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.
Angellina Lucciola
I can honestly say I was born to do this. What I do now isn’t just my full-time job—it’s my dream job, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I’ve worked hard throughout my life to get here, and I’m a firm believer that we create our own reality—I did just that. Read more>>
Kim Bush
I am doing what I was born to do for sure. Loving people and never meeting a stranger is the way God made me. My up bringing and circumstances helped, but my abilities are God given. It has been my desire to grow and perfect my abilities accordingly. Read more>>
Kasey Croteau
Patience — everything happens for a reason. Success takes time, but if you stay focused on your goals and work hard, the challenges will be worth it Read more>>
Emma Simkin
In my current stage of life, I’m being called to embrace change—and to let my dreams, goals, and desires guide the direction of my business. In the past, I thought pivoting meant I was failing, like I wasn’t consistent enough to be a “real” business owner. But I’ve realized my business isn’t separate from me; it’s meant to grow with me. Read more>>
Tony Hernandez Pumarejo
To surrender my life to the Lord and to do his will. To not be afraid of who I truly am. Read more>>
Deanna Davoli
I am incredibly proud of the creative business I have built over the past 18 years selling my art. Although I don’t have formal education in business or marketing, I have learned firsthand how to manage my website, produce video content for social media, design booth layouts, craft my brand, and create nearly 99% of the products I sell. Read more>>
Christina Harcar
When I was younger, I believed that my worth and my identity were tied to what I could do, what people thought about me, and what I was good at or not good at. As I grew older, I also gave power to my peers, teachers, and coaches to tell me who I was. Read more>>
Richard Lack
Wake up 7:30-8:00AM Coffee 8:05 – 8:30AM 9:00 – 10:00AM – Open lap top while simultaneously on my phone start checking emails, check order status, follow up on collabs, strategize photoshoots, add new products, work on graphics etc. Around 10:00 I start getting ready for my day job as a server at Cali – St. Read more>>
Eric Hollaway
Losing my parents a week apart in 2024 was the defining wound. It felt like my foundation dropped out from under me. I lost my appetite for making anything, my voice went quiet, and for a while, I stepped back from posting and performing. Grief didn’t show up as tears so much as silence. Read more>>
Marina Nuñez Melvin
I hope people will say that I was kind – that I led with compassion and made those around me feel seen and valued. I want to be remembered as someone who cherished her family above all else, who pursued her dreams wholeheartedly but never at the expense of her integrity or the well being of others. Read more>>
Christy Camper
I want to be remembered for my sense of humor, wisdom, passion, resourcefulness, and my desire to always learn something new. I would like to leave my loved ones feeling loved, valued, and with lots of fun stories to tell! Read more>>
Jovannie Faricien
For me, it’s the need for perfection. When I started V-Forever Cosmetics, I wanted everything to be flawless every product, every launch, every post. That drive pushed me to create high-quality formulas and a strong brand identity, and I’m grateful for it. But over time, I realized perfection can also hold you back. It can stop you from experimenting, innovating, and truly connecting with people. Read more>>
Aileen Bernuy
The part of me that believed I had to constantly work, say yes to everything and prove my worth through over commitment. That version of me helped get me to where I am but its not longer who I need to be. I have released that part with gratitude and choose to protect my time, energy and boundaries with intention and care. Read more>>
Suzie Hayes
My closest friends would say that what matters most to me is kindness, connection, and doing things with intention. I care deeply about the energy I bring into a space and how I make others feel, whether it’s people or animals. I believe in treating everyone with respect and in building things that come from the heart, not the ego. Read more>>
Ashley Parker
I’m dedicated to creating effective beauty formulas and services that make self-care affordable. My goal is to help people look and feel their best while saving time and money. I believe beauty and confidence shouldn’t cost a lot. Everyone deserves products and services that genuinely fit their lifestyle, regardless of their budget. It’s a long-term mission, but I am passionate about seeing it through. Read more>>
Kayla White
The project I’m most committed to is creating a space that blends beauty, health, and wellness into one transformative experience. Koko Marie Beauty started with brows and makeup, but my long-term vision is an entire wellness center that offers beauty services alongside healing practices. A place where people can care for their skin, body, and spirit all in one sanctuary. Read more>>
Jafet Centeno
For me, integrity is the most important because that’s what everything else builds on. I can be the smartest photographer and have all the energy in the world, but if I don’t keep my word to clients or if I’m not honest about my pricing, none of that matters. My Christian faith teaches me that integrity isn’t just good business—it’s who I’m called to be. Read more>>
Ozzy Naranjo
I believe integrity is more important than intelligence and/or energy. Although intelligence and energy are both very important, integrity prioritizes morals, principles, and good faith. A person with true integrity has good/pure intentions ONLY, while those without integrity are more likely to act maliciously. I’d rather have teammates with high integrity and no intelligence/energy than teammates with high intelligence/energy and no integrity. Read more>>
