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.
Rob Lee
Knowing when I’m out of my depth can be challenging, especially after doing so many interviews and conversations through The Truth In This Art podcast. I usually feel this way when I haven’t prepared enough. Read More>>
Ophelia Brew
My childhood felt like a suitcase that never stayed unpacked…pieces of couch cushions, borrowed blankets, and the constant hum of a city that never sleeps. I spent nights sleeping on couches, never fully settled, always knowing I had to keep moving. My days were spent in Bronx public schools where resources were scarce, but the lessons were real. Read More>>
Kimberly Okolieaboh
My grandmother Annie Pearl, she was born in 1918 in South Carolina. She moved to New York as most southern blacks did seeking better opportunities and less racial oppression. She became a nurse and worked around the clock, she brought a home for her large family of 8 children, even though everyone thought she was crazy even my grandfather Roosevelt. Read More>>
Victoria Wade
I’m usually woken up by my cats, Miyako and Catwick, scratching at my door before my alarm goes off because they need to eat haha. I can always count on them to make sure I’m up. Once I feed them and my dog, bloo, I turn on cbs mornings and make a cup of coffee. Read More>>
Meg Leonard
The confidence to really go for it, no matter what phase they’re in. Whether it’s starting a business, adding a new service, raising your rates, or stepping into a more elevated version of what you already do, there’s this quiet fear that maybe you’re not actually ready. Read More>>
Torbin Green
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a curious, observant kid who saw the power in community and the value in people others often overlooked. I was the one asking why things were the way they were — and wondering how they could be better. Read More>>
Josh Stokes
Yes, I’ve gotten what I wanted and it didn’t satisfy me. I’ve gotten thousands of views, streams, interviews, bought shoes/clothes that I wanted so bad, and when I get it it’s like ‘oh ok, I have new shoes now. I just did this cool interview’ but it’s never like ‘wow! I live on the moon now’. Read More>>
Kevyn Backmon
When it comes to my work ethic, I learned a lot from my Grandmother and my Dad. My Grandmother was a phenomenal Baltimore City Special Education teacher in the 1950s. she served this city for 30 years and worked tirelessly to help her students in everyway possible. My father has had many careers throughout his life. Read More>>
Dr. Katya Denisova
After 23 years of leading the Kalinka Dance Ensemble in Baltimore, I’m absolutely tap dancing to work right now — because I’m opening a new dance studio in Rockville, MD. It’s more than just a new space; it’s a fresh chapter for Kalinka. Read More>>
Javen Oliver
A good answer to this would be that I am wandering on a specific path. I’ve given myself a lot of grace, space to grow within the means of my life journeys. Intentionality is a value. Showing up everyday and giving my heart and soul to my work is a value as well. Read More>>
ASLIYANN
Right now I’m walking a path, after wandering for many years. I see the truth now and it’s ugly. For a while I thought I was ugly too, but I found out I am the opposite. In all my weariness, pain, and exhaustion, I am still so beautiful especially to God. Read More>>
Charnice Hale
Yes! I believe in giving my best, not for applause, but because it reflects who I am and the standard I hold myself to. My work, my creativity, my purpose—they’re not rooted in recognition, but in calling. Even if no one ever praised me, I would still pour my heart into what I do because I know it matters. Read More>>
Paris Roland
This is honestly the story of my life. I’ve manifested things quickly—microwaved blessings, I like to call them. I’ve gotten exactly what I thought I wanted: the job, the relationship, the money, the opportunity. And yet, more often than not, I found myself feeling drained, disconnected, and completely unsatisfied once it arrived. There’s this moment that hits you when you realize, “Oh… this isn’t it. Read More>>
Jamal Love
Within art, this is a very interesting question. NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, became especially popular during the pandemic era. Creators saw them as a new way to engage with their audiences and to explore opportunities in a digital marketplace. In an increasingly online world, consumers viewed NFTs as part of the next frontier for buying and experiencing art. Read More>>
Robin Gunkel
When I consider how I am a holobiont, an assemblage of many living beings (fungi, bacteria & viruses that comprise me), I understand that I am part of something much larger than myself. On the micro level, to quote Walk Whitman, ‘I contain multitudes’ and on the macro level, I am woven into multitudes. Read More>>
Ben Finney
If I knew I only had 10 years left, I’d stop running the business immediately. I’d close it or sell it, liquidate all my assets, and spend the rest of my time traveling the world with my family. No more stress, no more distractions — just making memories with the people I love while I still can. Read More>>
David R3y
If I knew I had 10 years left, I’d stop trading my time for money—immediately. No more punching clocks or chasing security. I’d give everything to my art, fully, without hesitation. Every brushstroke, every sound, every word would be a piece of my soul. I wouldn’t hold back. Read More>>
