Over the past decade we have had the chance to learn about so many incredible folks from a wide range of industries and backgrounds and our highlighter series is designed to give us an opportunity to go deeper into their stories with to goal of understanding them, their thought process, how their values formed and the foundations of their stories. Check out some incredible folks below – many of whom you may have read about already and a few new names as well.
Carlie Maggart Kim
I am honestly that excited every time a couple books with me! I still to this day do a happy dance when someone trusts me with their most magical memorable day! I usually let out a happy scream and call my husband when a couple books in a cool bucket list destination that I now get to photography their ceremony in. Read More>>
james bacchi
Although I still regret not have taken tap, there have been so many exciting moments in my career. If pressed, here are my top eleven. 1. Opening night of ON THE WALL in the East Village. 2. Meeting and representing artists Adam Kurtzman and Astrid. 3. The honor when ArtHaus was added to the San Francisco Legacy Business Registry. 4. Read More>>
Linda Freeman
I am tap dancing AT work! My husband says we never have to retire because our work is play. Of course, he is not entirely right, since I am the one who runs the business and he is the one who ‘shows up and looks pretty.’ Yes, it is hard work. Read More>>
Billie Talyn Groom
Yes! As an innovator and entrepreneur, it is important to stay focused on the larger goal. There are many steps that one must take that seem ‘a waste’ and even a complete disappointment, but by continuing to push forward, the results show in sometimes the most unexpected of ways. Read More>>
Taylor Paffett
Honestly, absolutely. I actually am not someone who likes praise or attention when it comes to my success. I am beyond blessed with the success of my business but I feel very awkward when it is talked about around others haha! I will always do my absolute best and put in my all for my couples and guests without requiring any praise! Read More>>
Andrea Norfolk
I’ve always approached everything I do with my full effort even if it doesn’t always come with recognition or praise. I’m not someone who needs the spotlight, and I don’t measure my worth by awards and recognition. I am my own toughest critic, and if I feel proud of the work I’ve done, that’s enough for me. Read More>>
Ebony Stewart
Yes, I’m not a person who rushes when it comes to life changing decisions. Things that will change the direction of my life paths or that will impact more than my own path. I’m a woman of FAITH! I pray, think things through throughly and be still about an idea before I make any move or before I speak things into fruition. Read More>>
Naree’ Renelle
I’m definitely glad that I didn’t act fast. Wisdom has taught me that life is very beautiful as a slow burn. That’s why this interview is so important. Read More>>
Meli Burke
When I moved to chicago a year and a half ago I am glad I didn’t rush the process of making connections and getting into my field as a makeup artist. I have spend time building real relationships and connections for my business and it has felt incredible to finally truly feel like I am a working MUA. Read More>>
Chas Evans
Yes. For years I had this dream of teaching guitar at the college level. When I finally got there, the actual teaching part was everything I hoped it would be—working with students, sharing music, watching them grow—that was incredibly rewarding. But what I didn’t expect was how discouraging the politics, administration, and nepotism could be behind the scenes. Read More>>
Aryana
For the past two years, I’ve been very vocal about raising awareness for Palestine and the genocide in Gaza. I’ve used my business platform mainly Instagram and my website to not only share information about Gaza but also to direct people to resources and donation links where they can help those in need. Read More>>
Noelia Freile
Yes, I have. It was not easy, but I came to realize that love means choosing what is best for the person or for the greater good, even when it costs us dearly. We are here to love not only when it feels safe or when it is returned, but also in the quiet sacrifices where the heart remembers its true purpose. Read More>>
D. Johns
Every single day of my life. Every day of my life as a queer, black, educated woman I stand up for minorities, for human rights, to coexist and it’s not always met with understanding and compassion. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Read More>>
Susie Kirch
