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.
Emily Marshall
I always strive to be the real version of myself in public and in private. I don’t like the idea of masking one’s personality in order to blend in with those around them. Being true to yourself and being you is extremely important in life. Read more>>
Emijaa Jaaemil
Yes… besides putting on makeup lol… who you see is who I am… I’m a mom, business owner, daughter, auntie, friend… I try to remain as authentic as I can… you don’t reach your true potential being a fraud! Read more>>
Taylor Talley
Suffering has taught me the slogan of my brand: ‘Find comfort in the uncomfortable.’ Suffering can be painful, but it also holds great value in our lives. There’s what I call the ‘bad’ suffering, which is what most people think of first – suffering that cannot have any positive outcome. Read more>>
Myunique C. Green
As a kid, I used to believe that where I came from would always define where I was going. I grew up in poverty, and that came with a lot of insecurities; feeling like “more” just wasn’t meant for me. But at some point, I decided I wanted more for myself, not more of the same. That shift changed everything. Read more>>
Renda Hoang
The first 90 minutes of my day are my favorite—it’s the calm before the storm. We homeschool three of our kids (ages 15, 11, and 6), so once they’re up, the house is full of energy. But before that, I get a little window of peace. Read more>>
Joe Treviño
As small business owners, one of the blessings we truly value is having the ability to design the flow of our workday. The first 90 minutes always begin with a cup of coffee and prayer, which centers us and sets the right tone for the day. From there, we move into a focused discussion about our business—reviewing priorities, goals, and upcoming projects. Read more>>
Ondrea Spearman
What I understand deeply — and what most people don’t — is that real change happens at the level of identity. It’s not just about following a plan or hitting a number; it’s about emotionally connecting to the person you want to become and constantly considering your “future you” with every choice you make. Read more>>
Michael D. Tidwell
I am committed to creating music that reaches the highest level of recognition, with the goal of winning a GRAMMY in the ambient music category. This isn’t just about an award; it’s about the journey of fully realizing my creative vision and sharing immersive, emotional soundscapes that truly move people. Every composition, collaboration, and performance I take on is part of that pursuit. Read more>>
Alex Noll
Getting fired from the dealership. I was at the top—highest paid, most efficient tech in a shop of forty. I was in my prime, crushing it. But politics got in the way. Another tech went to HR over a technicality, and just like that—I was out. No warning. No discussion. Just gone. Read more>>
Shayla Pellerin
I stopped hiding my pain and started using it as power when I realized that silence wasn’t helping me heal—it was only keeping me stuck. For a long time, I carried my struggles quietly, thinking it made me strong to just push through. Read more>>
Evelyn Hernandez
Yes! I can honestly say I’m always excited for every session I schedule. Photography is truly my passion and I feel so lucky that what I do never really feels like ‘work’. The saying ‘you’ll never work a day in your life if you love your job’ couldn’t be more true for me. Read more>>
Natalia Salivia
Yes, there have been times when I’ve been glad I didn’t act fast. I’ve learned that rushing into something you’re not fully prepared for can do more harm than good. Waiting gives you the chance to think clearly, make stronger decisions, and approach opportunities with confidence instead of desperation. That mindset has been key in building Ultimate Prospect. Read more>>
Glenia Aguiar
If we set aside our names, role, and possessions, what would remain are the things that truly define our beliefs— ou families, real friends, the knowledge we’ve gained, the experiences that shaped us, and the memories of the life we’ve lived. Those are the treasures no title or material thing can replace, and they are what guide us forward. We all agreed with this! Read more>>
Kristin Jones-Coyle
I think my clients would miss my artistry and passion for service and makeup. I adore what I do and I’m often told that it’s evident in the way I service them! I am an artist that is serious about her craft and I want my clients to love our experience together always! Read more>>
Sabrina Miller kimble
I think they would miss the engagement. Me walking up to them smiling telling them how good it is to see them. Read more>>
Jay Ariean
I feel like I am ultimately chasing innate freedom and expression. Music is the only thing that makes me feel truly understood and heard in this world. Societal pressures and expectations can feel so suffocating, especially with the political climate our country is in at the moment. Read more>>
Melody Stevens
“ I’m working on creating a tiny home community. We’re taking existing mobile home frames and transforming them into beautiful, functional homes with traditional house specs. Mobile homes have historically carried a stigma as low-income housing, even though they’ve always represented ownership and independence. My goal is to change that perception. Read more>>
