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.
Matthew Merchant
I can say without a doubt, this is what I was born to do! I have done many things in my working career to include food service, hospitality, e-commerce, sales, travel industry, real estate… but choosing to follow my dream and build a business in the music/entertainment industry was an intimidating leap of faith. I was doubtful the business wouldn’t be successful. Read more>>
Adriane Levine
I am walking a VERY windy path. Though I have always had the same ultimate goal of making a living with music, the journey has been tumultuous. Read more>>
Anza Goodbar
I’d tell her to stop being the “nice girl.” You don’t owe anyone your silence, your time, or your comfort. Take up space — loudly, unapologetically, and without shrinking to make others feel safe. For too long, I believed being agreeable was the same thing as being kind. It’s not. True kindness comes from authenticity, not approval. Read more>>
Hilary Blair
As always, I’m learning from people in all walks of life. I use an AI-designed reading and study program that guides me through research on conflict and conflict management. I dive into the tools created to help children regulate their emotions—because honestly, there’s far more support for kids than for adults in that space! I also learn from the characters in fiction and historical novels—how they handle challenges, reframe moments, and grow. And I learn from watching those I admire navigate the complexities of today’s world, often with the public eye on them. Read More>>
Jessica Nakata
One thing I always tell my clients is that I am going to be honest and tell them the truth. I am confident in what I do, and will tell a client what I really think of any part of the design process. I am not afraid to speak my mind in a meeting, or disagree with a subcontractor or even a client (respectfully). Read more>>
Skye Armenta
I am chasing my dream of making feature films for a living and a life. My partner in film and in life, Nick Gatsby and I have a shared dream. We are chasing the dream of making creative and uniquely “Gatsmenta” films that find its audiences to inspire, impact and entertain and have that be our full-time paying jobs. Read more>>
Emily Day
I grew up thinking of myself as a shy, reserved person. I liked to be quiet and operate behind the scenes. Being called on in class made my heart stop, and the idea of speaking in front of people made my stomach turn. ‘Shy” was both a feeling and a label I carried through my teens. Read more>>
Stitch Mitch
The fear of being awesome Read more>>
Jesse Ryan Crosby
Just sharing all of me unapologetically. Some days, I notice that I still hold back from sharing parts of myself or creative works because of this weird internal dialogue I have about being good enough and being received well. Still workin’ on that one! Read more>>
Haja Rahim
Love has the power to heal, energy drives everything, and gratitude unlocks unimaginable opportunities. These principles quietly influence my decisions, shaping the way I live my life. Read more>>
Rachel Baer Henderson (no hyphen)
These few moments truly shaped how I see the world. As a child at the STL Zoo (which our family frequented nearly weekly) there was a ‘kiddie zoo’ area where many animals roamed freely and you could pet/interact with them. Read more>>
Dana Brungardt
Our customers are full of heart! For the past 8 and a half months we have been dealing with construction in front of our business. The construction has taken away all parking directly in front of our bakery and has interrupted access to the sidewalks and the front of the shop, regularly. Read more>>
Ryan Flores
Very recently. Again, social media affords people the luxury of curating a polished product without ever showing the mess, insecurity, anguish, or outright despair behind the process. My newest single, ‘The Darkling Thrush’ under my moniker Ryancito, celebrates the power of vulnerability. I’m singing the song to myself, really. I think society too easily mistakes silence for stupidity and vulnerability for weakness. Read more>>
