Life, Lessons, & Legacies

Through the work we do we are incredibly fortunate to find and learn about so many incredible local artists, creatives and entrepreneurs. Their stories, the lessons that they’ve learned and the legacies they are building inspire us beyond words. Below, we have highlighted a few of those amazing folks and we hope you’ll check out their stories and their responses to some of the fundamental questions the help form the foundation of our lives and careers.

Tony James

I truly believe that the work I am doing today is what I was created to do. There is a confirmed purpose in it. Every time I have questioned whether Throne of Grace Clothing is the path I should be on, God has reaffirmed it in ways only He knows I would understand. Time and again, He has made His calling unmistakably clear. Read more>>

Corey aka Co Rey Davis

I was wandering for along time when I first moved to Arizona. That led me down a path of self observation from the lessons I learned from making all the wrong decisions that led me to the path of learning my depth perception of myself. How many struggles I’ve overcome to get where I am today. Read more>>

Concetta Bondi

Yes — during our most recent product shoot, we styled our newest barro clay pieces together for the first time. Seeing them all in one space made me pause. It was a quiet but powerful moment of pride. These designs began as quick sketches Mariana made while on site at our last trade show in New York City. Read more>>

Whitney Donohue, ND, PAK, CNET

This is a great question, especially with the impact social media is having on us these days and how you are able to present yourself to the world. I think initially I struggled with this, having to put on the Doctor version of myself, to feel like I had to present a certain way, look certain way to be respected and taken seriously. Read more>>

Danielle Derois

Yes—and no. The version of me people see in my classes is absolutely rooted in who I really am: warm, welcoming, a little sarcastic, and very invested in making people feel comfortable. I use humor to help people relax and open up, because art can feel intimidating and vulnerable. Read more>>

Shannon Love Phillips

One of the biggest lies is that visibility equals value. The industry often measures worth by followers, bookings, or proximity to fame, when none of those things actually define talent, integrity, or longevity. Another lie is that you have to suffer to succeed … that burnout, exploitation, and self-abandonment are just “part of the process.” They’re not. Read more>>

Aaron Velky

I hate to admit it, but my life has been run by my fearful fighter. It’s my archetype, and the thing I default to in scarcity, doubt or fear. That version of me feels… Scared, afraid, small. That version of me learned early that effort equals safety. It started in sports. Read more>>

Michelle Daut

That would definitely be Mad Music. It’s our long-term project, and we’re in it for the long haul. Over the years, we’ve built great relationships with local music stores, schools, and organizations, and we’ve made it a priority to really be part of the community—especially through our music lesson program. Read more>>

Alex Basaldua

My relationship with God is the one which shaped how I see myself. Like I mentioned before, I’ve stumbled and lost my way plenty of times before I found myself back on my path. I’ve been through rough patches that would have broken other men and has broken others. I went through a bad divorce, lost my family, my house, my friends, everything. Read more>>

Daisy

I’m learning from my own journey — from the mistakes, the healing, and the moments that push me to grow. I let life teach me while I keep creating 💄🩷 Read more>>