Cane Webster
Self destruction. It’s a hard but beautiful thing as it helps me get to really know myself. It’s a battle I feel a lot of people go through, especially nowadays. It’s hard to feel confident in yourself sometimes when you don’t see success immediately, but if you can overcome and learn from it, you’re growing stronger and becoming an even better version of yourself. Read more>>
Antwaun Banks
I believe what breaks the bonds between people is often fear, mistrust, and the absence of opportunity. I know this personally—growing up in the projects, I saw how cycles of poverty and hopelessness could create division within families, neighbors, and entire communities. When pride, ego, or a lack of honest communication get in the way, relationships begin to fracture. Read more>>
Isaac Garcia
I believe that everything we do carries an energy that reaches further than we realize. The kindness we show, the effort we put in, even the struggles we go through — they ripple out into the world in ways we may never see. I can’t prove it, but I believe our actions, big or small, leave a mark that lives beyond us. Read more>>
Dusti Grassmann
I think what is misunderstood about our shop is that it’s like every other tattoo shop out there. When we decided to open this shop, we wanted it to be different by not only it being a welcoming environment for everyone but also art forward. Read more>>
LaWanda Lewis Burrell
SUSU Entertainment LLC is a book writing and publishing company. It was founded by DeMorris and LaWanda Burrell on January 10, 2021. Together this husband and wife team brings books to life and capture its precious moments through words. We are passionate and uphold a standard of integrity, honesty, fairness and personal responsibility. Read more>>
TONY MARRON
WE LIVE IN A CULTURE WHERE PRICE DETERMINES IF YOU ARE GONNA EAT THERE. WE USE QUALITY FOOD & INGREDIENTS SO THE COST FACTOR IS ALOT HIGHER. CUSTOMERS THINK ITS JUST A BURGER & FRIES BUT DONT REALIZE WHAT IT COST TO MAKE IT TASTE SO GOOD. I CAN MAKE A CHEAPER BURGER BUT THEN I WOULD HAVE TO EAT IT. Read more>>
Nicole Shelton
We think one of the biggest misconceptions about our business is that we are just another place to get makeup done. At Glam Life Beauty Bar, we specialize in full face makeovers that are completely customized to each client. We do not create cookie-cutter looks. Read more>>
Olga Bachilo, MD, FACS
I think many people secretly struggle with self-confidence and the pressure to always appear put together, but they rarely admit it. In our culture, there is a lot of emphasis on looking effortlessly beautiful or youthful, and that can create unrealistic expectations. Read more>>
Cornelius Anthony
That I built this just for myself. The truth is, everything I’m doing is for my parents, my kids, and my wife. I wanted to create something they could see and be proud of—whether they ever decide to join the family business or not. For me, Serene Champagne Selections is a living testament that hard work and perseverance can take you far. Read more>>
Michelle Shattuck
Age = Expertise, being ‘young’ means you ‘don’t know’, in fact, age is irrelevant. I’ve been in many rooms and speaking engagements where I ask myself ‘What am I doing here?’ ‘Maybe there’s a better person out there for this’ it’s normal to feel this way and navigating those feelings is something that I still struggle with but continue to work on. Read more>>
Brett Hall
Is there such a thing as normal? Sure, I get up, have breakfast, read the comics and on Sundays we read the paper from end to end. But with all the chaos in the world and in our own country it seems there is no normalcy to be had. The news is overwhelming both here and abroad. Read more>>
Abrielle Brumit
No two days are exactly the same, but I try to keep a rhythm that supports both my business and my health! I usually start my mornings with a quick snack and some form of movement. Read more>>
Felisha Gray
I think the relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is…my relationship with myself. I am a firm believer that the number one most important relationship you have is the one you have with yourself. Your relationship with yourself is the only one that is 100% guaranteed to be with you until the end of time. Read more>>
Segura Nino
My relationship with my children shaped how I see myself today as acting as a mirror for self-reflection. The decisions that I make in life are very important because I know whatever decisions I make will influence my children’s behavior, mood and self-worth. I am thankful that my kids helped shaped how I see myself, it help me grow and transition into a better woman. Read more>>
LaDonna Sherwood
My mother and my grandmother made me who I am. The confidence, enthusiasm, and perseverance people see in me came from watching how they moved through the world and listening to what they taught me. My grandma’s mantra was, “Nothing beats a failure but a try.” She meant you’ve already lost if you don’t make the effort. Read more>>
Ashley Guan
