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.

Marsha Durfee

Was there ever a time you almost gave up? Absolutely. When I first started training my HRD K9, the hardest part wasn’t the work with my dog—it was dealing with the negativity from others. I was bullied, doubted, and told more than once that I couldn’t do it. There were days I questioned myself and came close to walking away. Read more>>

Melissa ( Missi) Hughes

I have felt like giving up several times. Owning a business isn’t for the faint of heart. It is a 24/7 job. It is your reputation. The ‘covid-shutdown’ affected what we do in a major way. We had to shift everything we did. We learned how to zoom and have hybrid events and how to relaunch in person events with all the stipulations. Read more>>

Amanda Capello

One of the biggest lies the photography industry tells itself is that success only comes from doing more — more clients, more sessions, more hustle. There’s this constant pressure to chase volume instead of value, and it’s easy to lose sight of why we started in the first place. Read more>>

Brian Kohatsu

The older I get, the more people ask me for advice and request that I teach a class. I’ve never seen myself as a teacher, but I find myself now teaching improv and stand up as a regular part of my life. I didn’t think I would like it, but I actually love it. Read more>>

Carissa Gould

Suffering teaches us resiliency. Looking back on life sometimes you wonder why did this happen, why can’t it just be a bit easier, when will I catch a break?? Throughout the suffering and setbacks we learn who we truly are, we learn what is deeply rooted in us good and bad, we learn about our trauma and fears. Read more>>

Thermo AZ

Oof. If you’re sure you want to know then here we go! I work in Information Security specializing in Governance, Risk and Compliance. What does this mean? Well, I start my day with several hundred emails on average. Read more>>

Sha’Ri Smyth

The power in healing and labs. That they can paint a picture often not pretty but always necessary. That you can eat right, exercise and do all the things and truly be pushing your body further from healing. Even if you temporarily feel better. Read more>>

Josh Montag

There always seems to be a little voice in my head that tells me I’m not good enough for something, or that I’m not qualified. This is definitely what has held me back at times from either sharing my art, or going all in on something. It’s always the ‘but what if you fail’ thoughts that get in the way. Read more>>

Brian Lane

Thinking about life outside of work actually has been more work. But this is a different kind of work. It is a joy that fills a productive side of my life while being my passion. Earlier this I was let go from my software engineer position at Capital One, and I took this time to focus on my development skills. Read more>>

Nicole Bolin

I’ve started fostering dogs from the county shelter, and it’s been so good for my heart. Seeing their happiness when they leave the shelter and settle into a home where they’re loved has brought me incredible joy.<br> Read more>>

Gavin Hammon

That I truly cared. That I was loving and caring. That I always had an ear to lend and a shoulder to cry on. Read more>>

Ebony Simelton-Payton

I hope the story people tell about me is that I lived with love, purpose, and intention. That I poured into others, made them feel seen, and left them with memories that mattered. I want people to say I created joy—whether through my family, my friendships, or even the little sleepover setups that turned into lifelong memories. Read more>>

Kelsey Reust

Travel is what makes me lose track of time and truly find myself again. It’s where I recharge, rediscover my vision, and reignite the drive that fuels my creativity. Stepping away from work to explore new places is what my soul needs, and I always return with fresh energy and perspective. Read more>>

Clarita Escalante

One of the things that helps me lose track of time and reconnect with myself is continuously learning about our incredible bodies. I’m fascinated by the incredible resilience and functionality of our bodies. I love exploring how remarkable they are, how each system works, and how they can heal and flourish when given the right environment. Read more>>

Lucas Essman

For me, it’s the party boy side of myself. In my late teens and early twenties, I leaned into being wild, reckless, and honestly a little heartless at times. I think I needed that period, because it taught me things about myself, and it gave me experiences I can’t deny shaped me. But I’ve realized I’ve outgrown it. Read more>>

Zayna Almashouti

My closest friends would say authenticity and meaningful conversation matter most to me. I’m not someone who enjoys surface level connections, I like when people are real, even if it’s messy. I value honesty, vulnerability, and being able to talk about things that actually matter. Read more>>

Lisa Gomez

My closest friends would probably say that family matters most to me. So many things in life are fleeting, but the time we share with loved ones is truly irreplaceable. If you asked my family, though, I think they’d say what matters most to me is my walk with God. Read more>>

Iesha Rowan

My Commitment to Voice and Memory The project I am utterly committed to, no matter how much time or effort it demands, is the tireless work of informing the people, telling stories, and preserving memories. My commitment is centered on giving a platform to what matters and who often goes unheard. Read more>>

