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.
Christian Rodriguez
You are stronger and more resilient than you know. Keep your chin up and keep waking the path your heart has set you on. All things will work out. Read more >>>
Scotty Hendrixx
The Public Version Of Myself Isn’t the Real Version. Because their’s So Much More Of Myself. I want to introduce to the world. I Love Making Music & Singing but I have so much other interests and hobbies and things and values I hold close to my heart. And I’m Goofy Person & Have A Goofy Personality that all of people don’t see. Read more >>>
DESMOND BROWN
The public version is the real me now. I had to learn to stop “faking it to make it,” because that only left me feeling fake and miserable. I was happiest when I was simply myself. So, I took off the mask, showed up as me, and started living for me. If I was accepted somewhere, great. Read more >>>
Chaya Leynn
Yes, there was a time I almost gave up. When I first started posting, I wasn’t truly comfortable with the clothes I was wearing, the collabs I was saying yes to, or even the version of myself I was putting out there. Read more >>>
Isacc Yi
I almost give up at least once a month. There is always a struggle when it comes to building a business as a creative, from believing in your abilities, landing clients, executing projects, and so forth. And I think that everybody should and does go through these motions, and I believe it’s a necessity to achieve your dreams. Read more >>>
Jackie Sonnenberg
The costumes that go with my books! I create my characters as well as the monsters and the creatures in the stories. I will tease and share progress update from time to time, but I always save the grand reveal for when they are finished and ready to wear at conventions and shows. Read more >>>
A Beck
A team a collective a bunch of really dope individuals working to create their best craft. Shot out to my brothers Devastator , Uncle Mike, Jussvon and JuliooSVN Read more >>>
Lexington Martinez
Rise and shine alarm sounds at 5am everyday. I snooze maybe two to three times before rolling out of my sheets. My first morning ritual is thanking the universe, my spirit guides, and my ancestors for the beautiful life have. I let my two fur babies out of their crates and exchange hugs and kisses. Read more >>>
Kayla Waller
Most people don’t understand that making YouTube videos is a lot of work. It is very time consuming and very stressful. YouTube is like the library where instead of traveling to the library to look up information you can just type in the search bar and find the information in a second. Read more >>>
JOHANNA FILGUEIRA
The key is to listen to your client, if you listen to him and understand what he is looking for and needs, you won because it cannot be your priority to sell things he does not want or need, you must look for the way you sell but the client is satisfied, that way that client will return and recommend you with his friends, family and coworkers, creating an infinite network of contacts and a chain of favors, that is what I have achieved in a little more than a year, leave with minimal sales and today more and more. People look for me and choose from thousands of travel advisors. Read more >>>
Nattasha Silva
Lately, joy has come from reconnecting with myself on a deeper level. I’ve been embracing small rituals that nourish me from the inside out — mindful meals, journaling, hormone-supportive self-care, and allowing myself to rest without guilt. I’m also making more time to simply be — whether it’s cuddling with my dog Smoothie, enjoying slow mornings, or sharing quiet moments with the people I love. Read more >>>
Naomi Jemison
I always feel closest to myself when I am working on personal photography projects. Doing this for my job, sometimes I forget how much I love photography as an art medium. When I lose my way; I always find myself getting back to creating something just for myself and it sets my soul back on fire! For example, I like to dabble in underwater photography. Read more >>>
Amy Mitchell
I can easily lose track of time when I’m organizing the toys in my daughter’s room. Since she was born (almost 8 years ago), I’ve found organizing and staging her toys very therapeutic. I love being able to organize the Barbie shoes and clothes, and stage the Barbie house how I like. Read more >>>
Oscar Agramonte
My closest friends would probably say my wife and good food. Luckily, the two go hand in hand. Read more >>>
Militza Maury
I grew up with a mom who took pride in cooking from scratch. It taught me the value of simple ingredients, homemade foods and the satisfaction of making it yourself. I carried that into my own kitchen, and loved learning new recipes… but I never considered making my own skincare until I became a mother. Read more >>>
