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.
Rickale West
Absolutely. I believe anyone can feel fulfillment from doing their work well, but praise has never been my ultimate goal. For me, impact has always been, and will always be the driving mission. Read more>>
Joanne Tang
Fads in the salon industry are quick trends that come and go, like certain nail designs or temporary product crazes, often driven by social media buzz. Foundational shifts, however, are lasting changes that improve how salons operate and serve clients, such as the growing focus on health-conscious products or personalized customer experiences. Read more>>
Tanya Guadalupe Hernandez
If I could talk to my younger Tanya, I would tell her as I tell my daughter and every young girl in my chair: prioritize God, fill your life with self-love, trust your journey, and remember you can be anything you want if you step up and knock on the doors. You got this, sweet Wonder Woman. Read more>>
Diane Gremmel
I would tell my younger self that my interesting perspectives were not a curse, but a gift. Each of us is born with many gifts, and the most important thing that we can do is value those gifts. Do not hide your light under a bushel! I would tell myself that the more you value yourself, the less other people’s judgements will matter. Read more>>
Ali Kizginyurek
f I had just ten years, I wouldn’t stop working — I’d stop doubting. I’d stop wasting time on things that don’t serve my art or my relationships. Read more>>
Elise Bynum
If I retired tomorrow, I think my customers would miss the personalized care and attention I bring to everything I do. In my beauty business, that’s the way I take the time to understand their style, preferences, and confidence goals, and create a look that truly makes them feel their best. Read more>>
Briana Coursey
Yes, there were times I almost gave up, especially as a young mom balancing survival with dreams. There were days I felt buried by responsibility and doubt, wondering if my vision was too big for where I came from. But giving up would have meant my sons never saw what was possible, and I refused to let that be their story. Read more>>
Bree Drayden
Ha! In keeping with the theme of this story and for this interview, I’m almost embarrassed to say that it was: ‘Sewing isn’t fun. It’s boring & quilting is for old people.’ This can’t be further from the truth and what I believe today! Read more>>
Kirstin & David Hebert
David and I both grew up believing that success meant going to college, getting a “good” job, working that job for decades, and then finally having the freedom to enjoy life. Over time, we realized that true freedom isn’t something you postpone—it’s about creating a life that allows you to be fully present and to do the things that matter most, every day. Read more>>
Matthew Bertram
The biggest misconception about my work is that EWR Digital is just “the SEO guys.” That label may have fit years ago, but it misses the point of where we are today. If we stayed in that box, we’d already be irrelevant. Search is no longer just about Google rankings—it’s about visibility in decision systems. Read more>>
Sarah Bowden
I think each of us is fighting a battle everyday that not many openly talk about. Depression, grief, regret, and fear are things I know I struggle with daily and often keep to myself because there’s a lot of stigma involved with these topics. We live in a social media based world where appearances are everything. Read more>>
Dani Sade
I believe many people quietly struggle with issues such as authenticity, depression, envy, and accountability. In today’s world, it’s easy to put on a façade and present a version of yourself that fits the moment, rather than being transparent about who you truly are or what you may be going through. Read more>>
Joe Carbajal
I think what people may misunderstand about my legacy is that it’s not about plumbing itself — it’s about people. The vans, the buildings, the revenue goals, those are just tools. What I want to be remembered for is creating opportunities: building a company where employees could grow, families could be supported, and customers could trust us without hesitation. Read more>>
Kimberly Lewis
Wow, that’s such a powerful question. Growing up as a pastor’s daughter, I was raised in ministry with a heart for God, but I often felt torn. On one hand, I was expected to do what a “good Christian girl” was told to do. Read more>>
Chauncey Kochel
A normal day for me is what I like to call organized chaos. I usually start by getting ready for work and heading to my studio, where I prepare for my client and manage the daily responsibilities of running a business. Most of my days are dedicated to working closely with one client for 6–8 hours. Read more>>
Joe Navarro
A normal day for me starts early—I’m usually up before the sun, checking emails and making sure the schedule for the day is tight. Once my crew and I are out in the field, it’s all about installations, maintenance, and service calls. Read more>>
Alex Rodriguez
For me, a normal day entails waking up at around 6:45AM to start my day as a senior at Strake Jesuit College Preparatory. Typically, I am actually studying more than sitting inside a classroom listening to a teacher lecture – this is because Strake is a college preparatory school. Read more>>
Loana Hernandez
Lately, what’s been bringing me the most joy outside of work is painting sacred art and offering those pieces as donations to parishes. I didn’t go into it thinking about what I might gain—it was simply an act of service and prayer. But in the process, I’ve found something so meaningful: it brought me back to art in its purest form. Read more>>
Trisha Stetzel
The story I hope people tell about me when I am gone is that I lived a life of service, integrity, and love. I want to be remembered as someone who gave more than she took, who poured into people with empathy and accountability, and who believed deeply in the potential of others. Read more>>
Brittany Harris
I want people to say I created a place where kids grew up learning courage, teamwork, and resilience. I want people to say that those lessons stayed with them long after their cheer days were over. That I didn’t just run a gym, I built a second home where people felt loved, safe, challenged, and supported. Read more>>
Lauren Turney
A moment that really shaped how I see the world was the first time I photographed a wedding where things didn’t go exactly as planned, with weather, late starts, and stressed timelines. But, in the middle of all the chaos, the couple was completely present with each other. They laughed and cried together, and embraced the imperfections with so much love and joy. Read more>>
Allison Craig
Honestly, it’s how little they actually want to be in photos, but how deeply they want to exist in them. Most of our clients are moms who would rather hide behind the camera because they don’t feel ready, but at the same time they’re the heartbeat of their family’s story. Read more>>
Jojo Trumbly
I was diagnosed with Bipolar disorder when I was 22, and for a long time I let it define me. I used it as an excuse instead of a tool. Over time, I realized I could shift that perspective. Read more>>
Minely Carmona
I feel most at peace when I am fully connected to my ancestors, spirit, my heart, and the Earth. When all the parts of me come into alignment under the moon, at my altar, basking in sunlight, doing tarot readings, I create magic. In those moments, I remember who I am and why I walk this path. Read more>>
amari franks
I would have to say my sisters, i’m the youngest of 2 older sisters and they have always supported me through every phase of my life no matter if it was a temporary phase they showed up and out for me every time. Read more>>
Mary Bass
I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by strong women my whole life. My Grandma Mary showed me the value of grit and feeding people with love. My Aunt Bunny taught me resilience and that no job is beneath you if it gets the work done. Read more>>
