It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them the fundamental questions about who they are and how they became the person they are today. Understanding and empathy are essential building blocks for a better, more compassionate world. We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to ask these questions each week through our interview series. Below you’ll find inspiring interviews from in and around Michigan.
HIllary Howell
In the beginning, our focus was on creating custom-compounded medications to meet each patient’s unique needs. We wanted to bring personalization, compassion, and genuine connection back into healthcare — something that often gets lost in today’s fast-paced, insurance-driven world. Read more>>
Jeron Dotson
In 2017, we were in Venice Beach, California, shooting a music video for our record label, “Black Gold Media”. On our last day there, we visited a small “hole-in-the-wall” poke restaurant called “The Poke Shack” and were instantly impressed by the fresh, healthy, and flavorful food that was affordable and quick. We realized this was a concept that was missing in the Flint area and decided to bring it back home. After of course getting “hustled” out of our initial investment into the music video. Read more>>
Stephanie Stringer
Luxe & Roses was birthed during the 2020 pandemic. With restaurants closed, I wanted to celebrate my 7th wedding anniversary in a special way, so I created a candlelit backyard dinner under the stars. It was such a hit that it inspired me to help others celebrate with the same level of beauty and intention. With picnics rising in popularity, I took a leap and launched Luxe & Roses in June 2021. Read more>>
David Plante
In 2015, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in production and music. During my time there, I had the opportunity to work on major projects with the GRAMMY Awards, Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, Showtime, and several other high-profile productions. Read more>>
Lisa Mattern
I purchased my Cruise Planners franchise in August 2011. It started because I love to travel and plan trips. We were looking for a long-term ‘retirement plan’ and this was the way to go. Flash forward to 14 (almost 15) years later.. I have grown my business selling over $800K annually by being focused on my clients’ needs and wants. Read more>>
Zanobia Rababeh
My story begins as a person that found joy in helping others feel better by restoring and improving their physical wellbeing. My name is Zanobia, and I have been a PT for 23 years. I received my Masters in Physical Therapy in 2002 , then my Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2012 , both from Wayne State University . Read more>>
Andrew Tripp
I got started in art very young, my parents were always supporting my art by signing me up for art classes at the Flint Institute of Arts all throughout my childhood into High School. Growing up I actually thought I wanted to be a marine biologist, but after deciding that path wasn’t for me I found out I could choose art as an option. Read more>>
Nathanael Carela
I was born in Puerto Rico to parents from the Dominican Republic. That blend of cultures shaped me in many ways during my childhood. As the middle child of three boys, you would often find me singing and making music with of household items, playing kickball, tag, and racing bikes in the streets, or learning about nature and different cultures. Read more>>
Samantha Seelhoff
Mend on the Move was founded by Joanne Ewald, who was inspired by her own journey of healing as a childhood abuse survivor. Built specifically to empower survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and other forms of abuse, the organization provides employment opportunities in a supportive setting where jewelry making serves as a therapeutic activity. Read more>>
Dorothea Sandra
I live in a small town in Northern Michigan, and I have become an international artist. From one online gallery in Paris, France, I have shipped out (from Rogers City, Michigan) paintings to France, Belgium, Italy, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and many locations throughout the United States. Read more>>
Ash Eichner-Pendell
Hello! My name is Ash Eichner Pendell and I am the founder of Moon Mama LLC. I am a certified Art Therapy Practitioner and certified in Horticultural Therapy. I am also a Mama, artist, writer, and avid gardener. Moon Mama LLC offers workshops called Creative Meditations. Read more>>
Pria Dee
Writing has been a fundamental part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up with parents who are dedicated doctors, our family frequently relocated to provide healthcare in developing countries and underprivileged communities. This unique upbringing inspired me to express my experiences through writing, as I would often send long letters to friends and family, sharing my adventures and observations. Read more>>