Gigi McMillan
If I laid down my name, my role, and every possession, I would still be whole. What would remain is my energy, and the light I carry into every room. My authenticity. My boundaries. My unwavering hope is that others find their peace and rise into their purpose. Even without a title or a platform, my voice would still echo with integrity. Read More>>
Maneca Gonzalez
The biggest lie from business owners and entrepreneurs is the idea of being self made. You can not do business alone! At some point you need those connections with others in your industry, you need your customer and client base, you also need mentorship and community. It’s not a flex to discredit those who’ve supported you by saying you’ve done it alone. Read More>>
Dr. Cesar Visurraga
In 2020, in response to the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Visurraga Enterprises LLC launched a dedicated research and development department to create an affordable, cutting-edge intubation system. Today, we have developed a product designed by anesthesia providers for anesthesia providers, and we are actively seeking seed funding, investors, and strategic partnerships to scale this life-saving medical device to a broader market. Read More>>
Kevin Harris & OG ApeO
The battle I’ve been avoiding isn’t out there—it’s inside of me. The truth is, I feel isolated when I’m alone. Deep down, I’ve carried this belief that I’m only worth something if I can make people laugh or bring something to the table. That pressure has shaped everything about me—especially my music. That’s why my sound feels so wide, so unorthodox. Read More>>
Donta Henson
I’m avoiding the battle with burnout—barely. As our business grows, so do the opportunities, demands, and expectations. Every door that opens feels like one I have to walk through. Saying ‘yes’ has brought incredible momentum, but it’s also tested my limits. I’m learning that scaling a business sustainably means I can’t run on adrenaline and ambition alone. Read More>>
Mia Jackson
I think a lot of people struggle with the fear of truly showing up especially when it feels uncomfortable. We’ve been conditioned, particularly as women, to focus so much on how others perceive us. There’s this unspoken pressure to be liked, to be accepted, and to fit into boxes we didn’t create. Read More>>
Amy Cavanaugh
MAP is hard. I think there is a level of misconception that steering this ship is all openings and art direction. Unfortunately it is more administrative leaning. Read More>>
Ms. Sheaira Madden
People will most misunderstand the reason why I make the decisions I do. When you live a life of completely saying “Yes” and surrendering to God and being obedient to that yes others aren’t meant to understand what God told you to do. Read More>>
Suki Eleuterio
The fear that has held me back the most is perfectionism. I know it so intimately, and so I see how it blocks me from sharing more of my creative projects with the world, In my mind I can’t release it or share it until it’s good enough. This ‘good enough’ thing is something I have really worked on through the years. Read More>>
Kionne Pollitt
An important truth I hold — that not everyone agrees with — is that failure isn’t the opposite of success, it’s part of it. I believe every setback is raw material for growth, and that “losing” often moves you closer to what you’re truly meant for than winning ever could Read More>>
Sheila Hall
Gratitude! No matter what it looks like, I have learned that starting my mindset off with gratitude can navigate my day with intention on my goals. It keeps me focused and helps me weed out the noise. Read More>>
Danny Pittas III
My wife and I had our first child in late March 2025. So my days begin in the middle of the night, feeding our new baby and putting him back to sleep. By 5:30a I am out of bed and getting ready for work. Typically I arrive to our shop at 7:00a and make sure that our crew is ready for the day. Read More>>
Jae
Being kind is free, being nice is not! It literally costs you nothing to treat people with kindness and respect. Just like you and me, people want to be seen and heard. It can actually lift you up as well and help you connect more with others on a deeper level. Read More>>
Darshal Smith
My earliest memory of feeling powerful wasn’t just one moment—it was a season. I was in the thick of surviving breast cancer—not once, but twice. At the same time, I was navigating motherhood, showing up for my child, pouring into my purpose, and still pushing through school to earn my degrees. It was chaos and clarity all at once. Read More>>
Bailey Brewer
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was my senior year of high school. I had been a competitive gymnast from ages 8 to 18. To be honest, my self-esteem was lacking, especially on competition days. Read More>>
Tiffany Thompson
Putting a spotlight on women in sports. Whether it be the creatives, or the players I strive to continue to support women sports in every way. It is important for me to support and continue to uplift the next generation as women are still the minority in many ways in the sports industry. Read More>>
Corey Bell
Wow! Can I say all three? LOL. But seriously, Warren Buffett said it best: “You’re looking for three things, generally, in a person: intelligence, energy, and integrity. And if they don’t have the last one, don’t even bother with the first two.” If I had to choose one, it’s integrity, every time. It governs and guides the other two. Read More>>
