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.

Madelyn Vincent

It probably sounds odd since I work in bereavement, but yes — I absolutely have those “tap dancing to work” days. A lot of what we do is actually really joyous. The circumstances that bring people to Billy’s Place are tragic — losing a sibling, a parent, a spouse, or someone you love is unimaginably painful. Read more>>

WILLIAM LESCH

I feel like I am tap dancing to work all the time, pretty much every time I go out taking photographs. I make photographs because that is how I make sense of the world around me, how I explore it, learn from it, celebrate its beauty, connect with it. I photograph certain things, places, situations over and over, trying to see more clearly. Read more>>

Jasmine Hoang

Always. In 2025, I anticipate to surpass my revenue goal and secure the stable cashflow. I enjoy every second of my career because I’m always chasing my dreams. I started from absolutely nothing. No help, tons of betrayal, and eye opening disasters. The debt scared me at first too but after understanding that risks = rewards, I threw myself in without looking back. Read more>>

Kody Hatt

I have never loved a career more. I am truly so grateful every day that this is what I get to do. I am extremely passionate about it, and didn’t even think it was possible to love ‘work’ so much. Most days it doesn’t even feel like work. Read more>>

Cody Silva

Yes — I’ve been doing that my whole life. Truthfully, I rarely get any praise for anything I’ve done, major or minor. But that was never the mission. I’m a pioneer in music and beyond, and I love seeing my ideas take shape and inspire other artists, creators, people, and businesses. Read more>>

Cathleen Daly

This is a really great question. In my personal life, my love language is definitely words of affirmation and at work I do really appreciate recognition. But I think the important distinction here is that even though I do value external validation, it is not what motivates me to do my best. What motivates me to do my best is: integrity. Read more>>

Baba Desta

Of course. That’s what I’ve been doing before with little to no eyes on me. If you can’t do it when no one’s watching then you’re not really doing it for yourself. Read more>>

Nick Fraga

All the time. I mean, I used to say that I could die happy if I was just in a band. And then, I auditioned for this band (I sang “Nice to Know You” by Incubus and “A Certain Death” by Misery Signals) and got the job! Then I said I could die happy if I just played a show. Read more>>

Brandon Kellum

For me, the difference between a fad and a foundational shift comes down to intent and impact. Fads chase attention. Shifts chase truth. One burns fast; the other builds something that lasts — even if it’s built slowly, painfully, and far outside the spotlight. Read more>>

Jarrod Coronado

I regularly feel like I’m out of my depth, so it is hard to know when I actually am. I don’t mind the feeling that I’m out of my depth, because it challenges me to work harder and smarter and to strive for greater things. Read more>>

Eunice Yoo

I would stop worrying and let go of the fear of what the future might hold. I’d live each day to the fullest—loving my family and the people around me deeply. I’d take lots of vacations, see the world, eat amazing food, and explore everything alongside my kids. Read more>>

Leo Jurgens

I’d stop pouring energy into busywork or projects that only exist to look good on paper but don’t truly matter. I’d stop second-guessing whether something is “worth” pursuing just because it doesn’t fit into a standard mold. Read more>>

Mikel or Mike Whelan

At the end of the day, all you really have is your reputation or how people will think of you. Read more>>

ASHLEY Beck

If I retired tomorrow, what my clients would miss the most is me — the energy I bring into the space, the vibe I’ve created, and the way I make them feel seen, heard, and cared for. Cosmic Hippie Beauty isn’t just a salon — it’s a whole experience. Read more>>

Hank Robinson

I don’t miss war for the fighting. What I miss is the brotherhood — the unbreakable bond of men standing shoulder to shoulder, knowing we’d do anything for each other. I miss the clarity of purpose, waking up every day with a mission that mattered, with no distractions. Read more>>

Asim Nichols

This is an interesting question for me. I would slightly reframe the question. I would prefer to say “following” rather than “chasing”. Chasing implies to me, trying to catch up or keep up with something but what I actually feel I’m doing is following where the universe is leading me. Read more>>

Dr. Brian Reisenauer

I consider the provision of psychological services not just a career, but a moral commitment to fostering well-being and justice within society. Providing forensic evaluations has allowed me to serve society for both individuals who require help in legal matters and the community as a whole. Read more>>