Addison Cota
Growing up I always loved and enjoyed being creative, and making art. I started taking art classes in middle and high school which really helped my skill and love grow. Then, I took, Basic Drawing, and I really excelled and loved creating art even more. Read more>>
Allé Smith
It started in 2011 when I was living in Chicago. Poetry, singing, drawing, and especially taking photos of the world around me consumed my attention and time. Being in Chicago was the perfect place for immersing yourself in the world of art. Read more>>
James Lindsey
I am a Hip Hop Lyricist, an Author, Poet, Actor, Script Writer and Mentor. I started my journey as an artist in College ( Ferris State ) when I was part of my first Hip Hop group Grand 76rs. After College I created Up North Ent out of Grand Rapids Mich. I also began writing and performing Poetry during that time in 1999. Read more>>
Marvin Hairston
Inspiration for being a dj was rather gradual. But started around the break dancing era. Not going to mention how many years ago. LOL Although merely experimenting with a turntable and tape deck my greatest music genre influence was techno at the time. And some Break Dance music. In which years later my my main genre influence has turned into Garage House and House Music. Read more>>
Tommie Green
I’ve been creating for as long as I can remember, literally since I was four years old. The first picture I ever drew was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles NES cartridge. Even at that age I was already better than my father at drawing, and that became my introduction to art. The camera wouldn’t come until much later. Music came first. Read more>>
Shantanique Jackson
My journey into mental health work really started when I was a playground director at the age of 19. That role opened my eyes to how deeply children needed emotional support, not just supervision. Around that same time, I lost my sister, and that experience changed me. Being at the playground gave me a sense of purpose and grounding when everything else felt heavy. Read more>>
Dalal Baydoun
Baydoun Urgent Care was born from a moment of clarity on my 21st birthday in 2022 — a moment that completely changed the direction of my life. At the time, I was pursuing a dental career, and although I had invested years into it, I knew deep down it wasn’t for me. Read more>>
Saina –> Sai Sajjadi
In 2019, at 39 years old, I was diagnosed with cancer—something I never expected to hear. I had always seen myself as pretty healthy, so the news really made me pause and rethink everything. As I dug into research, I learned how much chronic stress and high cortisol can slowly wear down the body, creating the perfect environment for illness. Read more>>
Dr. M. Teri Daunter
My life is, in many ways, a true rags-to-riches story. I immigrated from Europe to the United States at age ten as the youngest of ten children, arriving without a word of English. Read more>>
Chris Fleck
Photography, for me, started as a hobby over 20 years ago. I would take pictures of sunsets and nature, learning everything as I grew. As most photographers, I started in “full auto” where I would let the camera set everything for me. Over time, I worked on learning how to manually set all my setting to get the look I wanted. Read more>>
Erica Glidden
Hi! I’m Erica Glidden, Licensed Master Social Worker and owner of North Star Psychological Services. My career began as the Director of Care Transitions at a sub-acute rehabilitation center, where I led the social work department and supported patients’ mental health and discharge needs. Read more>>
Jolene Matousek
I actually decided I wanted to be a wildlife rehabber when I was about ten. I was always finding baby animals needing help and had nowhere to turn. It wasn’t until I was 18 and moved to Howell that I found the Howell Nature Center and started volunteering. For years, that’s what I focused on, small mammals, late nights, and learning by doing. Read more>>
Crystal Harding
The Ypsilanti Youth Choir was born in the spring of 2023. After high school choir director, Crystal Harding found herself separated from the local school district, the Ypsilanti Choral Association (a non-profit that supports Ypsilanti Choral programs) decided to remain aligned with Harding and her work in the community. Read more>>
Jessica Zacharias
I’ve always believed that healing is something we carry inside us. We all have the tools we need. But the practice of remembering is what as been lost. That belief started the day I was born. I entered the world with a birth defect that immediately placed me in the hands of surgeons, specialists, and long hospital corridors. Read more>>
Camden Kinnie
I’m still early in my career, but I’ve always been driven by a passion for helping others. In high school, I had the chance to work in a doctor’s office as my first job, where I interacted with patients and shadowed a doctor, an experience that opened the door to the medical field. Read more>>
