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.
Parker Alexander
I would definitely hire me because i’m everything an employer is looking for. I care, thats the first thing I look for when I hire people. As a business owner, you care deeply about your business, so you want the people around you to care as well. I take great pride in everything I do, I try really hard, because I care. Read more>>
Destin Cramer
Absolutely, I personally prefer someone who I can relate to on a personal level, and who is friendly and down to earth but still delivers a professional level of work. I also believe that I’m incredibly driven, especially due to the obstacles I’ve had to face as a nonbinary individual with disabilities. Read more>>
Roxanne Mangabay Farkas
Yes, I would absolutely hire myself based on my life experience and consistent strength in navigating and growing through life’s challenges. After being laid off, I embraced early retirement and made the bold decision to relocate out of state. That transition—from California to Idaho—came with a six-month period of adjustment, during which staying positive and self-aware was both my biggest challenge and greatest achievement. Read more>>
Lars Helgeson
Yes. Life is too hard to put up facades. You can’t please everyone, but if you stay true to your vision, care for the people around you, and focus on creating value in what you build, no one will ever take that away from you. Read more>>
Mary Beth Storjohann
Yes. and that’s intentional. What you see in my writing, my speaking, and my work is grounded in who I am and what I value: honesty, clarity, inclusivity, and showing up for women in a way that speaks to their real experiences, not just the polished ones. Read more>>
Megan Kelly
I just love this question! I like the idea of people having paths and following them, but I also think there can be wandering along the way.Read more>>
Wesley Brustad
I am very definitely walking a path and have been for many years. When I retired, I continued that path. My path is to honor God, love my family, and always be creatively engaged. I make things. In the past, I made theatrical productions and concerts. Today, I write books, make silver jewelry, and play music. The mind and heart must always stay active. Read more>>
Jon Savage
Yes. I create because I have something to express, not because I expect praise. My art comes from a place of personal truth and connection to the Deaf experience. Recognition is meaningful, but it is not the reason I show up and do the work. Even in silence, I keep creating. Even when no one is watching, I keep pushing forward. Read more>>
Diana Bribiesca
If everyone is jumping on board quickly and it’s a ‘loud’ trend, it’s a fad. I believe foundational shifts take time and progress after some time. A fad is a ‘color of the year’ or wearing a Bass Pro shop hat. A foundational shift is smaller, intimate weddings or a timeless and clean color palette. Foundational shifts usually make more sense than fads, too. Read more>>
Sarah Fox
Knowing when you’re out of your depth is one of the hardest parts of running a business. For me, it usually comes down to recognizing when someone else has more expertise than I do. I’ve learned the hard way that I often wait too long to outsource, but each time I do, it’s a relief. Read more>>
Dr. Sasha Faust
I believe immortality is real—in the sense that death itself is an illusion. Our energy doesn’t simply vanish; it transforms and continues. As Bastille sings in Poet, “I have written you down now, you will live forever.” That lyric holds a profound truth: through art, memory, and storytelling, we extend life beyond the body. Read more>>
Laura Burns
If I laid down my name, my role, and my possessions… I’d still be me. I’d still be a wife, full of love and laughter and partnership. I’d still be a friend, a safe place, a shoulder to cry on, and a cheerful spirit who brings light into the room. I’d still be passionate. About the Earth. About the ocean. Read more>>
Pnina Tornai
How I made people feel. If everything went away tomorrow, I know I could find peace in the fact that I made so many women’s dreams come true, that I empowered and uplifted them, that I made them feel their most confident and beautiful, and for some, that I helped them choose themselves instead of a relationship that wasn’t right for them. Read more>>
FemmeFolio Design Studio
If we retired tomorrow, our clients would miss the partnership — not just the design. At FemmeFolio, we’re more than a creative studio. We’re collaborators, problem-solvers, and trusted extensions of the brands we support. Our clients often tell us how refreshing it is to feel truly heard, understood, and supported from start to finish. Read more>>
Empress Joshett
The bonds between people,whether in friendships, families, or romantic relationships are built on trust, respect, shared experience, and feeling safe.. What breaks or restores those bonds comes down to how people treat each other in moments of vulnerability and conflict. Read more>>
