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.
Erika Whitney Young
Hmmm, that’s a good one! I’m definitely doing both. I’m moving with purpose, yet I’m open to discovery. I love learning and exploring new ideas and perspectives. Life is definitely all about the journey- so I’m cool with walking and wandering. Read more>>
Crystal DeWindt
Yes, the public version of me is the real me! That wasn’t always the case, I used to be so afraid of rejection that I’d show people a version of myself I thought they wanted, wild, right? Lol. But now, I truly love who I am, and I love sharing that with others, even if they decide I’m not their cup of tea. Read more>>
Mary Kendall
Two: don’t use prologues and don’t write in first person point of view. (But go into a bookstore and pick up any bestseller to find prologues and first person POV. Smile.) Read more>>
Khalida B
Lately, I feel like I’m being called to stop shrinking. To speak louder. To share my story, my lessons, and my light, even when my voice shakes. For years, I knew I had a gift with words and inspiring people, but fear of how I’d be perceived held me back. The more I ran from it, the more it followed me, until I surrendered. Read more>>
Mars terra
No one sees the work I put in to put the pieces of myself back together, but that doesn’t make it any less important to me. I’m proud that despite everything I’ve been through, I keep laboring to put myself back together. Read more>>
Stephanie Carter
Suffering taught me lessons that success never could. It showed me who I was when no one was clapping, when I had to find strength in silence and faith in the middle of a storm that wouldn’t let up. Success can make you feel powerful— but suffering makes you purposeful. Read more>>
Amber Kackley-Vettas
Suffering has taught us lessons that success alone never could. Terry lost his father as a young teenager. As the youngest of four siblings, he felt very alone while everyone grieved in their own ways. That pain forced him to grow stronger and more resilient. Read more>>
Moon
Coming from Baltimore City, it’s easy to feel counted out — like the odds are stacked against you from the start. What I want most is to leave behind a legacy that proves even an ordinary man can commit to extraordinary goals. Read more>>
Alicia Wiley
Lately, I am loving crossword puzzles, games, and word searches. I felt myself leaning into non-digital forms of entertainment because running a photography business requires so much screen time on phones, cameras, and computers. Read more>>
Brandon Buckson
Coming from Baltimore City, it’s easy to feel counted out — like the odds are stacked against you from the start. What I want most is to leave behind a legacy that proves even an ordinary man can commit to extraordinary goals. Read more>>
Kedryck James
I hope my story is one where they say I was ultimately kind to everyone and showed the world not only my gifts but the gifts of other young African Americans who help contribute to society and to Black Culture. Read more>>
Damond Nixon
The art of creating. It can be me writing books, playing music or engineering parts and designs for my motorsport company. This makes me lose track of time. I always find myself on the other side though. Read more>>
Liza Hathaway Matthews
There are so many things that I do on a creative level that make me totally lose track of time. I find that can be good thing and gives me the time to continue to grow and learn. As a creator, painter, textile designer and most recently a flower designer I relish the time and easily get lost in my process. Read more>>
Kali Somerville
For me, it’s the need to prove myself. That drive served me well when I was rebuilding my life and launching businesses, but at this stage it no longer serves the vision. I don’t need to prove—I need to expand. Letting go of that old mindset frees me to lead from faith, wisdom, and strategy instead of striving. Read more>>
Susan Seaman
My closest friends know that the only thing that matters to me is my family. Without their never ending support and love it would be tough to face many of my small business challenges. Next would be my customers. When I’m having a difficult day, a new or familiar customer will stop in and praise my woman-owned small business. Read more>>
Chardee’ sCOTT
I’ve been wholeheartedly committed to bringing my children’s book to life—a dream I’ve carried since childhood. After years of designing for others, I felt called to create something that could inspire and stay with young readers. Puma Panda Parrot Become Buddies celebrates the beauty of differences and the joy of unexpected friendships. It’s been a true labor of love, patience, and perseverance. Read more>>
Rachel Darden
I am committed to the belief that rest, healing, and purpose can coexist. I believe that women don’t have to choose between carrying their responsibilities and tending to their souls. I try my best to include rest into every aspect of my life. Read more>>
Myranda Stephens
Tubing on the Snake River in Idaho. I lived there for a year and it was a culture shock in the best way. I grew up in the Midwest, so the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and my experiences there really inspired me to explore other parts of the country and the world. Read more>>
ORLANDO PHILLIPS
integrity Read more>>
Joyvina Evans
One of the most pivotal influences in my life was my high school teacher, Mrs. Leola Harris. I’ll never forget visiting her during my freshman year of college and telling her that I planned to earn my associate degree and be done with college. Read more>>
Jen Wagner
I am always grateful for the community in my home town that raised me. I wasn’t an easy kid. I had a volatile, unpredictable and stressful home life, and I was smart and both blessed and cursed with a “don’t try me” attitude. . Read more>>
Kiera Atkins
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was just that girl who was locked in on sports. Basketball was my anchor and that was my dream, but once that ended, I felt lost. Read more>>
Mariana Fernández
Absolutely. I believe in doing the right thing, even when no one is watching, and even when it’s not the easiest choice. What matters most to me is how I feel when I look in the mirror, what my husband and my son know to be true about who I am, and the example I’m setting for my child. Read more>>
5K Visions
A lot of times as an artist, creative, entrepreneur, or just a person going day to day you face many hardships and battles. One of the most common battles in my opinion that many face and I also myself struggle with, is the battle you fight against yourself. Read more>>
Abaynesh Girma
Many people think Loud Vybz events are just for cannabis enthusiasts, but that’s far from the truth. Our events are for all adults who want to unlock their creative side, explore music, art, and interactive experiences, or simply connect with like-minded people. At Loud Vybz, it’s all about trying something new, expressing yourself, and celebrating creativity within the community. Read more>>
Meagan ‘Ducky Dynamo’ Buster
There IS no such thing as a ‘normal’ day! During the days I work full-time for the Pennsylvania Avenue Black Arts and Entertainment District which keeps me tapped into what is going on within my community in places I may not see. Read more>>
Tenya Eickenberg
The relationships that shaped how I see myself are with my parents, my children, my husband, and energy healing itself. Growing up, my childhood was chaotic. My mom was diagnosed with bipolar disorder when I was about seven or eight, and I had to navigate her diagnosis without much guidance—my parents were just trying to figure it out themselves. Read more>>
Chris Hiltz
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is my relationship with Jesus. My faith has taught me that my worth isn’t tied to achievements or perfection but to being loved and called to serve others. Read more>>
Robin R. Haynes
Honestly the relationship that has most shaped how I saw and see myself is my relationship I have with myself. Honestly I always felt I had to compete with others. My younger sister who is a doctor, and my older brother who is a licensed social worker and then there was me, I was just an average banker. Read more>>
Colada Pen
I know that prayer works. God is real and He has given us all spiritual gifts that never steer us wrong if we tune in and listen. Read more>>
Taisha Andrews
I felt the most loved on November 15 2016 at 4:32 pm when my first and only child was born! I have loved kids all my life and even helped raise a few but never any of my own. At the age of 39 I had my first baby boy 💙 I believe the Love is well deserved Read more>>
Marquis Clanton
Dance and being creative Read more>>
Cassidy Mister
Hell to the yeah! I put my entire heart into my sessions and client experience. I truly want my clients to have an amazing stress free experience, capture effortless memories and feel completely taken care of. My business is very personal to me and my experience is an extension of who I am, not just a service that is provided. Read more>>
