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.
Briona Johnson
The light I’ve been dimming is my own inner spotlight. I’ve always considered myself a private person and in some ways that’s felt like protection. But lately I’ve had to face the fact that what I call privacy might also be fear wearing a softer name. I know I’m called to be visible. To be a voice. Read more>>
Avian The Legend
The light I’ve been dimming is my full self-expression. As a Black man in the LGBTQ community chasing this dream of being a legendary artist, I’ve often felt like I had to hold back—like certain things weren’t “allowed” for me that others could freely do. But true artistry isn’t about fitting into masculinity or femininity—it’s about breaking limits. Michael did it. Prince did it. Read more>>
Ebony Mckennedy
My relationship with God has completely shaped how I see myself. Getting to know Him as my Father and truly understanding what that means has changed everything. Before building that relationship, I faced many obstacles and often struggled with identity and purpose. But through my ups and downs, God has shown me who I am in Christ. Read more>>
Faith Vue
My relationship with Jesus has completely transformed the way I see myself—with clarity, purpose, and passion. Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, and since my baptism in May, I’ve been deeply committed to growing in intimacy and relationship with Him. Through this journey, I’ve learned to let go of my old self and embrace the new life He has given me. Read more>>
Monique Rauls
The relationship that’s shaped me the most is the one I’ve built with myself. Learning to trust my instincts, set boundaries, and give myself grace has changed everything—personally and professionally. It taught me that when you truly value yourself, it reflects in the way you lead, the way you serve others, and the standards you hold for your business. Read more>>
Lanelle R. E. Henderson
The relationship with my mom was priceless. In 2021, as I continued to grieve, I decided to write a book, a memoir of my mom and our relationship with all the lessons she taught me. The book, Babs – Model to Role Model, Lessons on living your best life by enhancing your uniqueness. Read more>>
Jessica Black
Authenticity is one of my deepest values — it’s the foundation of everything I do. After years in an industry that can often blur the line between perception and truth, I’ve learned that clarity and honesty matter most. I show up as myself, every time. I don’t chase trends or play games; I focus on helping businesses grow with integrity, transparency, and purpose. Read more>>
Amb. Dr. Daniela Peel Hunter
One foundational truth that guides everything I do is that healing is leadership. We often separate the two, but I’ve learned they’re intertwined. The way we heal determines how we lead—how we show up for ourselves, our families, our work, and the world. True leadership isn’t about titles or accolades; it’s about emotional integrity, compassion, and courage. Read more>>
Zaniyah Pichardo
I believe it’s important to be open to new information, people, foods, places, etc. Moving through life with an open heart and mind can be challenging at times but, it’ll always be worth it because it’s the best way to embrace whatever life brings your way. Growth starts with openness which may be the key to discovering purpose, genuine understanding, and fulfillment. Read more>>
Tyler Cole
I took over directing a play in High School, one that everyone said would simply fail, or get cancelled. It had seemed that the faculty who sponsored it as well the students involved didn’t seem to care much for it. I recall a particular day where the teachers warned me that this would be shut down if the students didn’t start taking it seriously. Read more>>
Amber Green
As a kid, I knew I stood out from my peers. While others were chasing designer labels and trendy accessories, I was designing my own. I learned how to sew at just 11 years old and never stopped. There was something deeply empowering about knowing I could create the look I wanted—on my own terms. Read more>>
Taianah Williams
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I made my first few hundred dollars doing lashes in my college dorm room. It was not just about the money, it was the moment I realized I could create something out of nothing. Read more>>
Michael Barringer
I remember as a young kid having some talent with my drawing, and other people usually were interested in that, and they often respected me for this ability. Read more>>
Ashton Huffman
I was young. Growing up, I wasn’t encouraged. I grew up an honor student who dedicated all of her achievements to people who expected it, so nothing was celebrated. I was made to be the best, so I was, but it was never enough. One day, I decided it was and I never looked back. Read more>>
Steven Perez
The moment I picked up a guitar when I was 14 and started to teach myself how to play my favorite songs. Read more>>
Tara Love
