Through the work we do we are incredibly fortunate to find and learn about so many incredible local artists, creatives and entrepreneurs. Their stories, the lessons that they’ve learned and the legacies they are building inspire us beyond words. Below, we have highlighted a few of those amazing folks and we hope you’ll check out their stories and their responses to some of the fundamental questions the help form the foundation of our lives and careers.
Natalia Pershina
For many years, I was wandering across countries, identities, and inner landscapes, believing the path was somewhere I needed to find. Every new place felt like a mirror showing me another layer of myself. But over time I realized: I was never lost. I was the path all along. Today, I walk not to search, but to embody. Read more>>
DAIANA GUASTELLA
I’ve realized something that often goes unnoticed: success isn’t just about talent or hard work, it’s about resilience and consistency. And I think those of us who have immigrated understand that very well. Starting over in a new country teaches you to adapt, to be patient, and to keep going even when things don’t go as planned. I also know that human relationships are key. Read more>>
Lennette Ramirez
My biggest fear in life has always been not being seen as good enough in society. This has stalled my process of beginning my business and making outside connections with others. As a child, I always felt like nothing I did would amount to what the person next to me was doing. Read more>>
Mark Giorgione
I think fear of failure has held me back more than anything. Success requires effort, discipline, and time—and that means embracing failure as part of the process. Procrastination and laziness are often just fear in disguise. Growth happens only when we confront that fear, take action, and learn from the missteps along the way. Read more>>
Ruby Romero-Issaev
I always say that I truly met sadness the day my father passed away. That loss left a deep wound, but I found healing by honoring his legacy — taking care of his music, sharing it with the world, and ensuring that his artistic voice continues to inspire others. Read more>>
Isaac Saiz
At 43 years old, I have had many bumps and bruises living life. The death of my father was definitely a gaping wound in my life. I was fortunate enough to be there for his last breaths. I have always wondered what he was thinking knowing the end was near. Read more>>
jasmine henderson
My family is the greatest joy in my life; I cherish waking up next to them, exploring new places and adventures together, and returning home after a long day to their loving presence. They are my whole universe. Read more>>
Rahul Gupta
I think the part of me that has served its purpose and can now be released is my fine arts phase. I began my creative journey through traditional art: figure drawing, charcoal sketches, human anatomy studies, architectural renderings, and plein-air sessions. Those years taught me how to observe, interpret, and build with intention. Read more>>
Anisha Durve
Wow I love how powerful and reflective this question is. I have dedicated a lot of time this year to self-reflection and the idea of rebirthing myself. After 3 decades in my profession of integrative medicine being a dedicated healer, clinician, practitioner with a busy clinic schedule, I am pausing to slow down and finally take time to breathe. Read more>>
Shalisa West
I stopped hiding my pain when I realized that it could be transformed into a source of strength rather than a burden. It was a gradual awakening, sparked by moments of reflection and vulnerability. I began to understand that my struggles were not weaknesses, but rather experiences that shaped me into who I am today. Read more>>
Alexandra Chateaux
My biggest inspiration has always been my mother. Since childhood, she promised me a life filled with the magic of imagination. She taught me to see beauty in ordinary things — in light, movement, silence — and to believe that creativity can turn even the simplest moment into art. Read more>>
Jennifer Lail
I was an abstract problem solver, able to see multiple vantage points and think of out-of-the-box solutions. I was visual and hands-on, always creating but never considering it “creating.” I never liked labels, but the world finds a way to make sure you know yours well before you’re ready. Read more>>
Jason Cowell
I think everyone likes a little praise and acknowledgement sometimes…it’s what allows us to gauge our progress and gives us fuel to continue. With that being said, I had to learn early that if you’re gonna do a job, do it to the best of your ability even when no one’s looking over your shoulder. Read more>>
Olivia McFarlane
Absolutely. True purpose is not fueled by applause but anchored in conviction. Much of my most meaningful work happens unseen: the daily rhythm of caregiving, the creative labor behind a brand, the silent effort that rarely receives recognition. I have learned that integrity is defined by what you give when no one is watching. Dirty Vibez Co. is built on authenticity. Read more>>
Lauren Malta
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.’ Colossians 3:23-24 This verse has been such a compass for me in all my work, but much deeper since opening my own business. Read more>>
Maxx Millanova
