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.
Petra Lopez
Suffering taught me how strong I actually am — not in a loud way, but in the quiet, steady way of getting up and doing the next right thing even when everything hurts. Success didn’t teach me that. Hard moments taught me compassion, patience, and how to truly understand what other people might be carrying. Read more>>
Angelo Martin
Suffering taught me that success doesn’t give a damn about your suffering. Suffering for something u want is almost necessary but it doesn’t have to always be a bad thing. We are made to be great under pressure. I believe it brings out the best of our soulful natures. Read more>>
Sierra Alston
My business wasn’t handed down to me I didn’t grow up in this industry. Everything I’ve built came from trial, error, and persistence. I’ve made a lot of money and lost a lot along the way, but every setback sharpened my focus, strengthened my character, and reminded me that growth comes from grit, not comfort. Read more>>
Jon Marie Weaver-Rogers
My father saw me clearly before I could see myself. He recognized my potential, strength, and purpose long before I fully understood them. Where I saw uncertainty, he saw promise. He spoke life into my dreams, pushed me to rise higher, and reminded me that faith and hard work could take me anywhere. Read more>>
Arely Fonseca
Luis Miranda saw something in me long before I ever saw it in myself. He pushed me, guided me, and loved me through every stage of my growth. He believed in my craft wholeheartedly. I always admired his talent, yet he was the one who reacted with awe at my work, making me feel special and seen. Read more>>
Beauté Harleaux
My late aunt, Michelle Cummings. She believed in me long before I fully believed in myself. In high school, she was the only one who supported my dreams and allowed my to style hair in her extra den. In hair school, she was my only model even when if I just did her hair the week before. She would still show up for me. Read more>>
Mauricia Banks
Am I living the life I was born to live, or the one I was told to live? Ironically, I’m doing neither. No one directed me to the kitchen; I chose to become a chef after seeking direction through prayer. It’s a skill I’ve developed and mastered, it’s a source of both comfort and stability. Read more>>
Scarlett Islas
For me, walking a path and wandering aren’t opposites — they’re part of the same journey. When I was younger, I believed life had to follow a strict set of milestones. The career. The titles. The financial abundance. The perfect timeline. I was always ten steps ahead in ten different directions, trying to figure out which version of success I was supposed to chase. Read more>>
Michael Okruhlik
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be this: dream bigger. Read more>>
Francesca Bonaduce De Nigris
Yes, absolutely. Authenticity is very important to me. I try to show up the same way in my personal and professional life—with honesty, curiosity, and respect for others. What you see publicly is a true reflection of who I am: someone passionate about design, craftsmanship, and meaningful connections. Read more>>
Courtney Lindsay
The biggest lies in my industry are that it easy and everyone can do it. This couldn’t be further from the truth because to be honest most people have the stomach for the stress that comes with the business. After nine years of warring in the food service space; I’m just now to a point that I can somewhat relax. Read more>>
Deseria Denell
One of the biggest lies the film and entertainment industry tells itself is that success is defined solely by scale—big budgets, celebrity names, and box office numbers. This mindset often overlooks the power of independent storytelling and the impact of authentic, community-driven narratives. True success lies in connection, not just visibility. Another common illusion is that creativity thrives only within established systems or gatekeepers. Read more>>
Rakendra Wyatt
Leadership, I’ve learned that The Most High God has plans ordained for our lives. When he calls you to do something, It’s best to jump out on faith knowing that he will provide the path! My steps are ordered by My Heavenly Father soon I just follow and he has made my path straight and prosperous. Read more>>
Alfred Castillo
I am a Civil Engineer by trade. That was the result of my love and interest in math and science. I didn’t like writing. I would find myself enjoying hours of solving calculus and physics problems rather than writing English/History essays/reports. Fast forward nearly 30 years later, I have discovered an addiction for writing, not for a grade, but as a calling. Read more>>
David Campo
Taking a cruise. I still tend to bring my work with me, but it’s nice to sit on a lounge chair overlooking the ocean with a good book just enveloped in the calmness of the passing waters. Read more>>
Monnyca Gammel
Slowing down and truly noticing life for what it is doesn’t come easily—especially for a child growing up as the world seemed to shift constantly. I spent much of my childhood trying to stay mentally organized, holding everything together and managing my thoughts—rarely allowing myself to pause and simply experience life as it was. Photography changed that. Read more>>
Rose Bruno Bailey
I get lost in the written word. Once my thoughts have a direction I can write for hours and not feel the passing of the time. When my muse is present, I’m totally focused on whatever I’m writing at the moment. When I first started writing it felt like Christmas morning each time I wrote something new. It’s in these moments I’m completely myself. Read more>>
Syed Mahmood
I’m fully committed to building the long-term reputation of my brand, Plum Olive. My vision is to offer exclusive, limited-quantity pieces but not in a way that’s only for luxury buyers. Some items will be premium, others will be affordable, and all will feel collectible because of their limited nature. Read more>>
Chelsea Fedigan
Painting while it rains, music playing, and my pets by my side or Walking barefoot on beach with my dogs listening to music Read more>>
Joyce R
Yes, actually—and it was a great reminder that trust matters more than speed. A Clear Lake area property manager of a multi-family unit reached out needing a quick turnover cleaning after a tenant move-out. We booked it quickly and sent one of our senior cleaners to handle it. I was so busy that week, and sent the invoice, then moved on with serving other customers. Read more>>
Ted Irving
If the shackles of mortality were suddenly lifted, granting an endless timeline for human development, the first thing I would build is not a monument or a palace, but the Digital Media Academy: a revolutionary, year-round school for 6th through 12th graders. This vision fundamentally embraces the infinite journey of learning, making the most of a truly endless existence. Read more>>
Kim Bruno
My faith, a fighter, a heart for justice, compassion born from within and experiences, perseverance, courage, and faith in possibility. Read more>>
Dena Simmons
I feel like people are often the ones who break the bonds between one another. We lose faith — in God, in ourselves, and in others. But I believe it’s God and our faith that can restore those bonds through reconciliation and acts of kindness. Read more>>
Miranda Arredondo
A normal day for me is waking up at 4 AM to be ready to Coach. My client starting at 5 AM. In between that I am running my children to school/mother duties, all while try to take care of my own mental/physical health . Read more>>
Gabriel Rice
The relationship I have with my Uncle Alex shaped how I see myself. Growing up my Uncle Alex was my hero in fact he still is. I looked up to him and everything that he was accomplishing. Seeing him make his dreams come true instilled the drive and determination in me that I could also make mine come true. Read more>>
Mo Ihekweazu
I think my definition of success has evolved over time. For a long while, I thought success meant making as much money as possible. I didn’t grow up with a lot, and that scarcity mindset lingered in the background of nearly everything I did. Read more>>
Danny Stygion
I’ve been learning how to work with synthesizers from my friend and musician, August Befort. August has been teaching me how to make synth music and work with self contained synthesizers and modular synthesizers. Read more>>