Katie Bargetto

In business, we’re building Axiom Wealth Solutions as a boutique firm with deep, lasting client relationships. That means deliberately avoiding shortcuts—like chasing rapid growth through social media—and instead investing in education, thought leadership, and a differentiated investment approach through the Endowment Model. Read more>>

Kami Pringle

I have a bunch of autoimmune issues. Sometimes it makes it hard to get to the shop and open. So, when someone asks what’s the hardest part of being a business owner…It’s being sick and feeling like you’re letting people down when you can open the store. Read more>>

Amy Stephens

I have learned from a young age to now as an adult that communication is key. Don’t ‘assume’ (make an ass out of you and me). Ask the bigger questions and get to the root answer or cause of what hurts. Read more>>

Yvette Adams

Honest and open communication can break and be restored. It’s usually takes time, humility, and consistent effort. Read more>>

Ann Albers

We are waves upon an ocean of consciousness—so vast, infinite, and loving that it is nearly impossible to comprehend. We are loved without condition. We are energy itself, moving into form, calling love into new expressions. This life is not a test to be passed, a school to graduate from, or a hell in which we were cast. Read more>>

Renn Estergard

I believe that the earth is a living being. Read more>>

Patrick Yeboah

I believe life is the universe dreaming of itself. That every breath, every thought, every strange little joy or heartbreak is the cosmos trying to understand its own endlessness through us. Like we’re the eyes it gave itself to see, the voices it grew to sing. I can’t prove that. Read more>>

Angel Jenneford

I think one of the biggest misunderstandings about my business is that aesthetics is only for a certain type of person. In reality, many people of color especially in the African-American community aren’t as familiar with the range of treatments available that can help us age gracefully, support skin health, and enhance natural beauty without changing who we are. Read more>>

RIck Raschillo

We were born thru a burger concept on a food truck but we’ve become so much more. We have taken a piece of all 20 former restaurants we’ve owned and operated and made one amazing menu that caters to everyone we feel. From breakfast all day to healthy quinoa bowls and gluten free options. We can accommodate most allergies and have vegan options as well Read more>>

Sara Miles

One of the biggest misunderstandings is that dog training is just about teaching obedience cues or “fixing bad behavior.” In reality, what I do goes far deeper. Behavior is valuable communication that guides me to what we need to address, which is often an unmet need the dog has living in a world designed for humans. Read more>>

Kiya Hunter

I believe acupuncture is deeply misunderstood, and that shows up in my business. Most people call me after they’ve tried everything else and still don’t have answers. What they don’t realize is that acupuncture is part of a complete medical system that has guided healthcare for thousands of years. Read more>>

Kikin Ucelo

That one is easy! And i can name a few misconceptions right off the bat. *Martial Arts is about violence! It is not about violence its about respect honor and personal growth. * It just a hobby ! Martial arts is much more , its a way of life , its therapy.. It’s a way to learn,grow and share with like minded people. Read more>>

Sadie

I would say, feeling alone, sad, or hopeless. I think we all have our own struggles of insecurity and fear, and a lot of us don’t have spaces to talk about those things and may default to staying quiet, which leaves us feeling disconnected. Those feelings pile up, underneath all the stress of life, and can lead to feeling overwhelmed and hopeless. Read more>>

B’Yani

What I think others are secretly struggling with but never say is the feelings of giving up on something. Whether its giving up on their hopes, dreams or even love. I think a lot of people are struggling with the grief that is felt when something you once wanted doesn’t feel obtainable anymore. Read more>>

Brook Choulet

I think a lot of people quietly struggle with separating who they are from what they do. Especially high performers. It’s easy to tie your identity to your title, your sport, or your paycheck. When that changes, or even when you hit a big milestone, it can leave you feeling unsteady. I see it all the time. Read more>>

Kennedy Mathis

Well, I’ll answer this question in regard to my niche, and I think a lot of people are secretly struggling with the pressure to be “on” all the time. Especially founders, creators, and personal brands. There’s this constant push to post consistently, stay relevant, and look confident, even when you’re burnt out, uninspired, or completely unsure of what you’re building. Read more>>

