Over the past decade we have had the chance to learn about so many incredible folks from a wide range of industries and backgrounds and our highlighter series is designed to give us an opportunity to go deeper into their stories with to goal of understanding them, their thought process, how their values formed and the foundations of their stories. Check out some incredible folks below – many of whom you may have read about already and a few new names as well.
Cheryl Cheatham
I have authored, illustrated, and published 13 award-winning children’s books over the last 5 years. They are silly, adventurous, and full of love, hope, and kindness. On the 5th anniversary of my first book, Perry The Sheep – Search For The Magical Rainbow, I received a bouquet of beautiful flowers. It wasn’t my birthday, my wedding anniversary, just Perry’s anniversary. Read more>>
Ravie Junior
We were invited to do TEDxStLouis. Our segment was a combo of storytelling and live music. At the end, we received a standing ovation. Later that night, a friend who was visiting from Indiana said y’all got a standing ovation. I’ve been to several TED talks and I’ve never seen anyone get a standing ovation. I was proud of that, humbled. We all were. Read more>>
Renee Garcia
I’ve given up several times—stepping away from both costume design and academia when things felt overwhelming or uncertain. There were moments when I genuinely questioned if I was on the right path. But no matter how far I strayed, I always found myself drawn back. My love for theatre, storytelling, and the creative process kept pulling me in. Read more>>
Malaina Miller
Yes, there were plenty of moments I almost gave up. Trying to balance motherhood while keeping the lights on and chasing a dream wasn’t easy. I’ve been through seasons where the money wasn’t adding up, the bills were heavy, and the pressure felt unbearable. But every time I looked at my daughters, I knew quitting wasn’t an option at all! Read more>>
Adayah Anderson
The biggest lies my industry tells itself? Where do I begin… First, there’s the myth that success is only measured by a packed schedule and high prices. I’ve seen stylists burn themselves out chasing this definition of success, sacrificing their health and happiness. Read more>>
MaKayla Gulley
The biggest lie the photography industry tells itself is that you have to pay luxury prices for a good photography and if you aren’t charging luxury prices then you are undervaluing every other photographer in the industry. Read more>>
Essence Henderson
Lately, I’ve been called to speak more openly about mental health — something I once kept private out of fear, shame, or just not having the words. I recently recognized that I was dealing with depression. It crept in quietly, and for a while, I tried to push through it on my own. Read more>>
Tom Maher
I’ve been incredibly self-conscious for a very long time. I am now just starting to get out of my shell and feel confident. I’m proud of what I’m doing–proud of myself even when what the universe shows me is contrary to how I hope things work out. I trust myself more. I believe in what I’m doing. Read more>>
Amber Webb Maxfield
“Suffering taught me what success never could — how deeply people need to feel seen and safe.” Growing up, I struggled in school and in relationships. I could make friends, but emotional conflict was hard for me to navigate. I didn’t always know how to express what I was feeling or how to handle the intensity of others’ emotions. Read more>>
Melissa Oatman
I try to be very intentional about the way I start my day. When I wake up, I try to be thankful for my coffee, the warm bed I had to get out of, my house…really anything that supports me in my life. I then try to listen to something uplifting while I drink my coffee. Read more>>
Sayge Marshall
The first 90 minutes of my day begin with 15 minutes of meditation and gratitude, followed by 10 minutes of setting intentions for the day ahead. I then move into a focused 60-minute gym session, unwind with 20 minutes in the sauna, and close with a gentle 5-minute grounding practice to center myself before stepping into the rest of the day. Read more>>
Jenn Whitmer
Joy isn’t cotton candy that dissolves on the tongue. Real joy has roots—and roots form in the dark. Joy has dirt on its face, because it requires digging through confusion and pain to uncover the goodness that’s there. Joy has grit and determination in its eyes, because it dares to find what is possible without denying what is difficult. Read more>>
Kim Carr
I think like most artists, imposter syndrome is a real thing. It has taken me a long time to realize; I really do belong here. I’ve struggled with it for years now. I have no formal training, my education is not in photography, writing, or art in any way, shape or form. Read more>>
Ryan Himmel
The fear of failing held me back because I was more focused on what people might think if I messed up than on what could happen if I actually succeeded. I let the possibility of falling short stop me from even trying, and that kept me stuck. Read more>>
Karen Korn
When my daughter was 5 months old, she was diagnosed with cancer. From that moment on, my perspective on life changed. I have not healed from that trauma completely, but it has shaped my life in the most dramatic ways. During her time of treatment and recovery, I recognized that having a home that provided peace and harmony helped ease my pain. Read more>>
Dennis Milam Bensie
As a child, I was molested. I was also bullied in school for being effeminate. I was labeled as gay before I even had a concept of sex. I also had a strong desire to play with dolls. Read more>>
Tiffany Perfect
Honestly, being a yes man and being scared to say no. For a long time I thought always saying yes would keep the peace, but really it just left me drained and quiet. That chapter taught me a lot, but now I’m learning to put myself first, set boundaries, and not be afraid to stand on my no. Read more>>
Brenton Dearing
My closest friends and clients know my faith is my strongest area of life. I have invested thousands of hours of dialogue with my Creator over the last 25 years and built such a friendship through our relationship that it guides every area of my life: Spiritually, Physically, Relationally, Emotionally, Intellectually, Influentially & Financially. Read more>>
Christine Ilewski
My closest friends know that my personal relationships to family and friends always matters most to me; my relationships with my mother, my daughters and now my little granddaughter are at my core. I strive to be there for family and friends though I am sure I have failed them at times. Read more>>
Jonnie Roccsz
My mother’s fight with cancer really showed me what strength is. I had to have one of the hardest conversations of my life on. Valentines Day 10 years ago. That’s when I had to sit with my mother as she told me she only had 2 weeks left to live and the kid in me sat there lost and confused… Read more>>
Jordan Scott Gaunce
The most influential moment that shaped how I see the world was losing my father when I was six. What I know of his work came from what he told my mother on his deathbed. Read more>>
Timothy Lytle
My warehouse manager, Justin Hinkle, took the chance on me when I first walked in the building to apply. Through out my time working for him, he showed me just about everything I needed to know about delivering furniture and customer service. He taught me that my integrity meant alot to those I provided my services too. So I ran with it. Read more>>
Grace Leon
that just because you look good – doesnt mean you feel good. I did competitive body building shows for 3 years and my physcial body looked amazing – everyone was telling me how good I looked, but guess what, i felt like crap, my digestion was terrible, my hormones were wrecked and my nervous system was not calm. Read more>>
Matt McCallie
Yes, I would hire myself. As someone who values character, I admire those who demonstrate integrity, reliability, honesty, and professionalism. Something I learned decades ago as a musician is that performing is more enjoyable when you work with good people. When the performers are enjoying giving the show, the audience tends to recognize and respond to that energy and share the joy. Read more>>
