Local Highlighter Series

We are so thrilled to be able to connect with some of the brightest and most inspiring entrepreneurs and creatives from across the city and beyond and this series in particular gives us the honor of introducing these folks to you in a unique way – we go beyond the story of how they got to where they are today by asking them to reflect on a variety of deeper questions that we hope will help you better connect with them, their stories and their brands. Ultimately, our hope is that more of us will spend more of our money with independent artists, creatives and small businesses and we think getting to know one another at a deeper level is step one.

Lejla Albert

I think one thing people kinda misunderstand about my business is that just because I’m 12, they think it’s just a “cute little hobby” but it’s actually real work! I do everything from picking ingredients, making chocolates, decorating, packaging, AND running my website and Instagram! It takes a lot of time and heart. Read more>>

Tess Traynor

Almost everything. To the outside world, the spiritual or witchcraft communities can seem intimidating or even unrealistic. However, once you delve into the practices and the history behind them, you’ll find they’re far more grounded than many realize. In fact, much of what we do in our daily lives carries a ritualistic element, we just don’t always recognize it. Read more>>

Monique Millan

One of the biggest misconceptions is that we’re just another influencer page sharing scenic photos of Arizona. AAG has always been about connection—to nature, to community, and to purpose. We’re intentional with what we share, keeping some places sacred and focusing on meaningful engagement over mass exposure. Behind the scenes promoting leave-no-trace principles. Read more>>

Matt Derdivanis

Entrepreneurs, while driven and ambitious, are susceptible to several mental health challenges, often intensified by the unique pressures of their profession. For me and others I believe it’s imposter syndrome. Which affects a significant portion of entrepreneurs, with studies showing 84% experiencing it. Read more>>

Muse

I think many people are silently struggling with the pressure to perform who they believe they should be instead of becoming who they truly are. There’s an unspoken grief that comes with abandoning parts of yourself to meet expectations, especially for women, Black women in particular, who are expected to be everything to everyone and nothing for themselves. Read more>>

Kayla Alonzo

What people might overlook about my legacy is the quiet weight of what I do. Editing wedding films might seem simple or surface-level to some, but to me, it’s about capturing something sacred—those fleeting moments where people reveal the most honest, unfiltered parts of themselves. Read more>>

Alysia Castle

I think people will look at my legacy and see that I didn’t have fame or glory, and they’ll see that I definitely wasn’t rolling in money, so they won’t realize that I was actually rich beyond belief. I have a huge, amazingly supportive and loving family. I have a very close group of friends that have shown me the light within myself. Read more>>

Kimberly Kling

I think there is an important truth in recognizing that humans are not separate from the Earth, but are actually an integral part of Her. We have the capacity to live in harmony with the planet, honoring Her rhythms and cycles. However, much of our modern society today tends to view humans as parasitic to the Earth, and unfortunately, our actions often reflect this belief. Read more>>

Marcy J Maslov

I believe there is a positive value to ethics. Very few people see ethics the way I do. Ethics has a very negative connotation, primarily because of what’s broadcast in the news and what we see in every day life. Too many people ‘get away’ with things they should not be ‘getting away’ with. Read more>>

Brendan Dimitro

I’m currently working from Southeast Asia, which means that I have to work from 8pm-4am to match with my company in the US. So I usually wake up at 12 and go get some coffee and lunch to start my day. I’ll then go explore wherever I am by motorbike or by foot for a few hours, take some photos and then head home. Read more>>

Jackie Boss

A normal day in my life is a little chaotic haha- I have 3 boys 15,12 and 5. 5:45am comes early for me but I like to get breakfast ready for my boys and “try” to have a smooth morning before we are out the door at 6:30 for all the school drop offs. Read more>>

Chayle Dikoff

All of my days vary quite a bit, but on my most productive days, I usually start out with flight training over at Goodyear Airport, I’ll go to the gym to do some strength training right afterwards, then I will go to work and sometimes on my lunch breaks, I’ll go to the boxing gym across the street. Read more>>

