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.
Andrea Macasadia
Something I’m most proud of building, especially over the years, is my network of friends and colleagues across such different industries I never thought I would’ve been tapped into. Read more>>
Carolyn Pascual White
We recently welcomed our second child this summer – a baby girl! As the owner of a creative, personal brand business, fully stepping away can be challenging. But building a team and establishing processes behind the scenes at The Social Sipper has allowed me to step back in a big way and truly enjoy this special time with my family. Read more>>
Nico Snow
What I’m most proud of is the foundation I’ve built behind the scenes, the discipline, the follow up, and the consistency that allows me to truly take care of my buyers and sellers. It’s not flashy, but it’s what keeps deals together and gives my clients confidence from start to finish. Read more>>
Austin Jones
Something beautiful in my life happened recently. On August 17, at 12:32am my baby boy was born. My wife and I have been trying to have a baby for years now. It has really not been easy. We have been through 3 miscarriages. It was only after our 4th pregnancy that we were successful. Read more>>
Shavona Holmes
I’m incredibly proud and honored to have received the BBB Torch Awards of Ethics in 2024. This recognition means so much because it reflects the core values that have guided my business from day one; integrity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to serving others with care and respect. I’m also deeply humbled to be recognized as a Marquis Who’s Who Listee. Read more>>
Katie Morone
While I was dancing, there was a role I really wanted. Year after year, I tried my best to convince the creative team that I was a good fit. It was only after someone new came into the organization that I got the opportunity to dance that role. Seeing my name on the list was wonderful! Read more>>
Sara Jankowsky
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be to take more chances and not let anxiety take over your life. I know how overwhelming those feelings can be, making you doubt yourself and hold back from opportunities. But you need to remember that you are beautiful inside and out. Read more>>
Carrin Johnson
The version of me the public sees is real: my faith, my drive to build community, my work as a Navy vet and builder, and the conviction to help neighborhoods and families through ADUs and development are not performances — they’re who I am. Read more>>
Hilda Mateiu
Many players nowadays have amazing skills and shooting techniques, they get by with it in elite settings. However, many of these players are not taught that basketball is a team sport. They need to work, believe and hustle as a team. Read more>>
Danky D
Suffering teaches us to stick through the tough times and it is what ultimately makes us unbreakable, depending on the life experiences and circumstances you go through shows you and forms you into what you become. Diamonds are made under pressure! Read more>>
Karly Kent
I believe that we are all capable of achieving anything we set our minds to. I can’t prove it with data, but I’ve seen it in my own life and in the people around me. I truly believe our thoughts create our reality, what we focus on consistently is what we end up building, whether good or bad. Read more>>
Joy Francisco
I think many people are secretly struggling with the weight of their responsibilities and emotions, but they don’t say anything because asking for help can feel vulnerable, uncomfortable, or even like a burden to others. There’s often a quiet pressure to appear strong and capable, so struggles remain unspoken. Yet, underneath, many are longing for connection and support—they just don’t always know how to ask. V
Judy Tsuei
That your nervous system is running your business decisions more than your spreadsheets. Most people think success is about strategy, tactics, and execution. They believe if they just find the right framework, hire the right consultant, or optimize the right metrics, everything will click into place. Read more>>
Melissa Burkhart
That you can have all the best ‘manifestation’ methods, mindset tools, and therapy modalities… but unless and until you understand precisely how the subconscious works alongside energetics and universal laws, you’re never truly going to get what you want. And on top of that, you might randomly manifest the house, the car, the partner, the travel… but it’s not going to fill your void. Read more>>
Lily Zhou
Each morning, I begin the day with a quiet meditation, sending blessings to my family, friends, and the guests staying in my home. It’s my way of grounding myself in gratitude and wishing abundance in health, love, and joy for those around me. Read more>>
Caitlin Rother
I love this question, because my days are never ‘normal,’ meaning they vary depending on where I am in the publication cycle of a book, and whether I am on a deadline. Read more>>
Rebekah Brown
I hope people remember how it felt to be part of H2O. I hope they talk about rehearsals full of laughter and hard work, about the friendships they formed in the studio, and about feeling both encouraged and challenged. I want them to remember feeling at home, discovering opportunities they didn’t know existed, and reviving dreams they thought were dormant. Read more>>
Laura Green
My relationship with my children taught me a lot about responsibility, and not giving up. Being a parent is tough work, and you have to keep showing up even when you may be tired or exhausted. Ive faced how I was raised and some of the emotional wounds I received in order to not pass those along. Read more>>
Yisel Arias
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is the relationship I have with my mother. For as long as I can remember she installed in me not only by her words but her actions she shows me everyday that I don’t need anybody. I grew up with my mom telling me “Don’t rely on anybody, you don’t need anyone. Read more>>
Scott Gengelbach
I don’t know if I’ve ever felt powerful but I do remember the first time I felt how powerful art could be. My grandparents had art books in their house that I used to look at when I was a kid. One of the books had a fold out of the painting ‘The Triumph of Death’ by Bruegel. Read more>>
Melanie White
I would regret not fully pursuing and excelling in God’s plan for my life. My deepest desire is to live out His purpose with faithfulness and to succeed in the calling He’s placed on me. Through Christian Beauty Ministries, I’m creating resources, publishing Bible studies, and leading groups that help women grow in their faith and confidence. Read more>>
Shatima Simmons
The grind — processing and testing. Some days you make progress, some days you fall back. You test what still works and what needs to change. This is where small wins matter most. Read more>>
Erin Jackson
Integrity, of course. There are loads of intelligent and energetic people in the world, and some of them are doing really cool, interesting things. But what really draws you to a person, makes you want to be in their orbit, and makes you trust them? It’s their integrity. Read more>>
Carla Nell
My Mother passed away in 2016. She made me feel the most loved of anyone I’ve ever known. She instilled in me a deep understanding that everyone is deserving of being loved, including me. Read more>>
Chad Yarvitz
The “smartest” people often identify so strongly with their education, accolades, and degrees, that they lose touch with intuition and the ancient wisdom that exists in all of us. Quieting the mind to a point of deep harmony is a simple, yet extremely difficult practice. Read more>>
Victoria Heydari
My Dad, he was my biggest fan. He always told me that I could do anything I want but I have to want it with all my heart. He was very proud of the woman I’ve become. I lost my Dad in 2013. Read more>>
Alejandro Gomez
My father taught me the most about work. He was a hardworking and disciplined man, and I grew up watching his example. It didn’t matter if he was sick or tired he would still get up early, shower, and head out to work, even with a fever. Read more>>
marian cuevas
I’ve always been exactly who I am meant to be. The world tried telling me who I was supposed to be, and I didn’t listen. For as long as I can remember, I have been ambitious, fearless, creative, and sensitive. The opinions of those around me do affect me, but at the end of the day, they don’t define me. Read more>>