Tawny Platis
I used to believe as a kid that I had to fit in this box where everyone wanted me to fit. I started creating my own opportunities in entertainment and took my career into my own hands so I could be a part of the projects I was really passionate about. Read more>>
Paige Hill
For the longest time, I didn’t think I was creative. I went to the Art Institute of San Diego and honestly barely passed any of my basic art classes—drawing, painting—you name it. I constantly felt like I wasn’t good enough and told myself I just wasn’t cut out for the arts. The only thing I felt okay at was digital work. Read more>>
Dejourne Henry
I think the biggest misunderstanding about my legacy will be that it’s only about building a business. My DJS, the estate venue, the shuttle services — those are pieces of it, but the heart of my legacy is about people. It’s about creating opportunities, honoring the vision Earl and I dreamed up together, and building spaces where memories are made. Read more>>
Jessica Yaffa
Our behavior makes sense. When I experience someone or something that feels really challenging, or even off-putting, I will of course have feelings about it…but when I remember that those actions or behaviors are coming from a place of self-protection, wounding or even a desperation for connection (unhealthy connection is more tolerable than none), it helps to ground me in perspective. Read more>>
Francisco & Yadira Sanchez
A false label we still hear is, “Oh, they just pick up trash.” But what we do goes far beyond that. We give unwanted items a second chance — whether it’s through donating, recycling, or repurposing. We pick up what others leave behind so our creeks, beaches, and neighborhoods can stay clean. Read more>>
Isaac Lee
I will always think of my combat experience as the defining portion of my life. I don’t know that I’ll ever fully reconcile it, but that is something that I work on continuously. I participate in a few different programs that allow me to not only work on that for myself but also to help my peers. Read more>>
Julyanna Roza
I’m an only child, and growing up, I always dreamed of being someone’s big sister. I had tons of cousins and a close-knit family, but when I was home alone, I’d channel my boredom into creative time – playing music, learning instruments, writing stories, coloring, dancing… you name it, I did it! Read more>>
Dr. Ericka Olson
If I’m being honest, I’ve spent a lot of my life dimming my sense of worthiness. There’s a part of me that has believed I need to do more, give more, or work harder to prove I’m enough. It’s a pattern that so many women carry—especially those of us who care deeply and want to help others. Read more>>
Marni Goldberg
I’d say roaming the streets of a foreign country while traveling, especially solo, usually involves getting lost in the moment and getting into a state of flow. I absolutely love the feeling of exploring what’s right in front of me and surrounding me as a wander with curiosity. Read more>>
Mayra Ayala
The man I’ve been in a relationship with since 2017 has deeply shaped how I see myself—in the most positive ways. Read more>>
KOAT Records
One truth we live by—but rarely say out loud—is that no one owes you anything. Respect, support, opportunity—none of it is guaranteed. You have to earn it every single day. That mindset keeps us grounded and hungry. It’s easy to get caught up in comparisons or entitlement, but we remind ourselves constantly: if we don’t build it, no one will. Read more>>
Chrissy Lewis
I’ll regret not continuing to learn, not because I have to, but because growth keeps me inspired. Staying curious is how I stay connected to my purpose. I’ll regret not taking time away, for a retreat, for stillness, for expansion. I know that when I create space to grow outside the treatment room, I return more aligned, more powerful, and more me. Read more>>
Dr. Monica Sliwa
For years, I committed to my future — eight years of studying, working nonstop, and saving every penny to buy a home for my family. I’m proud of what I built, but in the process, I missed out on one of the things I love most: seeing the world. Now that I’ve created stability, I’ve promised myself I’ll never put that dream on hold again. Read more>>
Dean Fleischmann
Integrity above all. Integrity will inform your intelligence and influence your energy. It helps narrow the focus of what you are curious about, and what you want to learn and how you seek it out. It will also dictate how you spend your time and who you spend it with. Read more>>
Charles Oreve
One thing I changed my mind about after failing hard was my approach to client expectations. Early in my career, I believed that delivering exactly what a client asked for was enough to ensure success. I took on a project for a real estate client who wanted a website overhaul with a tight deadline. Read more>>
Lada Sadovnyk
