Local Highlighter Series

Janae Peterson

I love this question because it highlights how different businesses approach growth. For us at BPetersonDesign, though, the idea of doing something that won’t pay off for 7–10 years doesn’t really fit. In a fast-paced industry like ours, we can’t afford to invest a decade into something with no return—we have to be both strategic and practical. Read More>>

James Keyes

I am traveling the world, inspiring others to recognize the transformative power of education and advocating for the use of technology to change the way we teach and learn, uplifting humanity across the globe. Read More>>

Ludwig Alberty

I’m avoiding the battle with other people’s consciousness. I’ve come to understand that each of us operates at the level our consciousness allows. When we truly respect that, we realize everyone is facing their own internal battles based on where they are in their journey. Trying to interfere or force change can create dissonance an inner resistance that may actually hinder their growth. Read More>>

KC FLASH

A battle that I am avoiding at the moment. Is the battle of my mind vs my heart. It’s that battle that we all go through at least once in life where we get stuck between only ”Chasing The Bag”, where you only fulfill 1%-25% of your childhood goals, or persistently only pursuing your childhood dreams while struggling financially, spiritually, emotionally, and even sometimes physically. Read More>>

Mrs. Sherrelle Jordan/Green

In my experience as a spiritual coach, youth minister, and advocate, one of the most heartbreaking truths I’ve observed is that this world, more and more, seems to lack a deep understanding of loyalty, honesty, and authenticity. These foundational values, once seen as non-negotiable, are often replaced with convenience, performance, and self-interest. That shift is what breaks the bonds between people. Read More>>

Sara Grossman

What an interesting and thought-provoking question. I think misunderstanding and lack of empathy breaks bonds between people. We are all so different—we each use so many different lenses to look at the world and it can be difficult to see or understand the intersectional lenses other people see through. Read More>>

Cleophus P. Franklin Jr.

For me, the answer is simple. It is Trust. Yes, it is always centered around Trust. I have found early on in my life, which has not changed to this day, is that what shatters human bonds isn’t the big betrayals we expect—it’s the thousand small erosions. The commitments we don’t keep. From the conversations we avoid. The promises we make carelessly and break quietly. Read More>>

(Coffee Cup) Chuck Doyle 3rd

Great question. For me, it would have to be our words. The words we speak hold so much power. You can use them to build someone up—or to tear them down. You can help someone heal, or you can unknowingly push them closer to the edge. I learned that in the most unexpected way. Read More>>

Brandon Scott

I think what breaks the bonds between people, more often than not, is a lack of presence. When we stop paying attention—when we stop listening, assuming good intent, or showing up for the small moments—it creates distance, sometimes without us even noticing. Miscommunication and unmet expectations usually follow. What restores those bonds is the opposite: presence, honesty, and shared experiences. Sometimes it’s a long conversation. Read More>>

Charlene Kwan

What breaks the bonds between people is often a loss of trust. As humans, we have a unique ability to create fiction, which can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, fiction can become deception, causing doubt and division. On the other, it allows us to craft stories that resonate deeply, helping us understand each other’s emotions, hopes, and fears. Read More>>

FELY TCHACO

Trust and respect are the foundation of all meaningful human relationships. When those two elements are broken, whether through betrayal, dishonesty, neglect, or misunderstanding, it creates a deep wound that can sever even the strongest bonds. As someone who comes from a culture rich in oral traditions and communal values, I’ve always believed that healing begins with humility. Read More>>

Ruchen Shang

The person who’s taught me the most about work is Faker, the legendary League of Legends player. I’ve learned so much from his journey—not just about games, but about perseverance, mindset, and passion. Whenever I feel like giving up, I think about his story — full of highs and lows. Early in his career, he was seen as unstoppable: a young, extraordinary talent. Read More>>

