Local Highlighter Series

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.

Ben Blasi

I think this question really strikes at the heart of how we use our ‘influencers’. In this world of paid influencers, it becomes hard to differentiate between honesty and monetization. We wrote a mantra about our ‘real’ Influencers and I’d like to share it here: At Servin’ Swag, we don’t chase trends—we represent a movement. Read more>>

Miguel Valencia

The way I see it, fads come and go fast they get loud, trend heavy, and disappear the moment something new hits. Foundational shifts move quietly but change everything for good. In Chicano lifestyle photography many artist look the same and do the same shit, and some set up models to look like a lifestyle they do not live. It becomes corny. Read more>>

Era Bayrak

As individuals grow, their values and aspirations may change. If partners no longer have compatible life goals regarding children, finances, or other major life choices, it can pull them apart. Read more>>

Professor B. Miller

I think a lot of people are afraid of failing… afraid of losing, afraid of getting something wrong. But for me, every mistake adds another data point, another clue pointing toward the right direction. Failure sharpens your vision in a way success never does. You learn what not to do, which is often the most valuable information there is. Read more>>

Karin Haggård

That it is just branding and website creation. The reality is that most people know they need both, branding and website design when beginning their businesses but they don’t have the foundation set before beginning this process. Things like understanding; values, mission, future goals, ideal clients, how their offering changes their ideal client’s life, etc. Read more>>

Stefanie Annis

I think a lot of people are silently struggling with loving someone battling addiction. It’s such an isolating kind of pain, you’re watching someone you love self-destruct, and you can’t fix it. It’s hard to talk to people about the emotions that come with it, the hope, the anger, the guilt, the heartbreak, because most conversations focus on the addict’s story. Read more>>

Jamie Saunders

What I understand deeply and what most people don’t? Is that mindset is everything. It doesn’t matter if you’re a CEO, a small business owner or a real estate investor, your success, your growth, your ability to take risks and create impact it all starts in the space between your right and left ear. Read more>>

Shaun Savage

A normal day for me starts around 7am with family/breakfast/prep for day/email. I drop my kids off at school and head to the office between 8-9 which is a short commute. Once I get to the office I tend to start by reviewing our main activities dashboard, reports and respond to the most important emails or situations. Read more>>

Hunter Bentley

A normal day would to wake up at 6:30pm to take care of my mom for next 3 hours so my dad can go to work. afterwords I would get to work film or coming up with content ideas to future shorts/ TikTok’s/ reels for the day Read more>>

Meera Ramanathan

I have been creating paper collages with hand embroidery with teapots and mugs as a theme for several years now. I am currently revisiting and working on my personal art by using inspiration from my south Indian roots in Kanjeevaram sarees. Read more>>

Toni Marie Flowers

I love this question! When I’m creating — painting, taking photos, playing piano, or crafting jewelry — time simply dissolves. The world grows quiet, and I’m completely lost in color, rhythm, and texture. It’s in those moments that I feel most alive and most myself. I find myself again. Read more>>

Kyle Kobernus

When it comes to fitness and my coaching philosophy, I keep the programs and training at Ignite Strength and Conditioning simple and effective. Complicated, risky workouts are not the way to go. Whenever designing training programs, you have to make sure the risk does not outweigh the reward. Read more>>

Joni Chapman

Integrity, because intelligence and energy are not the best show of a persons character. Read more>>

Uri Bialostozky

My biggest teachers have been my father and my family. My dad modeled what it means to take pride in your work aka show up early, do it right, and treat people with respect. From him, I learned that your name is on everything you do, and that quality and honesty are non-negotiable. Read more>>

Enrique Medina

My father and my aunt. My father extremely hard working for the last 37 years and is also the kitchen executive here at the Crest Cafe. Then, my aunt Cecelia, the smartest person in the room and extremely passionate about what she does. They have guided me and allowed me to bring my vision to life. Read more>>