Over the past decade we have had the chance to learn about so many incredible folks from a wide range of industries and backgrounds and our highlighter series is designed to give us an opportunity to go deeper into their stories with to goal of understanding them, their thought process, how their values formed and the foundations of their stories. Check out some incredible folks below – many of whom you may have read about already and a few new names as well.
Jenny Jolley
Slowly, I’ve worked on being more conscious with my time. I’ve always had my social media notifications turned off on my phone and I only see updates when I pull up my apps. That was a big step that set a personal boundary many years ago. After that, I still found myself checking social media and scrolling…scrolling…scrolling. Read More>>
Diana Hughes
I want to say that a family member, mentor, or friend has most shaped how I see myself. But if I’m being honest, the relationships that have impacted me the most are with people I can’t talk about—people who will never meet those closest to me. Read More>>
Julia Scott
A normal day for me is definitely a mix of business and family life. I’m married and a mom of two, so our mornings usually start with getting everyone out the door, making breakfasts, packing lunches, and making sure no one forgot their homework! Once everyone is at school, I shift into business mode. Read More>>
James Spikes
There are several moments that have shaped and continue to shape how I see the world but what sticks out to me the most is anytime I have had the opportunity to serve to others. The best things that have happen to my life have come from my willingness to serve my fellow man and woman. Read More>>
Jason Hunt
When has there been a time when I’ve not wanted to give up? It happens all the time — technological and equipment issues, imposter syndrome, lack of progress in building an audience — there are so many times it feels like this is the time I finally throw in the towel. I’ve been doing this since 2009. Read More>>
Natasha Rubinetti-Kul
Absolutely!! I feel level of excitement all the time in my work. One of the moments that gets me every single time is the big reveal with the couple at the end of their wedding night. After hours of painting, seeing their faces light up when they view their piece for the first time is pure magic for me. Read More>>
Anya Arcane
I’m definitely excited to be in the studio every time I have the opportunity. Tattooing is one of those things I knew I wanted to do from the start; and while the specifics of what I’m excited about are always shifting and evolving, I find gratitude and inspiration almost every time. Read More>>
Diana Linn Ennis
Oh, I’m wandering here and there for sure … wondering what path, if any, I should explore next. Read More>>
Dr. Amy Crowe
I can’t give everything my best, whether I’m praised for it or not! I play disc golf. Some days I’m pretty good; other days, I don’t seem to have any control over my body or the disc. Quite a few years ago, I learned something valuable from a sports psychology book. Read More>>
Vanessa Rao
Absolutely – I work behind the scenes to create digital stories for my clients and the success comes when they see a positive return on their investment, whether that be an increase in guest experiences or even a sense that their online presence matches the experience of guests with their business. Read More>>
Brandon Mills
Yes, In 2023 I was going through some personal issues with my previous wife. While we both still did alot of business together, the dynamic of our relationship and marriage was undermine. There’s the old saying never mix business with pleasure, and many people said some professional choices I had made with her we’re complete mistakes, but in essence they we’re completely wrong. Read More>>
Ashley Maurin Rodden
The beauty industry is constantly changing…new colors, new makeup fads, but the one thing most women aspire to is FEELING their best because they look their best. This often comes with first, great skincare and personal care, meaning you take care of yourself inside and out. THEN, you can add a little makeup to make you feel good! Read More>>
Erin-Michelle Luttrell
You were never meant to hold it all by yourself. You did what you had to do, and I’m so proud of you. But it’s safe now—to rest, to trust, to receive. You don’t have to prove your worth through carrying weight alone. You are enough, even when your hands are empty.’ Read More>>
Kelsey Webster
If I knew that I only had 10 years left, I would stop comparing myself to others and I would put even more of my heart into my work. I would get out of my own way and create the work that lives rent free in my mind. I have so many amazing photoshoot ideas that I want to, and hope to, execute. Read More>>
Lauren Chavez
The very essence of who I truly am: My heart. My soul. My laugh that rises from joy and knowing. My unwavering desire to serve, to hold, to help. And above all — love. The kind that transcends form, title, or time. Read More>>
Oscar Garza
