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.

Zane Frederick

I’ve been wandering through my twenties, in no particular direction. There has been immense learning and unlearning. It’s certainly been a journey getting exposure to what life has to offer and what decisions we make along the way. Cause and effect. I can be a very curious person and wander about, especially in a time of self discovery. Read more>>

Sarah Simpson

Jokingly, I’d have to say we’re wandering. I mean, it’s in our name. Woodland Wanderland. But, all kidding aside, I’d say we’re walking a beautiful path full of wander. Read more>>

Jake Holley

Thinking back to September of this year, when 27 former foster youth came together in Baltimore for the Youth Leadership Institute with the Annie E. Casey Foundation, there were a couple moments that really stuck with me in a way I didn’t expect. Read more>>

Mia Logan

Rely on Jehovah and never give up on him or self. Try your hardest not to compare because as we know our 16 yr old daughter always says, comparison is the thief of joy. We prefer happiness over heartache. Oh and if there’s an inclination of a red flag listen to it. Listen to yourself and you can do anything you put your mind to! Read more>>

Ceci Findley

Technically yes, but honestly I think those versions reflect the audience you’re around. If it’s in the general aspect of how I am at home vs with clients, I totally am the same level of realness. My clients have been reflecting the type of human I love being surrounded by and are “my kind of people”. Read more>>

Kelsey

There have been moments throughout my journey where parts of me wanted to give up, even if the whole of me never truly did. It wasn’t because I didn’t love what I do. It was the weight of everything that comes with building something from scratch. Read more>>

John Idalis

“Self-employment.” Definitely a myth. Whenever someone tells me they’re “self employed,” it’s an immediate red flag to me. Because yes, a singer-songwriter could theoretically make all their money from touring, merch, streaming, etc., but what if they have a cat a home? Then they’re not really “self-employed.” They’re working for their cat. Sure the cat isn’t a boss or employer. It’s more about responsibility. Read more>>

Brandon Derrick

For a very long time I felt I was limited because of my environment, I later found out that that is what made me who I am today. It made me work harder, challenged me to want more, taught me a lot of values and how to bring out my true potential without relying on any one else. Read more>>

Vicki Goodman

I was raised in a secular family. No one in my family believes in anything other than what they can see and touch. Which, I think, makes what I’m about to say all the more stunning. I now believe strongly in God and know that He has a plan for each one of us. Read more>>

Jess Gladhart

Hi my name is Jess! I am a baker for my home micro bakery Totally Baked Bakery! I recently had a baby girl and while on maternity leave I got back into baking and wanted to share with the world! I have always loved to bake ever since I was little, and over the years I’ve gotten the opportunity to learn and grow in my favorite recipes and I am so excited to be able to do what I love and still be able to spend time with my little one! Read more>>

Sami Lange

I hope to be remembered as a generous person. I mean this on many levels. I hope to be remembered for being generous with my smile, with my time, and with the energy it takes to support friends and family in need. Read more>>

Kimberley Whren

The part of me that has served its purpose and I’m now ready to release is the survival mentality and the belief that success only comes from climbing the corporate ladder or working a traditional 9–5 job. For years, I measured my worth by how much I could hustle within someone else’s system. But I’ve outgrown that mindset. Read more>>

Colton Trcic

Integrity is critical to be successful in my opinion. You can be the smartest person in the room or you can be the most energetic and charismatic person in the room but without integrity both people will never produce meaningful results. Read more>>

Neil Myers

I feel most happy when I am smack dab right in the middle of the act of creation. When time slips away and it is just me and the movement of the brush. There is a point, usually when I am well into the work, where I lose all perception of time, and even the act of painting. Read more>>

Ana Luisa Rincon

Well, I am actually a very disciplined person, and on a daily basis, I follow my routines. So when I am behind on paperwork or personal affairs, I can get anxious. Read more>>

James Gardner

I want to say my parents, since they raised me, but honestly, my grandfather taught me so much about work ethic and taking calculated risks. He always told me ‘stick your neck out’, and encouraged me to try even if I thought I might fail. Read more>>

Danielle Pino

My dad definitely taught me the most about hard work. He always believed in my ability to take on more than I thought I could handle. I remember when managing even one renovation felt overwhelming, and he told me, ‘One day, doing just one project at a time will feel too easy — you’ll want the challenge of more.’ And he was right. Read more>>

Rachel Shepherd

I have a photo of a little me in a tutu, dancing on the coffee table barefoot and wild on the wall of my bathroom. It’s a reminder to myself I get to see every day of who I was before the world told me who I had to be. I think about her every day and I try to live for her. Read more>>

Sean Casey

I have to. Ultimately, I am inside my own head 24/7 and I have to be able to sleep at night. I don’t do what I do because I expect praise. I do it because I chose to follow this path and if I can’t put full effort into my own life, who else will? Read more>>

Larissa Riley

The emotional intelligence behind my strategy. As a copywriter and brand strategist, I don’t just write good copy or build a pretty brand. I seek to understand. I listen to what my clients meant but couldn’t articulate. I help them transform thoughts and feelings into powerful, meaningful messages that move their audiences to act. Read more>>

Tavit Daniel

My passion, attention to detail, speed of delivered edits, and humor. Photography is just 1/2 of the equation. How you make them feel is the other. Read more>>

Lexi Tamburrelli

A normal day for me is definitely full—but it’s a rhythm I truly love. I start my mornings early, usually waking up at 5:00 AM to make it to a 6:00 AM Pilates class. It’s my grounding time before the chaos of the day. After that, I head home, get ready, and I’m in the office by 9:00 AM for my corporate job. Read more>>

Bryheem Charity

I remember graduating from college when my high school varsity basketball coach invited me back to speak to his players about my college experience and to show them that you can go professional in life without ever stepping into the NBA. Speaking life into those young people sparked something in me. It gave me purpose, direction, and a passion for pouring into the next generation. Read more>>

Kevin Kopkowski

When I look back I don’t know if I’ll regret not starting my musical journey sooner. I wish I would have had the confidence in myself about starting something from nothing instead of having the fear of failure hinder my abilities. Read more>>

Aryana B. Londir

As an artist, I have been fortunate to achieve success in various media. I knew when it was time to give up one for another; I just felt it was time to move on and never looked back. I just moved forward and learned as much as I could in the new medium. Read more>>