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.
Carolina Romanyuk
The biggest misunderstanding about my work is that I “just help babies sleep.” In reality, sleep is only one entry point into a much bigger transformation. When this magazine first reached out, I was known for pediatric sleep. That’s still a huge part of what I do, but over the years, I’ve learned that it’s never just about the baby. Read More>>
Curtis Riggins
The most misunderstood thing about my business is the fact that men can’t bake. Normally when I’m out selling my pies and chess squares, people assume that my mom or wife baked everything! Read More>>
Bret Juliano
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about the Dust Bunny Mafia is the scope of my vision for it. Many people see it as a single comic series. Still, my long-term goal is to build a multifaceted creative universe—something closer to the structure of DC or Marvel, where comics are just one part of a larger ecosystem. Read More>>
Tony Martignetti
I think most people, especially leaders, are struggling with the quiet grief of disconnection from themselves. They have achieved so much on paper, but inside, there’s this subtle ache: I have lost touch with who I am when I’m not performing. It’s not burnout in the traditional sense; it’s a spiritual fatigue that comes from living as only a fraction of your whole self. Read More>>
Lauren Osselton
I think alot of us really struggle with feeling a sense of being ENOUGH. We live in a society that’s permeated by a media narrative of more, more, more. Acquire more, do more, see more, BE more. I don’t think that many people even are AWARE of this undercurrent that permeates their life… this sense of never being or having enough. Read More>>
Jaida Henley
I think people often misunderstand my intentions. I’m genuinely such a sweet person, but I also know how to sit in my power when I’m in certain rooms. There’s a certain way you have to carry yourself so people respect your position as an artist — adjusting your crown, as they say. At the end of the day, my intentions for people are pure. Read More>>
Christopher Lucero
I really hope people dont think my art is AI slop. I hope each portrait is similar enough in style that they can recognize my art as something I made. I hope people can see the relation to Dia de los muertos through my art. Read More>>
Melanie Alston
I think what people might sometimes misunderstand about my journey is that building something new is not about dissatisfaction, it is about growth and purpose. For me, creating has always been a way to bring a vision to life, to keep learning, and to show resilience through action. Read More>>
Angela Ligon
People tend to assume that because I sell what is considered to be luxury items that I, and perhaps my artists, do it to become wealthy. When, really, I am merely an ambassador for starving artists. We do it so that we may inspire, connect and wake up those in our community who may have forgotten just how powerful we (humans) may become together. Read More>>
Victor Hicks
An important truth that not everyone agrees with me on is that Black students should be prioritizing HBCU’s (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), especially right now. I know people say ‘college is college,’ but I simply do not believe that. HBCU’s were built for us and in many cases by us. Read More>>
Dan Wang
I still believe love can melt everything. Most people might disagree, because too often “love” is just well-intentioned control—imposing your wishes on someone else. But real love isn’t about fixing everything or making life go your way. It’s about understanding, compassion, and staying soft even when things are messy, painful, or imperfect. That’s what keeps connections alive, even in the hardest moments. Read More>>
Gina DeSantis
A normal day during holiday preparation has to be organized. I spend a quick half hour on Sunday mornings to create a to-do list of what I need to make each week. Because all of my work is handmade I carry some inventory which means when I get an order I do not necessarily need to make the whole list of items. Read More>>
Altheda Bastien
A ‘normal’ day for me starts usually around 5:45am. I get Nailah, my 13 year old up take her to school and head to work. Once my shift is over I usually come home and either relax, make products, or sometimes I’ll make content to schedule. I also take the time to check my personal and business emails. Read More>>
Jorge Arellano
Today in my life is much more than being just a barber. My wife and I run 3 successful businesses with another one in the works. Typically my day starts off at 7am and to be ready for our students and start class at 9am-8pm. Read More>>
Maryellyn Lynott
A normal day for me is going out and about on the Eastern Shore and painting plein air. As a friend of mine says ‘nothing good ever happens after 90 minutes’, so I tend to keep my paintings studies fast, getting down the basic lighting, shapes, values. Read More>>