Spencer & Britney Hess

Our days start bright and early. Usually around 5:00 to 5:30 AM and like any good day, it begins with the most essential fuel: coffee. While Spencer heads out to feed our animals, Britney gets breakfast going and wrangles the kids for the day ahead. By 6:30, we’re in the processing room and ready to get to work. Read more>>

Salome Bazier

Lately, what’s been bringing me joy outside of work is spending quality time with my kids and grandbabies. Watching them laugh, grow, and just being present in their lives fills me with so much happiness. On top of that, I’m also in the middle of planning my wedding, which has been such an exciting and meaningful experience. Read more>>

Jeff Senour

Every day is always a unique adventure. Lots of my friends compare me to the saying, ‘Where’s Waldo?’ and ask the question, ‘Where’s Jeff?’. Read more>>

Alicia Marie

The pain of being deeply disappointed by the people I thought would protect me. Of realizing that some of the safest places weren’t actually safe at all. Of having to grow up too fast, speak the truth too early, and carry secrets that weren’t mine to hold. I’ve done the work—therapy, EMDR, somatic release, all of it. Read more>>

Stephanie Cortina

My relationship with God has been the foundation of how I see myself. Through him, I’ve learned my worth, found my strength and embraced my purpose. This relationship shaped my identity the most, it reminds me of who I am, even when the world tries to tell me otherwise, gives me clarity, confidence, and brings me peace. Read more>>

Levi Leyba

The relationship that has shaped how I see myself the most is with my wife, Nycole, and our two amazing boys. They have been my biggest supporters and my constant source of motivation. Nycole has encouraged me through every new idea and challenge, and she has been patient on the days when my focus was locked on the computer for hours. Read more>>

Pamela Goodmansen

My dad has been the biggest influence in my life. He has been my hero ever since I was a little girl. He has the biggest heart and wants to help everyone around him. He was a clinical psychologist for many years. He helped thousands of patients and I saw the gratitude from so many people for his kind work. Read more>>

Billy Brandes

Probably the relationships I had with my old skateboarding pals from back in the day. These were the folks who allowed me to be myself and right when I was beginning to understand my sense of humor and just who I was as a young person. Read more>>

Malaun Rice

Love conquers all!!! It doesn’t matter what it is, love is the answer. It may be hard for people to see this as alot of people feel that currently our world is falling apart. Actually what is happening is we are being shown who we are as a people. Read more>>

Tremikus Muhammad

When I was about seven years old we moved to a new neighborhood, I was very small, and new to the neighborhood and really wanted to be accepted, but the things that I just mentioned caused that process to be very difficult and instead what I found myself doing was being bullied. Read more>>

Taylor Wellman

My earliest memory of feeling truly powerful happened during my sophomore year of high school when I participated in a PSA called ‘Girls in the Director’s Chair,’ sponsored by Stayfree. Being selected as one of only nine girls in my area already felt special – it was validation that someone saw potential in me. Read more>>

Simona Lauren

Food has always been my world—for as long as I can remember. My earliest sense of power came in my grandmother’s kitchen, making pierogis and cakes by her side. She had incredibly high standards, and I took that as a challenge even as a child. I remember the determination I felt to get things just right—her way. Read more>>

Forouzan Madhi

One of my earliest memories of feeling truly powerful was when I opened my very first studio in upstate New York. Read more>>

Joy Rhodes

That I have to have everything figured out and perfect before I can start. That I can’t do something because I’m not an expert. Like starting a business. I put it off for so long, because I didn’t go to business school, or take classes or even know what I was doing. Read more>>

Scott Girod

In my everyday life I try to live and treat all things with respect. which may sound easy but can be very difficult as we get weary and no longer want to care for things or other people. if we take the time to do it properly with respect others will notice and nature will be better cherished and preserved. Read more>>

