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.
Daneisha Simon
The value and effort that goes into how we create custom cakes. Bakers are constantly compared to grocery store chains or associated with the word ‘cheap’ and while I’ve learned to ignore the negativity, it’s still frustrating to witness. Small business owners, especially those that are still home-based, are always under some sort of microscope when it comes to value and pricing. Read more>>
Danielle H
A lot of people still assume pinup is just about posing in pretty dresses or being “sexy for the camera.” That’s the biggest misunderstanding. Pinup is so much deeper—it’s about self-expression, empowerment, and celebrating individuality through a vintage lens. Every shoot is a chance for someone to step into a character, tell a story, and sometimes even see themselves in a brand-new way. Read more>>
TJ Prater
Graphic design and type design are often misunderstood as surface-level aesthetics when, in reality, both are rooted in problem-solving, strategy, and deep technical craft. Graphic design is frequently reduced to “making things pretty” or executing someone else’s ideas. Still, strong design is about effective communication, audience awareness, and visual systems that require thorough research, iterative development, and specialized expertise. Read more>>
Tiffany
One of the most misunderstood aspects of being an artist who is also an entrepreneur is that talent alone is not enough for success. Many people assume creativity automatically translates into income, but in reality, it requires a mix of business strategy, marketing skills, networking, and persistence. Read more>>
Chelsea Mitchell
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about my business and the industry is that if you choose to drink non-alc beverages, it must mean you’re in recovery or that you have a problem with alcohol. While that’s a valid and important reason for some, it’s not the whole picture. Most people choosing these alternatives aren’t completely sober. Read more>>
Jordan Howell
I don’t think that people understand what all goes into sourcing shoes to sell. I think the perception is that it’s a straight line; A,B,C… boom, boom, boom. In reality, there’s a lot of moving parts very similar to a basketball team working in unison to get requested pairs on sneaker releases. Read more>>
Ecclesia Savage
The biggest misconception about my business is that therapists have it all together. People often imagine us as perfectly calm, perpetually balanced individuals who glide through life without a single misstep. The reality? Therapists have therapists! Read more>>
Tokyo Japan
Everybody think it’s a scam or I’m trying to make money off my nintey2marketing page lol I’m but it’s not a scam, everything is real and I even have proof with a tab that says results. Even when I do things for free it’s still a problem, I understood it’s not me it’s the ppl on instagram. Read more>>
Sandtrice Russell
My therapist asked me a similar question during my therapy session today, and my answer remains the same- Self-Love. People often say that they love themselves, but it takes many of us years to learn how to practice self-love and compassion. Read more>>
Clemesha Pruitt
I personally feel many people are struggling with their relationship with God. You have those who speak his name but scared to trust his actions. Read more>>
Ria Newton
“I think a lot of people are quietly carrying stress and unhealed trauma. The economy is weighing heavily on everyone right now the rising cost of food, the pressure of keeping up with bills, and the uncertainty of job layoffs. Read more>>
Adreon Patterson
Imposter syndrome! As creatives, we feel ike we’re not enough and start doubting our talent, especially when we feel underappreciated or undervalued. Read more>>
Maleeha Rahim
I think many people quietly struggle with comparing themselves to others — their bodies, careers, relationships, or even just their daily lives. Social media and constant exposure to everyone’s ‘best moments’ can make it feel like we’re falling behind. I see it in fitness all the time: people feel discouraged because they don’t look like someone else or aren’t where they ‘should’ be. Read more>>
Johnathan Pitts
Personally I think others struggle with identity and individuality…I see a lot of people doing the same thing but not making a real statement that separates them from the competition. I think that personal self expression is difficult because people have chosen what’s popular over what’s personal..choosing not to deal with self. That’s where the good stuff is ! Read more>>
Jasmine J.R Tilman
Most people I meet are drawn to the light that comes from the angels protecting me, the ancestors grounding me, and Jehovah paired with Jesus Christ guiding and protecting my life. They’ll understand that along my journey, I’ve fallen, cried, struggled, and temporarily gave up many times. But God didn’t create me to be a regular person. Read more>>
vieira owens
The story I hope people tell about me when I’m gone is that I made a genuine, positive impact on their lives by letting them know they’re never alone. Much of my journey involved trying to figure out things on my own, striving to be perfect for everyone around me. But in hindsight, I realized how much I needed and actually had a supportive community. Read more>>
Erica ‘Erica B’ Bryant
I would hope and my prayer is that I am dedicated to this vision which is more of a call and an assignment by God to create something for the generations to come, respect and not see it as a hobby, but the impact that’s being made on people’s lives. Read more>>
Jaylawn Dukes
Me. I’m not easy to understand and a lot of people won’t understand the way that I move. Not because what I’m doing is wrong, but because what I’m doing is different. It hasn’t been done before. They’re used to a specific archetype and I’m here to show them something new. Read more>>
Samantha Bush
People will misunderstand that my legacy is bigger than cooking. It’s about reach one teach one, it’s about not giving up, and being the best version of yourself. It’s about gaining family. Read more>>
Herman Prater Jr
I think some people might misunderstand my legacy by seeing only the surface — the awards, the big moments, or the public recognition — and missing the years of quiet struggle, persistence, and everyday work behind it. Read more>>
Indie Johnson
Absolutely everything that is not organic living matter is made up from the mind of humans. And since everything is made up, we have the power to make up new things and live in a world that has yet to exist. Read more>>
Andy Patel