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was in the second grade. I received so many compliments and recognition from my teacher and the guest speaker that day. We had a project to create an advertisement and I was the only one without a partner. However, they praised my work for being the most creative. Read more>>
Karina Rodil
I think the only thing I would ever regret is not believing big enough in the vision I had for Le Corps. When I started this journey in Houston, I wanted to create a space where beauty and confidence could come together a place where people felt seen, heard, and cared for. Read more>>
Katy Nguyen
When I look back at my early 20s, I regret not being messy. Everything had to be clean, perfect, and gray. Now, in my 30s, I think of color. I think of fun. I’m way more tired, but that’s because I’m throwing it all in, like mixing all the Play-Doh colors (I know, I know). Read more>>
Katherine White
Humor and Black joy are cultural values I protect at all costs. Black people are innately funny, and our ability to laugh, even in the hardest moments, is a form of resilience that amazes me. For too long, our joy has been dismissed, threatened, or treated as a threat. Yet we continue to create humor, art, music, and culture that influences the world. Read more>>
Charlinie Ragoonanan
The cultural value I protect at all costs is connection. I was born and raised not only in Trinidad and Tobago but in a Hindu household, where kindness, respect and community were everything. Those values shaped me and they’re still the foundation of who I am today. Connection is the reason I am where I am now. Read more>>
Dani
I’ve learned that my customers genuinely love color and variety more than I expected. They’re drawn to pieces that come in multiple shades because it gives them the freedom to choose what fits their mood, style, or occasion. When I released my last item in six different colors, many customers didn’t just pick one, they purchased the same design in multiple shades. Read more>>
Nikki Kaeswith
What always surprises me during our initial conversations is the depth and uniqueness of each client’s journey — how their experiences, decisions, and vision have shaped where they are today. Even in a brief call, I often uncover stories and insights that reveal the essence of who they are and what their brand truly represents. Read more>>
Kathy Thomas
The most surprising thing I’ve learned from my customers is how much small details matter. Sometimes what feels minor to me—a follow-up message, remembering their child’s name, or adding a fun twist to a lesson—ends up being what they talk about the most. Read more>>
Gabriela Klerian
For a long time, I believed that as an artist, I had to have a clear idea of exactly what I wanted to paint before I even started, a vision of what the final piece should look like. I didn’t allow myself to get lost in the process or embrace uncertainty. I thought not knowing was a weakness. Read more>>
Jelicia Lloyd
I feel smart people today have lost the think outside of the box mentality. Think they have gotten so fixed on things that can be proven that sometimes they miss the opportunity to explore the new things that are waiting to be discovered. Read more>>
Lolita Guarin
I think a lot of smart, successful people are getting it wrong by treating stress like a badge of honor. They believe being ‘busy’ and running on burnout means they’re important, productive, or needed. In reality, it’s costing them their health, relationships, and joy. True success doesn’t come from pushing harder—it comes from learning how to manage stress, set boundaries, and protect your energy. Read more>>
Courtney Stephens
I’ve recently been binging Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team on Paramount+, and surprisingly, I’ve learned a lot from it. Kelly Finglass (DCC Senior Director and Brand Manager) and Judy Trammel (DCC Head Choreographer) run a very different kind of business than mine, but there are striking similarities. In my world, I run a bootcamp-style training program for professionals. Read more>>
Makia Golliday
Yes, I would hire me. I would hire myself because I am a professional, personable, and punctual individual. I put my heart and soul into everything I do. I believe in client satisfaction and never want to leave them with regret when utilizing my services. I strive to maintain a respectful atmosphere from inquiry to execution and beyond. Read more>>
Amiee Cacolice
Why Hire Us? We bring a unique combination of experience, quality, and exceptional customer service to every session. Whether you’re a real estate agent looking to showcase a listing or a professional needing standout branding portraits, we’re here to help you shine. It’s not just about taking photos — it’s about capturing exactly what you’re looking for. Read more>>
Constance Smith
I would definitely hire myself! The reason I would hire myself is that I truly love photography and have a genuine passion for the craft. When someone has a genuine passion for something, they are more likely to put their true heart and soul into it because they genuinely love what they’re doing, so it doesn’t feel like work. Read more>>
