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.
Lìmìtless Lì
I’m doing exactly what I was born to do. I’m here to illuminate people, to ignite their passion, and to remind them of the Lìmìtless and boundless power that already lives within them. My purpose isn’t something society assigned to me—it’s something I uncovered through experience, pain, and perseverance. I’ve always known that I wasn’t meant to follow a script written by others. Read more>>
Ashley Helleksen
I would definitely say I’m wandering. I feel as though if I stay on the path, I don’t allow myself push, drive, desire or the grace that comes with veering off ‘normalcy’. As an artist, my mind is never off; I’m always looking for inspiration + different forms of incorporation. Read more>>
Emily Luckow
Never give up. Keep trying. If at first you don’t succeed, try try again. All the usual clichés. But it’s true. How many times through life do we want to give up. Too many to count. Always keep the faith that one day you’ll be where you want to be, Just keep believing there is something more waiting for you. Read more>>
Nancy Lyons
I’m being called to help people stop feeling small and stuck. I want to move folks from powerless to ready, loud, and in charge. I teach simple mindsets and tools that anyone can use at work and home. I want bigger stages and tougher rooms where ideas meet real life. I bring sharp insight, clear steps, and humor you can use today. Read more>>
Ann Schreiber
I’ve been an avid reader all my life and a “writer” since I was quite young. As a kid, I would fill notebooks with stories—short “books” that would probably be considered novellas today. I always dreamed of being an author, but like many people, life got in the way. Read more>>
Nikaylah Woody
Lately, I’ve been finding a lot of joy in spending time outdoors and connecting with nature. I love horseback riding, exploring flower gardens, and taking quiet walks. It helps me slow down, clear my mind, and find a sense of balance outside of work. Read more>>
Shannon O’Malley
I hope people say I helped them see themselves differently — that through my camera, my words, or even a single conversation, they felt more confident, more alive, and more themselves. I want to be remembered as someone who made visibility feel safe again — and even joyful. Read more>>
Gina Jacobson
The story I hope people will tell about me when I’m gone (when it comes to my work) is that I made a difference in the quality of people’s lives. I would love to be remembered not only for enhancing their daily functionality and enjoyment, but also for contributing to their physical health and well-being, as well as the health of the planet. Read more>>
Leslie Rich
Music. Always. Either absorbing it from places like YouTube (Thanks KEXP!), my own collection, or more likely, playing it, and writing. Read more>>
Zachary Scot Johnson
This is a deep question! One thing that has changed in my life is a need to fill every moment with work. Independent artists sometimes struggle with casual/ personal time since we work from home. I find myself feeling guilty if I’m not working most of the time and trying to get over that. Read more>>
Rachel Graff
I lost my sister tragically and unexpectedly in 2021, right after another family wedding. The photos from that wedding day are the last we have of her and it was the last time we were together. It completely changed the way I see the world and my job as a wedding photographer. Read more>>
Alicia Magner
My sister, hands down. I practiced taking photos on my daughter for the 18 months that my husband was deployed and she was so proud of me the day I created my photography page. She saw something within my skills that I did not have the confidence to show at the time. I am so thankful for her. Read more>>
Margaux Stinar
Honestly, my husband has taught me the most about work. He’s one of the hardest-working people I know. An electrician and carpenter who gives 100% to everything he does. Watching his dedication, patience, and quiet determination has inspired me in my own business. Read more>>
Jules Annen
If you had asked me ten years ago, I would have said yes — but I would have been kidding myself. At the height of my makeup and hair career, I received a lot of validation — magazine features, TV spots, tagged photos, awards. Then I transitioned into healthcare — and it all came to a screeching hault. No more recognition. No external affirmation. Read more>>
Lara Cornell
S.L.O.W.—(which I break down to mean: Sustainable, Local, Circular, and Whole System Thinking)—has become a central tenet of my practice. I’ve learned that when I act too quickly, I’m often just reacting to a situation rather than making intentional decisions. Read more>>
Erin Beussman
As in many healthcare professions, we are always learning about new techniques, new advances, new ideas, new research, etc. And this is so important as we continue to learn more about the human brain, body, development, etc! Read more>>
Katie Hickman
One major misconception about running a strategic communications business is that successful internal communications simply means sending more updates and messages from leadership. What many organizations overlook is that employees don’t just want information, they want to know what it means for them. Leadership may focus on strategy, brand, and key messages, but employees’ primary questions are: How does this affect my day-to-day work? Read more>>
Abi Teeters
My why. I’m not a wedding photographer ‘just because it’s a job’ or ‘just to make money’. I truly love the connections and relationships I make with my clients over the years and providing them with photos that are part of their story. From engagement, to wedding day and growing their family. Read more>>
Dane Rauschenberg
I have a smidgen of a breather right now. I just finished putting on the brand new Break the bank 50 mile race in Duluth MN. This is a first year event where me and my business partner Heather Alvarado are attempting to create the premier 50 mile race in the country here in Minnesota. Read more>>
Lauren Sohre
Learning from my horse trainer, Wilson, (sorry dad!). It’s been a ‘let’s train you so you can work better with these horses’ situation, rather than ‘I’ll just train your horse for you’. Read more>>
Terri Allred
There are a few beliefs so woven into who I am that I rarely say them out loud; they simply live in me. I know we are deeply interconnected. Our lives are not separate threads but part of one fabric. How we show up, how we treat ourselves and others, the care we give and receive, it all ripples. Read more>>
Kolina Cicero
In middle school, I was assigned the bizarre task of writing an obituary for someone who was still alive. I took the job seriously and wrote one for my mother. I don’t recall if everyone was asked to get up in front of the class to read their work, but I was. After reading my fictional obituary to the class, my teacher pulled me aside. Read more>>
Suchi Sairam
This afternoon, I felt true joy simply watching birds at the feeder outside my home office window. An entire ecosystem and “society” played out before me – cooperation and competition, big birds trying to bully smaller ones, some taking the peaceful route and eating only what had fallen to the ground. Read more>>
Karen Chan
I probably wouldn’t hire myself, not because I lack skills, but because I’m built to build my own dreams. I’m resourceful, hardworking, visionary, and full of passion. A typical hiree works within the frame of a job description, but that doesn’t fit me very well. I’m constantly expanding my vision, my knowledge, and my ability to execute above and beyond the role. Read more>>
