Highlighting Local Gems

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.

Zoë Antoine

My proudest moment this year would be my award nomination for the behind the chair awards. I feel so honored to be seen in the hair industry and being nominated for an award like this! Especially being nominated in the red hair category because that is my passion. Read more>>

Claudia Revilla

Never stop believing in yourself or in your dreams. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t. You are unique, and you can achieve anything. Don’t let anyone make you feel less than you are—you are worth so much Read more>>

Hannah Davis

I love this question. Yes — for better or worse, what you see is what you get. I hope my vulnerability and unapologetic nature make clients feel comfortable with me as we head toward their big moment, but I also know it might mean I’m not everyone’s cup of tea — and that’s okay. Read more>>

Peggy Markel

These topics are all compelling. This one I feel I could answer without thinking about it for a few days. The answer is Yes. The public version of me is the real me. I started my business designing and directing culinary travel 33 years ago. Read more>>

Jordan Katz

As I enter what I like to think of as my second act as a wedding photographer, I have been called to taking on more of a leadership role in community building. I have always considered myself an introvert/INFP, and networking at the bigger wedding events has always been out of my comfort zone (I do it anyway!). I also recently became a mother. Read more>>

Amy Taylor

Some of the most meaningful work we do is never meant to be visible. What I’m most proud of building is the invisible foundation behind Psyche Soul Revival—the slow, intentional work that happens long before anyone ever sees an experience or outcome. Read more>>

Clara Kay

I’m most proud of building my relationship with myself. It’s something that isn’t necessarily seen by others on a daily basis, but I’m sure it has made a difference in my relationships with others and how I show up in the world. Read more>>

Jessica Armstrong

I love this questions, because it is definitely an aspect of my life that has truly influenced how I healed childhood trauma, how to listen in more meaningful ways, how to treat others, foundations for how I developed and run my business, and understanding the world around me. Of course suffering looks different to everyone and effects people differently depending on a multitude of experiences. Read more>>

Joy White

Outside of work, I have been doing tons of outdoor activities and no screen time. When you have your own business, it can sometimes feel like you are always working. Being outside in nature really helps center your energy. I actually walk or bike to most of my errands, and set a very small windows of time to use my phone. Read more>>

Sarah Tinkler

I hope after I’m gone that people will share how I bled my heart & soul into every person I cared about- my clients, my mentees, my team, my colleagues across the country, my family, my partner’s family, my siblings, my niblings, even total strangers getting a warm smile. Read more>>

Isaiah “5elect” Seaborn

Lately, I’ve been rekindling my passion for mixing and mastering my own music. Initially, I lacked the financial means to release my songs, so I had to rely on self-learning new programs and improving the quality of my music independently. Eventually, the support of my team enabled me to elevate my skills and take on the monumental task of self-producing. Read more>>

Anisha Lamsal

I’m committed to the belief that girls’ education is worth investing in. In Nepal, 80% of girls who start primary school drop out by the time they reach grade 11. In addition, UNICEF reports that only 28% of girls finish grades 11 and 12. I knew something had to change. Read more>>

Rachael Ortega

The moment that really shaped how I see the world, was when I lost my husband. Up until this point I had always been told that when we die, our souls are asleep but the night my husband died, I saw him walking out of the ICU with me. Read more>>

Peg Connery-Boyd

I’ve grown to find that energy is the key for my life to be filled with health, light and joy. I tap into energy through meditation and spending time in nature, painting, and a little bit of Reiki now and then. My goal is to share energy through my artwork, and in my teaching. Read more>>

Dylen Starr

I stopped hiding my pain the moment I had to choose myself first to survive. Leaving a seven-year emotionally, verbally, and financially abusive relationship wasn’t just hard—it felt like ripping off the skin I’d worn for years, a skin stitched with fear, shame, and a desperate need to fit into a box that was never made to hold me. Read more>>

Sami Jo Lien

My family. Roger Charlie is actually named for my Grandpa Chuck (a nod to the WWII era -‘Roger, That!’, who modeled integrity, consistency and showing up with care the kind of work ethic that isn’t flashy, but lasts. He always has the long game in mind. My Grandma Barb taught me that work doesn’t have to feel heavy to be meaningful. Read more>>

David Seal aka mrDOTseal | “Mr. Seal”

Haha…that’s funny, kinda. Ironic, for sure. I think my entire adulthood has circled back to realizing that who I was as a child before the world told me how to respond to it and it’s madness is who I am meant to be, primarily. Read more>>

Lindsay Caputo

Definitely! Recently, I had an audition where I could have rushed to try and submit it immediately and risk the quality or wait a few hours until I actually had enough time and assure it went as I wanted. When it comes to auditions, it’s usually best to get them in as soon as possible, but in the end, you want quality over speed. Read more>>

Lauren Steward

I believe that others think the cleaning industry is too saturated- which is the furthest from the truth. People think you are competing against other big companies or similar sized companies- I don’t believe that at all, I think there’s room for everyone to be successful in this space, and I don’t focus on what other cleaning companies are doing. Read more>>

Daniel Walters

I think the general public is relatively unaware that Physical Therapists can work with animals. This can lead to many misunderstandings such as: 1. Scope of practice and expertise confusion between other professions such as veterinarians and chiropractors. 2. The misunderstanding that animal physical therapy is using animals as a tool to rehab humans. The reality is that the animals are the patients! 3. Read more>>

Zakiya Moss

Drip Queen Coffee is like an iceberg; people think we are just a ‘coffee shop”, but we are an entire brand built on purpose, discipline, and experience. What most people don’t see beneath the surface is the structure, like the manufacturing, the FDA-registered facility, the national distribution channels, the wholesale partnerships, the community work, and the creative force that drives it all. Read more>>

Mallory Kincaid

There’s been a common misconception that micro weddings are *budget weddings* or that couples are going small because they have to. That couldn’t be further from the truth! The couples we work with are intentionally choosing smaller celebrations because they value meaning and intimacy. They want something elevated and beautifully designed without the pressure or performance of a big, traditional wedding. Read more>>

Shawna Henderson

People are secretly struggling with feeling unsupported and overwhelmed, even when everything looks “handled” on the surface. In events, clients, vendors, and even planners often feel pressure to appear confident, organized, and in control—so they hesitate to ask questions, admit uncertainty, or voice concerns. Read more>>

Hannah Henry

I think most of us struggle with a combination of pride and insecurity. They can be so tightly woven together that it can be difficult to distinguish one from the other. Am I proud? Am I insecure? I’m kind of both! Let me give you an example of what runs through my head. ‘I am really talented. I can make anything beautiful. Read more>>

David Seal aka mrDOTseal | “Mr. Seal”

Great question. What people will most misunderstand about my legacy… The fact that I am both an utterly flawed person who is trying their best, and I am also just as “sanctified” or “holy” as any other person finding healing on their journey of faith. Read more>>

Christian Garcia

Following my intuition. Read more>>

Mary Pavlantos DPT, CBIS

The higher divine power that guides me through each day! From the moment my toes hit the ground in the morning with the sun shining onto my skin, the higher power guides me on my way. Read more>>