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.
sangho han
I think people might misunderstand my work as being about struggle for its own sake—about difficulty, anger, or endurance as an aesthetic. From the outside, the gestures can look confrontational, unresolved, even hostile. But what’s often missed is that the work isn’t driven by conflict alone. It comes from care. Read more>>
Haunz Noire
That my legacy is being hand crafted with ego and vanity, as an artist and a person, I experience a lot of jealousy from the way I do things, to the way I walk into a room, when I open my mouth people assume it’s about them, or they tell people not to listen or engage, because it’s not them delivering the message. Read more>>
IV Mercedes La Reina Mercedes
I think people will most misunderstand, why i don’t want to bear my own children. I say that because i’ve had conversations about this topic ( a lot). I’ll leave my legacy as a model, philanthropist, advicate, business owner, world traveler, daughter, sister, friend, aunt…Because I can still leave a legacy with my passion to encourage women to live unapologetically. Read more>>
Jonathan Hay
I am recognized for a publicity stunt related to Rihanna’s debut single, ‘Pon de Replay.’ This event occurred in 2005 and remains a topic of discussion in mainstream media. Reports indicate that I penned and released Rihanna’s initial press release in March 2005, exclusively for MTV News. Read more>>
Diane Gatterdam
I do not go along with the crowd or herd just to please others. I believe in fighting for what you know is right and then proving it with your work. If you have seen a vision stick with it, but before you start make sure you are confident that whats in your head will work. Read more>>
Emma de Crespigny
I think the main one is the importance of buying good quality items that will last. I’ve always told my clients that it’s much smarter to re upholster an old but well built piece of furniture than buy a new one for what upholstery would cost. Read more>>
Jake Gallagher
Running a videography business means no two days are ever the same and that’s something I truly love about it. One day I might be flying a drone over a large-scale land clearing site, the next I’m spending hours behind the computer editing footage, and other days I’m capturing the emotion and energy of a wedding day. Read more>>
Stacey Harris
A typical day for me is a nice mix of creativity and purpose. I start my mornings immersed in my blog, crafting content that inspires and educates my readers about sugar-free living. After a satiating breakfast—often one of my own sugar-free recipes—I dive into baking, experimenting with new recipes or perfecting old favorites. Read more>>
Feixue Mei
There isn’t a single “normal” day, but most days involve a mix of teaching, writing, and making. I spend time with students, work on publications and collaborative projects, and think a lot about how ideas move between disciplines and communities. I also try to stay attentive to small, everyday moments—conversations, images, or memories—that quietly shape my creative work. Read more>>
Morgan Ehrenzeller
A normal day for me doesn’t really feel “normal” in the traditional sense — I’ve built my life around growth, momentum, and solving problems at scale. My mornings typically start early. Before most people get moving, I’m already reviewing occupancy reports, CapEx updates, and revenue trends across the 330+ units we own nationwide. Read more>>
Jenny Carey
I have been retired now since 2021, but I keep myself busy with making resin crafts and artwork, as we have a market stall, once a week on Saturdays. It gives us something to look forward to, and we meet lovely people there. Read more>>
José Ortega
I wake up early in the morning to do some calisthenics or ride bycicle, then I have breakfast and around 10am I am working in the studio until around 6pm. Then I have dinner and chill with my family. In the studio I produce music, compose, record, edit, mix, master, have videocall meetings, respond emails, whatsapp messages, arrange payments etc… It’s a fun routine! Read more>>
Amy Lisek
Right now I work full-time as a remote scheduling coordinator for a children’s hospital but the hours are flexible in that I might work three 12 hour shifts each week, for example, and then have the rest of the week off to focus on our family. Read more>>
Tiago Raimundo
A normal day for me begins early with personal routines that help me stay grounded and focused. I usually start with physical training, whether it’s a workout or a morning surf session, to keep my energy levels high. I also dedicate time to reflection, reading or journaling, which allows me to clear my mind and set priorities for the day. Read more>>
Rachel Sutherland
As well as a small business owner I have had a career in the Fashion Industry for the last 15 years. Monday through Friday I spend my day as a technical designer for swimwear. I collaborate with other designers and factories overseas advising on construction and fitting on fit models. I find it very creative and fulfilling. Read more>>
Halo Scot
We ride at dawn. (Well, winter dawn.) My alarm goes off at 6:50am and 6:53am, because we start the day with chaos. Brush teeth, take vitamins, toss in a handful of dark chocolate chips (as one does), and pound a shot of coffee to hotwire the gray matter. Read more>>
Janez Veternik
“A normal day for me is spent updating my community around the world about Luka Dončić and spending time with my kids.” Read more>>
Eric Ross
Waking up, thanking God for the new day, getting my coffee and walking the dogs. Simple life morning routine before the Grind kicks in and the electronics, synths, machines come alive with the slaps of hats, kicks, and sounds in the Music Lab. Read more>>
DJ BUTCH