Tessie Hall

The moment I stopped being a victim and was able to take full accountability for my life, and my choices is a mindset that I won’t ever go back to. Being stuck in a victim mentality feels like everything is happening TO YOU and I was just constantly reacting to everything that would ‘happen to me’. Read more>>

Jessica McLean

Astrology and Human Design saw me long before I had the courage to see myself. Where I once second-guessed, they reflected back a truth that felt both undeniable and liberating: I was designed to lead, to create, and to live life outside the boxes I had tried to force myself into. These systems became more than just tools—they became permission slips. Read more>>

Cortney Jones

Yes for sure. As an entrepreneur you have to make a boatload of decisions on a daily basis and you often don’t have time to over analyze all of them. It’s very important to know what you stand for, what your company and personal goals, beliefs, vision and objectives are. Read more>>

Cavin Costello

When I feel nervously excited. Being out of my depth means there is a new opportunity to learn or improve at something, and I find that very exciting. Read more>>

Jay Monday

I think as we age we dream and wish for immortality. Focuses change from building empires to building memories. If I had the ability to be immortal I would take it in a heart beat. I love life and I wish I could travel the world meeting people, enjoying cultures, learning and eating amazing food! Read more>>

Amber Baker

We would continue to make donuts until our very last breath. We are fortunate to be able to do what we do. We wouldn’t trade this for anything. Read more>>

Quincy Jackson

A battle I fight everyday is falling back into my old ways. We all fight temptation everyday but it takes strength to continue to prosper. Read more>>

Tiffany Reese (Myles)

Betrayal of Trust and Lack of Communication : Trust is the backbone of any relationship you tend to build or have with anyone Communication with silence as the delivery can lead to the most harsh statements made when you do’t honestly feel that way. Read more>>

Cullen Blake

Trust. Trust really is the glue that holds any relationship together, and it’s often what breaks those bonds when it’s lost. The same is true when it comes to building a brand or a following… others can sense when you’re not being genuine. Authenticity is everything. If you’re open, real, and consistent, people will feel that honesty and connect with you on a deeper level. Read more>>

Ashlee McDougall

Something I think is often misunderstood about Yoga Loft and our accessible approach to yoga is that “accessible” means the classes are boring. In reality, it’s the opposite! We’ve built a team of teachers who deeply understand anatomy and know how to structure classes that help you feel better long after you step off the mat. Read more>>

Dejuan Davis Criner

I feel that a lot of people struggle with finding confidence and motivation. Sometimes you lose sight of yourself and lose all of your confidence by acknowledging all of your flaws rather than the unique traits and qualities that make us all different and one of a kind. Read more>>

Larissa Rzemienski

A normal day for me involves waking up early and spending the cool morning out on the patio with my pet rabbit while drinking a cup of coffee. I water the plants and watch my silly bunny’s funny little antics while enjoying the cool fresh air. Read more>>

Kathy Baggett

A normal day for me right now is a whirlwind of activity—especially since we’re in the middle of busy season. My calendar is packed from the moment I wake up. I start off with back-to-back meetings, often with team members or clients to discuss upcoming events, ensure everything is on track, and review the progress of various events. Read more>>

Leslie Berry

I think the ‘right now’ component of this question is key. Even as a retiree, my days can shift from remarkably static to invigorating to chaotic in no time at all. I told someone recently that I felt I was in a game of ‘Whac-A-Mole’! Read more>>

Ann Noder

No two days are ever the same, which is one of the things I love most about running Pitch PR. My time is focused on strategy with our amazing team, and ensuring we’re delivering meaningful, high-impact editorial opportunities for our clients. Read more>>

Erwena Sharine

What I’ll regret most is not taking every chance to pour my creativity and love into something bigger than myself. I never want to look back and feel like I played it safe instead of sharing my gifts, building memories, and creating impact through food, community, and love. With Bubbalou Catering, I’ve learned that the biggest regret would be not saying yes. Read more>>

Reka Vicsacsán

A cultural value I protect at all costs is connection through community. I experienced early on how powerful it is to belong to a community, as well as how important it is to preserve one’s culture and language. I was born in Romania into a Hungarian family, part of an ethnic minority, and grew up balancing two worlds. Read more>>

Shannon Duncan

I used to believe that if something I created didn’t land perfectly, if it wasn’t received the way I hoped, or if it didn’t sell, or even if I just personally wasn’t happy with it, then I had failed. That it meant I wasn’t good enough or that I should shift direction entirely. Read more>>

Britt Kidd

If I could hire myself, I would. That’s been the hardest part of being an entrepreneur— not having enough hands or time in the day. If I had another me around, I would be unstoppable. It’s really hard to find good help these days. People aren’t trustworthy or care about things outside of themselves. Read more>>