Keith Semple
To do this briefly would be difficult. I’ve been singing and performing professionally now for 28 years. It all started back in the bars of Northern Ireland where I would play lead guitar or drums for my uncle’s blues band. Read more>>
Molly Ryder
I started modeling in 2020 for a friend who was building her boudoir business. After that, I was hooked on the feeling boudoir gave me – an unbelievable new sense of confidence, beauty, and joy. A feeling that I thoroughly believe everyone deserves to experience. Upon starting my journey, I didn’t see much more than a curvy size 10 on most photographer profiles. Read more>>
Leah James
I have always been drawn to creativity and beautiful moments. Growing up, I loved fashion and could watch wedding movies for hours. Films like The Wedding Date, The Wedding Planner, and 27 Dresses made me fall in love with the world of weddings long before I ever stepped into the industry. Read more>>
Diane Hill
I’ll start with the now. I’m currently living the dream in Michigan as a free-lance, professional actor (which means I work all over the place) and a Producing Artistic Director at Theatre NOVA, a nonprofit professional theatre in Ann Arbor. But how I got to where I am now is a much longer story. Read more>>
Savannah Dixon
My name is Savannah Dixon, and I am an Occupational Therapist with five years of experience, currently serving as a full-time outpatient therapist and clinic manager in Battle Creek, MI. Two years ago, I became a Certified Lymphedema and Wound Care Therapist—and that is where I found my true niche and passion. Read more>>
Taylor Miller-Goulait
My experience as a team-level leader began at the age of 18, while working in clothing retail. Over the next 10 years, I had gone from an entry-level keyholder position, to running retail stores as a store manager. Read more>>
Jennifer Sistrunk
I got my start in the hospitality industry as a 15-year-old carhop in South Haven, Michigan. From there, I worked just about every job you can imagine—hostess, busser, restaurant manager, vacation home cleaner, property manager. I learned early on that hard work, showing up, and treating people well could open a lot of doors. Read more>>
Emily Potts
I think I’ve always been drawn to visual art. Since growing up as a young child in Houston, Texas, I remember being enamored by the The Museum of Fine Arts—specifically walking through one of Jesús Rafael Soto installations, “Penetrable”. This is my earliest memory of an artwork; I was probably five years old at the time. Read more>>
Morgan Brand
I actually started working when I was just 8 years old in my grandmother’s restaurant. That’s where I learned my work ethic; watching her show up every day, no excuses, no shortcuts. Both of my grandmothers (they grew to be best friends) raised me with a “sink or swim” mindset… and I decided early on that I was going to swim. Read more>>
Zippy Abla
My story really starts with a deep curiosity about why some people thrive at work while others shut down — and why organizations keep investing in people without truly understanding what drives real, lasting performance.” I began my career on the business side, utilizing my MBA to work across multiple sectors. Read more>>
Justin Steckbauer
I had served for about ten years with The Salvation Army, I had traveled all over the midwest serving at Salvation Army facilities. I started my journey in The Salvation Army working at a homeless shelter in Wausau, WI. For two years I served at The Salvation Army in upper michigan, in Escanaba. Read more>>
Mark Wielinga
A driving force has been a calling in my life to serve, which began in a field totally unrelated to what I’m doing today. In 2009 I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where I served as a rifleman until 2015. Looking back I feel very privileged to have been able to serve our country, and to learn from some of its best leaders. Read more>>
Robin SCHULTZ-PURVES
I joined my first yoga class in 2006 as a competitive rower, initially looking for ways to prevent injuries as I got older. I quickly discovered that yoga offered much more than just physical benefits—it nurtured balance, focus, and overall well-being. I was immediately hooked. Read more>>
Hollie Davis
I was living in the Beverly Morgan Park neighborhood in Chicago Il. I started going to a coffee shop next door was a gallery and wellness space. I became friends with the owner and she offered me to have a solo exhibition in her space. That was when I had the idea for The Connect Residency. Read more>>
Jane Beiles
I was born, raised, and educated in southeastern Michigan before moving to New York City in the early 1990s. I learned to love art as part of my upbringing since my mother was a talented painter and some of my earliest memories are sitting beside her easel as she worked. Read more>>