Yena

Confidence. That’s why most people walk around with a self assigned obligation to humble others. Read more>>

Miranda

Honestly? Confidence. I think so many people struggle with it, even the ones who look like they have it all together. Sometimes it’s faked really well—especially in the age of social media—or pushed down so deep that even they don’t realize how much it’s impacting their choices. I’ve personally been there too. Read more>>

Devante

That I was doing everything for fame and money. Making money off my work would be great. Fame is honestly something I could care less about. I genuinely just like creating and want to tell great stories. Read more>>

Relix

The reason why I produced and the message I was conveying. Very rarely have I come across anyone who can recognise the intricacies of my music. They are much more detailed than you would think. I don’t just make beats. I make instrumental stories. Maybe the next generations will be able to pick up on this. Read more>>

James Adams

We think we have now found one of the major contributing factors to autism symptoms, which is chronic gut disorders involving harmful gut bacteria and yeast that produce harmful chemicals that affect brain and body functioning, similar to how alcohol (from yeast) can affect brain function Read more>>

Melissa Jones

We are not responsible for trauma that may have happened to us. However, healing is our responsibility. Read more>>

cole

“My day usually begins with prayer, followed by health and fitness. From there, I focus on building Zakah Life, helping others, and continually seeking growth and new opportunities.” Read more>>

Christopher Smith

I am pretty busy with photographing properties in Tucson and surrounding areas. I also continuing to build my website presence with media e-drops to Real Estate folks around this area and beyond. Its a battle as I am competing against companies who want to put us freelancers out of business, but I for one have faith in my skills and experience. Read more>>

Zushka Biros

I don’t know if I’d call my days “normal,” but they do have a rhythm. I’m usually up around 5:30 a.m.—coffee first, of course—then I feed my three cats, spend a little time meditating and journaling, and have some breakfast. After that, I head to my studio at the old Central School Project here in Bisbee. Read more>>

Nicole Royse

Monday through Friday I wake up pretty early between 5 & 5:30. Get my three teenagers up and make them breakfast, Pack lunches and then off to school. Read more>>

Abby Kahn

Mornings start with a sunrise walk, coffee in hand, and my favorite podcast in my ears—a little me-time before the day unfolds. A quick gym session or yoga flow, then it’s breakfast and laughter with the kids before school drop-off. From there, it’s all about creating beautiful, functional spaces—meeting my organizing team on-site, checking in on projects, and dreaming up solutions at client consultations. Read more>>

Carmen Davenport

I am Carmen Davenport. As of four years ago I started watching my granddaughter. I wake up at 5 every morning. I walk 2.5 miles at a park across the street. I come home and water my garden. I wait for my daughter to drop off my granddaughters. Read more>>

Jim Morrison

During a normal day, I am waking up and making my bed at 4AM. The first thing that I do after that is to hydrate my body by drinking at least 24 ounces of room temperature water. Next I’ll begin a mobility routine that lasts about ten minutes. I’ll then go for a short 15-20 minute walk that I like to call my gratitude walk. Read more>>

Christina Silva

Most days start pretty early for me—I’m either teaching a spin class or training a client first thing in the morning. From there, I grab coffee, quick breakfast, and then dive into check-ins, creating workout plans, or filming content for my fitness clients and social platforms. Read more>>

2SIQ

A normal day would consist of going to work, and after my 8 hour shift, I go straight home. I will then get dinner prepared and lunch prepared for the next day. Read more>>

Blake Sutton

My mornings begin with my cherished ritual of reading. This personal time is followed by getting ready for the day, next I say bye to my wife and kids and I’m off to the office where I arrive by 9 a.m. Read more>>

Tara Kukla

I am very high maintenence in terms of self-care and health. Every morning, I wake up early to make sure I have time to do one of my favorite things which is scroll Facebook haha. Returning messages, reading articles, and seeing what the world has been up to. Read more>>

DEBRA BYBEE

The two relationships that most shaped my life were that of my mom and grandmother. They both had difficult lives but were strong women that never gave up. My grandmother lived through the depression and had to learn many self-sufficiency skills to survive. She knew how to milk a cow, make cheese and bread, how to sew, crotchet and embroider. Read more>>