My earliest memory of feeling powerful comes from my academic achievements and the recognition I earned throughout my education. I was an honor roll student throughout primary and secondary school, and I graduated from high school with honors, in addition to earning 29 college credits. Now, I have earned multiple higher education degrees, including a master’s. Read more>>
Ebony Ferrell
I will never regret stepping out on faith to open up my salon. Even though I didn’t have a lot of clientele at first I still took chance and believed in myself. If I wouldn’t of made the decision to open up my own salon I wouldn’t have been where I am today. Read more>>
ALICIA IGESS
My deepest regret would be standing at the end of my life and realizing I never fully stepped into the purpose God wove into my very being. Read more>>
Katie Tripp
i would regret not trying. After i lost my job with USAID in 2025 i thought i should try and get another regular corporate job. It has been hard for me to bet on myself and spend precious funds expanding the business but i know if i didn’t try i would regret it. I have always been a risk taker, although not reckless. Read more>>
Mashaun Simon
If there is one belief that I once held tightly that has now changed its connected to my relationship to my faith and the church. I no longer believe the church as a physical institution is an exclusive pathway to God, the Divine, or one’s faith. I also no longer believe that about Christianity. Read more>>
Cedric Hill
A cultural value I protect at all costs is authenticity. Where I come from, being real means everything — it’s the foundation of respect. I never want to lose that just to fit in or chase a trend. Read more>>
Jamila McQueen
A cultural value I protect at all costs is staying true to myself. In both the reality TV and fashion industries, it’s easy to get caught up in the noise — the comparisons, the pressure, and the distractions. But staying grounded in who I am and what I stand for keeps me aligned. Read more>>
Brian Howard
Some culture values I’d stand up for is being authentic and having integrity. Being true to self and not trying to fit into a group to feel seen. Read more>>
Fatima Mann
I once held a deeply ingrained, and ultimately damaging, belief: that the urgency of the mission justified the pace and sacrifice of the people executing it. I changed my mind entirely about what it means to be a leader and how we honor the humanity of those who serve, after a profound failure during disaster relief efforts for Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Read more>>
Cynthia Osaseri
If you try so hard not to fail, you are bound to fail anyway. Take all the precautions you need, don’t be reckless, but don’t be timid. Be realistic, but do not be restrictive. If you think you are going to fail, being in the best position can do just that. Read more>>
Rodolfo Delgado
I used to believe that failure and success were roads heading in opposite directions—that if I failed, I was drifting further from success. But after enough hard lessons and missed shots, I’ve completely changed my mind. Today, I believe failure and success are actually part of the same path. Failure is not the opposite of progress; it is progress. Read more>>
Chip Morris
What’s surprised me most is how deeply people want to change when they’re given the right tools and respect. Our learners, many of whom are navigating court mandates, often begin with skepticism. But when they realize that our courses are built to help them reflect, not just “check a box,” their mindset shifts. Read more>>
Ebony Fleming
It was 2021 and just a few days after my birthday and I was laying there after an unexpected c-section. I was holding my baby girl in my arms and watched her open her eyes for the first time. I’ve never felt such an overwhelming feeling of unconditional love. At the time, I didn’t believe I deserved it. Read more>>
Melissa Slocum
When I opened my own piano studio I thought I had it all figured out. I had great initial success with lots of students, great reviews, a wait list, and everything you might consider successful for a piano studio. But eventually, as I was tracking numbers and getting feedback, I realized that my retention rates were much lower than I wanted. Read more>>
Catherine Baxter
I think a lot of really smart, capable people get it wrong by postponing their own happiness. They work tirelessly toward retirement, or toward some imagined point in the future when life will finally feel easier, calmer, or more enjoyable. Read more>>
Paquita Poole
Right now, I’m learning from the girls in my Blazin’ Blazer Girl Talk Enrichment Program. Each week, they remind me that courage looks different on everyone. Some girls are outspoken and ready to lead; others are quiet observers finding their voices little by little. Read more>>
Amir Usher
I’ve got a crew (4) of family and friends all from totally different walks of life, specialities, mindsets, some non-creative and logical, others free flowing and creative that I use as a sounding board about everything from color palettes to social media presence. Sometimes its for things non business related, life perspectives. Read more>>