Alex Dailey
I grew up loving words and stories—reading books of all kinds and writing my own tales as a child. This love stayed with me through high school, and after community college, I went on to earn my BA in Creative Writing from Grand Valley State University. Read more>>
Scotty Johnson
I was born and raised in south Florida. I grew up playing hockey (yes I know huge shocker for Florida). I played two years of junior A hockey in Connecticut before returning home and going to the University of Miami. Read more>>
Denis Churchwell
walking tacos, burgers sausages, chicago style hot dogs drinks, chips and other quick food etc.. now we are the number 1 catering services in Muskegon and all over west Michigan we shut down the critics & haters and the non supporter we move in silence but we still able to make a lot of noise because at the end of the day we let the food speak for itself because success is not a destination it’s a journey! Read more>>
Comedian JuCee
I was born on the Eastside of Detroit , the youngest of 3 girls, I born to master carpenter Sherman Sparks & my beautiful mother Evangelist Sandra Williams a retired banker for over 40+ years. Growing up in the church with my stepfather Cornell McGee’s guidance & encouragement to sing any chance I got & teaching me to read at the age of 4 my journey has always been blessed & for that I am grateful. Read more>>
Martone The Emperor of House Music
In April 2025, my book Deep & Raw: The Erotica of Martone became a best seller — a defining moment in my career as an author. I also released The Evolution of Martone — 10th Anniversary Edition, a celebration of my journey in dance and house music. My single Chocolate (Drumapella Mix) was under consideration for Best Remixed Single, and although it didn’t receive a nomination, the recognition meant something. And while I didn’t win Album of the Year at the 2025 Josie Music Awards, the nomination itself reinforced that my work continues to make an impact. Read more>>
Trisha Dork
I originally set out to become a doctor while attending the University of Michigan, but life had a different plan for me. I took a summer job as a telemarketer at a mortgage company, and from the very first call, I was hooked. Read more>>
Kady Cox
Recently accepted a new role on a campaign for a candidate running for U.S. Senator. My background is in politics, organizing, community building and nonprofit leadership. I am a graduate of Michigan State University and will be pursuing my Master’s of Public Administration and Policy at the University of Michigan next year. Read more>>
Katarzyna Tansey
I came to the United States as an immigrant more than 20 years ago with almost nothing—no money, no connections, and English as a brand-new language. What I did bring with me was a deep passion for beauty, skincare, and the kind of confidence that comes from feeling at home in your own skin. Read more>>
Allie Norman
* My training experience started with our family beagle whose nose always found a way to get him into trouble! His obsession with sniffing, inspired me to become curious about how dogs think and learn. During high school, I continued to spend time around other pups and dog sat for friends and family. Shortly after graduating I began working for Dream Dogs Training. Read more>>
Taylor McCann
After stepping away from a career in Graphic Design, I knew I wanted to move into a field where I could work more closely with people in my community. That’s when I discovered Esthetics. I enrolled full-time in a local cosmetology school, excited for a fresh start—until COVID-19 shut the school down just a few weeks into the program. Read more>>
Juliet Jarmosco
Every cell in my body would light up anytime I walked into an art store since I can remember. I always loved to paint and draw but coming from a working class family on the southside of Chicago, that was a hobby, not a career path. So I went onto business school at Indiana University in Bloomington. Read more>>
Mesgana Berhane
I began photography at the age of 12, really just using my phone at the time. As I continued to become more enamored with the art, my uncle took notice. At 14 he gifted me my first camera, a used Canon Rebel T6. I used it for about 5-6 years; it became my most cherished possession. Read more>>
Rachel Wager
Photography was something I was interested in for a long time. My mom bought me my first camera in 2018. A Canon EOS 80D. That is when my interest became a hobby that made me feel happy and how I began to turn it into a fine arts business. Read more>>
Will Willingham
My name is Will Willingham. I am from Detroit Michigan. I graduated from Howard University in Washington DC with. a Bachelor Degree in Childhood Education., that is where I fell in love with Marketing and branding.. While I was in College I managed to begin my business career by throwing celebrity Bday parties, Jazz concerts and Comedy shows. Read more>>
