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.
Ella Thomas
Yes — I believe I am doing what I was born to do. I’ve spent nearly two decades exploring different jobs, learning, and growing. After becoming a mother, I prayed to find a career that would truly support me and my family, rather than just a series of “jobs.” Life eventually guided me to accounting. Read more>>
Zaheer Bylin
Most people see a printing company, or a creative agency, or an eCommerce shop, depending on which door they walk through. What they miss is that Pacific Nexus isn’t any of those things in isolation. It’s an ecosystem. We build stories, brands, campaigns, and physical products that all have one thing in common: they actually work in the real world. Read more>>
Laura Bashore
Being a career strategist is not about providing a quick fix or making something up. I partner with my clients to bring out their natural strengths. I’m often asked, ‘What can I do for you?’ The answer is the sky’s the limit. If you’re willing to implement strategies based on your strengths, then I can help you get what you want. Read more>>
Phillip Williams
Becoming a general stereotype is a major fear i know was on my mind forever. being a succesful black man based on how i was raised or positive life lessons has taught me to stay the course no matter what others say or doubt about you. Read more>>
Rick Ryan
A normal day for me starts early. I check the projects my editing team finished and deliver the photos to clients so everything stays on schedule. After that, I answer quote requests, coordinate upcoming shoots, and make sure my photographers have everything they need for the day. Once the planning is done, I usually head out to shoot. Read more>>
Kim Magers
I would hope that people talk about what kind of mother I am, that my kids always feel loved, supported, and safe with me. I hope they remember my patience, my humor, my resilience, and the way I show up for them even on the hard days. Read more>>
Jiri Tomanek
I don’t need anyone to tell a heroic story about me when I’m gone. I’m not aiming for myth. The story I hope people tell is much simpler: “He made people feel seen.” That would be enough. Not that I was perfect, or endlessly kind, or always wise, I wasn’t. I made terrible mistakes. I let people down. Read more>>
Shannon Yeager
I learned how to be resourceful and independent at a young age. I was taught to look for answers and solutions before asking for help. I took pride in being able to do everything myself. This has allowed me to be self-sufficient and learn new skills in my career. However, it has also led to burnout trying to wear multiple hats in my business. Read more>>
D Benzo
I think I have built a lot of walls to protect myself from emotions. Giving myself permission to start to break these barriers down has allowed me to grow mentally and accepting that im allowed to feel things other than sadness and rage is ok. Read more>>
Brittany Hicks
My closest friends would tell you that people matter to me. They would say I care deeply about the way I show up for others, whether it is in my work, my relationships, or the way I interact with customers. They know I invest my heart into the things and the people I believe in. Read more>>
Maria Mukhina
Dark realism, for me, is a way to shape my inner shadows into something meaningful. It’s not that I was hiding anything – it’s more that I found a way to channel my inner aggression, sadness, and darker emotions into art instead of keeping them inside. It feels almost like a form of therapy. Read more>>
Caroline Rander
I didn’t talk about the story of my childhood for a very long time, well into adulthood. I grew up in Beirut which was so beautiful and once known as the Europe of the Middle East. It was war torn at a time when my parents decided to leave amidst falling bombs in 1989. Read more>>
Antoinette Love Ransom
I deeply value intelligence and the impact that brilliant minds have had on shaping our world. Yet, when I look at what is happening in our country today, I can’t help but feel that some of our smartest leaders may be getting things wrong. I don’t need to name anyone specifically—we can all imagine the types of individuals I’m referring to. Read more>>
Mike Reifeiss
Honestly, my clients have taught me the most about work. The daily interactions, the celebrations, the chaos, the last-minute changes, the laughs—have shaped how I run this business more than anything else. They show me what great service really means: being flexible, patient, reliable, and genuinely present. Read more>>
