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.
Emily Veak
What’s most misunderstood about my business is how hypnosis functions as a therapeutic practice. People often imagine it as something mysterious, overly “woo-woo,” or a quick fix where someone else takes control—sometimes I even get asked if I’m going to control their mind. In reality, hypnosis is a collaborative process where clients are fully aware and in charge. Read more>>
Luke Huxley
Spending time with Greg Quicke (also known as Space Gandalf) in Broome, Australia changed the way I understand reality. He introduced me to “Earth turning consciousness,” the idea that we are not standing still on a fixed stage, but living on a planet that is constantly moving through space. Read more>>
Nicole Magelssen
One of the moments that most shaped how I see the world was being laid off from a job I believed was secure. It happened during a season when I was doing everything “right,” working hard, being dependable. At that time I truly believed that stability comes from loyalty and effort. Read more>>
Ashlyn Tanner
Before I could really see myself, I believe God saw me clearly. Not just the parts I felt proud of, but the uncertain, growing, imperfect parts too. Long before I had language for my strengths, my purpose, or even my struggles, I felt known and loved in a way that didn’t depend on performance or perfection. Read more>>
Casara Andre
Early in my career, I defined success through the lens of intervention. Like many young practitioners, my self-worth was tied to ‘knowing the right answer,’ ‘saving’ the patient, and the adrenaline of a successful outcome. In that framework, anything less than a full recovery felt like a clinical failure—a gap in my knowledge or a limitation of my tools. Read more>>
Jaz Palmer
I am committed to my artistic success. For many years, I thought that while I was creative, I wasn’t talented enough to be a professional illustrator or fine artist. I have been blessed to know many talented individuals, and when the stability and security wasn’t there in my personal life, I became insecure and felt the full weight of imposter syndrome. Read more>>
BeX Kagan
Yes, I had many many many teachers, coaches, and mentors who listened to me throughout my childhood. I often say I was raised by an entire village of adults (and my best friends) in Virginia Beach, VA. Read more>>
Marley Wall
The part of myself I feel has served its purpose is the version that shrank to keep others comfortable. As a Black woman, that version of myself was protective, and I honor her for wanting to keep me safe. Read more>>
Angela Fuller
For most of my life, I followed the path others expected of me, doing what I was told to do. Everything changed when my best friend was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. It was a wake-up call that tomorrow is not promised, and I realized I needed to fight for the dreams God placed in my heart. Read more>>
Todd Fahnestock
I love this question. It makes me nervous because I do love positive feedback about my stories. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t. However, I also love the idea of people doing their best without recognition. These are the people who create great beauty in the world. Read more>>
Alyssa Pinsker
One of the biggest lies in my industry is that the market is “saturated” — that there are too many realtors and no need for more. The reality is very different. There is an oversupply of mediocrity, not an oversupply of excellence. And frankly, I became a realtor because of my own experiences as a client — and they were awful. Read more>>
Olivia Castaldy
I stopped hiding my pain and began using it as power when I chose to step into the cannabis industry openly and unapologetically. In high school, I was diagnosed with anxiety and clinical depression and was prescribed antidepressants and benzos at just 16 years old. Read more>>