The beauty of making aprons is that I don’t really have to worry about separating fads from true shifts. An apron is such a classic piece — it’s been around for hundreds of years and isn’t going anywhere. Of course, there are always trends, and I try to keep up with what’s popular. A few years ago, flamingos were everywhere; then sloths showed up. Read More>>
Machiami Kamara
For me, it comes down to staying rooted in purpose. A fad is loud, fast, and often burns out just as quickly. Foundational shifts, on the other hand, feel timeless. They align with deeper values and keep showing up across seasons and generations. In fashion, for example, micro-trends are fun, but modesty as a lifestyle? That’s not going anywhere. Read More>>
Robin Daumit
For me, the difference between a fad and a true foundational shift became crystal clear when the pandemic hit. Overnight, so many of the things we thought we ‘needed’ fell away, trends, routines, even the busy pace of life. What remained essential were the basics: nourishing food, a healthy body, a safe home, and the resilience to adapt. Read More>>
Jen Rafferty
To me, a fad feels like a quick fix. I think in our fast-paced world of fast-food, fast-fashion, and short attention spans we rely on fads to address our discomfort, even if it actually requires more attention. It makes sense though. Read More>>
Adriano Ávila
A fad is when only a few profit greatly. Real change happens when many can create their own personality. Read More>>
Jonathan Mills
I joke that I’m out of my depth only on days that end with a “y.” But honestly, it’s true. In my line of work, no two days look the same. Every project comes with its own set of challenges, and I’m constantly being stretched to think differently and solve problems on the fly. Read More>>
Katiuscia Baggio
I usually know I’m out of my depth when I feel a mix of anxiety and hesitation that isn’t just the normal challenge of growth. For me, it’s often tied to situations where I sense I can’t fully rely on my expertise or presence to navigate what’s happening—when the usual tools I trust, like preparation, listening, and adaptability, aren’t enough. Read More>>
Tammy Keller
As an artist, I feel like I permanently live ‘out of my depth’. Everyday, I make choices to chase my dreams without knowing if they will ever become what I envision. Of course I have huge dreams for myself and my business, and so each day I set out to become by walking into the deep end. One step at a time, I push forward. Read More>>
Juan Delcan
I recently read Saramago’s ‘Death with Interruptions’—a book that flips everything you think you know about mortality. We see death as the ultimate enemy, but Saramago asks: what if it wasn’t there? Suddenly you’re questioning why we cling so desperately to staying alive. Artists have always known this secret. We try to remain alive through our work, hoping it will outlast our bodies. Read More>>
Brittany (BrizzNicole) Thomason
If I knew I had 10 years left, I’d stop wasting time. Procrastination kills dreams — and honestly, it steals joy too. That thought alone is such an eye-opener and a reminder to stay focused on what really matters. Read More>>
Debra Jones
huh. I am really lucky to have a touch of arthritis in one knee but in great health otherwise for my age. Let’s give me those 10 years and I am going to answer this backwards. Because I was able to retire for a few years, I must admit, I found it very daunting. I had very little purpose. Read More>>
Eric Reynolds
It’s funny — that question has already been answered in my life. In 2019, I was diagnosed with severe heart disease and given a ten-year death sentence. My Coronary Artery Calcium score was over 1500 (now 5600), and my cardiologist basically fired me when I refused to take the standard path of medications and fear. So I took my health into my own hands. Read More>>
Bella Brown & The Jealous Lovers 
I would stop worrying about what should come next. Staying in a present state of mind is the best way to stay happy and healthy. Also, I would stop procrastinating and just do everything right now. That sounds exciting and hopeful. I mean, why not! Read More>>
zadra
Worrying. I’m not one to stress much about things, I tend to just face them as they come and only concern myself with what I can control. However if I knew my expiration date to be near I’d most definitely throw what little apprehensions I may have out the window and just do whatever I felt like doing. Read More>>
Cy White 
(Okay, so now this feels like therapy. Hahaha.) Hiding. Being polite. Worrying about ‘success.’ So what you’re saying is it’s time to stop those things now? Yeah, I dig it. I’m sure everyone had it hammered into their heads from grade school on: Don’t wait until the last minute! Get started now. What’s so much different in knowing and not knowing? Read More>>
