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.
Leslie Martin
You’ll spend a long time in survival mode, but you will end up thriving, so keep pushing. Survival taught me grit, and thriving is teaching me joy. If this is what life looks like on the other side, I’m so glad I didn’t give up. 💕🦚 Read more>>
Kenneth And Ashley Sledge
Yes. 100%. We always talk about how the Ashley and Ken that you see on your screen are the exact same as the Ashley and Ken you meet in person. We PRIDE ourselves on being genuine and real. Read more>>
Melissa Warren-Dick
Oh yes, a couple of times. 😔 The most recent time, about 5 years ago, I made a promise to myself that I would give myself a year to rebuild my life. A year to give it my all. And if nothing got better, then I could make another choice. Lo and behold, a year later my life improved immensely! Read more>>
Hali Holt
I am most proud of building a business that isn’t just about transactions, profit, and loss. I pour my soul into curating an environment that fosters empathy, respect, and compassion for employees, customers, families, fellow small businesses and our community in general. Read more>>
Ashley Hinken
I used to believe that I couldn’t do anything because I’d mess it up and not accomplish it. I now believe that I can do anything with Gods help and putting my mind to it. Anything is possible! Read more>>
Samantha Chapel
Finding my love for creating for fun again! I used to draw, paint, crochet, build, make jewelry and found myself reaching for my phone for instant gratification and entertainment any time I was “bored” or free. It’s a work in progress and there’s some learning to be done about slowing down again. Read more>>
Tina Dal
I’m fully committed to creating spaces where people feel welcomed, seen, and genuinely valued—no matter who they are or where they come from. Living with scoliosis meant being judged from a young age, often before people knew anything about me. That experience shaped a deep belief in inclusion and empathy. Read more>>
Samantha Shelton
The moment that most shaped how I see the world was realizing that nothing is promised. Not time, not health, not certainty and that waiting for the “right moment” is often the biggest risk of all. Read more>>
Andrea Napierkowski
Six years ago, when I quit drinking. From the outside, I looked happy and successful, but inside, I was working very hard to maintain that illusion. When I removed the numbing, I had to build something supportive in its place. That’s when I began a daily art practice, using my body and clothing as a canvas. Read more>>
Cara Balcom
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was fearless. I was a little girl with big dreams, wild imagination, and a heart full of belief that anything was possible. I wasn’t worried about being realistic or playing it safe. I just wanted to create, to explore, and to build something that mattered. I wanted freedom. I wanted purpose. Read more>>
Ruthie Harvey
Yes, you can give your all to your passion, your career, your business or whatever you want to give your all too. Praises don’t always mean accomplishments, yes it can make you feel good or acknowledged but it’s not the be all end all. Read more>>
Maggie Eliot
In late 2023, I made the decision to self publish. I’d been in the query trenches for some time and a couple of the authors in my critique group had already been self publishing for a while. I was so jealous to hear them talk about their readers, their reviews, seeing the physical copies of their books. Read more>>