Paty Mariposa Hernandez

What I have seen in my practice and even personal life that breaks bonds is often unacknowledged pain — trauma, shame, fear, and the survival patterns we carry from our wounds. This ties into the stories we tell ourselves to keep us from continuing to experience what we think may be painful. Read More>>

Elena Markelova

I believe that every individual has a unique purpose, even if it isn’t always clear at first. I feel the Universe has a way of gently highlighting our path—through small signs, opportunities, or even challenges that push us in the right direction. Read More>>

Michael Huh

I believe and know that God is real and that Jesus is my Saviour. How do I prove that? I can’t, there is no way to prove it and that’s what makes having faith so powerful. Believing in something that can be easily proven is easy. If you believe water makes you wet, you can easily prove that by jumping into a body of water. Read More>>

Stefanie Ruth

This is an interesting one. I think the belief I hold can be very polarizing because it touches on faith and spirituality. I think that there are some people who would completely agree with me and there are other people who completely refute what I’m saying. Read More>>

Shanita Irons

The most misunderstood thing about my business is actually the name. At first glance, people often assume it means one thing, when in reality it carries a much deeper meaning and story. My brand name isn’t just a label-it’s a reflection of my values, my journey, and the vision I have for those I serve. Read More>>

Olga Garza Cardona

I think one of the biggest misunderstandings about my business is that it’s just about selling pretty things. SAartista Designs is really about stories, traditions, and connections. Every textile, piece of jewelry, or handmade work carries generations of culture and meaning. It’s not mass-produced—it’s art created by human hands, with history woven into it. Read More>>

Amy Tipton

People assume I just read all day—like I’m in big cozy chair, feet up, with a blanket & a big cup of coffee… Maybe I wield a red pen. & it must be perpetually raining outside. Like, I live in some weird holiday Hallmark movie. Ha! Read More>>

Shiv Shakti

What I find is often misunderstood about my business is that people see greenhouses and regenerative farming only as food production systems, when in reality, they are platforms for community resilience, education, and healing. Many assume it’s only about growing plants more efficiently, but the deeper mission is about cultivating ecosystems where people and the planet thrive together. Read More>>

Emil Krasnikov

Commercials can look effortless, but what most people don’t see is everything that happens before and after the camera rolls. What’s usually misunderstood is how much happens before and after that moment. Read More>>

Alex Melen

One of the biggest misconceptions about digital marketing is on the SEO side. Too many still believe that SEO is some kind of mysterious black box. Too many agencies still sell it that way: vague promises, unclear deliverables, and a lot of smoke and mirrors. But the truth is, SEO isn’t magic. It’s work. Real, measurable, strategic work. Read More>>

Jared Campbell

One of the biggest misconceptions is that hiring a personal chef is a luxury reserved only for the ultra-wealthy. In reality, personal chefs offer incredible value—especially when you consider the time saved, the quality of ingredients, and the customization of each meal to your preferences and dietary needs. Read More>>

Selena Jakovec

The art of creating lifelike dolls Is taboo. Like clowns, for some people, dolls are creepy or just plain childish. These dolls are works of art that take a lot of time and attention to detail to bring to life. For patients of dementia and altzhimers , they are a god send of peace and calmness and a flash back of a life long forgotten. Read More>>

Paul Magege Jr

I think what is most misunderstood about my business is the fact that I am still figuring all of this out and I do not know everything that I am doing. Read More>>

Chantel Miller

I think what is most misunderstood is the amount of time put into running a Photography business. I feel most people assume the Photographer takes the photos, edits them and the job is done; however there is so much more to it. On average I work 8 to 10 hours a day. Read More>>

Lorrie Dixson Griggs

Many people think we’re just selling t-shirts out of parking lots at concerts, but our business goes far beyond that. Yes, we love being part of the live music experience, but we also have a full online store, sell on Etsy and Amazon, and handle custom orders for bands, events, and businesses. Read More>> 

