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.
Katrina Winton
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, I’d tell her this. You don’t have to fight every battle to prove your strength. Protecting your peace is also power.” Back then, I thought survival meant holding everything together and pushing through pain, but now I know that peace is the real victory. Read more>>
Rawan Ita-Diaz
Yes, the public version of me is the real me – the good, the bad, and everything in between. I’ve learned that we’re all carrying burdens in one way or another, and while it can feel vulnerable to share that openly, it’s what connects us. Sharing my story reminds others that they’re not alone. Read more>>
Kami Powell
One of the biggest lies in the tattooing and permanent makeup industry is that success happens overnight. People see the highlights on social media and assume that once you start a business, you’ll be booked out and making money right away. But the truth is, success takes time, effort, and heart. You have to study your craft, understand your audience, and never stop learning. Read more>>
Allyson Cohen
I’ve been working to build a life that feels balanced, one where productivity doesn’t come at the cost of peace. I’m learning to move toward goals without turning every day into a race toward the next milestone. It’s taken real effort to build routines that make space for sleep, friendship, good food, curiosity, and still getting meaningful work done. Read more>>
Keirsten Johnson
It taught me how to do more with less. Success often celebrates abundance — of opportunity, visibility, and resources. But suffering strips all that away and forces you to get creative with what’s left. It’s in the lean seasons that I learned how to stretch a dollar, repurpose a setback, and still show up with excellence even when the odds weren’t in my favor. Read more>>
Shannon Brydges
I love mornings. They’re so full of promise. I don’t usually set an alarm and I wake up naturally between 5-6am, which to a lot of people is very gross, but to me is so nice. Then I get up and make coffee and I do some stretches while it brews. I drink the proverbial warm lemon water and take my probiotic too. Read more>>
Kristine Mannino
One thing I understand deeply that most people don’t is that not all money is good money. On the surface, a booking or opportunity might look appealing, but if it doesn’t align with your values, your brand, or your energy, it can end up costing more than it’s worth. Sometimes the client, the timing, or the expectations just aren’t a good fit…and that’s okay. Read more>>
Laurel Stachon Mills
I would have to say walking into my first metals class at university. My original major was ceramics, I wanted to follow in the footsteps of a family friend I admire for her artistry and zeal for life. Read more>>
Martha Rosales
At the beginning of 2022, when I received a shut-off notice for the electric and gas bill, and I didn’t have the money to pay it, and it was winter, it was a real wake-up call. In that moment, I decided I would stop letting my pain hold me back and instead use it as power to achieve my goals. Read more>>
Jesse Bens
This will sound strange to a lot of people, but some of the most peaceful moments of my life have happened while I’m actively performing. Most often it’s during a deep improvisational moment. I’ll slip into this mode of peace and complete tranquility. Everything is a flow. I’m playing with very little effort or thought. I’m probably not even looking at the fretboard. Read more>>
Glenys Nellist
A long, long time ago, in a British Primary school across the ocean, one day a week I was one of the lucky few withdrawn from the classroom to sit in big, comfy armchairs in the teachers’ lounge. There, in front of a roaring log fire, with pencil and paper at the ready, I would write. Read more>>
Lindsey Barkel
Work’ was a way of life in my family. The summer following my 11th birthday, I got into the work field. Nowadays this probably sounds like abuse but I worked 30+ hours a week for a farmer every summer until I was 16. I thought my parents hated me 😉 but I found myself thriving as I did my best. Read more>>
Sarena Danou
I believe it is important to have more than your name, role, and possessions. There are so many things that can be gone in an instant, and knowing who you are is the only proper shield to that. It does not matter if others know who that person is. It matters that you know it, and have more than what you are known as. Read more>>
Courtney Renkema
Over the past decade, I’ve turned my hobby into a profession. This entrepreneurial journey has allowed me to share the joy of sewing with others, especially youth. At the same time, I’ve been building a family, which has been my most cherished work. I’ve prioritized family first, being mindful of when to slow down or step back. Read more>>
Tiera Lanae
I wrote this poem in the 12th grade and to me, it was just a poem but to my teacher it was a signature peace. She invited the poetry society which was a program at that time to hear it and they published it. Read more>>
Nick Veine
There’s a quote by John Adams that I reference pretty frequently: “I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. Read more>>
