Through the work we do we are incredibly fortunate to find and learn about so many incredible local artists, creatives and entrepreneurs. Their stories, the lessons that they’ve learned and the legacies they are building inspire us beyond words. Below, we have highlighted a few of those amazing folks and we hope you’ll check out their stories and their responses to some of the fundamental questions the help form the foundation of our lives and careers.
Stephanie Hall
Just like the Israelites, I wandered for the first 40 years of my life. Now, at the age of 41, I’m no longer wandering… I’m walking my divine path. Read more>>
LeeAnn Barnes
Trust yourself. Everything you touch turns to gold. For most of my life, I second-guessed my instincts. I’d have an idea—a business concept, a creative direction, a strategy—and I’d either talk myself out of it or wait for someone else to validate it first. But looking back, every time I actually trusted my vision and moved forward with confidence, it worked. Every business I’ve built. Read more>>
Sharlyne Carla Rogers
Yes, I almost gave up on life itself while I was trapped in a toxic relationship from 2019 to 2021. Living in a cycle of abuse can lead to hopelessness. Although I still had my faith, my human strength was failing. Only by the grace of God was I able to escape, heal, and regain my true self. Read more>>
Melanie Joy
One of the biggest misconceptions in functional medicine is that the root cause of every symptom is purely physical—an infection, a hormone imbalance, or a nutrient deficiency. While those factors matter, there’s another layer that’s often overlooked: our emotions, traumas, and mental health. These deeply influence our physical well-being, and true healing happens when we address both the body and the inner world. Read more>>
Kimber Greenwood
Love that we’re starting this out with the hard hitters! This past year, I’ve poured a ton of time and energy into building out an online educational platform called the Underwater Creatives Academy. I LOVE hosting in-person workshops, but I can only do 1-2 per year and I understand that it’s a huge time and financial investment for photographers to attend in person. Read more>>
Jessica Swint
Wow! This is a great question. For me, I would say that what felt like suffering was just preparation for the provision that God has over my life, and that truly the old saying trouble don’t last always is so true. Read more>>
Diana Vasquez
When I’m behind the bowls and gongs and everyone in the room is completely zoned out—I know I’ve done my job. That’s when I feel most at peace. Holding space for others to truly relax, to find spaciousness, and to let their bodies reset is such an honor. Read more>>
Sinadia Grubbs
I feel most at peace when I am moving to the beat of my own drum. When I am taking my time, planning m slow mornings, drinking my iced matcha, and doing what I love. It has always been my dream to have a Riverside office and to help people improve their lives and I am doing it. Read more>>
Brittany Czarnecki
This question is great, and very easy for me! My husband, Aaron. Since the day we met he believed in me. We have been together for 15 years now and I don’t ever remember a day where he didn’t support me, encourage me, love me and help me grow into the person that I am today. Read more>>
Tinesha Tutt
I think my dad taught me the most about work and what it truly means to have a strong work ethic. He’s a bit of a workaholic. I mean who retires and gets two jobs? Just kidding, but his consistency and discipline left a huge mark on my brothers and I. Read more>>
D. A. Springer
The light I’ve been dimming most is my permission to take up space, to create loudly, to speak without shrinking, to be seen without apologizing for the impact. Somewhere along the way, I learned how to survive by being adaptable, but not always authentic. Read more>>
AppleJohn_ Marchese
Hands down, my parents and my family. I’m seriously grateful — and honestly just lucky — to have come from the crazy, fun, tight-knit crew that I did. The older I get, the more I realize how rare that is. I hear so many people talk about family drama or distance, and it always makes me appreciate mine even more. Read more>>
Selena Gibbons
My earliest memory of feeling powerful is when I stepped out on Faith and started and launched my business The 800+ Financial Freedom Club LLC December of 2019. It was Amazing to see people lives and mindsets change about their financial situation. Read more>>
Felicia Demers
Honestly, I feel true joy every time I’m behind the camera connecting with my clients — especially during those big moments like weddings or graduation/senior sessions. There’s this rush of gratitude when I look around and realize that something I built from the ground up not only feeds my creativity but literally puts food on my table. Read more>>
Lori Allen
When I first started my practice, I was advised to limit Medicaid participation to no more than 35% of my patients. The message was clear: practices that take more than 50% Medicaid patients are taking a big financial risk. Well, we’re living proof that isn’t always true. Read more>>
Tim Stacey
I feel like there are smart people in this world that are getting it totally wrong in regards to AI and what challenges it will present to us in the future. Read more>>
