Through the work we do we are incredibly fortunate to find and learn about so many incredible local artists, creatives and entrepreneurs. Their stories, the lessons that they’ve learned and the legacies they are building inspire us beyond words. Below, we have highlighted a few of those amazing folks and we hope you’ll check out their stories and their responses to some of the fundamental questions the help form the foundation of our lives and careers.
Sade Bassan
I feel called to fully step into my vision and make Black Girl EDU a reality. What started as a fun project for my master’s degree exhibition at The University of Tampa, quickly turned into something bigger than I could have imagined. For a long time, fear of failure and self-doubt held me back from taking that leap. Read more>>
Joi Jetson
I launched the Claws x Code podcast because I kept having these deep conversations with designers and software builders—the kind where you’re both tapping furiously in Figma while solving problems in real time. Body doubling, but public. Each episode felt like inviting people into those late-night creative sessions where the best ideas happen. The technical quality? Read more>>
Brittany Ward
This is a double-edged sword. For every experience in my life that has hurt, there’s been immense learning and growth. I can firmly say that I am grateful for each and every fumble and injury. Read more>>
Kimberly Park
I stopped hiding my pain when I recognized that our NICU journey had given me both insight and responsibility. What began as a deeply personal experience evolved into a commitment to lead, advocate, and create change. Read more>>
Dawn Molina
I had to “bet the company” when I made the decision to walk away from a traditional clinic model and transition into a concierge physician and solo health consultant. At the time, I was a clinic owner, educator, and employer, mentoring interns and care providers. Read more>>
Natalie Kulka
Create in large volumes. I think that I have historically had a habit of being a bit of a ‘perfectionist’ with the music I create, and what I ultimately release and share. I’m slowly starting to break out of my shell and put out more music and content that is less ‘perfect’ in my eyes but more honest. Read more>>
Skylear Sanchez
Success without struggle has no value. You won’t hold onto it if you don’t know what it feels like to fight for it. I’ve faced my share: growing up without much, moving from Puerto Rico as a kid, living in a shelter with my mom and sisters, losing it all more than once, even starting over after leaving for the Navy. Read more>>
Aixa E. Fretts Mulero
I believe I am doing what I was born to do. As a psychologist, my work is an extension of who I am listening deeply, leading with empathy, and understanding human behavior in a meaningful way. While there were expectations along the way, I chose a path that aligns with my values and purpose. Read more>>
YAZMING ROSS
For a long time, I was afraid of my own voice—of fully being myself and standing confidently in what I know and create. I’ve always had a deep love for art in all its forms, whether through music, painting, or photography. The passion was always there, but I never felt fully bloomed or completely comfortable claiming that space. Read more>>
