Highlighting Local Gems

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.

Shakira Kali

What I’m truly chasing is God’s purpose for my life, to walk in obedience, to use my gifts for His glory, and to fulfill the calling He placed within me. I believe every step I take is guided by Him, and my work is an extension of that obedience. Read more >>>

Aaron McCall

Okay, yeah. Let’s start there. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I started experiencing anxiety—like, real body-shaking, tearful, chaotic, end-of-the-world anxiety. And I think deep down, it probably comes from a place of people-pleasing and constantly trying to prove to myself and others that I belong in the creative space. And the fucked up part is, I know I belong. Read more >>>

Ami Burl

I believe what often breaks the bonds between people is a lack of understanding and the absence of true listening. When people feel unheard, unseen, or dismissed, it creates distance that can grow into mistrust. I’ve seen it in organizations, communities, and even families, where stories aren’t shared or valued, people drift apart. What restores those bonds is empathy and intentional connection. Read more >>>

Anna Vasquez

That it’s fun playing with puppies all the time and its not a serious business. Yes, we definitely spend a lot of our time enjoying the animals but accepting responsibility for their constant care while they’re with us is serious. Read more >>>

Tonya Smith

I would have to say the biggest misconception about my business is that people think it’s just pet grooming. But it’s so much more than that. What I do goes beyond haircuts and bath, I focus on education, access to care, and building stronger bonds between pets and their families. Grooming is only one piece of the larger mission. Read more >>>

Emily Jacobs

One of the biggest struggles women carry quietly is the hidden cost of people-pleasing. On the outside, they appear to ‘do it all’….leading at work, showing up for their families, volunteering, saying yes to everything. But inside, it comes at an enormous cost. So many women I work with are silently burning out because they’re constantly putting everyone else’s needs before their own. Read more >>>

Jeremiah Steen

Many folks, especially in positions of power, are quietly wrestling with a fear they won’t name: the fear of becoming irrelevant. In a world where movements are youth-led, tech-enabled, and driven by lived experience, the traditional playbook is losing its grip. Titles, tenure, and degrees no longer guarantee influence, or respect. They see a new generation rising. Bold. Informed. Collaborative. Read more >>>

Rohani Foulkes

I think people may misunderstand my legacy by assuming that, because I don’t cook food that directly represents my Indigenous heritage or pull recipes from Indigenous cookbooks, that part of me isn’t present in my work. Read more >>>

Isaiah Owens (IRO)

A normal day for me would be waking up at 6am , get ready for work and eat breakfast. After I get off work I would be headed to do a major shoot such as Clothing brand photoshoot, working with an Artist that has an Album coming up so I would be taking photos for there album cover. Read more >>>

Shanell Henry

My relationship with Jesus Christ has truly helped shape how I see myself. The trajectory of my life changed immensely when I surrendered my way, for God’s way over 25 years ago. I began to see myself more whole. A purpose bigger than me. Read more >>>

William Crawford

My earliest memory of feeling powerful is rooted in a moment that, at the time, felt more confusing than empowering, a memory that has unfolded its meaning as I’ve grown. I was a student at Whittier Elementary School, walking a classmate, a young girl of Asian descent — to her father’s car after school. It was an innocent, everyday act of friendship. Read more >>>

Miss Joy A Rideout

Choosing my peace over trying to please someone, being an African American/black woman. In this society that often pins us to be aggressive or strong and either have no emotion or too much emotion. It’s exhausting and at the ends of the day why give in to the oppressor’s stereotype and feed people like the negative minded and hateful a Reaction they want from me! Read more >>>

Lisa Janay

I used to think that you can’t be successful unless you went to college. I always heard a lot of people say that and I really believed that at some point in my life. I’m the perfect example of that not being true… I was able to co-sponsor a HBCU Scholarship, became a 19X Published CEO, and never even went to college .Read more >>>

Michaela Majava

That I could do it all alone. Growing up having to figure it out on my own made me conditioned to think I had no other choice. But we are not made that way and it’s absolutely okay to ask and have people help you. You’re not failing, you’re respecting yourself by not pushing too hard and letting yourself burn out or break down. Read more >>>

Tiffany-Rose Scott

The most surprising thing I’ve learned is how much my customers truly adore me and my brand. Many of them don’t know me personally, yet when they show up at my events or pop-up shops, they’re always so fun, welcoming, and supportive. It feels like an extended family I never knew I needed. Read more >>>

Sara Dunn

I think a lot of smart people are so focused on the “next big thing” that they skip over the basics. It happens all the time in marketing. They’ll put all their energy into the newest platform, or now into AI tools, without having a strong foundation that actually makes their business findable and sustainable. Read more >>>

Eden Denton

I admire my mother very much. She raised 5 children pretty much single-handedly and she has never gave up on me. Read more >>>

Mary Tait

Yes, I would hire me. I understand how confusing and overwhelming insurance can feel. My experience give me a deeper sense of empathy and a stronger motivation to guide people through the process with clarity and care. As an insurance broker, I don’t just want to sell a policy — I want to sell education. Read more >>>