Hesok Pittman-Boyd

I would say the relationship I have with my husband. I never thought I would find someone that would accept my body for how I am. I had open heart surgery at 28 days old and I have a long scar in the middle of my chest. Read more>>

Cle’ph

The relationship that shaped me i would have to say is the relationship I had with my kids mother. I have 2 teen daughters. That really showed me how I can love unconditionally for another person even more once I had my girls. It really taught me how to care and love even more , you know. It taugh me responsibly Read more>>

Carla Magee

The relationship that has most shaped how I see myself is the one I have with my two daughters. Becoming a mother gave me a new lens through which I view not only the world, but also myself. Read more>>

TA Holmes

It’s a playground moment. I wanted to find out if I could run as fast, and jump as high as the boys. I could and did, to my surprise. What a thrill! I couldn’t wait to find out what else was possible. It’s become a pattern in my life. Something catches my fancy, and I have to try it. Oh the failures and hard lessons. Read more>>

Ralph Robles

I wouldn’t say powerful but more of being recognized in other communities about the work that has been done Read more>>

Deborah Risper

One of my earliest memories of feeling powerful was in the fourth grade, standing in front of my class to deliver a speech I had written myself. My hands were shaking, but my voice was steady. I watched as my classmates leaned in, and even my teacher seemed moved. Read more>>

Kelby Reck

I will regret not making my friends and family a priority, but something else I would regret is not creating or doing something that fills my cup everyday. Read more>>

Karina Sandoval

One of my biggest regrets stemfrom my younger years isn’t about what I did—it’s about what I didn’t do. I wish I had taken more risks for me. I wish I had said yes to the chances that scared me, stepped into the unknown even when I didn’t feel ready, and trusted that my voice, dreams, and desires mattered. Read more>>

Allan Phillips

Patients don’t necessarily care about credentials, the letters after your name, or how smart you sound. They assume training and intelligence are a given since you hold a degree and a license. What they truly value is whether you can help them solve their problem. I often compare this to my own experiences outside of healthcare. Read more>>

Benny James

I used to believe that old saying, ‘Money doesn’t buy happiness’ This saying is bogus. Money can provide you with food, shelter, clothing, electricity, water, basic human necessities as well as travel, books, education, etc. Money can not only allow you to feed the body, but to feed the mind and the soul. So, yes, money CAN buy happiness. Read more>>

Dragana Krstic

Integrity within self. The commitment to honesty, responsibility, and ethical behavior, even when it’s inconvenient or difficult, a cultural value worth protecting at all costs is integrity. It is foundation in any culture, whether in a company, a family, or a nation, integrity builds trust, and trust is what keeps everything else from falling apart. Read more>>

Mike

We are stronger together as a “community”. Community to me is everything. I have spent a large part of my life building, nurturing, supporting and defending community. We can accomplish more if we come together, support each other, and create opportunities for us to connect and learn. Read more>>

Michelle Hess

When I ran for re-election in 2024, it was a hard time, and I ultimately failed in that arena. It was painful, and there were moments when I wanted to walk away, because the attacks felt so personal. What I changed my mind about was what it really means to win. Before that experience, I thought the outcome of the race defined success. Read more>>

Zuri Aragon

One thing that never ceases to amaze me is how much they love their pets. It’s motivating when they share their pets’ stories because I see how amazing these people and their pets are, and just as I work on their portraits it kind of feels as if I was there witnessing their stories. Read more>>

Autumn

The last time I changed my mind about something important was when the space next door to my studio became available again. For years, I always said no to expansion—it felt too big, too risky. But when the opportunity opened once more, I finally said yes. That decision allowed our studio to grow in ways that truly serve our community. Read more>>

Gerardo Moceri Junior

When we transitioned from an Italian-American restaurant to a true pizzeria, I had to change my mindset in a big way. At first, we hadn’t fully committed—we were testing ideas, adjusting the menu, and figuring out where we wanted to go. Read more>>

