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.
Justin Hossle
I’ve always done what I was born to do. But that’s changed over time. When I left high school, I pursued a career in live theater, first as an actor, and then as a stage manager. I can’t imagine anyone would have pushed me toward those careers. I felt passionate and inspired by the work for many years, but then lost the love for it. Read more>>
Jay Grammond
You know, when you are going at business as a sole proprietor; there are many times that you might want to give up because it is hard! When I made a leap of faith six years ago, I decided that I was ‘all In’ and I have hung on to that. My personal mantra is, ‘Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Yourself. Read more>>
Jesse P. Gilmore
When I think about what I’m most proud of building, it’s a following based more on what I do than what I say. Over the last three years, I’ve been quietly implementing the Leverage for Growth® method inside my own company. That’s something I couldn’t truly do when I was capped as a one-on-one coach. Read more>>
Malik Thomas
Learning my history and passing the knowledge of self identity to my peers Read more>>
Thomas Strand
Animal rescue. This will never end and there are so many animals in need. I am truly just amazed at all the people who dedicate their lives to this. Read more>>
Eddie Cole
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a kid who created without fear. I was curious, expressive, and always building something—drawing, styling, imagining entire worlds long before I had the language for “design” or “identity.” I moved through life with instinct instead of expectation. Read more>>
David Taylor
I think the biggest misunderstanding about my legacy will be the belief that everything I do—my music, my books, my teaching, my branding—is simply about creativity or entertainment. In reality, my work is part of a much larger assignment. Read more>>
Eileen Backman
A normal day in the Woke Soap household starts way before the sun comes up. First thing? I make my iced espresso latte from BrewHollow Coffee Bar (my brand new business launched in 2024)! Once that caffeine hits, it’s straight into soap mode. Candles pouring, batches mixing, natural products curing, labels printing, and the whole tiny apartment smelling like a dream. Read more>>
Katrina Widener
So many business owners refuse to separate themselves from their businesses. If the business is succeeding, they feel good about who they are as a person. And if the business is going through a rough patch, they feel like it’s a personal failure. Read more>>
