intention. In a world that’s increasingly fast, digital, and transactional, it’s easy to feel unseen or like you’re just going through the motions — even in spaces that are supposed to be about connection and wellness. What restores those bonds is presence. Read more>>
Juanita Sierra
One of the biggest misconceptions about my business is the difference between a decorator and an interior designer. Many people think our role is simply to make a space “look pretty,” but interior design goes far deeper than that. Interior design is a professional career that requires formal training, technical knowledge, and a strong understanding of how people live and work within a space. Read more>>
Nidia Gonzalez
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about our business is that social media is just about posting content. In reality, it’s deeply rooted in psychology and consumer behavior. Every caption, visual, and campaign we put together is built to influence how people perceive a brand, connect emotionally, and ultimately make decisions. Read more>>
Luis Valle
I think what is most misunderstood about being an artist is how much work actually goes into being a professional artist. People think we just magically paint or create on call and that the product just comes out perfect the first time. The reality is that there is a process and a whole business aspect to it. Read more>>
Beatriz Esguerra
Many people think that running an art gallery is simply about hanging beautiful artworks and selling them. What’s often misunderstood is the depth of commitment, knowledge, and long-term vision required to truly support artists and build meaningful cultural value. At Beatriz Esguerra Art, we don’t just sell art — we foster careers. Read more>>
Heidi Gomez
Our society consists of scrolling, swiping, skimming and everyone trades depth for speed and substance for show. Sadly, this is why people are treated like content that is consumable, forgettable and replaceable. As a content creator, this is something that has always bothered me and I want to show a different side of social media. Read more>>
Christina Hand
One of the biggest misconceptions about Cilverbow Botanicals is that, because I focus on natural nails, I must be anti-artificial nails—and that’s just not true. I don’t believe in shaming beauty choices. I believe in supporting healthy ones. Artificial nails can be beautiful and fun, but they’re best suited for people whose natural nails are already strong and healthy underneath. Read more>>