Nateo Baggins

I feel joy every day when I wake up, when I take a hot bath, when I cook up my chef’s special chicken broccoli Alfredo pasta, when I’m going to the movies as an AMC A-Lister, when I’m perusing the used selection at the record store, when I’m outside soaking up the sun, when I’m drinking water, when I’m drinking beer, when I’m drinking whiskey. Read more>>

Benjamin Belleuvre

I used to take a paper and a pen and draw. Read more>>

Grace Koval

A lot of people worry that fostering would be too hard, and I completely understand that feeling. I felt the exact same way at first, but what I’ve learned is that the heartbreak of saying goodbye is nothing compared to the immense joy of seeing a dog you’ve helped save find their forever home. Read more>>

Jazmynn Vaughn

Content creation or social media is the goal and embarassing yourself to the public is the only way to make money Read more>>

Jess Marinos

This would have to be my mom. She is the most resilient, most trusted and most loved human I have ever encountered in my life. If you live in the valley I would bet you know her or have heard of her! Read more>>

Adolpho Navarro

Yes. As a 25-year independent filmmaker, I’m a passionate creative with range of skillets not only in the film community but also in marketing and public relations. I try to stay on top of technological advances so that my passion continues to evolve with the industry but also enjoy learning from others. Read more>>

Andrew Steinkohl

It’s time to get up and at it – the dog’s are ready to go and the longer it takes to get them moving the more excited (see louder) they get. There is no time to waste – or you will have extra crates to clean and yucky dogs to bathe. Read more>>

Kierra Dixson

The first 90 minutes of my day really set the tone. I like to wake up early, before the world gets noisy, and start with prayer and gratitude—that’s my grounding. From there, I’ll hydrate, journal, and review my top three priorities for the day. Read more>>

Kim Huenecke

Being good enough to do something. I remind myself daily that we all have fears, and how I want it to define me, or lean into it and do something with it. Read more>>

Karrisa Dean & Chris

Karrisa: The fear that has held me back the most is abandonment and the feeling of not having consistent support. Growing up, I often worried that people I cared about would leave or let me down, and that fear made me hesitant to fully trust or lean on others. It sometimes kept me from taking risks or asking for help when I needed it. Read more>>

Grace Noel

Definitely relationships and my faith. I care deeply about the people in my life and try to show up with love, encouragement, and loyalty, always. My relationship with Jesus is at the center of everything I do, it’s my foundation, my peace, and my purpose! Read more>>

Ryann DeYoung

My closest friends would say that what really matters to me is them—my family and lifelong friends. My three besties and I have been friends for over 20 years—since middle school, and one of them and I even went to preschool together! Though we now live in different states—Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois—and then there’s me here in Arizona, distance has never weakened our bond. Read more>>

Deon Mitchell

As a storyteller, I know that being authentic is the foundation of connecting with others. I’ve always been true to my emotions and I don’t hold back tears nor apologize for them. For me, the ability to express how I feel in a given moment is a strength I have. It is a type of power. To be real- vulnerable- relatable. Read more>>

Shelley Treadaway

My internal shift began quietly—long before I could name it. It wasn’t dramatic, and it didn’t happen all at once. It began in the deeply painful moments I experienced before having my son. At the time, I didn’t see it (my pain) as vulnerability; I only knew I was hurting. Read more>>

Jorgie Gosney

My mom definitely knew who I was before I did. She’s always been so honest with me and has had such a huge influence on who I am as a person. She taught me to always work hard, be myself, and that there was more to this life than what I grew up with. Read more>>

Sydney Kinman

Honestly, it was my clients — the ones who supported me from day one. When I was juggling four different jobs, trying to make ends meet while also taking aesthetics school, they were the ones who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. Read more>>

Hannah Briscoe

I really have gotten to know who I am in my 30s. In my 20s, I knew who I was, but not fully. I grew up in a high-demand religion who told me who and what I had to be. Leaving that high-demand religion in my 30s really opened my eyes and let me explore who I truly am. Read more>>

Michael Haslim

I was the kid everyone doubted. The one with too much energy, not enough direction, and a mind people didn’t quite get. I’d hear things like “I don’t understand how your brain works,” and for a while, I didn’t either. But looking back, I was just a creative — and the world didn’t really know what to do with that. Read more>>