The Most Inspiring Stories in St. Louis

Paige Drinen

This little step led to more opportunities and sure enough as a 15 year old who found myself in the midst of a pandemic, I bought my first professional camera. While everyone else was out of school and dealing with the toilet paper shortage, I was busy learning everything I could about running a photography business. I was on a mission to turn my God given passion into a job that could serve as many people as possible! I spent my time in between classes editing, marketing on Instagram, and photographing as many sessions as possible. Read More>>

Sofia De’roma

Alongside these studies my spiritual strengths and psychic abilities were awakened again. I would spend days, weeks, months, all alone, cooped up in my cocoon of a room, nose deep in writing, tarot cards in hand, incense lit, with podcasts playing on my tv. Soaking up as much information as I could. Then began the integration process. Instead of just learning, I started performing. Ritual work was the foundation for facilitating my healing. I intentionally channeled my energy into positively transforming my mind, body, and spirit until I felt ready to emerge and share my services with others. By this time I was 17 and birthed my business Mystic Maiden Magic into being. Read More>>

Deven Chavours

Growing up in an entrepreneurial household, my mother’s dedication to her own business profoundly influenced my aspirations. From an early age, I was determined to carve out my own path in the world of business. In 2018, I took a significant step by enrolling in a lash extension course, investing nearly $1,000 into my future while balancing two jobs: a program director for a senior initiative and a server. As a single mother, I sought the flexibility to spend more time with my daughter while pursuing my passion. Read More>>

Whitney Lebon

Photography has always been my creative outlet. I’m pretty sure my obsession started with Ansel Adams and his amazing black and white photography, slowly it transformed into all thing’s photography. When I started college as an Arts Major/Photography minor at EIU I had dreams of traveling the world taking pictures for National Geographic. Quickly, I realized my dreams shifted a bit as I got married younger and my babies were my main focus. Thankfully they are perfect photo subjects to get lots of practice on. Read More>>

Caty Toro

I was recruited away by a former colleague to start an executive recruiting function at another firm here in the area, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work at Anheuser-Busch. I loved that experience and was quickly recognized for other opportunities in talent programs and HR. While I loved what I was doing, I experienced some life changing events which required me to take a step back from the intense work weeks and I went back to my roots in finance where I oversaw a career changer development program. I did that for almost 5 years before I started my own consulting firm, entirely on accident. Read More>>

Braydon Leadbetter

When I was 14, I started a punk rock band with two of my friends where I sang and played guitar and the other two played drums and bass guitar. I was always pretty good at music from a young age. I taught myself how to play the guitar at the age of 8, so I had already been big into playing music for the last 6 years of my life. It was something that not a lot of people our age were doing at the time and somehow we ended up being quite good at what we did. It was my first taste of being able to express something that I had to say to an audience. Read More>>

Ashley Whitten

Today, I am fully engaged in a remarkable sound vibration therapy journey that I can now share with others. Along with group and private sessions, I often collaborate with local St. Louis based individuals that are all about giving back to our wellness community. This beautiful journey also opened the door to becoming a yoga instructor where weekly you will find me teaching yin with extended savasana sound baths at Moonbird Yoga in O’Fallon, Illinois. Read More>>

Brittany Breckenridge

Getting into modeling for me has definitely not been a smooth ride the industry isn’t meant to be easy, as a plus size model I struggling getting people to see that I am a very talented model despite my size. I never let the struggle discourage me it really just motivates me to want to show individuals aside from my size I definitely have what it takes and what their looking for. Read More>>

Laronn Simmons

A DJ friend generously lent me some music for the evening and provided me with fundamental instruction. That night, I found the experience so enjoyable that I decided to pursue DJing more seriously. The following day, I discussed my experience with our resident DJ, who offered to mentor me. I spent the next month training at his radio station, mastering the craft, and subsequently launched my professional DJ career. Read More>>

Lena Matthews

In my last year at the school I was introduced to a wonderful woman named Gayle Seay. She came to my final showcase when I turned 18 years old, she quickly recruited me to audition for a production she was casting at the time, Jesus Christ Superstar. I was ultimately blessed to book the tour a few months later! This amazing opportunity jump started my career and led me on a path to keep booking! This summer I had the pleasure of coming to St. Louis to work under Gayle as she is now the Artistic Director of STAGES. Read More>>