Thank you so much for the opportunity to reconnect! I can say with certainty that standing up for myself has cost me friendships and relationships. But its a great practice to get into the habit of doing. Especially for women, because we are taught to just go along and be easy. It keeps the people and energies away that have no business being around you. Read more>>
Daniel Chaberman
If immortality were real, the real question for me wouldn’t be what I would build, but how I would build it and for whom. I would build it with hard work, honesty, and purpose, something that brings value to others and creates a positive experience for the community. Whatever I create, I want it to reflect integrity and meaning. Read more>>
Coley Faircloth
As much as I love my brand, if I knew I had 10 years left I’d stop working. I mean I would find the right person to take it over and make sure the legacy continues but I’d be living out my days traveling, scuba diving, paddle boarding, hitting happy hours, and watching sunsets. The days of staring at a laptop would be over. Read more>>
Sasha Blaim
What would remain is light a quiet strength born from love, gratitude, and faith. I believe that when roles and titles fade away, what stays is presence the ability to truly see people, to inspire them, and to remind them of what truly matters. Through my work and project She. Read more>>
Sei Desmangles
Without the titles, achievements, or possessions, what would remain is how I loved — the moments I made others feel seen and cared for. I’ve learned that being truly present with people leaves a far greater mark than anything else we accomplish. Read more>>
Sai Cronwall
Yes. I miss Manolo every single day. Manolito was my furry baby and the heart behind why I started Sai Rescue. Manolito loved life completely, and I always wished that every dog could be treated the way he was. Read more>>
Kyaunnee Richardson
I am chasing my dream. I have had this inside of me for a while. At the beginning of this journey, I wanted to be something else. Yet, I ended up being pulled back on the path because that felt right. As I continued up the mountain and down into the valleys, I found myself wanting it more of it. Read more>>
Orá Cruz
What I’ve been chasing is the freedom of creativity. I’m not after fame; what truly drives me is the chance to create every day and stand on some of the world’s biggest stages, whether I’m holding a paintbrush or a camera. Read more>>
Heydi Acuna
I’m chasing the overall wellbeing and better treatment of animals. My goal is to make a real difference — to reduce the number of animals living on the streets, sitting in shelters, or suffering from neglect and abuse. I want to help put an end to accidental litters and to create a world where animals are valued, cared for, and protected. Read more>>
Sabah Ali
I never put a timeline on my goals, but one thing I am doing today that will pay off in the upcoming years is learning everything I can about neuroscience and quantum physics to help millions of people create a reality they love. Read more>>
Ashley Fleuridor
A battle I’m avoiding is my fear of seeking approval from those around me. Deep down, I have a strong desire to pursue singing, modeling, and acting, but I often hold myself back because I’m scared of being judged or misunderstood. I worry about what others might think, whether they’ll take me seriously, or if they’ll see my dreams as unrealistic. Read more>>
Brian C. Hawkins
What breaks the bonds between people, and what restores the bond? One word, ‘communication’. When people stop communication with intention, transparency, and integrity, then the bond is lost and broken. However, the same applies to restore the bond between people, when you ARE intentional, transparent, and have integrity in what and how you communicate. Read more>>
Samara Ash
What breaks the bonds between people is usually a lack of communication—and assumptions that grow in that silence. I believe communication is key; we don’t have to think alike to stay connected. We can agree to disagree while still respecting each other’s perspectives. At the core, we all feel the same things—love, pain, joy, sadness. Read more>>
Maicol Osorio
Most people don’t actually understand what a headshot is. They think a portrait or a waist-up photo counts, but it doesn’t. A real headshot captures you at your best. It conveys confidence through the lens, shows people you care about how you show up, and that moment in time captures their attention with your presence. Read more>>
Jessie Vallorosi
Many people don’t realize how much discipline goes into crafting a bagel. I’ve dedicated countless hours to perfecting the process—each Bagel Babe bagel is rolled by hand, boiled, and baked fresh daily with fresh, high-quality ingredients. But the most important ingredient? Passion and love. This is not uncommon for us Bagel Babes. Read more>>
Jennifer R. Hudson
I’m a strategic communications consultant and my work is centered in the practice of public relations. People don’t understand that PR is a broad category of communications that includes everything from employee communications to community relations to crisis communications. Read more>>
Johanna Godinez
That reality is what we make it. It is an illusion and we are so caught up as humanity in the illusion at the moment that we are lost on what our purpose and power on this life experience is. I believe is why so many are suffering and causing suffering upon others at such great lengths. Read more>>
Micah Drum
The Star Wars Sequel Trilogy is not as bad as people think it is. Read more>>
