We are so thrilled to be able to connect with some of the brightest and most inspiring entrepreneurs and creatives from across the city and beyond and this series in particular gives us the honor of introducing these folks to you in a unique way – we go beyond the story of how they got to where they are today by asking them to reflect on a variety of deeper questions that we hope will help you better connect with them, their stories and their brands. Ultimately, our hope is that more of us will spend more of our money with independent artists, creatives and small businesses and we think getting to know one another at a deeper level is step one.
Meghan Maxson
I was absolutely born to do this; I’ve always been organized. Even as a child, I had my Barbie clothes and accessories organized in a compartmentalized container. As a teenager, I kept my bedroom and my car tidy and clean. I was taught that everything had it’s place and things should be put back after they are done being used. Read more>>
Renn Bloom
I can say with my full chest that I am absolutely doing what I was born to do, and the gratitude to be doing so knocks me on my knees daily. Creating art, hearing other people’s stories, providing safety and care in vulnerable spaces, all within a freaking TATTOO SHOP?! My younger self wouldn’t believe it. Read more>>
Iryna Barnett
It absolutely is. I cant stand fake and I cant be fake. I believe if anyone chooses to create a public platform, there is no other way but to be real and be exactly who you are. Your community of people who choose to follow you, to listen to you , to get advice from you should absolutely get the real you. Read more>>
Neicy Wagner Geis
That nothing is given to you. You have to fight for what you want in this life and if you do, you’ll see great rewards and truly find joy like you’ve never known. I always knew there was more for me and never settled for less. Read more>>
Patrice Scott
Well I was adopted at the age of one. My father and his wife divorced when I was around 5 or so? So technically I grew up without a mom. As a child I believed that if my mom didnt love me, then I was undeserving of love. My father, Grandma, Aunts, Uncles and cousins were always there and never treated me any different. Read more>>
Honour Indigo
I’d say the most defining wounds came from me abandoning myself to conform to other’s and society’s roles for me in hopes of being accepted. I realized that doing this would only lead to me shrinking into an abyss of apathy and stagnancy so I had to reflect on what I wanted for myself. The answer has always been the same — freedom. Read more>>
Dayna Orton
Motherhood throughout the years has brought me immense joy and a kaleidoscope of emotions that have enriched my life. As I evolve into my new role as a parent spectator, I am thrilled to witness my incredibly talented, artistic 18-year-old adult daughter spreading her wings, embracing her independence as a college freshman, and inspiring me to rediscover myself on this exciting new journey. Read more>>
Crista
I hope that when I energetically dissolve into the ethers or evolve into my next form of being that people who knew me will remember that I loved deeply, was kind to animals, and cared greatly for my family and community. I hope that people remember me as a bright shining being that contributed to the world being a better place to live in. Read more>>
Reeta Treat
Creating with physical, tangible components. When your primary work is all digital it can be easy to lose touch with creating art I can touch. When I sit down to play with paper, ink, watercolor, acrylic…these mediums bring me back to my roots in art and I find this piece of me that can get lost. Read more>>
Kyle Burds
I asked my closest friend this question, and he said, “Doing meaningful work.” There’s a reason he’s my closest friend, and I couldn’t agree more. I was drawn to architecture because it’s challenging, creative, technical, and tangible. It offers a real opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Read more>>
Melissa Russo
One project I’m deeply committed to is the creation of a mindset curriculum through my nonprofit, Yoga Journeys. It’s something I’ve been pouring into for years, combining emotional regulation, mental fitness, and practical tools for kids to build confidence and resilience. Read more>>
Peg Luke
I must admit that these last 5 years have really gotten me to open up about my pain and perhaps the emergence of Covid and the number of people we lost, including family and friends helped expedite the process. Read more>>
Aranda Russell
I feel most at peace when my hands are in the earth and digging rocks and connecting with the world. My husband and I have been digging together since we were teenagers. I also feel this same peace when my hands are buried in beads creating pieces of wearable art. Our daughters are all rockhounds and enjoy the outdoors. Read more>>
Nyasia Wyani
God’s daughter. It’s not just a title; it’s a revelation that God has walked me into overtime. The world will try to tell you that your worth is tied to how much money you make, what you do, who you know, or how you look. But none of that defines me. What defines me is this: I am who God says I am. Read more>>
Michelle Bernier
I am literally tap dancing AT work! I teach tap! But I am also very excited about this point in my career, because I get to stay embodied every day in teaching my dance classes, constantly meeting new people and helping them achieve their goals as students and dance artists. Read more>>
Will Baumgartner