Tracey Sykes Ambrose
The light I’ve been dimming is my full creative confidence and unapologetic self-expression. I’ve poured myself into my craft, my brand, and my artistry, yet moments of doubt, delays, or setbacks; like the time a store didn’t honor my work by paying me in a timely manner; may have caused me to shrink, hold back, and question my worth. Read More>>
Jill Harris
I’ve downplayed what I’ve accomplished on my own to get FitSprings where it is. I built this from my imagination, experience, and determination to help people move in ways they didn’t think were possible. While others rely on marketing teams and curated aesthetics that all look the same, I’ve stayed focused on creating something that truly helps people. Read More>>
Malachi D Scott
I feel like my relationship with God has shaped my whole life. Every-time I’m having a hard time or bad day, I can always look to him to pick me up and show me a way to happiness. Read More>>
Cecilia Jane
As corny as it sounds, my truth is just to be myself. I try to live what an authentic life means to me: pursuing interests that pique my curiosity, trying new things, keeping schedules that help me stay balanced, and always pushing myself to grow while still being gracious to myself. Read More>>
Dori Bell
Foundational to my work is a belief that we were designed for wholeness and created with intent. I believe that healing begins when we slow down enough to listen. Beauty, scent, and the senses aren’t luxuries; they’re invitations to return to ourselves and to God’s presence within all things. Read More>>
Jennipha ‘Jae’ Ricks
One truth so foundational in my life that I rarely have to say it out loud is this: God is faithful, even when I don’t understand His timing. That truth anchors everything I do. It’s the quiet conviction beneath every yes, every surrender, and every act of service. I’ve learned that even when life feels unpredictable, His character isn’t. Read More>>
Aesha Tahir
Oh I love this question! I felt most powerful in November 2017, when I crossed the finish line of my first marathon race in Philadelphia. I felt so accomplished at that moment that I ran 26.2 miles with grit and determination. That day I realized that I’m capable of doing so much more than I allow myself to believe. Read More>>
Farabi Khaleque
My earliest memory of feeling ‘powerful’ was the moment I realized I could turn an idea into something real. I was 15, sitting at my desk with nothing more than a vision and a sense of purpose, building what would one day become CLOUDZILLA. Read More>>
DURRVEENCHIE Apparel
My earliest moment of feeling powerful was really back in the first stages of my dress making career in 2022 or 2023 when I had a rude client that I ended up refunding her deposit and she posted our messages and went VIRAL! Next thing you know I’m getting all this backlash but more so even more beautiful I GOT SO MUCH LOVE! Read More>>
Stephanie Senger
I actually love this question because I remember it so clearly. I went to a church for preschool and pre-K here in Spokane called Tree House. One day, our class hamster, Mr. Lincoln, went missing. Our teacher, Mrs. R, had us all scrambling around for a couple of days trying to find him. Read More>>
Robert L. Newman
I’ve never been the type of person to know exactly where I was going or what I’d want to be when I grow up, but I’ve always known what I liked and what direction to head. As far back as I can remember, my interest has always centered Art & Business. I’ve always loved the mix of creativity and practicality. Read More>>
LISA MCFADDEN
Legacy is not only what you build and leave behind physically. I think legacy is a constant work in progress affecting intangible areas of life that can only be summed up by those who’s life you touched. Life is fluid and unpredictable, so, it’s hard to say what people might think of me after I’m gone or what I’ll do in the future. Read More>>
Cora Chung
As an Asian, I used to believe that hard work was everything. While I still believe in the value of effort, I’ve come to realize that being kind and genuinely caring are just as important. In this industry, people want to work with those who bring warmth and kindness to every collaboration. Being an artist isn’t about proving your skills or following someone else’s footsteps. Read More>>
Laihha Organna
I used to believe that I needed to be important. I needed to be a respected leader and to pave the way for others. I needed to do all that I could to ‘make a difference’. I think these thought patterns are a part of being young and driven, but they were naive of me. Read More>>
Kailee Nauman 