Tracy Marroquin

Despite the growing popularity of CBD, a significant misconception persists that it is the same as marijuana or THC. In Colorado, where cannabis knowledge is relatively widespread, 40-50% of people we speak to still confuse CBD with THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana that causes a high. Nationwide, this misunderstanding is even more prevalent, with many assuming CBD products are intoxicating. Read More>>

Lori Parnell

Honestly, a lot of people see my business and think, “Oh, she just sells candles.” But what I really create are experiences. I’m inviting people into these quiet, intentional moments that bring back memories, spark joy, and help us feel connected. Black Culture Candles isn’t just about a nice scent, it’s about celebrating the beauty in everyday Black life through fragrance. Read More>>

Melissa Good

One of the most common misconceptions about ML Tutoring is that we’re just a homework help service, when in reality, our mission goes much deeper. We don’t simply want to help students get through assignments; we want to empower them to become confident, independent learners by building strong, multilayered foundations. Read More>>

Ellie Kempton

That it’s just another wellness program. EK Lifestyle Architect isn’t about meal plans, protocols, or motivation. It’s a strategic recalibration of the women’s internal operating system. What’s often misunderstood is that this work goes far beyond nutrition advice. It’s precision biology, nervous system mastery, and behavior architecture woven into a deeply personal blueprint. Many assume they need more discipline. Read More>>

Jennifer Guadron-Wyatt

As a luxury home organizer and interior stylist, people often overlook how much planning and preparation goes into each project we take on. Every organizing product is selected and placed with a specific need or aesthetic in mind for a clients home and everything about styling and decor is custom. Read More>>

Cari Miles

One of the biggest misconceptions about my business is that using a travel advisor costs more or adds unnecessary steps to the process. In reality, working with a professional often saves people both time and money. Many travelers don’t realize that advisors have access to exclusive rates, perks, and upgrades they wouldn’t be able to secure on their own. Read More>>

Brian Hook

Many times people have the wrong idea about hypnosis. They don’t realize all hypnosis is self hypnosis. When you hear that you can become limitless. You Can! Usually what stands in the way of a person and their goals is themselves with limiting beliefs. Many times, something happened earlier in life, and just attached itself to your subconscious. Read More>>

Tori Ruff

I think what is misunderstood about my business is that although we are a unisex brand, we aren’t for everyone. Our brand focuses on representation for those whom may have felt unrepresented in the beauty industry. Part of our mission is to bring gender and complexion fluidity to all things aesthetically pleasing. Read More>>

G. Brian Benson

I think most people are secretly struggling with self-love and self-acceptance. It’s something I know that I have been aware of and worked on for all of my life. I think it is the single most important thing that we can do for ourselves and others. Read More>>

Montez Brown-Mobley

I believe a lot of people are struggling with being real with themselves. Many people are now hung up on social media so much that they lose themselves and find themselves comparing their lives to others lives. They spend all their time trying to convince others they’re happy instead of just being happy doing what they love instead of what’s trending. Read More>>

Troy Gathers

In today’s world, many people struggle with the reality of what it takes to prosper in life. I believe everyone has God-given talent, I wholeheartedly believe this, but faith without work is dead. Far too many people want the lifestyle, access and attention they see others enjoying without putting in the work. The World is yours but you have to put in your reps. Read More>>

Char Holmes

Many people are silently struggling with the shame of being in a ‘low season’, those moments when life feels unrecognizable, motivation disappears, and everything seems to have fallen apart. But here’s what they don’t realize: rock bottom isn’t punishment. It’s potential. As a trauma-informed life coach, I help people understand that these moments aren’t signs of failure; they’re fertile ground. Read More>>

Colette Santo

I think many people are struggling with accountability. They claim to be but when tested with adversity or standing the genuine ground of value, they flop or deflect accountability. No one feels comfortable when they are outside of their comfort zone, their morals are questioned or when they simply need to be diligent in their own autonomy. Read More>>