I know I could: I think a more important question is ‘Would I?’ I hope so! Read more>>
Amy Bales
Being able to respond quickly and rely on gut instinct is absolutely essential. While putting myself through school, working full time and then getting my business off the ground I was always revolving around such a chaotic and busy schedule that responding quickly to things was second nature. Read more>>
Katie Moseley
Yes, I stood up for myself and my two daughters—and it cost me full custody as a stay-at-home mother and survivor of domestic violence (DV). As a former public school teacher who has spent three decades standing up for children, this outcome defied all logic. Read more>>
ALFREDO MURO
If I had the ‘gift’ of immortality, I would try to contribute to my community, my family, circle of friends and the society in general to making the world a better place. How? Through education and values, culture, the arts, love for reading, and music that is a universal language. Read more>>
BlackLiq
Who says it isn’t? Energy never dies, it only transforms. That’s what art is. That said, having time isn’t justification to waste time, no matter how much of it you may have. With mine I am building me. Read more>>
Jo
A way to push reset. 🙂 Read more>>
Chanel Lilley
My smile. My kindness. My sense of community. My drive to help people live healthier one product at a time. Read more>>
Melove Tindall
People may misunderstand my legacy by focusing on my past, which is understandable since their view is often outdated. Life’s ups and downs have shaped me, teaching resilience and wisdom even when I’ve fallen short. Through my healing journey, I once questioned my purpose, wondering if I should retreat or change who I am. Read more>>
Abby Imel
Most of my days kick off by checking in on social media and catching up on any DMs or messages I missed overnight. Then I hop into my emails and get myself going for the day. A few times a week, if the weather’s nice, I like to squeeze in a morning walk to reset before diving into work. Read more>>
Jacob Simons
Education in the arts is both a right and a privilege. It helps to build empathy and critical thinking skills and fosters curiosity about the world, all of which are necessary for a truly progressive and open-minded society. Read more>>
Courtney Smith
Music. Our house was always filled with Motown music or at Christmas… the Nutcracker and other classical music that my mom loved. When my parents would be out of town and my grandmother kept me, she sang John Denver. My other grandma always sang the Temptations and these songs still bring comfort today. Read more>>
Sasha Zeilig
This may be controversial, and it’s certainly not their fault, it’s the societal programming at work here, but… I would say that smart people are getting it totally wrong today by being overly-serious, overachieving perfectionists who spend the majority of their time being told what to do in jobs they hate! Forget trying to be perfect or fit into someone else’s box. Read more>>
Tom Horst
Buying the assumption that money and power can make you happy. Happiness comes from doing things for people we care about – it makes us feel good and when we feel good (along with a nice beer) we’re happiest. Read more>>
Gina Gibbons
I’m learning from other DJs constantly, especially ones that have been in the game for decades. One in particular would be my partner Jay Dodge, who I learn from just by osmosis and witnessing some aspects of his creative process. He’s a big teacher and inspiration for me. Read more>>
Mark Wilson
I deeply admire Ron Howard (Director/Producer) Growing up in the film industry from such an early age, he’s remained humble and kind throughout his career. His work has made a lasting impact on me—films like A Beautiful Mind and Ransom showcase the drama and authenticity he brings to the screen, and that level of realness continues to inspire me. Read more>>
Julia Lyons
Those that come from my connection to the Earth & Spirit. I feel weird using the phrase ‘rely on’ for this because that’s not actually how I relate to it… but without the wisdom and connection that I experience coming through the Earth & Spirit, I wouldn’t know how to live in this world and I also wouldn’t know how to help people! Read more>>
Candy Harman
I spend my first 90 minutes at the gym with my personal trainer. I spend 30 minutes stretching and 60 minutes weight lifting. Read more>>
Tam John
The fear that held me back most? That I would always embody the frightened child Even though I’ve always known—deep in my bones—that nothing is wrong with me, that fear lingered like a shadow. It shaped how I showed up, how I trusted, how I received care. And for a long time, I thought I had to outgrow her, silence her, prove her wrong. Read more>>
Luna Cash
The fear of truly being seen—flawed, authentic, raw. Perfectionism stifles art. I once believed I needed to have my life in order—more experience, funding, originality—to create. But once I let go of that need and allowed myself to be witnessed, everything began to fall into place. Read more>>
Ras Moses
It was never about my fame or fortune but bringing people to the joy of the indwelling spirit. I am doing my part to build the kingdom of heaven on earth. Read more>>
Mari Mocha
During my very first solo art exhibition “Marked for Greatness”. Not only was I surrounded by my own art and my own energy… but I got to see hundreds of people come in and interact with my work and seeing how infectious the energy in the room was made me feel so seen and felt and appreciated. Read more>>
