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.
Ashley Blevins
One of my most meaningful goals is to spread the love of crafting and create a welcoming space that encourages creativity. I’m so proud that I started offering Smash-a-Craft classes last fall! My first workshop was a Make Your Own Suncatcher class, where participants used beautiful crystals and gold embellishments to create sparkling suncatchers. Read more>>
Courtney DeLuna
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self “there’s soft landing ahead keep flying.” As an adult I chose an unfamiliar lifestyle than what I was traditionally raised by my family. By societal norms I did everything the untraditional way. There were so many times in my early adulthood I was forging this unknown path and I felt alone. Read more>>
Christina Moore
I would tell her, “You belong here.” As a first-generation Salvadoran American, I carried a lot quietly – pressure to succeed, to make my family proud, to not waste opportunities they sacrificed for. But deep down, I struggled to believe in myself. I often felt like I had to prove my worth, like I was always catching up. Read more>>
Andrew Dengate
The uniqueness that you are made fun of and bullied for, will be what you are celebrated for later in life. Lean into it, nobody wants another copy. Read more>>
Lacey Vandermeer
Yes, I have almost given up. My confidence has been shattered. But here’s the truth — I allowed external validation to define how I saw myself. I also recognize I didn’t always surround myself with people who encouraged growth. That’s on me. When you’ve been around negativity long enough, it becomes normal. I’m changing that. I know I have a great eye. Read more>>
Naomi Barnes
Yes, absolutely. Very recently, actually, at a prior employer. I had felt so burnt out and overlooked because I showed up everyday, I did the work at every capacity, I committed to pushing myself beyond limits and fears, I got up every day regardless of what everything else looked like and I saw no reward. No applause. No cheering. Read more>>
Polly Sanders-Peterson
Oh my God, yes! There have been many times in my life, both in business and personally, when I felt like I couldn’t go on. One particular instance was when I tried to sell my salon in 2004. I did all the right things: I found a person who wanted to buy a salon and set things up to ensure her success. Read more>>
Courtney Anderson
Dozens. Hundreds, probably. Moving my business to Colorado (from Oregon) has been one of my biggest struggles to date, and while I know a lot of the road blocks could have been avoided and are likely a result of my own negligence, it still felt exhausting and never ending. Read more>>
Kelsey Kelly
Building and developing my staging team has been one of my most rewarding accomplishments. While I may have led the process, the success of our work is a direct reflection of the team’s talent, collaboration, and high standards. I’m deeply appreciative of their dedication and the pride they take in every project—we wouldn’t be where we are without them. Read more>>
Fatima Alhexia Boylen
What I’m most proud of creating that nobody sees is the culture of dignity and respect I nurture every day. Behind the scenes at Boylen Cleaning Services, I focus not just on maintaining clean spaces but on how people feel within them, including my team, our clients, and the wider community. Read more>>
Ben Atkinson
I’m most proud of building our team. We have been through a lot together and have stepped up and delivered over and over again, even in some very difficult circumstances. They continue to impress me with their commitment, curiosity, and work ethic. Having them in my corner gives me the confidence to go after lofty goals and know that we can achieve them together. Read more>>
Brittany Walker
I hope people will share that I was sincere and honest in my work and in my personal life too. I have always been drawn to creating art with subject matters of authenticity and reality. I think that’s what people can relate to so I always hope that’s the mark that will be left within my art. Read more>>
Lauren H. Kerstein
I hope people will tell others that I always did my best to support friends, colleagues, family… everyone. I hope I helped people feel good about themselves and their work. If I helped someone feel worthy and seen who might not have felt that way without our interaction, then I lived the life I wanted to live. Read more>>
Marc Lohse
My closest friends would say that my family, serving at our church, and friends are what really matters to me. Also, it really matters to me that I am encouraging my employees and helping them grow personally and professionally. Read more>>
Danilo Habusmel
I stopped hiding my pain the moment I realized it wasn’t a weakness — it was information. For years, I carried my story quietly, thinking that surviving was something you did in silence.Read more>>
Jen Hosey
There have been a few stages where we worked so hard and truly poured everything into the design. And when the homeowner and realtor walked in, they were completely speechless. Seeing that reaction is honestly the best feeling. One that stands out was a stage we did for Mikaela Shiffrin. Read more>>
Mallory Smith
I LOVE to dance and I’d say I am actually currently tap dancing to work! This has been quite an exciting season over at Castlehouse Videography! As a newer entrepreneur, there were an incredible amount of new skills in the first year or so. Read more>>
Lynn Hurley
That’s an interesting question. I try to live deeply, as superficiality has never held much appeal for me. One of my favorite lines by Anaïs Nin is, I must be a mermaid, I have no fear of depths and a great fear of shallow living. Read more>>
Jamie Bovay
I’m going to answer this for our patients: In our program, the immediate wins are the ‘engine tuning’ you’ll feel within the first three months—better energy, stabilized blood sugar, and the elimination of those nagging structural leaks that have been holding you back. Read more>>
Jeff Wilson
I am going to answer to questions at once here. The other question I debated on answering was “What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?” Both really deep and meaningful questions. There was a woman I dated and almost married. In a nutshell, she seemed like no one I had ever dated before. Read more>>
Katherine Rose Woller
I used to think that the only way to “win” was to follow the logical, rational, efficient way of being. To lean into the masculine, tactical manner of decision-making and follow my head, even when my gut would tell me to take a different path. I was so committed to this belief that I almost married the wrong man. Read more>>
Lydia Stern
The value I protect at all costs is the belief that all love matters and every person deserves a place where they truly belong. In the wedding industry, there is often a ‘standard’ of what love should look like, but we reject that entirely. We believe everyone has the inherent right to live—and celebrate—the life they desire. Read more>>
Nora Fierman
My customers. Anyone who interacts with Neve (ne-vay), whether they walk by a booth, taste the product, or engage with a post on Instagram. I’m constantly trying to understand why. What did they think of the flavor and texture, why they chose to spend their hard-earned dollars on Neve, what they don’t like or wish were different. Read more>>