Spending time with my sons. Outdoors and Fishing! Doing content and producing music. I DJ weekends. Read more>>
Stefan Kuchar
Working in film there is no such thing as a normal day, schedules are last minute, workdays are long, and breaks are hard to enjoy because of the anxiety you will never work again. Read more>>
Joanna Tsanis Neheli
I start every morning chatting over coffee with my husband while we entertain our 4-month-old baby girl. She saw her first snowfall recently and was utterly captivated. After my husband heads to work, I put our baby down for her first nap of the day and usually manage to sneak in about 45-minutes of writing. Ironically, I write way more since becoming a parent. Read more>>
Lina Feuerstein
Busy! Meditation and yoga in the morning; teaching a full day as a high school world history instructor; workout (I love to run!); walk my pup; and Words We Live By clients in the evening. Read more>>
Anna Flowers
The light I’ve been dimming is my full voice. Social media doesn’t really know me — I’ve softened my edges, edited my opinions, and tried to be more palatable than I actually am. Read more>>
Erica Everett
I think – and maybe this is my recently spent time with the words of Louise Hay influencing me here – but my relationship to myself is and has always been the thing that has shaped and continues to shape me the most. I am utterly aware of when I am feeling sparkly and limitless and when I am feeling the complete opposite. Read more>>
Loli DiSanto
My relationship with my dad shaped how I see myself. My dad is an incredibly smart, hard working, positive person. I’ve seen my dad accidentally miss a nail and slam the heck out of his finger with a hammer and not say ouch. I watched him work 3 jobs to pay for my private schooling and ice skating lessons and never complain of being tired. Read more>>
Dave Sansom
There are two people who probably had the biggest influence on both the person and the photographer I became—one a sales rep, the other a noted golf course architect. In different ways, each gave me confidence at just the right moment and gently nudged me down a path that turned into a wonderful life. The first was Tom Brown, a now-retired golf sales rep. Read more>>
Natasha Walstra
This might be a weird answer—but it’s my relationship with alcohol. For years, alcohol was my ‘extrovert fairy dust.’ I used it to transform my introverted self into someone I thought the world wanted me to be. More outgoing. More social. More like everyone else. But that mask came with a cost. Chronic migraines for five years straight. Relationships that never felt right. Read more>>
Antionette Williams
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself is my relationship with God. It taught me who I am before titles, achievements, or opinions ever enter the room. Through God, I learned that my value isn’t tied to performance, perfection, or approval—it’s rooted in purpose. That understanding reshaped my confidence, my boundaries, and the way I move through life. Read more>>
Bounce Cruz
My wifey may ride or die. Showed me what a “normal family life” is. Read more>>
Lisa LaRue
I think my relationship with my step-grandmother/’mama’ (who raised me) most shaped how I see myself. I was exceptionally fortunate to have had her in my life. Read more>>
Chairite Johnson-Smith
This may sound silly but my relationship with my child. Being a parent has shaped not only how I view myself but the world honestly. Being his mother has taught me that perfection, like beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Kids have a way at looking at things so simply. Meanwhile as a adults, we tend to complicate things. Read more>>
Jade Omari
I think out of all the relationships I’ve encountered, my relationship with God has been and will ultimately always be the most important. For a long time I think it was hard to see myself through God’s eyes because it seemed like the world always found a way to remind me of my flaws or make me feel unworthy of anything good in general. Read more>>
Jerome Smith
I believe time and energy are the most valuable currencies we have, and once you waste them, you don’t get them back. Because of that, alignment matters more to me than approval, and consistency matters more than moments of hype. I also know that people reveal who they are through patterns, not words, and that clarity usually comes from silence, not noise. Read more>>
Jerome China
I’m sure what my earliest memory of feeling powerful was. My most recent memory of feeling powerful was when I built my own studio. The moment it was finished, I felt power and freedom as an artist. It made me realize that freedom isn’t necessarily doing what you want, it’s wanting nothing that can control you. Read more>>
Sarah Goldstar
I went to Utah on my own, with no money and just my son. I was listening to my cd from rapper TIP…’Live Your Life’ My powerful moment was when i said to my driver ‘The universe gives us what we think of’ and literally, I bumped right into into the rapper TIP at the airport 5 mins later. He signed my cd. Read more>>
David-Georges Renaud
There was a critical transitional period where I honestly felt completely lost and consumed by self-doubt. It was a truly terrifying place to be. But that moment of pause was essential: I needed to power down, strategize, and build a new plan of attack rooted entirely in my passion. I started re-examining films like Get Out and Black Panther, and their influence was pivotal. Read more>>
Melanie Haynes
Although it has surged and waned over the years, my feeling powerful has often come from my performances whether on stage, on camera, or on mic doing voiceovers. My parents had me standing on the kitchen table reciting nursery rhymes at the age of two. I remember being on stage in highlighted roles in school and church productions. Read more>>