Mallory /Traft Schultz /Abbott
Traft and I (Mallory) began our journey together as coworkers in the hospital setting. Over the past seven-plus years, our connection has grown into a lifelong friendship between living and working together during COVID, to traveling and recognizing our shared values and a mutual passion for aesthetics. Read more>>
Jessica Humiston
I initially started attending college with the intention of being an education major, but that felt like the wrong fit. While taking a couple of psychology electives, I felt drawn to the field of psychology. Read more>>
Jissel Gonzalez
When I was 19 years old I grew a passion for music .. I never thought a day in life that writing music would become apart of my everyday living . I dint even think I had it in me and it wasn’t until I was 19 in my living room playing with beats on YouTube on my huge radio . Read more>>
Jessica Mariin
My path into beauty wasn’t traditional. It was a blend of passion, timing, and trusting my instincts. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences/Sociology from Northern Michigan University, and after moving to Marquette in 2005, I found myself choosing between three very different paths: pursuing a master’s in social work, enrolling in the police academy, or following my passion into cosmetology school. Read more>>
Elizabeth Dave
Bindi & Blazers Media officially launched in March 2025, after talking with dozens of small-business owners, from boutique shops to local service providers, we kept hearing the same thing “Marketing agencies cost too much, and we’re not seeing the results.” We noticed a real problem. Read more>>
Dennis kioko (CP)
I actually picked up a camera when I was about six years old. My dad worked as a DJ and handled sound for events, and he always needed photos from the gigs. That’s how it started he’d hand me the camera and let me shoot during events. Read more>>
Stephanie Ginsberg
This is our centennial year! My great-grandfather purchased the farm in 1925, Edwin Dunneback. The farm was originally, Ed Dunneback & Sons. He had 5 sons and one daughter. Sons Edward and Joseph, took over the farmily farm continuing to farm 170 acres of apples, peaches, strawberries, row crop as well as dairy cows. Edward, my grandfather married helen in 1942. Read more>>
Jeremy Andrews
I was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, and I couldn’t get out fast enough. I headed north to Central Michigan University. I studied French and enrolled in their study abroad program in the Loire Valley in Angers, France. Read more>>
Haneen Yahya
My journey started 12 years ago when we bought our first home and I decided I wanted to reuse the furniture we already had instead of buying new. I had no idea what I was doing, so I Googled “how to paint furniture,” bought my very first sanding machine, and went for it. My first project was our dining table… which I sanded indoors. Read more>>
Rebecca (Becky) Turner
I have been a full-timemiddle school and high school counselor for a very long time. In addition to being a school counselor,in 2020, after working for a couple local counseling agencies, I decided to go out on my own. This was a great decision as I am able to do my own billing, marketing, And I am the solo therapist. Read more>>
Toni Will
My journey began in banking, where I built a strong foundation in finance, leadership, and relationship management, but I quickly realized I wasn’t meant to stay there. Born and raised in Kalamazoo, this community has always been home, and that path eventually led me into professional hockey, where I carved my way forward through persistence, adaptability, and a deep belief in my ability to lead. Read more>>
Tessalonia Westbrook
When the world slowed down during the pandemic, I found myself navigating pregnancy in complete isolation. With those closest to me unable to be present, every appointment and preparation felt heavier. Even at home with my husband and son, a quiet void reminded me how vital it is to have someone show up when life feels overwhelming. Having lost both of my parents, my mom in 2017 and my dad in 2019, that loneliness hit even deeper and left me with a profound understanding of the worth of support and presence. Read more>>
Liz Maritz
I started Surfaces because I wanted to create more than just an art supply store and or art studio—I wanted a space where people felt welcome to explore, connect and create without intimidation and have access to high quality art supplies. Read more>>
Dr. Carla Ludwig
Hope for Single Moms was started because of a personal story. One of my daughters became pregnant at the end of her freshman year of college and had her daughter that December. Nine months later, she moved to KY to live with her sister and get a fresh start. Read more>>
