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.
Jurate Luckaite
Jurate: I’ve come to believe that my sister and I are both living the purpose we arrived here with. My sister Violeta is fully immersed in her gift, creating extraordinary art with a depth and devotion that feels sacred. She discovered silk—her “religion,” as she calls it—and when her brush touches it, she disappears into pure creation. Read more>>
Richart Ruddie
We presented our startup at Venture Atlanta the largest VC conference on the east coast and ended up winning the pitch competition. It showcased that the thesis of hard work and the vertical in which we’re building our startup in is a hot space with huge potential. Read more>>
Hailey Ezzell
I have to say opening the first vinyl copy of my debut album! It was such a surreal experience. I definitely felt proud of myself in that moment. As a vinyl collector, this was a particularly special moment in my career so far. Read more>>
Cornelia Gyura
Independent thinking! As early as possible! Research the facts and the truth! Question everything and everybody! Read! Make up your own opinion as early as you realize that YOU started thinking for yourself and having an own mind! Read more>>
Anne Morrissey
I think the fashion industry does not understand people. They seem to think people want outlandishly expensive and weird clothing, when that has not played out in my experience. People just want to look good. They don’t want to scream ‘look at me’. They just want to get dressed and know they are pulled together. Read more>>
Jeremiah Terro
What I’m most proud of building that nobody really sees is my foundation. The mindset, the patience, the self-belief. I had to rebuild myself from the ground up when nobody was clapping, when nobody cared. That inner strength is what keeps everything else standing. Read more>>
Francesca Popescu Ife
Life is full of ups and downs — moments of doubt, disappointment, and loss that we all inevitably face. While success is rewarding, it’s often through suffering that we truly grow. Difficult times test our resilience and force us to find strength from within.Read more>>
Barbie Zarraga
The fear that used to hold me back was the fear of failure, and honestly, the fear of not being able to maintain success once I reached it. What I mean by that is, getting to a certain level is already hard, but staying there takes even more work. Read more>>
Mai Yap
I feel most at peace when I am creating art. The process begins the moment I wake up. I move my body, I meditate, I try to protect my mind from the noise of the world—especially the news. I need that quiet space to open myself. When I begin to paint, something shifts. Little by little, I leave the physical world. Read more>>
Elsten Torres
I was always a creative shy kid. I loved music from early on in my life. I was always surrounded by beautiful songs and melodies. My uncle Listoriel Torres, had been a singer/songwriter himself in Cuba and when we were all settled in NYC he’d come by often to our house with his guitar. I loved hearing him sing. Read more>>
Diana Lozano
Honestly, I don’t think I ever listened. I’ve always been the outcast, the black sheep, still dancing to my own off beat. Sometimes I wonder, what if? What if I had a 9 to 5, kids, and did all the things most women are expected to do? But that life just doesn’t appeal to me. Read more>>
Calvin Hernandez
I sit on the sidelines with some immensely talented people. I know what their work looks like and I know that I’m not as seasoned nor successful as these other folks. So while sharing a seat in the photo wells or behind the advertising boards is a blessing, there are thoughts of self doubt. Read more>>
Rekha Ananthanpillai
When I started La’ Agra, I set out to create something meaningful: a fashion line that celebrates South Asian design—from vibrant prints to luxurious fabrics to intricate notions—while embracing a truly Indo-Western aesthetic. But I’ve noticed something. When people see my designs or the models wearing them, they sometimes say, ‘That’s not for me,’ or ask why I don’t only feature Indian models. Read more>>
Kaymarie Daniel
I think what’s often misunderstood about my business is that MarieKays isn’t just about swimwear. It’s a lifestyle brand that celebrates Caribbean creativity through men’s and women’s swimwear, resort wear, and high-fashion resort pieces. My designs are deeply inspired by my island roots, the colors, textures, and rhythm of Caribbean life and they also carry a deeper message about sustainability and purpose. Read more>>
Adonis Lugo
A “normal” day for me is anything but normal. As a helicopter news photojournalist in Miami, my office is the sky. Every morning starts with a headset, a camera, and the steady thrum of rotor blades as we lift off over the city. Read more>>
Berachiah Joachim
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is the one I have with myself. Over time, I’ve learned that self-awareness and self-respect are the foundation for every other relationship, personal or professional. Learning to set boundaries, celebrate small wins, and show myself grace through challenges has helped me grow into someone more confident, grounded, and purpose-driven. Read more>>
ZENA DALY
It was when I was 17 and decided last minute to enter a singing contest in Miami that was also doubling as an audition to open for Doug E. Fresh and Pleasure P at a local festival. I didn’t invite anyone because it was so spontaneous — just me, my mom, and a few family members in the audience. Read more>>
Kate Engelmeyer
When I was sad or upset growing up, songwriting helped me. I started writing songs when I was 13 years old and quickly realized that songwriting allows me to express things that I couldn’t otherwise express. During some of the difficult times of my teenage years, I coped by writing songs. Songwriting is my therapy still to this day. Read more>>
Whitney Clark
I am learning how to trust God completely and let go of controlling anything in life and my circumstances. My life has been a spiral of traumatic events leading to severe depression and I am just now finding the light. I have opened my heart, mind, and soul to his guidance and have been blessed far beyond what I could have ever hoped for. Read more>>