The most surprising thing I’ve learned about our customers is how people in the U.S. naturally build communities around a brand they love. They keep supporting you, coming back, and actively telling others about you. I think this is a uniquely American phenomenon, and it’s an amazing feeling to have that kind of backing behind you. Read more>>
Miki Jennings
The most surprising—and rewarding—thing I’ve learned about my customers is how deeply individual “elegance” and “beauty” really are. My couples come from every age group, cultural background, confidence level, and range of dance or musical experience. Read more>>
Maren Hoflund
I went through my big life change and started a self care journey when I was 18. A part of my healing process was my blog, where I wrote about the lessons I learned from different events and people in my life. Read more>>
Will Hansen
I feel most at peace when I’m on the open road, windows down, music blaring, and nothing but possibility ahead. That’s when I’m in my element, chasing the next visual treasure or forgotten story waiting to be rediscovered. The rhythm of the road, paired with the thrill of the hunt, gives me a sense of freedom and clarity that nothing else quite matches. Read more>>
Chicas and Chisme Podcast
We feel most at peace when we break from the day to day routines and travel. We have committed to taking an annual trip to a destination of our choice. This brings us peace, happiness and gratitude. This allows us to disconnect and see what this world has to offer. Every time we’ve traveled we’ve returned a better version of ourselves. Read more>>
Lisa Porcelli
I deeply admire many of the fellow entrepreneurs I work alongside in the concessions industry. What stands out to me isn’t their titles or influence—it’s their character, their work ethic, and their passion for what they do. Some of them were born into this life, learning the trade from their families. Read more>>
T-Chronic
There’s an artist by the name of Wax. My friend showed me his music when I was in 8th grade. The first two songs I heard were ‘New Crack’ and ‘Limousine.’ I was instantly hooked by his flow, lyricism and witty style. He quickly became one of my favorite artists of all time. It just so happened that the universe crossed our paths. Read more>>
Rachel Heyes
If I knew I had only 10 years left, I would immediately stop worrying about other people’s expectations and trying to achieve perfection. I’d let go of the pressure to constantly please others, compare myself, or chase superficial goals. Instead, I’d fully embrace experiences that bring genuine joy, spend meaningful time with loved ones, and create without limitations or fear—living boldly, authentically, and unapologetically myself. Read more>>
Sylvie Diot
10 years of life is still a long time, it is only when the 10 years have passed that I start thinking.. ‘Already’, and have many flashbacks. This year we celebrate 10 years anniversary, So that’s quite a question for me. but I would not completely stop working. May be reduce my working time. I do not take abrupt decision. Read more>>
Ericka Howard
This is such a funny question because I used to believe I wouldn’t make it past 36. And now that I’m here—age 36 and still going strong—I honestly wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve spent my life chasing purpose, following my passions, and doing everything I can to make the people around me feel valued, appreciated, and seen. Have I been perfect? Absolutely not. Read more>>
Teresa Vo
Home ownership. Housing affordability and access to entry-level homes are critical to creating real opportunities, building generational wealth, and fostering stability in our communities. I advocate fiercely for protecting and expanding these opportunities because owning a home shouldn’t be a luxury; it should remain a cornerstone of the American Dream. Read more>>
Roger Ma
For me, it’s language — preserving and passing down the native tongue. There’s a saying that goes, “If you speak two languages, you’re bilingual. If you speak three, you’re trilingual. If you speak one… you’re American.” Jokes aside, language holds a deep cultural weight. It carries history, identity, and emotion. Read more>>
Jenni Prisk
Māoritanga in Aotearoa New Zealand. Our small country is going through trying times as the current government attempts to disregard Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) that established our country in 1840, providing fair division of land and benefits to the Māori people who settled there long before white people arrived. Read more>>
Brady Rein
A normal day for me? Well, I wake up at 4:30am, open the doors to my gym at 5:30am, start my first class at 6am. After that, I teach 2 more classes, and I’m done with my first half of the day by 10am. From that point, I train myself and workout. I do long distance triathlon to stay in shape and keep myself healthy. Read more>>
kc deane