Jocelyn Williams

The past 6 years have consisted of CPR demonstrations across the state of Missouri, raising over $4,000 for the American Heart Association, attending several AHA Heart Walks, and even proclaiming March 16th, 2024 as Heart Health Awareness Day in the state of Missouri. This past August I was even crowned Miss St Charles County 2025 where I will get the opportunity to share The Purpose Project on the Miss Missouri stage in June of 2025. The candidate that is selected as Miss Missouri will then get the opportunity to advance to the Miss America pageant. Read More>>

Jashaun Melton

I started doing hair two years ago because I got tired of people doing my hair wrong. I started off only doing my hair, but I got so many compliments, that I’m like I should really start doing hair. So in December thanks to my bestie for encouraging me I started sharing my gift with the world. Read More>>

Olivia Holler

I created Rolling with Liv to empower others with disabilities and provide resources to those who need it Read More>>

Darian Crisp

it has been a smooth road i went through a lot of depression and anxiety when trying to figure out what my purpose was when baseball just wasnt loving me back. As i started doing videography it got a little scary because at that time i didnt finish college and just pursued my videography’s business with no consistent clients so most days id just drive around saint louis handing out business cards etc. Read More>>

Jarret Mcbride Sr

I started in the Ialaian Ice business in 2009 after my tour in Iraq. I wanted a change from my military career. I went to a business recruiter and she did analysis on me and determine I enjoy building things from the ground up. I bought into small franchise but the franchisor was not a big help to me in the St Louis metro market. In 2012, I broke out on own and started Louie’s Italian Ice. I have ejoyed my customers enjoying my delicious treats. I look forward to growing my business in the St. Louis market and beyond. Read More>>

Leah Colvin

When I was in my 30s, I found myself entering a new challenge in my career path. I was laid off from a job that I had been working since I graduated college. In the moment, I felt lost with what to do next. The company I worked for and the position I held were my comfort and I was going to have to push myself to jump out of my comfort zone. As I was exploring new options and thinking about what my next chapter looked like, my mom had been presented with an opportunity to help run the day to day operations of our home town flower shop. Read More>>

Kim Bolourtchi

For the longest time, I was convinced that if people knew I was a competitive Latin dancer, they would NEVER appreciate my brilliant mind. (And in truth, that was probably true for some people-but not the people I wanted to work or surround myself with.) Read More>>

Von Miller

After a streak of bad days I was looking for something new to try. One of said bad days I had the idea to make bread after smoking a joint. Inspiration struck and I ended up baking three loaves of garlic bread. It didn’t take long to realize I had a knack for it. As a fan of savory flavors I noticed that there was a lack of bread in the cannabis community. With Blazy Bread I set out to change that. Now two years later, I’m still going strong and baking all manners of sweet and savory breads with natural herbs. Read More>>

Alt .

As friends and collaborators, we decided it was time to raise the bar for production quality. Our first major project together was the music video for “Left 4 Dead” by ROYCE XOXO featuring Baby Milo. The positive response confirmed our vision, and we are now dedicated to bringing this high level of quality to other artists and businesses. Read More>>

Maddox Perry

I’m a 5th grade Student Athlete at Kipp Inspire academy. I’m known for my ability on the court. I’m most proud of my progress, I work very very hard and every day the game of basketball gets easier for me. My hard work is what sets me apart from others. To become a pro, I’m willing to work as hard as I need to. I showing my journey on my TikTok weekly (@ihoopmaddox) Read More>>

Adilene Rose

I’ve been around photography for majority of my life. My oldest sister is a professional photographer, and she’s shown me some insights about photography and some secrets behind it. During my first years of high school, she’d use me as her test subject to experiment with her camera. That was my first ‘experience’. Whenever I entered my senior year of high school, it was time for me to do my senior portraits.  Read More>>

Amy Loden Tiffany

My clinical interests in women’s health include identifying individuals who are interested in breaking their current health patterns and habits to create a better health future that is proactive and that they can influence. Women who have PCOS, pregnancy complications, and perimenopause symptoms have a chance to rewrite their predicted health story but don’t even know they have a predicted story. My goal is to identify these women and empower them with holistic solutions during the reproductive and midlife years so that they can remain strong, independent, and functional in their later years. Read More>>

Stephanie Trieb

I was focused in finding a creative, freeing education experience that would allow me to practice self-expression and get far away from traditional academics. Once I graduated from Paul Mitchell here in St. Louis, I spent the next several years in large commission salons, building my education, experience and clientele. Read More>>

