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.
Narendra Saraf
Yes!!!!!!! My thought process made me laugh and feel proud about myself. We all have been there. It was about my want. Again, it was about my want and not my need. As we all see new things around us that entice us to just go and buy impulsively, in hope that this purchase will give me a sense of satisfaction, make me feel good. Read more>>
Lydia Alem
My self autonomy. As a human being I’ve always put authenticity at the top of my list of values. As an artist, it has been difficult letting myself be authentic without the fear of being questioned or judged. Through inner work and patience I have built a stronger sense of who I am that allows me to live more authentically through my music. Read more>>
Miel Castagna-Herrera
Suffering taught me resilience, empathy, and how to keep moving forward when there is no clear path—lessons success could never teach me. Growing up marginalized and often going without showed me, early on, that hard work isn’t optional and that survival requires creativity, grit, and faith in yourself and your community. Read more>>
Samantha Sander
I hope people say that I was an advocate for creatives; especially for those who didn’t always feel seen, confident, or supported in their work. I want to be remembered as someone who genuinely cared about helping individuals and businesses turn their ideas and dreams into something real through creative outlets. Read more>>
Sarah Reimund
Taylor: A big influence for me was my father. An entrepreneur himself he taught me the value of hard work and being in business for yourself. I grew up watching him work hard for his family which inspired me to do the same. Sarah: I was born to young parents that faced many challenges. Read more>>
Kendal Paley
Yes, I absolutely love my job and believe wholeheartedly that it’s the best job in the world. I get to celebrate love in a ton of different forms and spend my days surrounded by it.. How could you not be excited about that? Read more>>
Jonathan Pitallo
What people often misunderstand is that my legacy isn’t just about business; it’s about helping others and building a community that can thrive together. Whether it’s VIVE Promo & Print or VIVE in KC Real Estate, it’s always been about attracting, educating, and empowering our people. At the end of the day, I’m just a guy in jeans and a black t-shirt. Read more>>
Tyler Minor
When I was a kid I always felt that my grandma Jane Barnes always told me I would be special me and my friends ran for the national track team at 9 years old and from that day knowing we were all ranked in the nation I can always look back and understand that I am bigger then whatever is in front of me to being scouted for division 2 at baseball at 15 years old, breaking all my city records in junior high school to various things with sports Read more>>