shaneika citizen
I would stop anything , that would make me go harder with my organization and for my children . I have big goals for my organization. This is my legacy that I will leave for my children to take over . But in the mean time I’m here to stay . Read More>>
Casey Cheuvront
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. I am actively TRYING to stop doing a few things: Stop worrying about failing Stop working only on what you know will sell Stop wasting time! There’s not that much of it to begin with – I am trying to be more protective of my time and focus on things that are more important to me. Read More>>
Beth Whitney
I would throw my phone in the lake. Read More>>
Max Morningstar
I mean, honestly I would probably sell this business and try to live my life more fully. This work demands most of my time and energy, and I do enjoy it, but it takes me away from the rest of life. Gardening, working on my house, traveling, hiking, all the obvious things.. Read More>>
Frank A. Ramos
This question honestly left me in shock. If I knew I had 10 years left, I’d stop doubting my decisions and my vision. I’d cut out distractions, stop spending time on things that don’t matter, and remove any negative mindset. I’d speak life, focus on what matters, and move with urgency. Read More>>
Blanc
Overthinking. Read More>>
Gerda Carina
One of the most important things I’ve learned over the past few years is to define myself by who I am, not by what I do. I’m not a photographer – I just happen to do photography. What remains is a beautiful human who has learned to love herself. Read More>>
Amari Shaw
At the core, you’d find a man who’s stood on his morals and principles even when the weight of them nearly broke him. A man who’s burned himself down to the foundation more than once, just to prove he could rise from the rubble he created. Read More>>
Val Quinones
If I laid down my name, role and possessions today, My Faith and relationship with God would remain. Read More>>
Johanna Miller
I believe it would be my personality and joy in what I do. I think I’m very good at getting passionate about things and spreading that joy and excitement to others. I’ve always loved sharing my passions with people and I get a thrill from inspiring people to find their own creativity and joy. Read More>>
Anastasia elektra
## The Void: Losing the Permission to be Unpredictable If I were to retire tomorrow, what my customers would miss most is not a garment, but the **permission to be unpredictable**. They would miss the only line that fundamentally rejects the rigid cultural narrative currently defining menswear. Read More>>
Shauna Stephanchick
If I had to retire tomorrow I think customers would miss the quality and authentic approach that I have taken with my company. Read More>>
Donna Werking
My accessibility, action and ability to problem solve. Every client is treated equally and all of our clients have my cell phone number. I’m not just their marketing representative, I’d like to think they’re invested in our friendship, too. We are all busy in life, but I make great effort to respond promptly to their needs. Read More>>
Eileen McDonough
Customers would miss the workshops. Of course my ego would prefer my tables be missed, but I feel to empower others is the real juice here. Read More>>
Connie Lo
Connie: When Laura and I met years ago, we bonded over how we were brought up with similar values. These four values became Three Ships’ company values: hustle, integrity, curiosity and compassion. These truths aren’t just personal to us – they’re the heartbeat of our company, and our entire team lives them every single day. The one that stands out most to me is integrity. Read More>>
Katy Kaumeyer
Foundational truths can be hard to put into words, but when you live them, people feel them. They know who you are, what to expect, and they can trust that you’ll show up as yourself every time. For me, the truths are simple: Be honest. Be kind. Be weird. Be you. If you’re honest, you never have to remember what you said. Read More>>
Bella Amore
A truth that’s so foundational for me is that everything I have comes from God. I’ll always say it out loud – my faith is the anchor behind every decision, every win and even every setback. Another truth I carry is that impact matters more than image. Read More>>
e cindy stein
It is not up to the photographer to tell you what to see. It is for you to draw your conclusions from the image (s) presented to you. Everyone brings their own POV to the table. Read More>>
