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.
Carson Hunt
Dentistry is often a pretty thankless job. I’m sure everyone at some point in their life has said “I hate going to the dentist.” I’ve never taken that personally, because often people have had poor experiences in the past with dentists. Read more>>
Tami Wong
I always try to do my best and give everything I have because I can see the results for myself. I’ve also realized recently how much energy I’ve spent in my life seeking external validation. Just that realization has led to treating myself more kindly. It’s been really nice and I’m excited to get better at it. Read more>>
Xavier Ray
Yes. I always give my best energy before every stream. Even if no one says anything. I like to give it my best every time I go out cause people watch you. They might not say anything, but people still watch and they see everything. And depending on what platform you stream on, your VOD can potentially stay online forever. Read more>>
Emily Esparza
I always give my everything in life, I am not doing it for appraisal. I am a hard worker, and that reflects in my job, life and school. I have goals in my life I want to accomplish, I want to get my B.A in Journalism and find a career in that field. My two passions are writing and photography. Read more>>
Justin Scher
A dog rescue facility. Read more>>
Melinda Casey
If immortality were real, I’d build infrastructure that outlives dependence on any one person. I would invest in systems that empower future generations to experiment, lead, and create without starting from zero through intergenerational knowledge, shared land, tools, and trust. I’d build platforms for communities to innovate without gatekeeping. Institutions that shift power outward. A future where resources circulate, not concentrate. Read more>>
Yanna Ren
I believe mortality—meaning the purpose and energy in my life and career—is rooted in what I do and where my resources come from. Just as energy influences everything, the positive energy, environment, and the people you surround yourself with have a transformative power on your life. The energy you cultivate shapes your experiences and future, your family and loved ones. Read more>>
Lauren Souter
Paying rent. Just kidding. (sort of) I would stop stressing about the little things and start enjoying everything. Read more>>
Holly Berkley
I would stop staying ‘yes’ to social and business obligations that don’t light up my heart. I’ve recently gotten much better at saying ‘no’ to things. Saying no has become one of the healthiest choices I’ve made—it’s essential for living with peace and purpose.’ Read more>>
Kai Diaz
waiting. Read more>>
Kris Buchanan
Delete social media and put my computer down. Read more>>
Eric Racicot
If I knew I had 10 years left, I’d stop worrying about everything that’s out of my control. I’d stop wasting time on “what ifs” and start focusing fully on what I have right here, right now. Focus on the people, the moments and the small joys in life. In the end it’s not about having more, it’s about being present with what already matters. Read more>>
Garidey Bray
If I retired tomorrow, I think my customers would miss the quality time we share most. Over the years, the hours behind the chair have become so much more than just hair appointments—they’ve turned into friendships, conversations full of intellect, laughter, and real connection. Read more>>
Heather Sheldon
If I retired tomorrow, I think my clients and community would miss the space I hold most of all. Again and again, people have told me that what stands out in my work isn’t just the tools—breathwork, somatic coaching, Sacred Rage—but the sense of safety, compassion, and truth-telling that infuses those spaces. Read more>>
Mackenzie Olsen
If I retired tomorrow, I think my clients would miss the connection we’ve built just as much as the services themselves. As an esthetician, I see many of my clients every month, and over time, those appointments become more than selfcare—they become real relationships. Read more>>
Shannyn Fowl
Education courses. I am converting my classes that I taught at community college into modules that can easily be accessed online. I have had a lot of students over the years and will miss the in person teaching and interactions, however scheduling conflicts and obstacles with educational institutes make it a necessary move. Read more>>
Eusebio Travis E
I think for me it’s the time I put into my kids and the time I put into the students. Sure, you’ll see some results immediately but a lot of what you do, how you model behavior, and the little life lessons imparted won’t usually resonate with those kids till much later. So it’s a delayed gratification. Read more>>
Mariami Bibilouri
Releasing songs every month. Building a catalog is a slow, deliberate process, it takes patience, discipline, and a lot of work with little immediate reward. But music is an asset that matures over time. In 7–10 years, the consistency I’m putting in now will compound: more songs in the world means more opportunities for discovery, syncs, streams, covers, and cultural impact. Read more>>