Jerry Silva

The freedom to create whatever I want is something I value deeply—even if it invites criticism. Recently, I made an image of P Diddy pouring baby oil on Lena The Plug, and the backlash was intense. Some accused me of being insensitive to his alleged victims or disrespectful. Read more>>

Carrie Turley

A cultural value we protect at all costs is the well-being and innocence of children. Everything we create—every story, every illustration, every decision—is rooted in the belief that children deserve to feel safe, seen, and inspired. We’re fiercely protective of the kind of content we publish because we know how deeply stories can shape a child’s sense of self and the world around them. Read more>>

Tara Dunn

A cultural value I protect at all costs is loving people. Truly loving them, not just when it’s easy or convenient, but in the real, messy, beautiful ways that matter most. For me, that means creating spaces where people feel safe to be fully themselves. Where they’re not judged or measured, but seen and valued. Read more>>

Leanna DeBellevue

I changed my definition of success. I failed time after time when I was pursuing the wrong thing. I thought success meant a certain car, a house in a particular neighborhood, the list goes on… Read more>>

Saul Sutton

The most surprising—and honestly humbling—thing I’ve learned about our customers is how many brilliant, passionate, and visionary leaders are quietly drowning behind the scenes. Read more>>

Michael Raby

The most valuable insight which I already knew, each piece often embodies a unique story—be it a grandmother’s ring passed down through generations, a custom pendant created in memory of a loved one, or an engagement ring symbolizing the beginning of a new chapter. Read more>>

Michael Afsa

My family and I were recently vacationing in California near the beach and we went to see tide pools one day. It’s something I did as a child, and my children loved it. I felt true joy exploring with them and discovering all of the intricate and beautiful forms of life in a tiny pool of seawater. Read more>>

Brooke Brown

Finally getting the opportunity to attend a Open to Close set by Markus Schulz at Stereo Nightclub in Montreal, Canada in May of 2024. For those who may not know, open to close DJ sets vary throughout the electronic dance music scene these days, but Markus Schulz has made it a part of his legacy to provide a musical journey for hours. Read more>>

Carlos L Montufar

I can honestly say that my art saved me in all aspects of my life. When everything fell apart, my art was how I found my control. Being a child, always questioning my sexual identity, being bullied and growing up surrounded by toxic masculinity forced me to retrieve within. Read more>>

Bella Vasta

I think there’s this whole hustle culture that’s constantly screaming at us to do more… build more… grow more… be more. Your to-do list has to have a to-do list… and if you’re not “killing it” 24/7, you’re falling behind. Read more>>

Kimberly Mylls

I learn from everyone every day. I’m all about surrounding myself with people who bring different skills to the table and I have always had the philosophy of surrounding myself with people smarter than me so I can be constantly learning. I’m also part of a collective of entrepreneurs who bring out the best in each other. Read more>>

Crystal Reidy

I am constantly learning from the incredible women facing terminal cancer, including those who join us on the Pink Sister Cruise. Every day, they wake up to fear, isolation, and the weight of the unknown—but they choose to laugh anyway, to smile through their tears, and to lift others even while carrying so much themselves. These women are warriors of grace. Read more>>

Michele Quintana

‘Three years into my PMU journey and after many courses, learning from top industry leaders and their pro tips has been the most impactful yet-helping me refine my skills in ways that truly elevate my work.’ Read more>>

Ronda Lantz

Right now, I’m learning from the clients I work with. As a counselor, I have the privilege of hearing the intimate details of their lives and their struggles, strengths, and perspectives. Through their stories, and at times through their feedback, I gain deeper insight into myself and a greater understanding of others. It’s a continuous and humbling learning experience. Read more>>

Douglas Kenney

Tomy Drissi and Amy Ruman – two Trans-Am competitors. I’m a huge motorsports fan on the side of R&U and my activities. Not long ago I saw the greatest moment I’ve ever seen as a racing fanatic when Tomy Drissi helped out Amy Ruman in the Trans-Am race and she placed top-five ten years after their feud at Mid-Ohio. Read more>>