Cathy Cooper
Childhood. When I got a bike, I could travel. Anywhere. It took me out of the area I was familiar with and allowed me to literally roll into new geographics, demographics. Next door was always stranger than where I lived. Read More>>
Keldamuzik Diva
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I first stepped on stage as a teenager and grabbed the mic. I’ll never forget how the energy in the room shifted — it was like everyone’s eyes and ears locked in on me, and I realized my voice could move people. That was the moment I knew I had something bigger than just a hobby. Read More>>
Jeanette Roxanne M Marcelle
I was about ten and a half years old when I first felt powerful, though it was in a situation no child—especially a girl child—should ever have to face. Read More>>
Patrick Schober
When I was in 8th grade, my class took a field trip to a local ropes course. My small class of ~20 kids frequently asked for my perspective in tricky scenarios or for me to stand in precarious spots where an extra individual was required for safety. Read More>>
Pauline Sala
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was back when I was 17 years old. For a little bit of context, I was 6 the first time I visited the US and something clicked in me, I fell in love with the US and started teaching myself how to speak English. Read More>>
Mishila Ashlyn
I still remember being in 5th grade and entering the 10th annual Women’s Poetry Contest at CSU Pueblo. When I heard my name called for first place, I felt powerful for the first time, not because of the award itself, but because I realized my voice and creativity could truly resonate with others. Read More>>
Meg Nocero
For a long time, I did what I thought I was supposed to do—checking every box, following every rule, living up to expectations that weren’t fully my own. But as I’ve evolved, I’ve realized that what I was born to do is help others awaken to their own light, to remind them that joy and purpose are not luxuries—they are birthrights. Read More>>
Danielle Ireland
I know I would deeply regret not giving my podcast—Don’t Cut Your Own Bangs—my all. When I first launched it, it was simply a creative outlet, something I didn’t put much pressure on. In many ways, that helped; I could create freely without overthinking it. But to my surprise, it started to become something real—not just a side project next to my therapy practice. Read More>>
Anna Midé
If there’s one thing I would regret not doing, it’s pursuing modeling. It’s been more than just a career for me — it’s a form of creative expression and personal growth. Modeling has allowed me to travel, collaborate with inspiring people, and tell visual stories that connect with others. Even through the challenges, it’s something that makes me feel alive and purposeful. Read More>>
Avery Brooks
I’m going to reframe this question as ‘What will I not regret spending my time on?’ Two things. Traveling and standing up for the LGBTQ+ community. I didn’t travel much for a few years after COVID, and after making it through cancer treatment, I realized that traveling was one of the most important things to me. Read More>>
Carey-Lee Dixon
If there’s one regret I know I would have, it would be not doing the work I am called to do: serving people, especially children. Though I haven’t always been surrounded by children, reflecting on my own childhood and the experiences that shaped me, I see clearly why I am positioned to guide young hearts and minds. Read More>>
Amanda Erixon
Take chances in life. It’s important for me to do what excites me and also challenges me a little bit. I wanna stay curious and be on my toes every now and then. Read More>>
Alonzo Herrera
I’ve spent a lot of my life trying to please others—whether in jobs, relationships, or creative work. I’ve always been determined to give my best, but that drive has sometimes led people to take advantage of my work ethic. They see me as a yes man, someone who’ll always show up, no matter what. Read More>>
Melissa Desrameaux
I once held on tightly to the belief that success meant reaching the pinnacle of your career to the point of recognition; running a multi-million-dollar business and living the kind of lifestyle that looked like the ultimate reward for hard work. I thought success was about control, constant motion, and achievement that could be measured. Now I see it differently. Read More>>
Sheila Zhang
If we’re talking about Illustration, then I’d say it was my old belief that I insisted not to use any ‘fancy’ brushes. I only sticked with the default brushes to train myself not to relied on the texture effects that the special brushes could create, because it made me feel it was ‘cheating’. Of course, now I realised how ridiculously wrong I was. Read More>>
