Fear is something we all carry, though it shows up differently for each of us. It can keep us safe, but it can also hold us back from opportunities, relationships, and growth. We asked some brilliant members of the community to share the one fear that has shaped their choices the most—and their answers reveal just how universal, yet deeply personal, our struggles with fear really are.

Christa Schiessl

Honestly, my biggest joy lately has been my family and all the adventures we’ve taken together this summer. We’ve been road tripping all over, spending long days at the lake paddle boarding and kayaking, and just soaking in that slow, sunny pace of life. There’s something about being on the water, phones tucked away, and laughing until our cheeks hurt that makes me wish summer could last forever. Read More>> 

Thomasena Brown

I’m being called to raise awareness about accessibility in the beauty industry—something I deeply care about but was once afraid to step into fully. Specifically, I want to help create space for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind hairstylists. For a long time, I hesitated out of respect. The Deaf community can be protective of its space—and rightfully so. I didn’t want to overstep or appear to occupy a space not meant for me. But the more I saw the gaps in accessibility, the more I realized that my passion wouldn’t let me sit back. Read More>>

Lajada Jackson

What has been bringing me joy outside of work lately is quality time with myself and family sometimes you can get so closed in with time and put work work before anything I’m finding joy in spending time with my family and understanding myself in the process Read More>> 

Mindy Stamulis

The one gift I give myself each day is the permission to start slow and quiet. I don’t use an alarm unless absolutely necessary, and I tend to wake up around the same time naturally. Since I rarely have full days off, I’ve chosen to begin each day gently—it’s something I intentionally give to myself.

Each morning, I make a stovetop espresso and sit outside as I wake up. Sometimes that time is spent replying to messages, reading articles, or simply listening to the sounds of nature. By the time 90 minutes has passed, I’m either geared up to work or to work out—whichever is scheduled first. Read More>> 

Kayla Brock

Lately, barre classes have been bringing me so much joy outside of work! Exercising, other than walking, was a bit hard for me but since I started barre I look forward to working out. I love how the classes touch on everything from core to cardio to strength. It gives me motivation to continue moving and I love how I feel afterwards. The small controlled movements force me to slow down and be intentional, which is a rare gift when life feels fast-paced. I leave class feeling lighter, physically and mentally. The community of people at my studio are very nice and accommodating. Read More>> 

Jimmy Houston

I think a lot of people misunderstand what being an artist really looks like day to day. It’s not just sitting around waiting for inspiration. For me, it’s about showing up every day—sketching, writing, living life. Inspiration comes from the everyday moments: the good and the bad, playing with my son, making mistakes, sharing meals with friends, having tough conversations, exploring new places physically, emotionally and spiritually. Read More>> 

Angel Tuccy

This is such a beautiful question, because I think that most entrepreneurs are quietly building relationships and creating such beautiful legacies, but feel that if it doesn’t appear on a social post, it doesn’t count. What I’m most proud of happens in the quiet, behind the scenes and the unposted moments. The private conversations, the prayers and the creative thoughts that come while on a walk or away from my computer. I’ve had people tell me that the only way to measure success is to be able to track it on a spreadsheet and I know in my soul that’s not how I want to measure my life. I want to be remembered for listening, being present and being available, for my family, friends, clients, and peers. I believe I am here to encourage and pour love into people with a smile, an encouraging word, responding to a text. Read More>>