Sandy Ciaramitaro

I’m definitely walking a path—and when I look back, I can see how the pieces connect. As a child, I was drawn to reading, writing, watching TV shows, playing school, and letting my imagination run wild. Those early passions never left me; they’ve simply evolved. What began as writing stories and plays in elementary school eventually grew into a children’s book series in adulthood. Read more >>>

Tony Kosla

During the 2025 usafencing summer nationals our club took home 6 medals. Read more >>>

Joseph Lalonde

You have something to offer the world. You were made for something more than you believe right now. Don’t let your doubts hold you back. Read more >>>

Christie Verran

One of the biggest misconceptions in my industry is that owning and managing an airbnb or short-term rental is passive income. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. It’s anything but passive. It requires time, attention, and a real commitment to hospitality. Success comes from fixing problems, constant maintenance, caring for people, creating experiences, and interacting with guests. Read more >>>

Jayla Smalls

The biggest lie in the music industry is that it’s woman friendly. The music industry still is heavily misogynistic and double standardized towards us ladies. Read more >>>

Bryce Williams

What means the most to me isn’t measured by titles or business moves — it’s the way I carry a lot on my shoulders and still keep moving forward. People might notice the creativity, the ideas, or the presence I bring, but they don’t often see the grind underneath. Read more >>>

V Davis

I’m very proud of the music I have been putting out. Being able to get in touch with my emotions. My new single “Emotional” has gave me the chance to gain new fans. This touches me and keeps me inspired. I have the ability to keep pushing with my sound, dropping good rnb hits. For the world to hear. Read more >>>

Florina Petrescu

Suffering taught me perspective. Success can make you feel invincible, but it doesn’t always show you what really matters. Struggle — whether physical, emotional, or professional — strips away the noise and reveals what’s worth holding onto. For me, those difficult seasons showed that joy in music doesn’t come from applause, titles, or comparisons. Read more >>>

Alicia James

For most of my life, I carried pain like it was a secret job. My blazer was my armor. My smile was my disguise. I thought if I looked successful enough, no one would notice the cracks — the grief, the burnout, the nights I cried on my bathroom floor so my kids wouldn’t see. But pain doesn’t stay hidden. It leaks. Read more >>>

J. Alex

The fear that’s held me back the most is the fear of not feeling ready. I’ve told myself, “I can’t set up a vendor table—I don’t have everything I need,” or “I can’t make content—I don’t have all the right tools.” But the truth is, you’ll never feel 100% prepared for everything, and that’s okay. I’ve learned that you just have to start. Read more >>>

Salena Taylor

Teen pregnancy and being a high school dropout really set the tone for hardship in my life. It set me back for many years and it took me a very long time to put the pieces of my life back together. Read more >>>

Maria Filar

I have been working with ceramics for the past couple of years and it’s been very good for me to explore my creative process in a physical way. Working with clay is very therapeutic! Read more >>>

Molly Jackson

Outside of creating stained glass art, I’d have to say hiking local trails and foraging is when I truly lose track of time and just ‘be’. It’s peak summer in the Upper Peninsula right now and I like to spend most mornings hiking nearby trails picking wild blueberries, raspberries, and my favorite- thimbleberries. Read more >>>

Morgan Kaczmarczyk

Equality and equity for all Read more >>>

Jessica Princinsky

I love this question. The world has a way of turning away from our true selves, our inner child. I was a very creative and curious child. I loved to draw, color with gel pens, write music, read, write poems, short stories, and I was working on a novel in the 3rd grade (which was unfortunately erased thanks to life before the cloud). Read more >>>

Melissa G

Absolutely and I love this question! I could give everything my best even if no one praised me for it. I do that every single day. I’ve never been praised for it haha. The drive to pour my heart into my work comes from a deep sense of purpose, not the need for applause. Read more >>>

Lolly Mariah

If I only had 10 years left, I’d probably stop complaining. I’m actually working on this now. I can cry and whine about what isn’t going the way I want to, but that just reintroduces the narrative that I don’t have power in my life. Read more >>>

Eric Freeman

If I knew I had 10 years left, I’d stop caring what others think of me. Too often we waste energy worrying about how we’re perceived instead of focusing on our purpose. If your purpose is to add value to communities, then who really cares about outside opinions? Read more >>>

Stuart Andrews

Sleeping. At least I would try to sleep as little as possible. You know? Get more out of those ten years. Read more >>>

Liz Parker Kuhn

Not so much ‘customers’ as my blog readers, but I didn’t do my Friday Five post for two weeks recently because I was in the hospital after giving birth, and then adjusting to being at home with my new baby, and two people asked about the posts and if they’d be resuming. So I would say that is what my readers might miss most. Read more >>>

Kamyra Cheatham

Something outside of work that is bringing me joy is motherhood. I’ve always enjoyed being a mom but lately it has been so fulfilling and enjoyable. My daughters are 7 and 11 years old and I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to guide them and raise them to be such respectable, determined, smart, kind, fun and beautiful young ladies. Read more >>>

Autumn Thornsberry

Crafts and hobbies! I have really made it my focus for 2025 to do something creative each day. I recently read a quote that said ‘anxiety kills creativity, so creativity must also kill anxiety’ and that really stuck with me. Read more >>>