Emilio Morena
It has to be Mardi Gras 2025. I was ready to quit photography, I didn’t have it anymore. Family and friends reach out to me and try to convince me to keep going and I only agree for one last time. I did bought gear that I felt drawn to expand myself as a photographer and I started to feel drawn again in this world. Read more >>>
Hayley Manners
During the same time as my injury, I finally decided that I was going to start posting content on social media and taking it seriously. It had always been a dream of mine to start a YouTube channel, to go to events as a influencer, and live that kind of life. Read more >>>
Tiffany Sebastian
When I realized that, as an actor, it was nothing short of a superpower. I was able to take pain and heartache I’ve experienced in the past and use it to make my performances more real. When I was younger I didn’t really cry. I had this idea in my head that crying equated to weakness. Read more >>>
Alvin Cerrud
This one is easy! At the soccer pitch! Read more >>>
Joey Farese
Before I saw myself clearly, my dog saw me – the real me, the full me. I have always been worried about not being good enough, but to my lab, Donny, I was always perfect. One day, I woke up, looked in the mirror, and decided to see myself the way Donny sees me every day. Read more >>>
Nelson Cardenas
I’ll never forget the two teachers who saw something in me long before I saw it in myself. The first was Mr. Shea, my middle school art teacher. At the end of the school year, he asked me to meet him behind the school. I was puzzled by the request, but I went outside and waited as he’d instructed. Read more >>>
Remonde Levy
The person who taught me the most about work is my dad. From an early age, he instilled in me the importance of work ethic and the value of giving my best effort in everything I do. He always reminded me not to procrastinate, to stay disciplined, and to approach every task with care and responsibility. Read more >>>
Alvin Cerrud
My colleague and mentor, Grande, has had the biggest influence on my professional life. I learned an incredible amount from him—both in terms of technical skill and work ethic. Read more >>>
Tatiana Orozco
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a joyful, creative soul who loved to express herself freely. But over time, I was taught to silence parts of me to straighten my hair, to pursue paths that didn’t fully reflect who I was, just to feel accepted. Read more >>>
Kristal Cunningham
Yes! I love what I do, and I genuinely appreciate every opportunity I get to serve. Coming from a healthcare background, I don’t take for granted the flexibility and freedom that comes with running my own business. Read more >>>
Mary Fosky
I’m not tap dancing to work—I’m doing a jeté. (For those who didn’t take ballet, that’s a leap from one foot to the other.) And honestly, that’s how I feel every day. I’m excited for every session, even the ones that present a challenge. I truly love what I do. Read more >>>
Bryan Paredes
This is essentially what an artist is. We paint to the satisfaction of others and most importantly yourself. When you start you want instant gratification, you want people to know you immediately like ‘Picasso’, granted this is the direct consequences of social media inflating everyone’s ego quietly to make themselves feel as important as their favorite painter. Read more >>>
Zizi Zabaneh
For me, the difference between a fad and a real foundational shift comes down to authenticity and endurance. Fads come and go, they’re flashy, trendy, and often disconnected from cultural roots or deeper meaning. A foundational shift, on the other hand, changes the way we see, teach, or experience the art form for the long run. Read more >>>
Xavier Hamilton
If immortality were real, I’d dedicate my time to building a nonprofit that helps ex-felons with employment. Everyone deserves a second chance, and creating real opportunities for them to rebuild their lives would have an impact that lasts far beyond me. Read more >>>
Hiroko Shimoda
If I stepped away tomorrow, I believe patients would miss the genuine care I bring to every interaction. My goal is always to ensure they feel valued – that what matters to them matters to me. Treatment is important, but so is listening deeply and responding with empathy. Beyond expertise, people want to know they are seen, heard, and respected. Read more >>>
Simone Daley
If Startenderz were to retire today our customers will miss: 1. The energy we bring to every event. We don’t just serve drinks we serve a vibe. 2. Signature cocktails and a creative touch to our events. 3. Trust & Reliability- For 9 years, people knew when they booked me they were in good hands. That peace of mind is priceless and rare. 4. Read more >>>