Monique Smith

I think what people may most misunderstand about my legacy is that it’s not just about hair, business, or even success—it’s about impact. Some may look at my salon, events, or products and only see the surface: styles, services, or sales. But my true legacy is deeper. It’s about creating spaces of healing, teaching people to love themselves, and leaving behind tools that outlive me. Read More>>

Bianca Bee

I think what people might most misunderstand about my legacy is that it was “easy” or that opportunities just came to me. What they won’t see are the cancelled shows I worked on, the cross-country moves, the times I had to start from scratch, and the seasons where I had to rebuild when no one was checking for me. Read More>>

Jared Brewer

What I think people will most misunderstand about my legacy is assuming it was built on talent alone. The truth is, my story is one of grit, faith, and relentless discipline. I’ve had to start over more than once, and each time I built from the ground up with vision and consistency — not shortcuts. Read More>>

Wendy Darling

As much as I wish it weren’t true, I think a lot of people are not able to comprehend The Miraculous Living Method. After my accident (and discovering I had a traumatic brain injury) I learned how to meditate. Read More>>

Mel Rhoden

People see a Black woman teaching yoga and assume I’m here to keep things calm, gentle, and non-confrontational. What they misunderstand is—I didn’t come here to maintain peace. I came to expose the imbalance that’s been hiding behind it. My legacy won’t be about making people comfortable. It’ll be about truth-telling, cultural reclamation, and disrupting the wellness industry’s polished silence around race, privilege, and appropriation. Read More>>

Rizwana

As a minority woman who has shattered glass ceilings in my personal and professional life, I am accustomed to being misunderstood, misinterpreted, or underestimated due to my gender. As the first woman in my family to pursue an MBA, establish a career, and achieve independence, I have faced numerous challenges and biases. Read More>>

Tony DelaRosa

Less of a misunderstanding about my legacy, but the legacy of anyone engaged in Critical Filipinx Studies and Asian American studies is always misunderstood. While my work is grounded in these two larger area studies, the utility of these area studies has value beyond the Asian and Filipino American community. Read More>>

Halston Farmer

The things people have misunderstood about me is everything you see on the internet including my music pages as far as interviews, streams, and places and platforms I have been on are 100% true and factual. My presence on Google and other platforms are my hard work over the years Read More>>

Chef Rene Johnson

I think people have misunderstood my strength at times. They see the confidence, the achievements, and assume it’s always been easy for me and that I have all the answers. But what they don’t see are the quiet moments—the times I’ve had to push through fear, self-doubt, and setbacks to keep going. I’m strong, yes, but I’ve had to build my strength brick by brick. Read More>>

Amanda Zubricki

A false label I’ve carried for a long time is the idea that my hearing loss somehow makes me “less than” or that I can’t do certain things because of it. Growing up, I often felt like I had to work twice as hard just to keep up, and those feelings stick with you even as an adult. Read More>>

Lord Ryan Christopher Correll

A false label that I was accused of is “Child Molestation,” already being an outcast of society having that stamped on your head along with your powers can cause serious damage.. “I can’t fly,“ many people think because I’m walking on the ground that I can fly, I do these things to blend in. Read More>>

James Picard

One of the basic truths in life I believe is not to sweat the small stuff… and everything, when you look at the bigger picture of life, is small stuff. I see so many people feeling angry, hurt and disappointed by things that don’t really matter in the end. Read More>>

Jane Elzinga

An important truth, I believe, one that not everyone agrees with, is that not every client is the right fit. And that’s okay. I’ve learned that it’s better to walk away from a project than to compromise your boundaries, your energy, or your values just for a paycheck. There’s this pressure, especially when you’re growing a business, to say yes to everything. Read More>>

Darlynn Marks

Sewing is a dead art. The ability to construct something with needle and thread or a sewing machine needs to be as prominent in households now as it was in early 1900s. Fashion and textile sustainability is necessary for our environment. We all need to put more care into our clothes so that they can last longer. Read More>>