We are so thrilled to be able to connect with some of the brightest and most inspiring entrepreneurs and creatives from across the city and beyond and this series in particular gives us the honor of introducing these folks to you in a unique way – we go beyond the story of how they got to where they are today by asking them to reflect on a variety of deeper questions that we hope will help you better connect with them, their stories and their brands. Ultimately, our hope is that more of us will spend more of our money with independent artists, creatives and small businesses and we think getting to know one another at a deeper level is step one.
Mary Piasecki
One recent moment that made me feel proud was finishing our birth worker conference. After months of planning, seeing people actually show up, connect, and be encouraged was incredibly fulfilling. Watching the vision come to life and knowing lives were impacted made every late night and prayer worth it. Read more>>
Detroit Zeusd
The public version of me is real — it’s just not the whole story. What people see is Detroit Zeus, the Ghetto Superstar — the confidence, the style, the energy. That’s me, no cap. But there’s also the quiet version of me, the one that’s always thinking, creating, trying to grow. I just choose to share the parts that inspire people the most. Read more>>
Iris Elizabeth
Yes — absolutely. I take pride in being my true, authentic self. What you see publicly is a reflection of who I genuinely am, both in business and in life. I don’t try to present a perfect image; I embrace my imperfections because they’re part of my story. Read more>>
Lindsay Kennedy
One of the biggest lies in the food industry is the idea that all food is good food. It’s simply not true. Food is what fuels us, connects us, and sustains our health, so it should be treated with care and intention. Like everything else in life, eating should be approached with balance and mindfulness. Take cheese, for example. Read more>>
Paige Maurer
In my opinion, one of the biggest misconceptions in the Interior Design industry is that formal education isn’t necessary to be an Interior Designer. I firmly believe that my education in Interior Design is essential for both the industry and my clients. Read more>>
Stacey Goodson
As a cancer survivor, the suffering I experienced while going through treatment taught me more than anything else ever could. It taught me that I am strong and I can survive anything that is thrown at me. It also taught me any even deeper empathy of others. One phone call can truly change our lives. Read more>>
Linda Stone
To keep moving forward. Don’t worry about failure. The reward is in the experience. Read more>>
Britney Slater
When I was younger, I used to think that when people said, “You can be anything you want to be,” it was just something adults said to make kids feel good. I never really believed it was possible to have more than one dream or career. But as I’ve grown, I’ve learned that’s absolutely not true. Read more>>
Tiara Rivard
The first 90 minutes of my day is filled with love, movement and breakfast with my family. From sending the children off to school to clocking in at work by day starts off with love and a smile. Read more>>
Claudia Paksi
“I would say the fear that’s held me back the most is the fear of judgment — worrying about being seen as ‘weird’ or caring too much about what others thought of me. Growing up, I struggled to fully be myself because I didn’t want to stand out in the wrong way. Over time, I’ve learned to care a lot less about that. Read more>>
Jaclyn O’Reilly
The simplest answer to this question for me is ‘the creative process.’ I lose track of time while I’m building websites. It sucks me in. I can see in my mind’s eye the user experience I’m hoping to create, and the detailed, time-consuming, challenging task of bringing my vision (or my team’s vision) to life completely dominates my attention. Read more>>
Sarah Rollins
One of the most life-changing moments for me came when I was at my lowest. A friend looked at me and said, “Is it okay if I hold the hope that you can recover, and you don’t have to believe it at all?” That question cracked something open in me. Read more>>
Chelsea dennis
I have always been an outdoor lover and environmentalist growing up, AND was drawn to creativity and design. When I was in university, I met some people in Northern Michigan that were making a difference in the world in business by working with fair trade farmers around the world. That concept inspired me so much, I wanted to be a part of it! Read more>>
Lezlie Walton
Hey there!! Thank you so much. Without a doubt it’s ENERGY! I feel energy is more important because, I am a very intelligent woman that was raised by intelligent men and women whom all have the highest levels of integrity you’ve ever seen! Just ask anyone about a Walton or a Calloway and they’ll tell you the same. This makes me very proud. Read more>>
