Life, Lessons, & Legacies

Through the work we do we are incredibly fortunate to find and learn about so many incredible local artists, creatives and entrepreneurs. Their stories, the lessons that they’ve learned and the legacies they are building inspire us beyond words. Below, we have highlighted a few of those amazing folks and we hope you’ll check out their stories and their responses to some of the fundamental questions the help form the foundation of our lives and careers.

Manuel Ceniceros

Photography is the path that I’m wondering down. I don’t question where it’s going. Some days I’m with artists in their creative spaces, other days I’m walking the streets or the shoreline, looking for light, shadow, and texture. Black and white slows me down and shows me what matters. Read more>>

Jennifer Silva Redmond

I was just searching for something in my Substack archives the other day, and I saw a chart of my growth from 2023 to now and it made me really proud. Not only am I almost to 500 subscribers, but the reach of my posts has tripled—some of my posts are getting 600 views. Read more>>

Janessa Vicenty

A recent moment that made me feel genuinely proud was realizing how much my hard work in building my community is starting to pay off. Over the past year, I’ve poured so much time, energy, and intention into creating meaningful events and experiences for women in San Diego. Read more>>

Garrett Binder

In 2017, I decided to challenge myself—and to this day, I’m not entirely sure why I thought this was a good idea. I signed up for a Navy SEAL–style crucible that put civilians through a “Hell Week”–inspired workout for 12 straight hours overnight. It was the kind of thing only masochists or psychopaths would voluntarily do. Read more>>

Carissa Fagan

One of the biggest lies in my industry is that success has to look one specific way or follow a strict timeline. There’s also a belief that you have to fit into a box, chase trends, or burn yourself out to be taken seriously. In reality, longevity comes from authenticity, consistency, and genuine connection. Read more>>

Chrisry Ross

Now, more than ever, I’m being called to invite people into the world of creating art rather than me just selling my art. My teaching abilities are surprisingly in demand more than I ever thought they would be. For example, at the Lemon Grove Library my Painting classes are always almost 100% filled with 28 people and there’s a wait list of 10. Read more>>

Angelique Beach

Fear has been the force that has help me back most in my life, quietly shaping choices and convinced me to stay within what feels safe rather than what feels possible. It deffinitely is that negative voice in your head that is speaking doubt, judgment, failure, and the unknown which often stops me before I begin. Read more>>

Valencia Snow

Healing myself without rushing the process. I’m committed to doing the inner work, breaking cycles, and creating a healthier version of myself, no matter the timeline. Read more>>

Virgil Simpelo

I was very introverted growing up and got bullied from time to time. I took solace in art and music, often listening to the Smiths and Morrissey as I drew or painted. I identified with the lyrics as someone who struggled with unrequited love or yearning to be heard. Read more>>

Jonathan Biermann

Out in nature, preferably around hundreds of brown pelicans. Read more>>

Yashica Topalovic

I absolutely love this question—my husband, Jasko Topalovic. When we first met a little over ten years ago, he saw my potential long before I fully stepped into it myself. He saw who I was becoming, not just who I was in that moment. Early on, while we were dating and he was visiting, he came across one of my binders filled with my designs. Read more>>

Joseph Mostad

I hope you never find this out. You may think you are but, people are capable of incredible things. You are never truly out of your depth if you understand that you can ask for help. I have never met anyone not willing to share. Read more>>

Sean Jamieson

I think one of the biggest misunderstandings is the assumption that we’re simply offering a boat ride. What we actually provide is an experience rooted in tradition. When people hear “gondola ride,” they often picture a quick, touristy attraction. But what we offer is the true Venetian experience. Every cruise is private, intentional, and personalized. Read more>>

Kelli Russell

It’s so challenging to explain what I do in a way that others understand. I have amazing, life-changing sessions with clients, and they try to describe it to others they want to refer, but people don’t know what it means. I recently had this conversation with someone who’s gone from anxious/people pleasing/vaping to confident/self-aligned/content/no desire to vape. Read more>>

Kevin Anthony

I can’t say it was one relationship that significantly shaped how I see myself. However, it has been a series of intimate relationships. Throughout my life, each intimate relationship I have had has shown me new things about myself, who I am, how I show up in the world, what I want, and what I don’t want. Read more>>

CHELSEA STONE

My most foundational truth is that empathy and kindness are at the core of what it means to be human. They are the quiet traits that connect us to one another, reminding us that everyone carries unseen stories, hopes, and struggles. Choosing to lead with compassion creates spaces where people feel seen, valued, and understood. Read more>>

Frank Vizcarra

My relationship with God. I have always felt His presence in my life. The fundamental foundation of my life is built on the gospel of Jesus. It is my true north. I have heard His voice since I was a child. Read more>>

Neema K. Shad, M.S.

It was early in my tenure in the IDD space – back when I was just getting started. I was working with one of my very first clients with autism. Read more>>

Justyna Wawrzonek

I feel true joy whenever I know I’m making an impact—when someone feels safe, seen, and free to be themselves. Lately, I’ve been experiencing that joy most deeply through offering sound bath meditations. There’s something profoundly meaningful about creating a space where people can drop into their bodies, take that deep sigh of relief, and simply be. Read more>>