SNØ BLVK
I believe entrepreneurship is something you’re born with. It’s that spark that pushes you to create, innovate, and lead even before you have the resources or roadmap. You can learn skills along the way, but the drive — the vision to see opportunity where others don’t — that’s in your DNA. Read more>>
Veronica Lee
That the earth is flat. JUST KIDDING! But I can’t say I personally know what shape the earth is… Anyway I believe that our thoughts create our reality, and there can be several truths. I believe that people can prove things for themselves in their personal experience, and that is the responsibility of each individual. Read more>>
Aaron Corbin
Area 51 is where the manufacture Peeps. Read more>>
Sherylynn Strong
What’s misunderstood about my business: One of the biggest misconceptions is that because I am Deaf, it might be difficult for hearing clients to communicate with me or that my skills as a hairstylist could be limited. In reality, it’s the opposite—my focus, attention to detail, and ability to use my eyes and hands make me even more precise and dedicated to my craft. Read more>>
Ashley Cipolletti
One of the biggest misunderstandings about my work is the assumption that dog behavior problems are simply the owner’s fault. I often hear this unspoken judgment, as if struggling with a dog means you’ve somehow failed. In reality, behavior is far more complex than that. It’s shaped by a combination of physiology, environment, learning history, and emotional regulation—for both the dog and the human. Read more>>
Carrie Anne Kelly
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about being a boudoir photographer is that it’s an easy, lighthearted job — just snapping pretty pictures of people in lingerie. What people don’t often see is the emotional labor that goes into every single session. Boudoir is incredibly personal and vulnerable. Read more>>
Lika Herrlein
Many people think Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is only about fighting, self-defense, or fitness. But what I’ve learned is that people come looking for much more, they are searching for connection, confidence, and a place where they feel they belong. Our academy has become that community, and that is what truly makes the difference in people’s lives and explains our steady growth. Read more>>
Jason Tharp
We are dedicated to buying and building lifts in America. We accept lower margins to continue building lifts here. People misunderstand that a higher price tag means more profit for our company. In our case, it translates to lower margins as the cost to build our product in the United States is much more expensive than the competitors lifts brought from China. Read more>>
Sean Davis
A lot of people don’t understand how acupuncture works. It is by far the most common question I get from patients. Of course, the classical texts on Chinese Medicine talk a lot about qi, but what exactly does that mean? Qi is not a real thing, it is a metaphor. It can be used in several different contexts, but it always connotes movement or transformation. Read more>>
Liz Detrow
People think grip socks are just a cute accessory for Pilates, but they’re actually a performance tool. I designed Ace Grip Socks to feel good, look cute, and improve your workout! The balance of function and style is what makes Ace different. Read more>>
Jason Scott
I believe that a lot of people expect musicians to play for little to no cost. A lot of time, effort and money go into creating music and when we play out we bring entertainment for the venue and bring people to purchase things they are selling. Read more>>
Leah Varney
I think what people may misunderstand about my legacy is assuming that my story is about one thing, like just photography, or just real estate. The truth is, my legacy is about the way I’ve woven different passions together and shown that you don’t have to fit neatly into one box to make an impact. Read more>>
Yura Lotonenko
I think people may misunderstand my legacy by seeing it only as creating beautiful gardens or landscapes. The truth is, what I’m building with LASD Studio is much deeper — it’s about reshaping how we understand the relationship between people, ecology, and place. Read more>>
JJ Tintiangco
I think people might misunderstand my legacy as being just about the art. The vibrant designs, the typography, the aesthetics. And while those are part of it, they’re just the entry point. What I’m really building is a language of care for people who’ve been overlooked, for stories that have been erased, for younger versions of ourselves who never had the words. Read more>>
Carly Frederick