Stephanie Johnson
My husband. From the very beginning, he’s believed in my creativity, my drive, and my ability to handle challenges—even before I fully believed in myself. He’s the one who encouraged me to open my own business, and I did it during the height of COVID. Read more>>
Courtney King
When I was a little girl, I was so incredibly introverted, but I wanted to show others how much they matter even at such a young age. Being so shy, I often was left out of things or just not noticed at all, and even though it was of my own doing, it still felt very lonely. Read more>>
ANNA KHITA
I tap dance to work every single day because I absolutely love what I do — not just for the artistry, but for the life-changing impact it has on my clients. Every appointment is an opportunity to transform not only appearance, but confidence, self-worth, and spirit. Read more>>
Kate Gausche
Absolutely! I get that tap-dancing feeling anytime someone commissions a project that’s outside my comfort zone. It’s that mix of “can I really pull this off?” and “let’s find out!” that gets my heart racing. My brain jumps straight into research mode, gathering ideas and figuring out how to make it happen. Read more>>
Jessica Muylle
Yes, I’m very self driven. I don’t need others to tell me I did something well to feel accomplished. I find praise in knowing what I offer the world helps people. I am living my dream which is to help others recognize and express their own creative power and connect with others. Read more>>
De Johnea Thorpe
If Immortality Were Real, What Would You Build? If immortality were real, I’d build something that lasts far beyond trends or time—a creative empire rooted in art, fashion, and community. I’d create a space where people are free to be themselves—where artists, designers, musicians, and makers can come together to create, learn, and grow. Read more>>
Angelika Kollin
I would never again open social media. I would no longer give my time to anyone I don’t feel a genuine connection or curiosity toward. I would stop feeding my mind with the constant noise of the news. I would never postpone expressing my feelings to the people I love. I would tell them, again and again, how much they mean to me. Read more>>
Dennis Hartin
Working hard to solve for a meaningful mental health solution, bringing communities back together. We are the most isolated and lonely population in history. All of the current mental health tools are reactionary. We have a prevention tool called C.A.R.E. Champion Community, which educates the general population on simple tools to facilitate meaningful conversations. Read more>>
Christy Maldonado
I’m building my consulting aspect of the business now and it’s already produced fruit. I’m also investing in philanthropy. I invest my time in organizations that fill a need and feed my soul. Down the road, all of these efforts will blossom into something beautiful and fulfilling! Read more>>
Melissa Barnes
I think what’s most misunderstood about my business is that it’s not just about the photos—it’s about the connection. The connection you have with your loved ones, and the connection I build with you as your photographer. People don’t always realize how attached we can become; at least for me, I carry those moments with me. Read more>>
Christina Kachanovsky
What most people might misunderstand about my legacy is that I wasn’t just a housewife, homemaker, or homeschool mom. I was a storyteller — a creative who found beauty in everyday life. I loved writing, creating, and spending hours editing videos that captured real moments and turned them into something meaningful. Read more>>
Stacey Kensinger
I think people might misunderstand my legacy by assuming I always had the resources, connections, or easy opportunities to succeed. In reality, I grew up with limited options and a rough start that taught me resilience early on. My path to building In Home Senior Fitness wasn’t about shortcuts—it was about hard work, discipline, and a clear vision. Read more>>
Vanity Barr-Little
An important truth that very few people agree with me on is that most people don’t actually have the capacity they think they do. We live in a world conditioned by flattery and empty encouragement—messages meant to manipulate, not empower. Then they meet someone like me, someone who believes in discipline, accountability, and doing the work, and it’s a shock. Read more>>
Angie Soul
Chaos. Pure (organized) chaos. Lol. I’m a wife to a well known Tampa artist. Momma to a very active (almost) 4-year old. Head of HR in an international company, and if life isn’t hectic enough, I’m a content creator. My mornings are focused around my daughter and making sure she gets to daycare on time. Read more>>
Sylvia Stephens
This question always makes me emotional, yet thankful. I remember being in the most confused, wilderness place of my life when this woman entered. I remember walking earth, smiling, indulging and just being the best me that I could during that time. Read more>>
Carmona B.
That beauty has power. That presence is everything. That how you make people feel is just as important as what you create. These are truths I’ve carried quietly but deeply, from the way I design events and spaces, to the way I show up for people. Read more>>
MICHAEL MAIELLO
My mom. I lost her suddenly in February of this year, and she was the greatest example of character I’ve ever known. She never said a bad word about anyone. She never gossiped or entertained negativity. She brought joy wherever she went and treated everyone with kindness and respect, no matter their beliefs or background. Read more>>
