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.
Maxx Pain
I just celebrated my 6th movie premiere on August 17th for my new film “Study Buddies” and was extraordinary. Read more>>
Eddie Black
I do have a few moments that made me laugh or feel proud. Let’s go back to November of last year where I was booked for the annual Detroit tree lighting ceremony that takes place in the Motor City; a cherished tradition that launches the holiday season. I was representing Lexus while decked out in a Santa hat and sleigh to match. Read more>>
Queashar L Halliburton
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be, “Stop playing small! Dream and live big! Take more risks and trust yourself. You were blessed with everything you need to succeed. Keep God first, be brave, and do not let your comfort zone limit you. Your self-belief and willingness to take risks will be your greatest assets.” Read more>>
Omar-Tiago Earnest Jr.
Yes, and I love that I’m authentic. I don’t fake anything about me or my lifestyle. What people see is what they get. I’m glad that I can go out in public and not have to lie about myself and I’m very comfortable in my own skin. Read more>>
Halie Gary
Absolutely—I think about giving up all the time. Being an artist is already a tough path. We’re often undervalued, underpaid, and face challenges that many people don’t see. Adding the weight of running a business on top of that? It creates a whole new level of pressure. After a long day at my 9–5, it’s easy to sit down and pour myself into my craft. Read more>>
Eugene Reid Jr.
It’s a trick question—because I’ve had plenty of moments that felt like giving up. Times when life hit hard, when the weight was too heavy, and the road ahead felt unclear. But then I had to ask myself: what does giving up really mean? Does it mean collapsing? Quitting? Disappearing? I’ve never fully understood the concept—because I don’t know how to give up. Read more>>
Magnanomus
That what is good is measured by how much money it made. There have been a lot of brilliant artists and producers who never got the compensation they deserve. That shouldn’t stop us from being productive. Read more>>
David Holowchak
In the golf gear and branding space, a few persistent myths tend to echo louder than they should: 1. “Premium Price Means Peak Performance” Many brands chase luxury pricing to signal quality, when the actual innovation or material difference is negligible. Often, it’s just well-crafted marketing, not well-crafted gear. 2. Read more>>
Ricky Pannell Jr.
Resilience. Suffering really shaped me, teaching me way more about sticking to my guns and being self-sufficient, when needed, than any win ever could. I’ve been able to place things into proper perspective when it comes to decision making and assessing priorities. Going through tough times made me see what I’m capable of and what I habits I need to break. Read more>>
Heather Bunkelman
I like to get up early and have coffee with my cats. Then I try and go for a jog before the sun is fully out. I don’t like to be rushed in the morning so I make sure to give myself plenty of time to relax and workout in the mornings before I start my work day. Read more>>
Dee White
The fear of acceptance, the fear of being an outcast, an odd ball, being ‘ weird ‘. In the black community especially when I was growing up in the 2000’s-2010’s it was less acceptable to go against the grain and be anything other than what we see on the daily. Read more>>
Kenisha Coon
The defining wounds of my life began in childhood. I grew up in an abusive and neglectful home where safety and stability were never guaranteed. The people who were supposed to protect me were often the same people who caused harm. That experience left me carrying the deep wounds of betrayal, abandonment, and feeling unseen. Read more>>
Taylor Foster
Recently, I’ve been finding a lot of joy in working on a book I’m writing. It’s a passion project that I believe will have a meaningful impact on future generations. The process has been both creative and reflective, allowing me to explore ideas deeply and think about how they can inspire and support others over time. Read more>>
Ebony Hardy
I hope people will say I was a woman who lived with purpose, fought for what was right, and never forgot who I was or where I came from. That I broke cycles in my family and in my community that had kept us down for generations. That I really believed “it ended with me”, and I lived that out every single day. Read more>>
Stephy Rosette
I hope that first and foremost, people would see how much I shared about and loved Jesus. Jesus is my foundation, and everything that I do I want to try and glory Him. I know that I at time fail in that, but I do try my best. Read more>>
Minerva Moon
Creation brings me true joy. To take the vision in my mind’s eye and turn it into a tangible object is incredibly fulfilling. I live for the days I can wake up, pour myself a cup of coffee and immerse myself in that vision – usually a sewing project or an intricate jewelry piece. Read more>>
Nico Cavallino
Integrity, I think that it’s the most important thing to have in this world. To value yourself and to treat everything you do with pride. Integrity is something that everyone is born with but it can be easily lost or sold for something fleeting, a shiny prize or reward but you cannot put a price on your integrity. Once it is lost it’s gone forever. Read more>>
Yana Benjamin
I believe my dad saw my true spirit since I was little. He took me on adventures when he covered various stories while he worked as a journalist. That is how I got acquainted with the news world and became fascinated with photography. Read more>>
Nerissa Legg
Many of my teachers and professors from First grade onto college at Wilberforce University saw me before I could fully see myself. I went to a small but mighty elementary school in which we were a very close knit community. Read more>>
Maury Page
My Dad taught me to always work as if nobody was watching and to do everything to the best of my ability. He never cut corners and believed that how you do the small things reflects who you are. Watching him consistently show up, stay steady, and take pride in his work gave me a strong example of what it means to lead with character. Read more>>
Ali Woerner
That’s a strange question. Maybe because I have never thought the world told me I had to be anything. I tell myself, my kids, my dancers, my students all the same mantra: It’s all about choices. When it comes down to it, it is my choice. It sounds simple. Sometimes it is, sometimes not. Read more>>
David George
As a small business owner, if you have never felt this, then I’m sorry. Maybe you need to reevaluate your situation or why you are doing what you do. I can truthfully say this happens to me often! I’ve had a celebrity singer order over 20 axes. AWESOME moment! I’ve had people recognize me from my social media in public as the axe guy. Read more>>
Alisha Shumake
Yes. I’ll be honest, getting recognition is nice. I don’t think most people would dispute that. However, recognition is not what fuels me. My own personal fulfillment at achieving my goals and turning my ideas into reality is what motivates me. It’s because of that I will always give everything my best. Read more>>
Kate Milligan
I’m learning from myself, my story, and my mama — who passed away from cancer nearly three years ago. I’m learning from myself through the layers of who I was created to be. Read more>>
Becca Beydoun
People will probably think my life came together easily , like I always had a plan, the right connections, or some kind of help. They might see the business I built, the independence I have, or the way I carry myself and assume it all just “happened” for me. Read more>>
Kristi Peticolas
One thing I believe to be true that I cannot prove is that someone’s ability to be disciplined will really define how good their life will be. If you have the discipline to work out, your body will be healthy and will look better. If you have the discipline to eat good food, you will sleep better and be energized. Read more>>
Paul Kiger
It is common to think of legacy as being remembered. When we think of legacy, we often think about famous people whose names have been enshrined in history. Part of my attraction to the music industry and playing in bands was to secure my legacy. Read more>>
Luke Ring
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was stepping onto the set of XELA, my psychological sci-fi short film, and experiencing the moment when an entire professional film crew came together under my direction. Read more>>
Terranie Clarke
I used to believe I had to do it all—to be strong, selfless, and perfectly composed, no matter what I was carrying. I thought asking for help was weakness, that rest was a luxury, and that self-care was somehow selfish. But I’ve learned—through motherhood, loss, healing, and grace—that none of that is true. Vulnerability isn’t shameful; it’s strength. It’s what creates connection. Read more>>
Siera Duiser
I protect time and making memories with my children by traveling together. I believe in traveling with them as often as I can. There’s so much that they have learned and experienced from traveling. Read more>>
Sheree Braswell
I’ve learned that it’s only a failure if you give up. Read more>>