Deedee Franklin

I started singing in the Church choir around the age of 14. In high school, I formed a group called RBQ (Rapping Beauty Queens) with three childhood friends. We auditioned for one of Tina Turner sons who then booked us for the Jennings Festivals in St. Louis. When we dismantled, I left for college and basically the singing came to a halt for me. The only singing I was doing was around the house! Years later, I sang at a lounge for the 1st time and from that I was asked to be on a show at the Ambassador and it’s been a journey ever since. Read More>>

Tricia Siems

Throughout my own weight loss journey, I have been able to empathize with my clients, understand their challenges and triumphs, and relearn how to lead a healthier life. I began my journey at 215 pounds, and now for the past two years, my weight has stayed between 118-122. I am incredibly proud of what I have achieved for my health and happiness! Although it wasn’t always an easy path, having the support of my counselors made it easier to stay committed. Being accountable to someone, receiving encouragement, and working through setbacks together helped me stay on track. Read More>>

Marissa Manning

I am Marissa Manning, the owner and maker of Shine Bright Candle Co. I live just outside of Greenville, IL with my husband and daughter. If you asked me a few years ago if this is where I expected to be, I would have said, “Absolutely not.”! Being a girl that went to college for Criminal Justice Studies, becoming a stay-at-home mom & candle maker was not necessarily on my radar! Read More>>

Austin Knight

After graduating from the University of Spa Cosmetology Arts in Springfield, IL, I stayed there for a few years, building a small business and gaining my footing. But soon, St. Louis called to me. I moved there, eager for the next step. For the next four years, I traveled around the country, educating other professionals on the intricacies of hair chemistry, color, and the beauty industry as a whole. It was a rewarding experience, but after those four years, I felt the pull back to the chair—back to the clients I love in St. Louis, where I’ve been since 2016. Read More>>

Bria (breezi) Reid

Then eventually I decided I wanted to get into my true passion which has always been fashion. My grandma is a seamstress and she taught me everything about fashion. So i decided to start Breezi’s Style because I love making other people feel and look good. I also creative direct to give new and upcoming models in STL the opportunity to get their name and faces out there and supply them with opportunities that i didn’t have. Read More>>

Ryan Palmer

Though I majored in Industrial Management and Applied Engineering, my true passion has always been entrepreneurship and creativity. While engineering gave me a solid foundation in problem-solving and precision, I knew that it wouldn’t allow me to achieve my goals of building something impactful and creative. That realization led me to transition into advertising and marketing, where I could combine my interests in consumer psychology, branding, and storytelling—all with the goal of helping businesses grow. Read More>>

Kalain Hilderbrand

It was never that I didn’t see what they were doing, I was too focused on building myself and watering my own grass, instead of giving them energy on their projections of me and my life. Who knows me better than me,, and who of them has walked in my shoes? That seemed to anger people. So, after many years of following my own path and not the status quo, and freeing myself, all the people who once looked down on me or didn’t see my way of perception, became my biggest fans. The ones who always seen and loved me stayed all along. Read More>>

Jared Strickland

While still going to college to become a doctor, still having a regular 9-5 job, and trying to maintain this barber business. It took a toll on me. I then realized if I really wanted to become the best barber possible, I would have to quit my job and focus my attention to just school and barbering. So I quit both my 9-5 jobs while working in the barbershop hoping that it will pay off. It did and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Barbering has made my life so much easier, created bonds with people I never knew, and really helped me mentally/financially. Read More>>

Dara Mchugh

More and more families are welcoming pets into their lives and treating them like a family member. At the same time, those families are busy! They need convenient, reliable groomers they can trust their fur babies with. Mobile grooming is a fantastic solution for them, but also those who have a hard time getting out of the house or pets who generally do best one-on-one. What makes us different from the salon is we put our full attention on just your pup, and we get them in and out. There are no car rides, no kenneling, and no distractions of other pups. Read More>>

Missy Molinet

My journey began at birth, and for nearly 40 years, I have lived a life rich in experience and diversity. From my roots as a St. Louisan singer and performer to being a teen mom navigating military life, to a second stint in professional entertainment in Hawaii, to a hairstylist in various places, and now, a Master’s student and business owner. Read More>>

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>>

Anita Young

Started working at United States Postal Service in 1993 and retired July 21,2021 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>>