Julian Luciano
I am chasing the pursuit of happiness and peace, I have been on this journey for the past 3 years and I just want to say how important is has been to trust the process. Letting go of the uncontrollable and forgetting about the things I wish to control. Read more >>>
Ernest Ayayo
I am currently battling my self-improvement journey. I struggle with a CHF (a form of heart failure) and depression. It’s been effecting my life for quite some time. Despite the adversities, I managed to get my comeback and recover a good amount. Most people don’t notice this funny enough. Read more >>>
Devin Wiesler
One common misconception is that interior designers and decorators are the same—but they’re actually quite different. While both play a role in shaping beautiful spaces, interior design goes much deeper. It involves space planning, building codes, and technical knowledge. Read more >>>
Terrance Fisher
Many in the culinary world are silently struggling with burnout, depression, anxiety, and overwhelming stress. Behind every plate is a person carrying a weight few acknowledge. Long hours, high pressure, and a culture that praises sacrifice over self care have created a crisis that cannot be ignored. Read more >>>
Sparkles Holley
I think its a couple things that people in today’s time are lowkey struggling silently with such as: Feeling “behind” in life – Comparing themselves to others’ timelines and silently wondering if they’ve missed their chance. Having Low self-worth – Putting on a confident front while privately doubting their value. Read more >>>
Jerrick Richardson
Some might just see my music and brand and miss the bigger picture. For me, legacy is about the lives I’ve touched, the doors I’ve opened for others, and staying true to where I come from. It’s about lifting up my community, not just chasing success. Read more >>>
Myle Acevedo
1️⃣ Me Time → I start with prayer and reading. This moment of silence helps me clear my mind and express gratitude before the movement begins. 2️⃣ Mommy Routine → I take my son to school. It’s my favorite part: I see him grow and learn, and it reminds me of the ‘why’ of everything I do. 3️⃣ Active Body, Active Mind → Training. Read more >>>
OG Barnes
The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is definitely my journey as a parent. Becoming a mother pushed me into a deep process of unlearning and relearning. I had to take a hard look at my own childhood, decide what lessons I wanted to carry forward, and just as importantly, what cycles I needed to break. Read more >>>
Shakira García
One cultural value I protect at all costs is faith at the center of family and community. For me, everything flows from there. In a world that often prioritizes independence or individual success, I believe in protecting the values of faith, unity, and service—living in a way that our children and those around us can see Christ in our daily lives. Read more >>>
Ellie Vale-Saquieres, DNP, FNP-C
One of the most profound shifts in my mindset came after walking through one of the hardest chapters of my life—my battle with infertility. After the birth of our son, my husband and I experienced nine pregnancy losses. Each one brought a wave of hope, followed by unbearable grief. And every time, I turned to the system I knew best—Western medicine—for answers. Read more >>>
Spencer Reddick
One of the most valuable mindset shifts I’ve had came after experiencing a failure that, at the time, felt like a major setback. Initially, I was discouraged—I questioned my decisions and felt the weight of falling short. But with time and reflection, I realized that failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s part of the process. Read more >>>
Winter Ramos
The last time I changed my mind about something important was when I was offered a job away from home. At first, the idea of moving to a new place felt overwhelming, and I turned it down. But over the following week, something in me shifted. I realized I was holding myself back out of fear, not reason. Read more >>>
Kimberly Stevens
They’re mistaking productivity for purpose. Smart people are grinding harder than ever, launching faster, optimizing everything, chasing bigger numbers. But somewhere in all that motion, they’ve lost sight of what makes life matter. They’re choosing performance over presence and metrics over meaning. I’ve done it. Read more >>>
Kerwin Di Pietro
I’m learning from myself. Every day I raise the bar higher, pushing past comfort zones and forcing myself into new creative territory. I treat each photo as both a lesson and a challenge—how can I capture something I’ve never captured before, how can I see differently than I did yesterday? Read more >>>