Gabrielle Foote

My husband—there’s truly no one I admire more. He’s honorable, generous, and caring, with integrity woven into every part of who he is. He’s motivated, ambitious, and romantic—a wonderful father to our children and the husband I once prayed for. He gives his honest opinion, but always with kindness and respect, never making anyone feel less than —even though he’s incredibly intelligent. Read more>>

Micaela Church

As the Artistic Director of MAC & Company, I rely on the dancers creative ideas for work. Part of the unique way the Company is run, is that the dancers get to choreograph work, not just me. They come up with new ideas, create unique movement, and ultimately the mixing of many creative minds makes our productions exciting and with elements that anyone can enjoy. Read more>>

Kyle Hollenbeck

I rely heavily on the ideas of my key team members within our company. As Steve Jobs famously said, ‘Hire smart people and don’t tell them what to do; let them tell you what to do.’ This philosophy guides me in fostering a collaborative environment where everyone’s insights are valued. Read more>>

Natalia Polukhtin

That’s a tricky one. From the position of an employer, probably, not. I know that I am too opinionated and dominating in operational processes to follow a lead. I think my brain is just wired to analyze and generate solutions, not to follow a direction from above. Read more>>

Estil Wallace

That’s a great question to start off with. Definitely walking a specific path. When I found God and recovery from alcoholism I found purpose in my life for the very first time. I became genuinely useful to other people by being able to relate to people struggling with drugs, alcohol, low self worth, and childhood trauma. Read more>>

Julie Schumer

I am definitely walking a path, a path of all things art. Read more>>

Clair Crawford

Creating a new path, a new identity. Having spent the majority of my life (19 years) as a professional adventure sports athlete an identity forms around that. The day I decided to retire and begin something new was sudden. I had spent a few years dabbling in photography/videography, however I hadn’t decided on that as a career path. Read more>>

Brittney Graf

To live boldly—and unapologetically. For so long, I played small in the name of being “professional,” “palatable,” or “polished.” But the truth is, the most powerful thing I can offer—inside and outside the treatment room—is the truest version of myself. Not the edited version. Not the version that plays it safe to keep others comfortable. Read more>>

SkyLee Edmiston

Losing my son’s grandma, my own mother, and my grandma to cancer has had a profound impact on who I am and how I move through the world. Each loss left a mark, but losing my mom hit in a way I never could’ve prepared for. Read more>>

Joshua Farley

Something outside of work that’s bringing me joy lately is learning Spanish. My wife and I are preparing to walk the Camino de Santiago, and I’ve been enjoying picking up the language so I can better communicate with the locals along the way. Read more>>

James Wilkes

The joy is currently all about transitioning to a life outside of work. My identity was completely wrapped up in my business and the work I did for it. It was deeply discomfiting to consider moving away from that after 30 years in the industry. Read more>>

Kris Harline

I think my introverted self has served her purpose—and had a pretty good run—but it’s time to let her rest. She allowed me to take a backseat in life for a while, giving me space to observe, absorb, implement, and refine my craft. And for that, I’m grateful. There’s something incredibly valuable about humility and quietness when you’re learning from others. Read more>>

Elise Hinthorn

I think my introverted self has served her purpose—and had a pretty good run—but it’s time to let her rest. She allowed me to take a backseat in life for a while, giving me space to observe, absorb, implement, and refine my craft. And for that, I’m grateful. There’s something incredibly valuable about humility and quietness when you’re learning from others. Read more>>

Michael Herlache

One of the defining wounds of my life came in September of 2010, when I experienced a neurophysiological crash triggered by an Adderall-based incident that completely derailed my integrated state of being. Up until that point—throughout 2009 and the spring and summer of 2010—I was living as a fully integrated, self-actualized male. Read more>>