Dalya Black
Until I was 10 years old I didn’t know I was one singular person. I thought I was going to be multiple different people throughout my life, including being a man at some point. I thought life was a series of selves, each waiting their turn to appear. Read More>>
Chelsea Roberts
I used to believe—much like Sandra Bullock’s character in Miss Congeniality—that beauty pageants were all about looks, crowns, and gowns. I thought they were more about appearances than substance. But after training, competing, and ultimately being crowned International Ms. 2025, I realized how wrong that belief was. Read More>>
Abel B. Padilla
I used to have the naive idea that things come naturally just by manifesting them. Over time, I realized that things don’t come unless you go out there, work hard, and fight for them. Read More>>
José Valentino Ruiz
If you ask most people about the cultural values they protect, they’ll reach for ideas like “innovation,” “hard work,” “excellence,” or “drive.” And those things matter. Read More>>
Marco Adda
The cultural value I protect at all costs is listening — in the broadest possible sense. Listening not only with the ears, but with the body, with attention, with presence. It’s a value that resists speed, judgment, and noise. In my work and life, I try to cultivate spaces where listening becomes an act of respect — toward people, animals, and the environment. Read More>>
Jeff Osuji
Community. I believe deeply in building spaces where people feel seen, celebrated, and connected. Protecting community means protecting trust, integrity, and shared growth. No matter the venture, I won’t compromise on creating platforms that honor our culture and bring people together. Read More>>
SL Redd
Being yourself. What you see as ‘popular’ or ‘trending’ is just that….a trend. Trends come and go, you’ll never be able to keep up with everything trending. When you are your authentic self, you can set the trend and attract the audience that it compels. It’s easier to consistently be yourself than to consistently try to keep up with what is trending. Read More>>
Mariya Ellsworth
Bound / «Переплетені» is an animated short that reimagines the missing verse of Ukraine’s most beloved folk song, “Galya Carries Water.” For generations, the haunting melody has carried an unanswered question: what truly happened to Galya and Ivanko, two young lovers often called Ukraine’s “Romeo and Juliet”? Their story, suspended in song yet left unfinished, became the seed for this film. Read More>>
Dasja White
The cultural value that I protect the most is our crown, the crowns we wear on our heads as beautiful black women. We as black women shouldn’t be judged by the way we chose to wear our hair, it shouldn’t ever be determined if we can or can’t get a job or if we’re professional enough to be within a professional setting. Read More>>
Valerie C Brugal
A cultural value I protect at all costs is integrity in human connection—honoring honesty, empathy, and reciprocity in every relationship, whether personal, artistic, or professional. In a world driven by speed and self-interest, I believe in protecting spaces where people feel seen, respected, and safe to be themselves. Read More>>
Erick Acuña
Community. That means producing comedy shows where people feel welcome, teaching improv in a way that encourages joy instead of fear, and creating social media content that’s meant to connect. Read More>>
Travis Stillwell
Commitment is the cultural value I protect at all costs. For me, it means showing up fully and following through, no matter how hard it gets. Talent is valuable, but without commitment it doesn’t last. Commitment creates trust, and trust is what holds teams, partnerships, and friendships together. Read More>>
Cap Rivera
This is such an awesome question. I think that each and every time that you try and fail it takes something out of you. And it requires so much more energy, strategy, and the basic love of what you’re doing to be able to go forward after failure. I think for me in the midst of it is still having an attitude of gratitude. Read More>>
Jeffey Halpern
My biggest discovery was that I learned to believe that everyone fails at something, it’s how you respond that makes you better. And believe there is no real failing it is just a learning experience to get you closer to where you want to be. Read More>>
Alecia Wellen