A normal day for me really depends on whether it’s a weekday or the weekend. They’re totally different worlds. On weekdays, my morning starts with family: I help get my nine year old son, who’s in fourth grade, ready for school and walk him to the bus stop. After that, it’s coffee in hand as I dive into emails, client messages, and ongoing projects. Read more>>
Regina Doyle
A normal day for me right now starts early. I like to take a little time in the morning to pray, reflect, and set my intentions before the day gets busy. Read more>>
William Steele
Waking up at 3:05 having to go pick up an employee before heading to the gym ! Before I get to the gym I always pray and listen to gospel . It’s routine, it most happen or my morning will be off .. get to the gym by 4:30am so i can set up the workout . Usually takes about 30-40 mins to set up! Read more>>
Fredrick Martin
Currently, my days are a relentless surge of activity. I am immersed in the foundational stages of my upcoming movie, ‘Bosses 2,’ which demands a constant balancing act of securing talent, identifying filming sites, refining the screenplay, and managing countless other crucial details. Simultaneously, I’m involved in the post-production of a podcast I co-create, requiring a daily transition between visionary directing and meticulous editing. Read more>>
Olympia Kent
Right now, I’m busy on set in the independent film industry—even as we do this interview. A normal day for me as Department Head of Hair and Makeup starts with preparation: reading scripts, breaking down characters, and collaborating closely with the director and costume department to bring the creative vision to life. Read more>>
Marissa Frederick
A normal day for me now in 2025 is so drastically different than I thought it would be. In January of 2024, my husband was involved in a terrible parachute accident at work. He’s in the US ARMY and was doing a routine jump that went sideways. He ended up free falling about 60 feet to the ground. Read more>>
Jayda Martin
A normal day for me right now is juggling twelve things at once: an iced coffee, a pitch deck, toddler ballet classes, homeschooling materials, postpartum fitness, and a global campaign. That’s my normal. Read more>>
Jae Coley
I think I’ve been dimming the light of my boldness – the part of me that dreams loudly. I played small due to self-doubt and to avoid failure, but now it’s time for me to shine brightly. Read more>>
Lauren Fici
I would say my relationship with my mother. She always encouraged me to go out and do good. She was kind to everyone she met and never met a stranger. She always saw the good in people. My mom was a true light in this world. Read more>>
Keyana Watts
My relationship with my friend Maegan Mogul changed my life forever. She was the mentor and guidance I needed in my life. One of the most talented and smartest women I know. Read more>>
Qadri Solarin
All my life, I have struggled with the way I see myself. Growing up, I’ve always felt like I wasn’t smart or cool, and I doubt myself a lot. However, there are key people in my life who have helped change my perspective on myself without even realizing it. My girlfriend Amaya, my sister Kenzie, and my brother-in-law Juan. Read more>>
Kaylee Michael
The two relationships that have shaped how I see myself most are with my grandma Dorothy and with Doe. My grandma Dorothy always made me feel so loved and special—she called me ‘her girl,’ and to me that meant everything. Some of my favorite memories are the simple ones: going to her house, eating buttered noodles, and watching TV together. Read more>>
Aubria Green-Slocum
Me and my mom have a very loving relationship. Sometimes we do bomb heads because we both are so much alike and is very strong minded. You know how you have them moments with your parents where you feel as though sometimes they are not listening or understanding? I have those moment with my mom, but what gets me through those moments is communication ! Read more>>
Crystal Spang
The relationship with my mom has been the most influential in shaping who I am and how I view myself. She’s always been a strong, independent, and resourceful person. She is someone who takes initiative and isn’t afraid to do things on her own, yet is always willing to lend a hand when needed! Read more>>
Jasmine Moore
The relationship with family, specifically my parents. At a very young age, they poured into me. They instilled in me that despite my bone condition and disability, I was good enough, I deserved respect, and love, just like anyone else. They treated me as if I was no different and constantly encouraged me to be confident in myself. Read more>>
Yohannes Mekuria
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is with my mom. She taught me the values of resilience, discipline, and integrity, and even though she’s no longer with me, her influence is still a big part of who I am. Her guidance helped me believe in myself, stay focused on my goals, and handle life’s challenges with patience and determination. Read more>>
Timothy Pratt
My relationship with God shaped how I see me self tremendously. I had a spiritual awakening in 2020 & late 2022. 2020-2022 was a very rough time for me events throughout this time led to me being admitted into a mental hospital where I spent 7 days. Read more>>
Noel Ferreira
One foundational truth in my life is that hard work and sacrifice pay off, even if the results aren’t immediate. Growing up, I watched my parents work tirelessly, and that taught me that consistency matters more than shortcuts. Read more>>
Brandy Miles
One truth I carry is that faith and purpose will always make room for you. Even when doors close, I believe there’s alignment happening that you can’t always see. Another is that love — in family, in friendship, in community — is the greatest measure of success. Titles and recognition may come and go, but how you make people feel lasts far longer. Read more>>
Kam Sigman
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was in the first grade. I was at recess with all of my classmates, and a girl had stood at the top of the jungle gym and stated that she was starting a kingdom as queen and needed a king to help her rule. Read more>>
Dream Taylor-Davis
My first memory of feeling powerful was in high school, when I started my first business after teaching myself the ins and outs. Making my first sales and creating income as a teenager showed me what was possible and gave me the confidence to keep going and keep building. Read more>>
Shannon Deana Johnson
As a child, I was free to roam the hills and canyons behind my house, sometimes with friends and often on my own. I spent countless hours exploring trails, following streams, finding waterfalls, and discovering everything the wilderness had to offer. That freedom to be self-reliant, to follow my curiosity, and to feel at home in nature gave me a profound sense of power. Read more>>