I think they would miss the intangibles that I bring to the table. Not every massage therapist listens to client feedback. Not every massage therapist can only speak when spoken to. Not every massage therapist can interpret the clients body language and adjust accordingly. I pride myself on the intangibles that I bring, because that in and of itself elevates the experience. Read More>>
Justin Watanabe
In my music career, I’ve always been told that true success can take up to a decade to build. Music isn’t something that usually pays off overnight—sometimes it takes months, even years, for the seeds you plant to finally bloom. All you can do is show up consistently, water those seeds every day, and trust the process. Read More>>
Morgan Kuchynka
I love how thought provoking this question is! I think I have a two part answer: relationships and culture. I have worked hard at building and maintaining healthy relationships with those around me – including my family, friends, and co-workers. I have done a lot of introspective work, reading, and soul searching to improve my interactions with others. Read More>>
Tamarya Cobb
A lot of my viewpoints come from a biblical perspective. So for me, suffering has to come before the success. Suffering has taught me that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and then that is where the success will come in. Success with no suffering creates a lot of room for comfortability. Read More>>
Abagail Pumphrey
It wasn’t until recently I even understood suffering. I know pain, we all do. But suffering was different. Suffering was the argument I kept having with reality. Pain + Unacceptance = Suffering Pain is nonnegotiable. Bad things happen on schedule and off it. Suffering, though, is optional. An interest payment on a debt already paid. Read More>>
Austin Campbell
The first 90 minutes of my day are by far the most productive out of the entire day. I wake up each morning at 4:30am to one alarm, no snooze buttons. I brush my teeth, get dressed, and eat a light breakfast. I grab my phone and my laptop and get to work. Read More>>
Stephanie Olson
One truth I hold that most people push back on is this: debt is not a normal or inevitable part of life. I’m not saying debt is inherently “bad,” but I do believe we’ve been conditioned to see credit card balances, car loans, mortgages, and student loans as just another stage of adulthood. That mindset keeps people from even asking if there’s another way. Read More>>
JaySol
Lately, my greatest joy has been performing, especially with my band Sol Movement. I’ve been discovering new ways to elevate my show, from adding fresh arrangements to experimenting with interactive moments for the crowd. Whether I’m writing new songs, rehearsing, or connecting with an audience during a live performance, it fills me with energy and purpose. Read More>>
Heath Church
Lately I’ve been practicing being a good friend to myself. Life has gotten so much brighter in the past year or two because of this. It’s such a great feeling to show up for yourself. It took me a really long time to get the hang of it but I feel like there’s so much more joy in my life now in general. Read More>>
Steve Myers
Maybe anger, fear, possessiveness. As you get older you learn nothing is yours, nothing will be permanent. Treating things as temporary experiences truly makes the ego throw a tantrum. It doesnt appreciate the feeling of powerlessness, but in that knowing that one day everything will end, there’s is also a sense of freedom to not take as much seriously. Read More>>
Abigale Sleezer
That time is precious and nothing is guaranteed. It’s why I value presence over perfection, both in life and in the way I document weddings. I rarely say it out loud, but it’s always there, shaping how I show up for the people I love and the moments I capture. Read More>>
EleveN2wenty2
We have a few answers to this! One of our most powerful feelings is seeing our influence amongst our peers and how it impacts their creative pursuits and onstage presentations. Another feeling was when we said no to a huge opportunity that we knew would not align with us as a group. Read More>>
Lacey Binns
Taking time out any chance I get in any given day for my family. Any time my son asks for a snuggle or to read a book together, I stop and do that with him. Those are moments and requests that are not promised to you. Spend the time with the ones you love without regret or fear that you’re ‘missing out’ on something else. Read More>>
Ron Stifter
My friends would immediately say that my three daughters are what matter to me. Every moment of my life is spent making sure that they are loved and cared for. Without my daughter’s I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Read More>>
Dr. Haley Wrisinger
Since opening a business, I have realized that children are our greatest blessings. This has not been one specific moment but moments that have built over the years of serving families and then having my own children. Read More>>
Manuel Cantu
