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.
Krista Lakes
My favorite days are when a book has been out for a while and the reviews are coming in. I have had a couple of books that were absolute fan favorites. (Yours Completely was my best one). I love when I open up my email and have letters from readers telling me their favorite parts of the book. Read more>>
Megan Bengtson
Wow, this is a deep question. I would be lying if I didn’t say I got teary while thinking and reflecting on this. I would tell her: You don’t have to prove your worth through doing. You are already enough — even when you rest, even when you don’t have it all figured out. Read more>>
Chloe Sheridan
100% I have always been my authentic self. I never placate to people. I believe this is why I am successful. I do not walk this earth with the fear of being judge. I stand strong in my values and I’m not afraid to turn money down if it does not align with my ethics. Read more>>
Kristench Ly
Suffering taught me I’m resilient and that I actually thrive on challenges. Success is comfortable, but it’s within those hardships that I find my deepest strength. I see this learning apply to everything—my family, health, and career. Suffering has basically reframed my view: now, I see every challenge as a positive way for personal growth rather than just a setback. Read more>>
Chanah Brown
A cultural value I protect at all costs is Black unity and pride. I was raised to always be proud of my heritage and to carry my culture with confidence. Our history, resilience, creativity, and strength inspire me every day. I believe it’s important to uplift one another, support Black-owned businesses, and keep our traditions alive through art, music, and community. Read more>>
Cimani Estelle
A moment that really shaped my view was realizing that everything; good or bad, happens for a reason. Even the hardest seasons carried lessons I couldn’t see or understand at first. That mindset changed how I move through life and business and is what pushed me to rebrand. Understanding that growth, change, and hardships can create purpose. Read more>>
CEO Babes
“A moment that really shaped how I see the world was when I realized the power of women supporting women. I’ve been through seasons where I had to figure everything out on my own, and once I started connecting with like-minded women who wanted to see each other win, it completely changed my perspective. Read more>>
Susanne Lambdin
Rejection and ridicule can kill the spirit of a writer faster than anything else. I wrote fanfiction in the 70s before it was popular. Then I wrote my first novel. I contacted agents from ‘The Market Place,’ a book that lists every agent in every genre, along with guidance on writing a query letter, outlining, and where to send the book. Read more>>
Bill Witthar
Smart people today are getting it wrong by mistaking information for transformation and skills for cognitive ‘state’. They consume endlessly, analyze everything, and chase optimization — yet remain disconnected from embodiment, discipline, and presence. They live in their heads, addicted to stimulation and data, but out of alignment with their nervous system, intuition, and inner rhythm. Read more>>