Satori Shakoor
I stopped hiding my pain when I began to share my life through storytelling. I was present to the super power of storytelling. It was freeing to let go of hiding shame, secrecy or self-judgment. What I found instead was a community of people who identified with my experience and offered their support. Read more>>
Tryst Red
This question has been particularly vivid in my mind, especially as I’ve been creating work for Daydreamer. In a world where we are constantly overstimulated, bombarded by information from all directions, it’s no wonder that peace often feels like a distant luxury. The sheer volume of data we process daily, often without even realizing it, leaves our minds scattered and fatigued. Read more>>
Briana Willis
When I’m in my creative space with a cake to decorate, listening to some good tunes, with all the time I need. I love the vibe of what I’m about to create. Read more>>
Alana Abdal
My dad instilled in me a strong work ethic from a young age. He didn’t just tell us to work hard; he showed us what it meant through his own actions. I remember watching him rise early in the morning to head to work and manage the countless tasks that come with running a small grocery store. Read more>>
Bailey Robinson
I’m glad that I don’t rush into things in many aspects of my business. Trends are tempting to jump on, but I think it’s important to test new products and techniques multiple times before using them on a client. Raising prices is sometimes necessary, but I make sure to have a clear communication with my client about it. Read more>>
Tara Jueckstock
Call it a gut instinct, if you will. As a Histotech, the job can be stressful because you’re handling tissue that came from a living, breathing person. These people are probably at their wits end, waiting for test results to questions that are wearing on their mind. Read more>>
Sarah Maiga
If I laid down my name, role, and possessions, what would remain are the values I’ve passed on to my children. My life’s work has always been about more than achievement; it has been about showing them what it means to live with integrity, empathy, and purpose. I want my children to see a mother who showed up, not perfectly, but wholeheartedly. Read more>>
K.T. Braxton
If I laid it all down, love would remain. That is the heartbeat of everything I do, or at least it should be. That’s for what I strive. I love food – the art of it, dreaming up recipes, feeding people. Read more>>
Erin Fay
I still haven’t figured out when you officially earn that title. Some people pick up a camera and instantly call themselves professionals, but for me, it’s always been more of a passion project. I studied photography in college and have been doing it for about ten years, but I still see it as a really awesome hobby rather than a career. Read more>>
Kohdi Rayne
Sobriety isn’t real. There’s no such thing as “sobriety” … there’s only sober and intoxicated. Everything else is just the transition between the two. That statement alone has earned me thousands of arguments and even death threats, but it’s the truth. Read more>>
Matt McCalpin
This is a really cool question. I believe that life is a series of many different relationships. I discovered my love for music and creativity as a young kid with my guitar, a giant cd collection, a discman, and headphones. I strive to develop and nurture this relationship everyday because it is how I best see myself. Read more>>
Rebekah Spencer
My earliest memory of feeling powerful came during the last 5 years of owning my business. In the beginning, I thought I needed people more intelligent than me to help run it — and while that was partly true, I quickly learned that intelligence alone doesn’t build success. What I discovered was that drive, dedication, and resilience matter so much more. Read more>>
Malika Williams
Honestly, I’ve felt powerful for as long as I can remember. I’ve always been someone who doesn’t mind making sacrifices for those who are more vulnerable or in need. To me, power comes in many forms — it’s about knowing how to use it in the right way, whether that’s leading, supporting, or speaking my truth. Read more>>
Raiylah Johnson
In the beginning, when I was first starting to learn graphic design, I had the idea that it was going to be really easy. Highly skilled designers make their work look so flawless and effortless that it creates this illusion of simplicity. I’m still extremely early in my career, but I definitely don’t agree with that sentiment anymore. Read more>>
Luzhen Qiu
I was rising by my grandpa when I was a child. Grandpa was a great architecture designer with lots knowledge and wisdom in life. I had a wonderful childhood living with him. After he pasted away , I moved to a different city living with my parents. Read more>>