I changed my mind about failure itself. Seeing failure not as a dead end on the road to success, but as a detour instead, is a valuable perspective that can enhance any experience. Failure is a necessary step on the path, and we can control how we perceive and define it. Read More>>
Sonya Macari
As an actor, I’m constantly not getting jobs. It’s the nature of the work, an art form built on vulnerability and the pursuit of perfection… which, of course, doesn’t actually exist. I used to think that failing meant I wasn’t good enough, or that I had to fix something in myself. But over time, I’ve completely shifted that mindset. Read More>>
Tiffany Hernandez
Honestly, I thought getting my Hair Rejuvenation Serum into dispensaries was the only way to prove myself and my brand. I chased it so hard, and every time a door shut in my face, it felt like I wasn’t good enough — like maybe I had failed. It hurt. But that “failure” forced me to look deeper and ask myself, what if there’s another way? Read More>>
Megan Nelson
I love my clients. That’s no surprise. But, what surprises me most is how open, genuine, and how much they care about our business, and our family. It’s an amazing spot to be! Read More>>
Shardaye Kendrick
That not everyone is going to like your products and that’s okay. Some customers are just not a good fit for your business. Read More>>
Darrell Lepine
I’ve only ever felt ‘loved’ by my mother. Everyone who has ever said they ‘loved’ me, chose their-self. Love is void of condition, unconditional if you will. That means no matter the situation, no matter what I do to them, no matter how they feel in the moment or that day, they chose me, and that’s only ever happened with my Mother. Read More>>
Francesca Delisle
My husband is MY person. My ride or die. He is the man that loves me and accepts me in every way, all my flaws and all my love. He is my partner in marriage, in parenting, in life, and in business. He believes in me like no one else does. We have spent our life savings on MySyde. Read More>>
Jennifer Rhode
For as long as I can remember, my father has said, “I love you higher than the sky is high and deeper than the ocean is deep” when he was putting me to bed, when he was saying good-bye, or sometimes just because he was passing by. Read More>>
g.e. moore
Surrounded by the sense and sounds of love and laughter as the children expressed their joy on a cold winter morning, delighted by the sight of the snow, and no, looking back, these things are best examined in hindsight, it seems, I recognize the bottomless feeling of a gnawing insecurity as I grew to consider if I was worthy of it all. Read More>>
Nathanael Nunemaker
I bet on the company(and myself) every day. Tho we haven’t “made” it yet, I still have to treat it like we have and like we will. The best bet you can make is on yourself and on something you’re building. If you don’t bet on you, do you expect others to? Read More>>
Stacy Burrell
The last time I felt true joy was in a moment of stillness—when I allowed myself to simply be. No rushing, no striving, just being present and connecting with God. I’ve learned that joy isn’t always found in big achievements or busy moments; sometimes it’s in the quiet, when I’m appreciating my life exactly as it is. Read More>>
Stanislav Pronin
I am very lucky because I feel true joy every single time I pick up my violin and make music. I feel truly sorry for those who spend their working days awaiting a few weeks or months of upcoming vacation. We spend most of our time at work, so it simply doesn’t make sense to not enjoy what we do professionally. Read More>>
Johany Torres
The last time I experienced pure joy was during our trip to Puerto Rico this summer with my husband and kids. Watching them explore the house where my dad grew up and where I spent my summers was a moment I’ll cherish forever. Their faces lit up with excitement, and it felt surreal to share my dad’s childhood home with them. Read More>>
Jon Sideriadis
The last time I felt true joy, I was sitting in my Art Show booth at DragonCon after a very long load-in and set-up day. A returning customer came back to my booth this year to tell me they loved reading my book and it truly inspired them. Read More>>
Susanna Herlitz-Ferguson
I’ve felt a lot of joy recently, but one moment stands out above all. This might be a bit serious for an icebreaker question, but when you asked, it immediately came to mind. Read More>>
Audrey Chou
I think the last time I felt joy is when I am teaching. It is not until recently that I have discovered how I love teaching and sharing my experience of technical tools and learnings to people. I think that I value foundation and education, and I believe education can change people’s lives. Read More>>