When I was 26, I was diagnosed with cancer, and that changed everything. At first, it was terrifying—your whole world suddenly feels like it’s been flipped upside down. You start to think about the things you’re going to not be around for. But going through it forced me to slow down and see life differently. Read More>>
Chad Austin
I used to be so hard on myself whenever I failed or made a mistake. Finally, I have learned that mistakes and failures are actually inevitable, and that they are just part of the journey. This is extremely relevant when it comes to our fitness goals. We are taught to believe that failures end our fitness journey. Case and point…New Years resolutions. Read More>>
Nakesha Hawkins
I stopped hiding my pain when I realized there was a purpose behind it—that God was allowing me to go through certain storms to prepare me for the next level of my life. I came to understand that the pain wouldn’t last forever, and that it was actually shaping my resilience, building my character, and strengthening my mindset. Read More>>
Tonni “Pharoh” Fewell
I feel most at peace when I’m with my wife and my two sons—those moments when time slows down and I’m reminded of what truly matters. Whether we’re sharing a quiet meal, laughing over something small, or just being present together, that sense of connection grounds me. Read More>>
AJ Wilane
I feel most at peace when I’m in solitude and simply being without thinking. My mind is always racing and it can be hard to slow down around all of the external noise. Mindfulness and spirituality are two essential pillars in my life that help me retain a calm and grounded approach to life. Read More>>
Kelsie Lauck
Too many smart, capable business owners treat marketing as optional or something they’ll get to later. I see it all the time, people put off investing in their brand or cut their marketing budget first when things get tight, thinking it’s a luxury instead of a lifeline. But if you’re struggling to grow or bring in new customers, the solution isn’t to go quieter. Read More>>
Ashley Falzone
I believe mistrust, internal struggles, and insecurity are the main causes of broken bonds between people. When we cannot fully understand each other due to our differences-it’s a recipe for conflict. I believe people must be trusting and hold their boundaries strong in order to repair a broken bond fully. Read More>>
Sara Qawasmi
I think bonds break when people stop feeling seen, heard, or safe with one another. Whether it’s in friendships, families, or relationships, disconnection usually begins with unmet needs, unspoken truths, or assumptions that go unaddressed. When communication fades, empathy fades and that’s often when things start to go south. Restoring that bond takes real effort. Read More>>
Sam Megraw
Disconnection breaks the bonds—when we stop listening, stop being curious, or assume we already know someone’s story. Judgment, ego, and hurry tend to create distance too—when we’re too busy or too guarded to show up as ourselves. What restores those bonds is presence. Sharing space. Moving together. Read More>>
Joyce Watts
My normal day starts very early in the morning, I try to start my day on a positive note with lots of energy, so when I greet my customers, I am here for them. Read More>>
Tina Burnham
First of all, there’s no such thing as a ‘normal’ day for me. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities—whether it’s solving client problems, managing multiple projects, or jumping in where I’m most needed. Variety is where I thrive—it keeps me sharp, engaged, and excited to show up every single day.” . Read More>>
Lukas Allnutt
Pretty average for the most part. I wake up and go to work, but throughout the day, I try to educate myself on social media and music marketing—looking for different ways to push myself and the band to get our music in front of people. Once I get home, I enjoy spending time with my family and cats. Read More>>
Katherine Melton
Right now, I am learning in two primary ways. First, I am continuously engaging with research, evidence-based practices, and professional development opportunities offered by other experts in the field. That ongoing learning helps ensure that my work remains current, effective, and grounded in best practices. Read More>>
Katelynn Wampler
I’m learning from God. I put all my trust into him. I have been struggling with a sickness for about 6-7 months now. God going to get me through it, I just keep praying to him. I am reading the Bible everyday. God is with us at all times, and is here for us. Read More>>
Tyler Bonine
These days, my best teachers are my daughters. My youngest, who has cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities, loves in a way that’s pure and unshakable. She teaches me something new, everyday. My oldest is the sweetest, most determined kid I’ve ever met. Every day they show me what strength, kindness, and perseverance really look like. Read More>>
Harrison B. Mitchell Jr.
Relearning what you was taught by immediate family because it’s not their fault they were not mentally educated enough for what’s going on in the world of Yesterday and today. The rules are basic they have been the same for a long time. Read More>>