That you have to be the best in order to be the best. But lets reframe that. You DO NOT have to be the best in order to be the best. Growing up, I was in a lot of sports and always pushed to do better, no matter the subject. But with art, there was no “best”—at least, not in my eyes. Read More>>
Melissa Marzan
As a Filipino American, I will always value community. In our culture, we have the values of ‘kapwa’, which is a core Filipino concept that represents a shared identity, interconnectedness, and the unity of ‘self’ and ‘others’ and ‘bayanihan’ which is a another cultural concept representing the spirit of communal unity, cooperation, and helping one another. Read More>>
CC Consalvo
That’s easy, food and farmers. As if my life depends on it, because it does. No matter how technology and AI calls us to stray, we are still human beings. We are part of nature, never separate from it. All the nutrients we require to function are found in nature’s abundant gifts and these gifts are chemical free. Read More>>
Dre Steinberg
My Harlemite spirit! without question. Harlem shaped my creativity, my hustle, and my sense of community. With gentrification changing so much of the neighborhood and pushing out the African American community that built its foundation, I make it a point to go to bat for my hometown every chance I get. Read More>>
Esme Wong
One cultural value I always carry with me and protect at all costs is humility and respect for others. Growing up in Malaysia, that was something deeply ingrained in me from a young age. Read More>>
Dom Hollins
I can’t do this alone, I need a team. You can’t do it alone, you need a team. This is why we market Shock The Culture as the Marketing and Finance department for creatives. Read More>>
Ellen Kantro
I had dropped out of college but was always working. I received a job offer for something I was well qualified for which was subsequently withdrawn when the employer realized I didn’t have a four year degree. At that point, I knew I had to go back to school which I did for six years at night to finish my Bachelor degree. Read More>>
Maria Pendolino
I’m finding that cost is really not the thing that is most important to them. Sure, they want to ensure that they’re paying a fair price but really – they’re looking for a partner and someone who is willing to be collaborative, communicative, and helpful. Read More>>
Tori Mistick
This past summer. Losing my beloved dog Lucy in June completely changed how I see my work. I started Wear Wag Repeat with Lucy over 13 years ago to share all the fun, creative things you could do with your dog. Along the way, my business evolved and I spent many years teaching digital marketing to petpreneurs. Read More>>
LaKenya Kopf
Music has always been my source of comfort for anything and everything. Feeling alone – music. Upset about something – music. Angry, frustrated, pick an emotion – music was that weighted blanket that would center me, bring me back down, and remind me that it will be okay. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but eventually – so just breathe. Read More>>
Jason Melhorn
I have come to believe that many are overlooking the crucial aspect of emotional intelligence in their pursuits. While there is often a strong emphasis on financial outcomes and success metrics, the human element within organizations is sometimes neglected. The team members who drive these numbers are often overlooked or undervalued in the pursuit of results. Read More>>
Melaner Quiroz
I think a lot of smart people are getting it wrong by believing that success only comes from constant motion. Everyone’s chasing strategy, analytics, and perfection but they forget that connection can’t be calculated. The smartest thing you can do right now is slow down long enough to actually feel what you’re creating. Read More>>
Dena Gould
I think a lot of smart people are getting it wrong by leading with their thoughts instead of their hearts. Intelligence is valuable, but without heart, it becomes disconnected. If more people trusted their intuition and led with compassion and presence, we would live in a much lighter world. Read More>>
Marvisha Singletary
I admire my ancestors for their character, not their power. Growing up in a small town, I saw a lot of strong, hardworking people who didn’t have big titles or influence, but they had grit, faith, and an unshakable drive to keep going. Read More>>
Sheryl Sabol
I’ve been shaped by many writers and thinkers whose ideas have guided the way I live and create. Even as a child, simple stories like Harry the Dirty Dog spoke to me. They planted early seeds about curiosity, exploration, and the courage to be yourself, no matter where life takes you. Read More>>
Övgü Yeles
Yes, I would hire me. I’m adaptable and creative, and I’m open to learning new things that help me grow. In art, I believe that staying curious and open is what keeps the work alive, and I strive to bring that mindset into everything I do. I take my craft seriously. Read More>>
