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Highlighting Local Gems

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.

Yasmine Colon

Oh, that’s a good question. My answer is yes and no. I’m as real as it gets, but always with respect and professionalism. Read more>>

Allex Englett

Oh, that’s a good question. My answer is yes and no. I’m as real as it gets, but always with respect and professionalism. Read more>>

Travis Hartman

Oh, that’s a good question. My answer is yes and no. I’m as real as it gets, but always with respect and professionalism. Read more>>

Pamela Springer

AGING! I am at the age that all my friends are retired. I just can’t seem to retire! I love what I’ve created which is clinical Skin of Color (SOC) certification trainings for MedSpas, clinicians, medical providers and nurses. Can’t believe I finally found my joy late in life. After 30 years, I’m still joyful. Read more>>

Melvin Gaines

The thing that is most misunderstood about producing and creating music is that it’s not about money or just making beats, It’s the time that I could be keeping someone out of trouble or just a moment of freedom for a person to express themselves and how they are feeling without being judge. Read more>>

Ashley Rivas & Ebony Rivas

One of the biggest misconceptions about our business is that massage and facial services are simply a luxury or an occasional treat. In reality, they are essential parts of a healthy lifestyle. Just like proper nutrition and regular exercise, consistent bodywork and skincare treatments play a critical role in maintaining overall wellness. Read more>>

Alexus Edge

I hope people say I made them feel seen, inspired, and more confident in who they truly are. That I didn’t just build businesses, I built people up. I hope the story is about a woman who turned her pain into purpose, who poured love and vision into everything she touched, and who made space for others to bloom by being fully herself. Read more>>

Dieudonne Thomas-Wilson

My relationship with my mother shaped how I see myself. She’s always encouraged me to be the best at anything I do, to work hard and always finish what I start. She taught me to be confident, an independent thinker and to create my own path. Read more>>

Constance Maisha

I have a few but I will say as I mentioned earlier is I was given many gifts and skillsets that ancestrally I gathered. I realized once I opened up and freely expressed my love for singing and the arts it helped me to be seen because people enjoyed what I had to offer and enjoyed my gift. Read more>>

Kristine Iverson

I distinctly remember, making the conscious decision that regardless if CROW was successful or not, it was a worthy devotion. Even if I would never be able to pay myself, it gave me the purpose I was searching for. Anyone starting something from nothing, with no roadmap, no funding and not a lot of business background will struggle. Read more>>

Nick Savage

Always. People who only give their best because they know they will receive praise for it aren’t doing it because they want to truly be good at whatever they are doing; they are only giving their best because they need outside validation. There’s a sense of altruism that needs to be held onto. Read more>>

Kuhlahbee

My people, my big ol’ heart, and the ability and willpower to take nothing and turn it into something beautiful — to create, to love, and to be the light regardless of the environment Read more>>

Kelly Starkey

The idea that women have to “bounce back” after having a baby. This mindset can be harmful, unrealistic, and dismissive of the real physical, emotional, and mental journey of postpartum recovery. Pregnancy & postpartum permanently change a women’s body. The goal shouldn’t be to “get your body back,” but to build a strong, healthy version of yourself. Read more>>

Ramzi Naber

Bonds are broken between people in business such as in real life is the lack of respect, expectations that are unmet, and lack of communication mainly in my view. I am sure there are other factors depending on each situation. Read more>>

JHONATHAN LOPEZ

The first 90 minutes of my day always begin with a prayer of gratitude to God and a request for protection. That moment grounds me and reminds me of what truly matters. After that, I take time to organize my thoughts and priorities, whether it’s through a quiet coffee, some reading, or simply a few minutes of silence before the day unfolds. Read more>>

Alyssa Rose

A day in the life for me consists of a lot of dancing! Typically, I work in Entertainment at Universal Orlando Resort during the day. At night, I am either in rehearsals for a new show, performing in a show at a theatre or another venue or teaching at Studio K! Read more>>

Kaamilah Mixon

There are a few activities that come to mind when I think about rediscovering myself in spaces that feel timeless. Those activities are spending time in nature by the water, meditating, stretching on my yoga mat, and dancing. These activities help me cultivate something I like to call ‘quiet mind’. Read more>>

Nelxon Gomez

The most significant relationship that has shaped who we are, both personally and professionally, is our own—as husband and wife. Sharing a life together is a beautiful journey filled with joy and its own set of challenges. Adding the dynamic of running a business on top of that has been an incredible learning experience. Read more>>

Lauren Howard

My dad. My dad who knew I was the moment that I was born, and he made no attempt to interfere. He saw that my brain worked differently, and he reminded me all the time that it was a good thing. He was put on this earth to be a girl dad, and THANKFULLY the universe gave him one girl out of four children. Read more>>

Kelvin Villalobos

I was a regular kid born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico. Natural athlete full of ambition, but little money. Not a lot of opportunities around me. I come from a loving, hard working family. My upbringing was not the easiest, but it was not the worst one either. I have met more lucky families as I have met some unfortunate families as well. Read more>>

Maria Riboli

I was always me…I never let anything dictate who I was… I was taught to lead with kindness and be there for other people, to always try to understand and never judge and I still live by that motto every day… Read more>>

Count and Jessica Foreman

Chef Count: “This is a great question because lately I’ve been continuing to walk a path that’s constantly changing—and now I find myself at a crossroads. Entrepreneurship feels like a winding road, with hilltops and slumps. The path is never clear; it can be filled with potholes, rocks, and moments where it’s meant to be walked alone. Read more>>

Krystal Quint

Honestly, yes, the public version of me is very much the real me. What you see is what you get. The more I’ve stepped into myself, the less I feel the need to hold back. I try to keep it real, open, and honest because that’s the energy I want to put out into the world. Read more>>

Susana Porto

For a long time, I didn’t have good thoughts about myself, and I struggled with that. As a child, I received several negative messages that made me believe I wasn’t capable, that I lacked skills and value. This mindset led me to create defense mechanisms, hiding behind a false identity and building walls in my relationships out of fear of being hurt. Read more>>

Kathy Joglar

I hope people remember me as someone who made others feel seen, valued, and inspired. I want the story they tell to reflect a life lived with creativity, kindness, and intention—someone who poured heart into everything she did, celebrated the people around her, and encouraged others to pursue their dreams without fear. Read more>>

Aline Fenelon

I feel most at peace when I’m in prayer and worship, because it allows me to center myself, let go of worries, and trust God with whatever I’m facing. I also find peace when I’m serving others whether it’s through ministry or community work because giving back reminds me of my purpose and fills me with gratitude. Read more>>

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