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.
Brielle Salamone
I’ve experienced excitement in my career before, but nothing quite like this. Earlier roles and milestones brought moments of pride or validation, but they were often tied to external measures of success. What feels different now is that the excitement comes from alignment. I wake up energized because the work reflects my values, creativity, and purpose all at once. Read more>>
Mirjana Vidic
Yes, the public version of me is the real me. I value honesty deeply, both in my work and in how I show up in the world. What you see is what you get — there’s no separation between who I am privately and who I am professionally. I’m originally from Europe, and that upbringing shaped me in important ways. Read more>>
Chris Shields
T R U S T Transparency creates safety. Reliability proves character. Understanding builds connection. Sustaining authenticity keeps trust alive. Truth protects it. Trust can be gained quickly, but it is maintained slowly. Once broken, trust is difficult—but not impossible—to restore. A life lived with transparency, consistency, authenticity, and truth doesn’t just build trust—it preserves it. Trust isn’t built in moments. It’s built in patterns. Read more>>
Nate Riedel
This past year I dove head first into film photography. I had a concept for a photo series that eventually became my book ‘Every Image A Prayer.’ Planning, shooting, and traveling while making that book has really brought me joy. It was a nice change of medium – going from motion video to stills photography, and I’m excited to continue learning. Read more>>
Mike Balaban
I hope it is widely known and accepted that I have dedicated my life to educating people about the lgbtq community, to giving in material and non material ways, and to supporting the causes and the community I am an integral part of. Read more>>
JOCELYN BISHOP
I find myself and my creativity truly come alive when I step out of my routine and into spaces that let me breathe. Whether it’s a hike with my dog, wandering through the mall and observing people and visuals, or simply sitting outside and taking in fresh air, those moments help me reset and reconnect. Read more>>
Brandon Vanegas
My earliest memory of feeling powerful wasn’t loud or dramatic. It was the moment I realized that consistent effort creates real outcomes. I was young, working hard at something most people overlooked, and I remember seeing a result that existed only because I showed up, stayed focused, and followed through. That experience planted something deeper in me; an obsession with progress. Read more>>
Vincent Aiello
My first solo during Navy flight school. Prior to that flight, everything was constantly under an instructor’s scrutinizing eye. Taking off all alone and soaring into the heavens was pure nirvana–I yelled out loud (not over the radio) out of pure jubilation, calling my older brothers’ names as if they could proudly watch. Read more>>
Bill Volkmann
One of my earliest memories was when I was at the mall holding onto my mother’s hand at the young age of seven. I noticed people were staring at me because of the way I walked. Read more>>
Caden Gilbert
I think integrity is the most valuable thing someone can have. It’s important to be able to trust who you’re working with, and I always strive to make others feel like they can trust me. Read more>>
Bird Davis
When i came to the conclusion that no one is coming to save you . You got to push through whatever it is that you may be going through. Life is a cold game but you must make things shake regardless . Whoever is going through something keep pushing BETTER DAYS ARE ALWAYS AHEAD . Read more>>
