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.
Joseph ‘Chip’ Tait
If I could tell the 20-year-old version of me anything, it would be to trust yourself, but don’t think you always need to go it alone. Begin developing positive relationships with good people early in life, and take time to maintain those relationships. Be a giver as well as a receiver. Surround yourself with good, positive people, and let the bad energy people go. Read more>>
Terrina Taylor
Focus on building wealth early. Learn how money really works, not just how to make it, but how to grow it. Don’t wait for the “right time” to invest or start saving; the right time is the moment you get your first dollar. Read more books, study the game, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Read more>>
Shaniya Douglas
I believe one of the biggest lies coming from the TV & Film industry is that artificial intelligence can replicate and replace the emotions and talent of an actual human being. I’m a big supporter of technological advances that make our everyday lives easier, but not when it’s used to take jobs away from people who need them. Read more>>
Kirsten Anatone
When I’m gone, I hope people will smile as they reflect upon how unabashedly passionate I was about the things I loved, and that I did everything I could to leave people feeling a little better than where I found them. I’ve always tried to live my life with joy, unreserved, because I fully believe that joy is something to be shared with others. Read more>>
Karen Brown
I’m committed to helping women founders build businesses that give them freedom, not more pressure. Too many women, especially those over 40, have spent their lives working hard for everyone else. We’re experts at serving, but we’re novices at building systems that serve us. I believe a business should support your life, not consume it. Read more>>
Tiara Hines-Abraham
I stopped hiding my pain when I realized that silence was keeping me stuck. For years, I carried my hurt quietly, convincing myself that being strong meant pretending I was fine. But true strength came when I decided to face it, feel it, and use it to grow. Read more>>
Diana Fowlkes
My community leaders taught me by their examples. I was influenced by my teachers and participated in extra curricular activities, after school ( on all levels). Just seeing how they were passionate about grooming me , in a nurturing way , caused me to see . I was not a waste of time . Read more>>
Jayson Britton
In all honesty, I’ve always felt like I’ve been myself. Of course, we all go through different eras in life — we grow up, experience new things, figure out what we like, and become more comfortable with who we’re becoming — but my sense of self has always stayed true. Read more>>
Susi Clark
Born and raised in Germany, growing up within the East German regime, behind the wall, shaped me and taught me resilience, resourcefulness and creativity. While I never felt that I was missing anything because my parents worked hard to give us a beautiful childhood, I didn’t realize as a child what restraints the government put into all aspects of life. Read more>>
Mackenzie Granzow
Right now, I’m preparing for a pretty major surgery called a periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). A PAO is a hip surgery that involves a surgeon making multiple cuts into the pelvis and repositioning a section of it to correct hip dysplasia. This is the next step in a series of surgeries I plan to have completed before I age out of my health insurance.<br> Read more>>
Snehal Massey
When I look back over the last decade, one relationship stands out as the most transformative force in my life—my marriage. My husband’s unwavering belief in me and his constant support have reshaped not only how I see myself but how I move through the world. Before him, I was always in motion—chasing goals, juggling responsibilities, and rarely pausing to breathe. Read more>>
David Barmer
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is the one I have with my family. They’ve always been a constant source of positivity and encouragement in my life. Even during times when I doubted myself or couldn’t see my own potential, they reminded me of my strengths and what I’m capable of. Read more>>
Dominique Allen
One truth that’s foundational in my life is that I’m the same person to my core, but when it comes to business versus personal, I understand the perfect dichotomy between the two. In my personal life, I’m laid-back, warm, and easy to laugh with. I love connecting, joking around, and keeping good energy. But in business, I’m direct, professional, and intentional. Read more>>
David Ninos
Standing on a stage, behind a piano and a mic, playing music and people actually listening… it’s an intoxicating headrush to realize that other people are giving their time, their energy, to something you created. That your words, your music mean something… make someone feel something. That’s powerful. Read more>>
