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.
Jessica Adanich
This question really resonates with me! For much of my life, I made choices based on what I thought others or society expected of me—get this degree by this age, pursue that career, join these groups or boards, all because it seemed like the “right” thing to do. But those decisions weren’t always what I truly wanted. Read more>>
Dana Corrigan
A group of my students at the University of Tampa recently participated in the international 24-Hour Animation Competition. Listening to them brainstorm their ideas, collaborate, having fun and trying their best was such fun and gives me a sense of pride as an instructor! It also reminds me of back when I was a sleep-deprived artsy college student. Read more>>
Kate Moshika
I would tell my younger self to follow her heart a little more — and know that it’s okay. She’s going to be just fine, and everything will work out the way it’s meant to. Trust yourself, and care less about what others think. You are beautiful — and if someone can’t see it, that’s their blindness, not your flaw. Read more>>
Dex Davis
I would tell my younger self that it’s okay to put yourself first — not everyone has your best interest at heart. For a long time, I gave so much of myself trying to please others or prove my worth, but I’ve learned that protecting your peace and prioritizing your goals isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. Read more>>
Dylan Collado
Yes there is. Read more>>
Katelyn Dougherty, Esq.
Of course! At least once a week. The first three years of a new business are incredibly hard. I constantly questioned if I had the strength to do it for myself, after spending years building something for someone else. I’d experienced one of those moments where everything you’ve helped build suddenly disappears, and you’re left staring at the uncertainty of starting over. Read more>>
Michelle Diamond
Choosing every day to be a small business and keep going is a continuum. Every time I get a difficult client, every time fabric comes in late, and especially during tax time, I think about giving up. Then I take a minute or a day, and realize how very much I love what I do and how very grateful I am to do it! Read more>>
Kimberly Romano
Strategy and logic create success when making decisions in your business. We need strategy and logic in our business; however, intuition is the most essential tool for strategy. Leading with strategy and logic (our minds) is technically not very logical. A logical thought is to use as much data as possible to make a strategic decision/plan. Most of the data comes from our bodies/intuition. Read more>>
Shaun Grant
This year has been filled with an insurmountable amount of adversity. From depression, to suicidal ideations, self-hatred, self-abandonment, and childhood trauma…I have experienced it all and I am so proud to have overcome all of it. Because of my commitment to perseverance, I discovered that I am a psychic, intuitive, empath, and medium. Read more>>
Poojitha Palaniswamy
I am most proud of building a dream. I mean this completely in a unserious way. I love that I’ve dreamed up a day in my life that I would look forward to: one filled with the views I’ll see, the energy I’ll be surrounded by, and even the schedule I’ll follow. Read more>>
Jennifer Lee
Suffering taught me determination, resilience, and—most importantly—how to pause. I’m not someone who pauses easily, but sometimes life hits you in the back of the head with a two-by-four, and you realize you need to sit down. Taking that seat, giving yourself grace, and allowing a moment to recalibrate isn’t something that comes naturally when everything’s going your way. Read more>>
Jennylina Duperon
I think many people secretly struggle with insecurity that’s often disguised as pride and confidence. It’s why we have such a sensitive culture that can’t take constructive coaching or feedback. Anything that is said can easily be taken as an attack which provokes defensiveness and the result, severed relationships and surface, counterfeit connections. Read more>>
Ahmad Mr.Tuff
I think a lot of people struggle with uncertainty — especially when it comes to direction and purpose. Most won’t admit it, but many are moving fast without really knowing why they’re doing what they’re doing. I’ve learned that clarity is rare, and that’s what separates the ones who build something lasting from the ones who just stay busy. Read more>>
Gerold Trueblood
The fact that we are firm on our principles and sometimes that correlates to meaning “all money is not good money”. Eagle Vision Enhancements soars off of integrity and transparency. It’s always our duty to provide excellent customer service along with the best trained skilled professionals. Our Legacy Lives On Read more>>
Candance Toscano
Betrayal through infidelity was one of the deepest wounds I’ve ever had to face. It wasn’t just about someone being unfaithful, it was the collapse of trust in a space that once felt sacred. When someone shares your bed, your table, your dreams, and then chooses dishonesty, it doesn’t just break your heart – it shatters your sense of safety. Read more>>
precious Love
fe is more than a moment — it’s destiny being lived out years after I’m gone. My deepest desire is to leave a mark on the earth that pleases God and brings both reformation and transformation. I want to be remembered for my heart, my love, and my strength — for building something that’s not just material, but influential. Read more>>
Gabrielle Agnew
When people tell the story of my life, I hope they remember a woman who loved deeply, laughed freely, and carried joy as her quiet rebellion against the weight of the world. I hope they remember my heart for people and how I tried to see the good in them, even when it wasn’t easy. Read more>>
Alexis ‘Lexiee’ DavisSharee’ Yveliz
Two things: coloring and playing cozy games. Both activities makes me feel like I’m reconnecting with my younger self, my inner child. It’s almost as if I’m in a protective bubble where everything feels like it’ll be okay after all. Read more>>
Sharee’ Yveliz
Fear. Scarcity mindset. When I was a little girl, my mother, after I’d complain about chores, would tell me that if when I’m older, I don’t want to do them, work hard and pay someone else to do them. Now, did it fuel my soft desires? Yes. However, reality was very much ‘champagne taste and beer pockets’. Read more>>
Julianne Romanelli
I think my closest friends would say that what really matters to me is genuine, soul-level connection. Whether it’s through music, conversation, or simply showing up for someone, I care deeply about people feeling seen and understood. They’d also tell you that authenticity means everything to me. I’ve learned that real is always better than perfect, and that vulnerability fosters true connection. Read more>>
Elly Bovarnick
Not a specific moment, but generally travel and living abroad has really shaped my perception of the world. I gained a lot of aesthetic inspiration from every single trip, but living in Granada, Spain was the most powerful art wise. Granada is the Spanish word for pomegranate, which is a motif I use consistently in my work. Read more>>
Lynn Dowdell
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that it’s okay to change your mind and even your direction. For a long time, I equated consistency with staying the same, but I’ve come to realize that resilience often looks like the courage to pivot. Read more>>
Dayna Camp
As I mentioned earlier, I am a big believer in keeping things simple. Unfortunately, I believe some of our so-called modern conveniences have shifted our values, our work ethics, and our authenticity. I believe wholeheartedly that society as a whole could use a reset to remind ourselves what truly matters in life. Read more>>