I wake up and go straight into prayer and meditation, and then body/healing work. Then dream analysis which often combines into the meditation to bring forth what I need to know from the nights work. Read more>>
Caroline Hall
A typical day for me starts with self-care and movement—I begin with yoga to ground myself, followed by a cold plunge in 37°F water (yes, it’s intense but energizing!). Then I head to the pickleball courts for two hours of competitive play. It’s a great mental reset and keeps me sharp and active. Once I’m back home, I transition into creative mode. Read more>>
Pinkie Ranckey
Work is my passion. It’s not something I clock into—it’s something I wake up to. Read more>>
Juliette Jurcak
There is no ‘normal day’ for wedding planners! My days without rehearsals and weddings consist of a ton of emails, inquiry calls, planning meetings, contract reviews, social media planning, venue visits, and so much more. With weddings happening year-round, I’m constantly at a different stage with each of my couples – and I love it! Read more>>
Houston Buehrle
Running a startup means there’s really no such thing as a ‘normal’ day — and honestly, that’s what excites me about it. Every day brings a different challenge. One day I’m in sales mode, building relationships with retailers or pitching to new accounts. The next day I’m focused on marketing strategy, content creation, or managing cash flow and operations. Read more>>
Danielle Gronich
They would miss my authenticity for sure. I speak very candidly & clearly to people about any topic at hand, and a lot of women do not have that in their relationships so it’s a breath of fresh air for many. Saying what we mean is its own adventure. Read more>>
Walker Wilson
I think many people are struggling to find a meaningful sense of community, and it contributes to depression and anxiety. It’s hard to deal with all the negative information we can receive on a daily basis, but I also think its bad to disconnect from news of the world just because its sad or induces anxiety about our inability to affect it. Read more>>
Kristi Stoll
I work with empowering women entrepreneurs to succeed. In my experience, one of the biggest silent struggles women entrepreneurs face is the constant pressure to “have it all together” – professionally and personally – without showing the cracks. Many are quietly wrestling with self-doubt, burnout, or the feeling that they’re not doing enough, even when they’re achieving, or trying to achieve, incredible things. Read more>>
Jennifer Kennedy
I think a lot of people silently struggle with admitting they need help—not because they don’t want support, but because they fear the judgment that might follow. There’s a quiet, almost universal anxiety around saying, “I can’t do this alone” and standing in that truth without apologizing for it. Read more>>
Keao Love
Many people are struggling with the loss of a pet. Dealing with a type of grief that is gutting and life changing, some people feel no one else understands their pain. We do. My work as an Animal Communicator has evolved into encompassing the many facets of pet loss grief. I truly want people to know they do not have to struggle by themselves. Read more>>
Kristian Fennessy
I think a lot of people are silently struggling with chronic bodily pain and discomfort. It’s something that can deeply affect your mood, focus, and quality of life, yet it’s often pushed aside or normalized. People power through it without realizing how much it’s wearing them down—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Read more>>
Rollo Papers
My most recent show was getting to open for Curren$y at Music Box in downtown San Diego in May this year. Opening for Curren$y was a legitimate dream come true because he was one of the artists me and my brother would listen to growing up as kids all the time. The venue was packed out shoulder to shoulder and it was surreal to see one of my childhood heroes perform with myself as a part of the actual show. I got the chance to bring out a couple artists with me as well. SieteGang Yabbie and 88thagang pulled up to perform their hit single Team Spirit during my set which was a special moment for me because they are a couple of the biggest names in the city right now and it truly meant a lot for them to be willing to pull up for me on stage. Read more>>
Brian Hoffman
I hope that Ebike Cargo Products will pay off in less than 10 years, but I expect that building out and scaling this company will be a decade plus long project. We are trying to do big things, changing the way people perceive and use bikes for transportation, and that takes time. Read more>>
michelle lillywhite
Definitely my investment in my children! I’ve had to make some sacrifices in my career to spend time with them. It can be challenging to my identity at times watching people succeed in ways that I used to. Some days I feel like I am tending to messes and little hearts all day and no one is noticing. Read more>>