Madia Brown
The most surprising thing I’ve learned about our customers is how much clarity they already have—and how little credit they give themselves for it. When we built Hellobrand, we assumed most people would come in feeling lost, like they had no idea where to start. Read More>>
Shamer Miles
My customers will miss most my smile. I get a lot of compliments on my smile but my personality. I have a good heart. I have a big heart always have people tell me that I’m a vibe. Haha Read More>>
Akili Oji Amauzo Bakari
Like any Black person in the diaspora, I face racism daily—a reality that causes deep pain and leaves scars. For a long time, this wound pierced me silently. But there came a time when I decided not to allow myself to be imprisoned by the consciousness of defeat that racism tries to impose on our population. Read More>>
Dessmond Brown
I feel most at peace when I have a mountain of work on my table. two phrases that I live by are ‘I don’t have to, I Get to’ I don’t have to edit all of these photos and videos I get to be the one to bring these thoughts feelings emotions and intentions to life and that’s a blessing. Read More>>
Thaartist Kali
I’m having an opportunity to learn from some legendary hip hop stars ECP, whose members include Kid Sensation, Maharaji & Attitude Adjusta, the hip hop group that is directly connected to the legendary Sir Mix-a-lot & DJ Nasty Nes (May he rest in peace). Read More>>
Abhishek Nigam
I deeply admire people who embody quiet strength—those who remain kind, honest, and steady even through life’s challenges. One example that stands out to me is Demi Moore, whose autobiography Inside Out reveals her childhood trauma, struggles with addiction, and insecurities with raw honesty and no sugarcoating. Read More>>
Olajumoke Ajayi
Yes, I would without a doubt. I’m the kind of person who, once I commit to something, I follow through. I don’t procrastinate, and I don’t take on things I can’t give my best to. If I say yes, I’m giving 100% because that’s how I was raised. Read More>>
Rosemary Cook
I used to misinterpret the scripture in Isaiah 30:15 that says in quietness and confidence shall be your strength. I believed that it meant I should be quiet because it showed strength. To a degree quietness has its place. For an African-American, Professional, Christian woman, quietness can be interpreted as weakness. Read More>>
Katy Lanham
I shouldn’t post something online if it isn’t perfect. It has to get at least 1K likes to be a success.’ There is so much content being put out nowadays, and it’s hard to keep up or even think you could make a dent in the industry with so many fish in the sea. Read More>>
Tierra Robinson
A cultural value I protect at all costs is rest as resistance and restoration as a right. As a Black woman, a mother, and a healer, I’ve witnessed how rest is often denied—physically, emotionally, and generationally. I refuse to glamorize burnout or hustle culture. Rest isn’t a reward—it’s a necessity. It’s how we reconnect, repair, and reclaim our power. Read More>>
LaTisha Bryant & Sherrelle Guiles
A cultural value we protect at all costs is integrity with intention. In everything we do, from how we create our products to how we serve our community, the energy and purpose behind it matter just as much as the end result. We don’t compromise on honesty, respect, or the spiritual purity of our work—because the moment you dilute your intention, you dilute the healing. Read More>>
Janie Alston
A cultural value I protect at all costs is integrity. In my life, in my business, in my team — we lead with truth. That means doing what’s right even when no one’s watching, even when it’s not convenient, and even when it costs you something. I don’t cut corners, I don’t sell dreams — I educate, I advocate, and I keep it real. Read More>>
Marcus Bruce Sr
The relationship that has most shaped how I feel about myself is my relationship with God. I can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens me. I truly believe this scripture and thank him daily for the things he has blessed me with. Read More>>
Monika Wertman
My husband of 40 years is the person who made space to let me become the person who I am today. He has loved me unconditionally from the start and helped me see who I am and was supposed to be. He has supported every crazy idea I have ever had and has always been encouraging. Read More>>
Nikki Banks
The relationship that has most shaped the way I see myself is motherhood. I’m a mother to many—some biological, some gifted to me through life—but every one of them has been a blessing. Read More>>
Ben Tehranian
My experiences in the culinary word, starting from my early days and growing through my own business ventures, have significantly shaped who I am today. I could say that my journey, marked by dedication and perseverance in the culinary industry, has been the most influential in defining my perspective and approach to cooking and teaching. Read More>>
Chef Meek
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is the one I have with my mom. She is the definition of hard work and dedication. When my mentor my uncle, Chef Thomas passed away, my mom stepped in without hesitation to support me and help run my business. She’s always shown me what resilience looks like. Read More>>