Kristine Fisher
At the age of six I decided to go by my middle name and singled out each member of my family to inform them of my decision. I think liking one’s name is key to wellbeing starting young. I’m grateful to my parents who were onboard and encouraging. I felt validated for owning my name, being taken seriously, and taking this step! Read more>>
Chelsea Tikotsky
I would regret not pursuing an art career full-time and not giving myself the chance to build a life that truly excites me—one that goes beyond societal expectations or what is considered “safe.” I don’t want to look back wishing I had simply chased an idealized version of life; I want to actively create it, experience it, and work toward something bigger. Read more>>
Aniya Thorne
Over time, I’ve learned that the way I care for myself directly shapes the way I create so it’s something I don’t regret spending time on. I used to believe that productivity and creativity came from pushing through exhaustion, doubt, and discomfort, but that mindset often left my work feeling forced and disconnected. Read more>>
Justin Horn
Leaving Alabama to move to LA. No ifs, ands or buts about it. If hell actually is on Earth, I’m convinced it’s Alabama. Read more>>
Marcela Alonso
Nothing Read more>>
APRIL BUTLER
I once believed that women should be seen and not heard. At the time, that belief felt like a form of protection, but I now recognize it as limiting and untrue. With time, experience, and healing, I came to understand how harmful that belief can be- not only to individual confidence, but to collective progress. Read more>>
Danny Shot
The cultural value that is most important to me, and I’d like to think to society is Freedom of Speech and/or Freedom of Expression. Over the past year, we have seen an attack on these freedoms that is unprecedented in American history. Well maybe not unprecedented, but under attack in a way we have not seen in a few generations. Read more>>
Colleen Caunitz
The Heart of American Exceptionalism The cultural value I protect at all costs is the combination of American perseverance and exceptionalism. America is a unique tapestry, shaped by a vast array of cultures that have come together to form something truly special. At CK Strategic Solutions, we are constantly inspired by this blend. Read more>>
David Jofre
One cultural value I protect the most is RESPECT for people, their stories, and for where we come from. I was raised to listen before speaking, to work hard without needing constant recognition, and to treat everyone with dignity regardless of their role or background. That value guides how I collaborate, how I tell stories, and how I represent my Latino culture. Read more>>
Michael Ukoha
I protect the ideal that diversity will move us forward as a society. The perspectives from different backgrounds are invaluable in all industries including physical therapy. Whether policy or law emphasizes the value of a diverse workforce and daily experience, my support to underrepresented groups will remain unchanged. Read more>>
Cedar Lee
Earlier in my career, I believed for a long time that as a professional artist, working with art galleries was the be-all and end-all of professional success. I definitely learned the hard way not to count on relationships with art galleries as my primary source of income. Read more>>
Najah Berry
After failing hard, I finally decided to changed my mindset about being in the makeup industry. I realized it was heavily saturated and difficult to build long term sustainability. Pivoting into body care felt more aligned and lucrative , these are everyday essentials with consistent demand. That shift taught me the power of choosing longevity over overcrowded markets. Read more>>
Mary Lynch
I’ve failed too many times to keep track of, and finally realized that it’s not the failure that counts. The important thing is to get back up and try again. Each failure provides an opportunity to learn. These times are really lessons in disguise. Read more>>
Bonnie Mangold
One of the things that surprised me most when I began working as a financial advisor was this: even the most accomplished, successful people – physicians, financial professionals, attorneys – often feel uncertain about their finances. They’ve built careers, raised families, and achieved so much, yet many still carry the weight of financial insecurity. Read more>>
Talin Gureghian Hall
Perhaps not surprisingly, at ALSO, our clients have always chosen to work with people over companies – And vice versa. After 20 years, as we pivot towards a new direction, we welcome their loyalty and are looking forward to embarking on this shift with them. Read more>>
Kalyn Romaine
I recently changed my mind about offering more small business advising services. Initially I wanted to pivot back to focusing on large corporates and government agencies, but I realized I find so much joy in supporting solopreneurs and micro-businesses. The impact is immediate and lasting, which makes me feel even more motivated. Read more>>
Angela Fairhurst
The last time I changed my mind about something important was when I realized that reinvention was still possible for me. I had a long career in television and never imagined stepping into the world of dementia care or product development. But caregiving for my mother changed everything. Read more>>
Le Ching V
The last time I really changed my mind about something important was when I decided to leave my nursing career. Letting go of that part of my identity came with a significant amount of internal conflict and grief. But, nursing taught me how to connect with people on a deep, meaningful level, an ability that’s just as important in business. We don’t just make bags. Read more>>
