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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.

Santana Vigil

Recently, The two bands I’m apart of have been deep in fundraising and benefit opportunities ! In this tumultuous time we’ve been trying really hard to keep our community both local, and aboard accounted for. Read more>>

Jeff Cerise

I don’t have a public persona different from who I am in private. In all of my endeavors I’ve loved what I do so I ‘live’ it…its part of who I am, my personal identity is intertwined with my public identity. Read more>>

Valerie Keienr

Honestly, there has been a couple times I have almost given up within the past 7 years. I started this business young and am and will always be learning how to better it. Running any kind of business or being on any kind of social media is hard. It’s hard on the mind. Read more>>

Vanessa Medina

Yes, I’ve had moments I wanted to give up. Six months after opening, when we transitioned from Tasty Taco to Mrs. Taco, it felt like everything I had worked for might collapse. What carried me through was faith. I leaned on Jeremiah 29:11—trusting that God had a plan—and on the support of family, friends, and loyal customers who reminded me why I started. Read more>>

Jennifer DeVries

The publishing industry believes that self-published books can’t possibly be as good as (or as high-quality as) traditionally-published books. I’m here to challenge that belief. Self-publishing wasn’t my original plan. Read more>>

Ben Bryant

One of the biggest lies in my industry is that “anyone can build a pond.” Too often I see landscapers or DIYers approach ponds as just another weekend project or backyard add-on. The truth is, ponds aren’t just holes in the ground with water, liner, and a pump. They’re living ecosystems that require an understanding of circulation, filtration, depth, and long-term balance. Read more>>

Jamie Tatreau

I’m being called to be much more vulnerable and authentic than ever before. In the past, I thought I was being this way, but I would tend to put a shiny spin or positive view on things. Today, I feel compelled to be completely honest with myself and others, even if that means upsetting those around me. Read more>>

Anthony Newes

A friend recently observed that my wife and I are rural people who have been living in the city for a long time. It’s been just over a year that we moved back to the country, and it brings me endless joy. It’s quiet, calm and slow. I didn’t realize how much stress I’d been holding onto. Read more>>

Jamie Broll

Hiking in the woods and being emersed in nature helps me lose track of time. If you’re ever in a bad mood and you go for a hike, I guarantee you will forget what you were mad about when you’re done. I love exploring and hiking! Read more>>

Shawn Morrison

My time of ministering on the streets is limited due to some family responsibilities, including health related concerns. In addition, some of our societal and economic shifts are making funding for our ministry a growing concern. I’m in the process of determining how we can pivot and innovate what we do so that we can have a flourishing and sustainable future. Read more>>

Lindsey Hanson

f you asked my closest friends what really matters to me, they’d tell you without hesitation: my family. Being present with them. Creating memories instead of just collecting paychecks. And building a life that gives us time freedom — not just more stuff. That’s the heartbeat behind everything I do. Read more>>

Link West

Well, since we’re talking about music, I’ll share this story. I was, sadly, a total music snob in my youth. I was like Jack Black’s character, the record-store owner in the movie High Fidelity. I had opinions and saw clear lines between bad pop music and serious rock ‘n roll. But one night at a party someone put on ‘Waterfalls’ by TLC. Read more>>

Zavawn smith

I had several mentors but 1 that stood out the most would be Billionaire mogul Rihanna Read more>>

Mandy Vang

I have struggled with believing in myself and what I am capable of pretty much my entire life. I used to fall in the pattern of self-doubt, and negative talk, even depression. This really shifted my reality. I went through a lot of trauma as a kid and in my younger years. It really tore down any confidence I once had. Read more>>

Angie Larson

When I first started, I thought success meant saying yes to everything. With experience, I’ve learned that slowing down and being selective actually leads to better work and happier clients. It’s about choosing the right partnerships, not just the next ones. Read more>>

Megan Martel

A normal day for us right now is a lovely blend of welcoming guests, preparing fresh breakfasts with local products, and sharing our passion for Bordeaux’s wine country. Mornings often begin with the smell of coffee, chef Julien’s French breakfast of ‘croque madame revisited’ or ‘Oeuf à la Coque’, and conversation around the breakfast table, as travelers share their plans for the day. Read more>>

Merina Neal

My earliest memory of feeling powerful: September 12, 2015 — the night I was the local female street promoter for the nearly sold-out Catch a Fire show (Damian Marley, Stephen Marley, Morgan Heritage & Tarrus Riley). AEG trusted me, the crowd showed up, and my sons watched Mom’s Super Powers in action. 💪🏽✨ #MomPower #CatchAFire Read more>>

Anne Messerli

That many of them have the same struggles when it comes to getting rid of items. They are connected to the item instead of the memory. I like to help them realize this and figure out ways to cherish the memories without keeping the clutter. Each client is different but the struggle is real for most people with this situation. Read more>>

Kyle Kosior

I would hire me because I feel my best strength is my ability to connect with people, which allows me to deploy a deep repertoire of skills to help an organize achieve goals. Read more>>

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