I think some people will assume it was all about the fashion—the shows, the looks, the sparkle. And yes, I love the drama of a good runway moment. But the real legacy I’m building is about creating space: for underrepresented voices, for emerging talent, for stories that haven’t been told yet. It’s about access, empowerment, and pushing boundaries in an industry that can feel exclusive. Read more>>
Mr Wilson
So happy to have the opportunity to share with you readers a normal day in the life of Revamp Auto Shine. Revamp Auto Shine is a mobile detailing company based out of San Diego, we also offer exclusive services such as paint correction, ceramic coatings, and are putting our feet in the door of window tinting. Read more>>
Hayden Harrah
A normal day for me revolves around building and growing my business, DIGITAL KAVIAR. Most of my time is spent working closely with clients in the music industry, helping them shape their creative vision and navigate new opportunities. I’m also deeply passionate about AI, so I dedicate a lot of energy to exploring emerging tools and integrating them into my workflows. Read more>>
Jesse Mercado
Wake up early, make breakfast for my family and send them off to school and work, walk my dog, clean my yard and a little house work, head to the shop early and get to drawing or tattooing. Read more>>
Sierra Gruber
Faith is my compass My faith is the foundation of everything I do — it’s not something I always say out loud, but it quietly shapes every decision, every detail of my life. Because I believe people matter, that we are created as precious, loved beings, I want my work to reflect that value. Read more>>
Harvey A Quintero
One truth I live by is that consistency beats perfection. It’s something I don’t really say out loud often, but it drives a lot of how I work and how I approach life. You don’t need to have everything figured out to start, you just need to keep showing up and improving. Read more>>
Brian BAaeman
For any artist, at least for me, is easy- the fundamentals. Drawing, color, tonal values, composition, edges – all of these, and many more, are at the core of what makes an artist true to the craft. Drawing trumps everything I have listed, because without this important skill your destined to not go too far. Read more>>
Piatt Pund
Maybe 4 or 5 years old. My parents had a house party with people from the neighborhood and my community. I was really shy, but I always loved wearing my bright orange NASA costume from Halloween. I put it on, and went out to the party. Read more>>
Kat Kendria
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I was 12, performing a solo piece of ‘We Are the World’ in front of more than a hundred people. Standing under the spotlight, with everyone’s attention on me, was exhilarating. Read more>>
Jon Ray
I realized my power of self-will and determination when I was able to overcome my nicotine addiction in my mid-20’s. I had attempted a couple times, but on the third try I found a source of motivation within myself that made it impossible to fail again. Read more>>
Erika Givens
I was at art school and one of my graphic design professors, Roland Young, was not only legendary in the business, but notorious for being absolutely cut throat during art crits. He would demand perfection, 1000% commitment to the concept, and if it’s not intentional, ironic, mind-bending, and clever then it’s garbage and will be not only torn off the crit wall, but stomped on. Read more>>
Eric Pierre
During my Junior Year at Stephen F. Austin State University, I was the first non-Greek student in well over a decade to win homecoming court. I faced long odds as I represented the Honors Student Association, aka ‘The Nerds.’ I got to show the world that Nerds indeed rule over jocks and Fraternity Men! Read more>>
Batya MacAdam-Somer
I think my earliest memories of feeling powerful involve connecting deeply with music, as well as memories of traveling and being really inspired by it. Read more>>
Craig P
Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of being mentored by the incredible Jeff Ching. Jeff cut his first stone in 1962 and has since built a lifelong career in gemstones and custom jewelry. His business mindset and encyclopedic knowledge of stones and metals have been a gift to learn from. Read more>>
Mackenzie Madriaga
Lately I’ve been learning the most from the people I photograph. Whether they’re friends or someone I’ve just met, I try to pay attention to how they show up, how they hold themselves, and what they choose to share. It’s not always about the photo itself, but what happens around it. I’m also learning from the people around me. Read more>>
Linda Gatt
Right now, I’m learning from a mix of people—some in the industry, some completely outside of it. I’ve been really inspired by founders who’ve built cult-following brands with intention and longevity—like the team behind OSEA, Necessaire, or even Cuyana. They’ve mastered how to blend aesthetics, values, and strategy without ever feeling overproduced. On a day-to-day level, I learn a lot from my own team. Read more>>
