The Most Inspiring Stories in St. Louis

Makala Burch

Hello! My name is Makala, and my nickname is Sunshine. My fearless grandmother, Betty Howard, mostly raised me and adorned me with that nickname as a toddler with firey-red curls. She is hands-down my greatest blessing. Half a century later, the nickname is still fitting as I search for positivity everywhere and, in turn, share that love and light with each soul I encounter. After spending half of my time on Earth suffering from mental illness, I can genuinely say every day of life is a blessing, and I live my life expressing that appreciation. Read More>>

Charlotte Jones

I was born in Sullivan, MO, and my life began with a significant transition at just one year old when my parents divorced. I moved with my father to Cedar Rapids, IA, where he embraced the challenges of single parenthood as the owner of an ad agency, Photocom Studios. While my dad was deeply immersed in his work, I found myself surrounded by creativity, learning to tap into my imagination and resourcefulness from a young age. By 9, I was answering phones and helping paint walls for photoshoots—these early experiences became the foundation of my drive and ingenuity. Read More>>

Kent Richardson

I started Phantom House Productions 6 years ago while I was attending UMSL for my Business Marketing degree. I found a niche making cinematic videos for lawyers and spent the next five years traveling the country making commercials and documentary shorts for firms and national organizations around the country. Read More>>

Adjo Honsou

Adjo was born and raised in TOGO, West Africa. She moved to the US when she was 14 years old. One of the hardest things for Adjo to get acclimated to was the lack of diverse food available to her in school and local supermarkets. Every year, Adjo visited TOGO and as she grew up, she learned how to make authentic West African dishes from her mother and grandmother. Read More>>

Micah Daniel Lewis

My career in film production happened by accident. My first love was originally music, and I was a talented enough jazz improviser to secure a scholarship at NYU’s Steinhardt School. I was thriving in an environment where I could be surrounded by creativity and expression in such a pure form. However, forces outside of my control would find my scholarship funding evaporated after my sophomore year. It didn’t just happen to me, nearly 50 students from my class were affected by this shift and suddenly responsible for coming up with thousands of dollars to cover room and board in addition to tuition. Read More>>

David Shaw

So i got on YouTube and started watching videos and podcasts for guidance. After asking for advice multiple times from family, friends, and my mentors and making sure it was the right time, I finally took the leap of faith to start my clothing brand Unity Stuidos. As of today, the brand stands with two releases, and I can say, even though we haven’t made a lot of money I’m very happy that I started this business and it brings me a lot of joy to share my love of clothing and creating not only with my city but with the entire world. Read More>>

Feva Goldsby

I remember those early days, my sister would style my hair. That’s where I it started at. She could do it so well, but she’d only do half my head at a time. I’d be left with a half-done hairstyle, and I had to learn to replicate what she did. I practiced and practiced until I became good at it. Really good. Read More>>

Amber Kwentus

I am a Holistic Therapist and Intuitive Healer. As far as being a healer, I have always known something innately inside of me, since about 3 years old, that I was meant to help and heal others. I had no idea what that would look like and, at that age, it was mainly centered around my caregivers to ensure that I was safe. Read More>>

Sarah Snyder

At SC Consultings, we tailor everything we do to the unique needs of each client. We believe in creating long-term partnerships built on trust, transparency, and a shared passion for making a difference. Every project we take on is approached with the heart of service, and that’s what sets us apart—we’re not just helping businesses and nonprofits grow; we’re helping them thrive in a way that aligns with their purpose and values. Read More>>

Patricia Ruiloba Gitto

I came to the US in 2006 to pursue a Master of Music in Cello Performance at Texas State University- San Marcos (2006-2009). I was already an active cello player in my hometown Panama, mostly performing at multiple ensembles including the Panama National Symphony Orchestra from 2000 to 2006. I also got a degree in Journalism from the University of Panama (2004). When I decided to move to study music, it really changed my life. I discovered that I could also teach younger students and people from all ages. I became more curious about cello pedagogy and how to teach my instrument in a loving and caring way. This ultimately helped me tremendously to be a more proficient performer. Read More>>

Christine Melton

Her life looks like a flow chart of opportunities to develop businesses out of challenges looking for a solution. At age 24 she was a new bride, co-founder of a food brokerage firm and an instant step-mother of three. She attributes the building of her many business skills to those 15 years when she learned sales/marketing/advertising, graphic design, printing, business management and accounting. All of these served her well in developing her diverse list of business enterprises which include gym owner, Life Coach, graphic designer, wedding officiant, singer in a band, bed & breakfast owner, Certified Chef, caregiver/companion.  Read More>>

Kati Grapperhaus

While I would love to say I can always get a few kid free hours every day during naptime to work on my baking it’s just not the case! It takes a lot of planning to manage my time for big holiday cookies sales while also making sure I am still taking care of school drop offs/pickups, playdates, being present with my kids during the day, and sleeping. Even though it can be a challenge, it’s also very rewarding to find a way to make it all work! Read More>>

Eli Glasper

While in high school, one of my art teachers recommended I become an apprentice at St Louis Artworks to further develop my skills. In that time, I also found a new interest in digital art. With that and a few more formal drawing and painting classes under my belt, I was making my own artwork and even managing to sell some of my work to my peers. However confidently this made me feel I still did not feel “ready” or “talented enough” to pursue a career in the arts. Read More>>

Dr. Jana Haywood

At 12 years old, I discovered that I was a natural born athlete. I happened upon a pickup game of basketball in gym class. My friend invited me to go to practice with her and the rest is history. I fell in the love with the game spending most of my spare time in the gym training, practicing and competing. Once I entered high school at Lutheran North, I found out that I was also quite the runner. In preparation for the basketball season, I joined the cross-country team.  Read More>>

Gabriel Requadt

My road’s had several ups and downs. My mom and divorced when I was in high school, and that was a hard blow for our family. I’ve struggled with mental health challenges since I’ve gotten out of the Air Force, but through it all God has sought to redeem me out of my struggles, and has continued to be my rock, a very present help in my need. Read More>>

Aarika Hughes

Alot of stand out memories surrounded food, good and not so good. Like others I always found comfort in different foods. When my granny passed away at 8 and I moved with my mother in Rogers, Arkansas. Living here I believe developed my humble spirit and simplistic mindset. I lived with younger siblings so naturally I took the role as nurturer and would cook meals and feed my two younger sisters and brother. My love for cooking blossomed after I took home economics and learned how to sew, care for others, and cook Read More>>

Jake Ward

It’s never a smooth road, especially in the video production industry. However, there are challenges in any industry you find yourself in the only way I maintain sanity is by having a good sense of humor about things not going my way. And also surrounding yourself with people I love. Read More>>

Nathan Ralston

I got started in photography by doing missions work. I was in Miami FL in 2007, and I saw a bush with pretty flowers on it. I had a 3-megapixel phone camera, and I was trying to get a picture of the flower. I thought to myself I think I’d enjoy photography, maybe I should buy a camera. Read More>>

Candace Thompson

As a single mother of three, she drew upon her inner strength to navigate challenges and discovered her passion for chakra healing, trauma-based healings, and spiritual guidance. With a diverse professional background and experiences as a single mother and twin flame journey, Candace has developed a unique approach and empathetic nature, offering services like chakra healing, trauma-based healings, energy healing, spiritual guidance, Reiki healing, tarot reading, and clairvoyant and mediumship abilities, all guided by her philosophy that every individual has the capacity to heal and thrive. Read More>>