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.

Marquise Burns

If immortality were real, I’d build legacy after legacy — not just hats, but entire cultural movements. Burns Brims would evolve into more than a brand; it would be a living archive of creativity, storytelling, and identity, passed down through generations. Read more>>

Atari Jones

an even longer legacy Read more>>

Christina Holloway

By relinquishing my name, role, and possessions, I would return to the core of my foundation and the faith that initiated my journey. This foundation, rooted in faith, serves as the essential starting point for acquiring identity, purpose, and material wealth. It is particularly vital during times of loss or adversity, as it provides the mental resilience needed to navigate challenges. Read more>>

Malone Brown

I am chasing creation itself. Not the applause, not the numbers, not even the end result but the act of bringing something from imagination into existence. For me right now, that takes the form of films and visual art, but the medium almost doesn’t matter. What matters is that I create. Read more>>

Abby Farnsworth

My entire life, I’ve been chasing love. I’m a hopeless romantic, so falling in love and getting married has always been one of my biggest goals in life. As many of my readers know, I’ve certainly had some bumps along the way. Not every relationship, even if it seemed right at the time, is meant to last forever. Read more>>

Shaakira Molisho

Today I’m investing in building generational wealth, nurturing my marriage and family, and laying the foundation for businesses and projects that are bigger than me. I know the seeds I’m planting in real estate, my career, my digital brand, and our nonprofit may not fully show their return for 7 to 10 years, but I’m committed to the long game. Read more>>

Candice Quick

I find that most people who have not spent a significant amount of time working in the hospitality industry don’t realize how delicate and fragile the industry actually is. I give so much credit to all the businesses, but especially food service business, for making it through covid and are still making it through the serval set backs they most likely experienced. Read more>>

Shawn Douglas

I feel as an artist it’s a lot of negative perception people see you in. They rather think about the lifestyle portion other than seeing you as a human. We’re not all doing drugs, promoting violence we also have real lives as in taking care of my child, going to work, even working on multiple businesses. Read more>>

Gino Haynes

I think the biggest misunderstanding might be around the word ‘legacy’ itself. People often think of legacy only in terms of what you leave behind at the end of your life. For me, legacy is about how you live and lead every single day. Read more>>

Julie Whitney

My mother recently passed away, and during her final two weeks of life, she reminded me repeatedly of how very proud of me she continues to be. She was always my biggest fan, and I included her in the dedication page of my first book. She was a hard-working single mom, and nurtured me and encouraged me to be all that I could be! Read more>>

Anita Carnevale

The cultural value I cherish and protect most is tradition. Coming from an Italian family, we have so many meaningful traditions that have been passed down over the years—though I’ll admit, keeping up with all of them can be a challenge! Still, I love them. Read more>>

Nirali Schrader

One surprising thing I get to find out is if people have every tried, or thought about trying henna before. Almost half have tried it before, usually on vacation or at a touristy area. They enjoyed it so much they wanted to try it again. Read more>>

Sarah Strunk

When I was sad or scared as a child, I always ran to the arts. Whether poetry or drawing, I always found solace and my voice where I dared not say it aloud. Read more>>

John Orlando

Growing up, I was really into hip-hop & rap music.. Public Enemy was one of my favorite groups. Chuck D. has always been someone that I admired. Chuck was not afraid to speak his mind. Chuck was an activist using Public Enemy as a way to speak for the voiceless. I know that speaking your mind can lead to problems, but that never stopped Chuck. Read more>>

Jen Deeter

Absolutely; and here’s why. I don’t just take photos, I create immersive experiences. Whether it’s a fantasy wedding, a cinematic boudoir session, or an epic LARP weekend, I bring a storyteller’s heart and a nerd’s soul to every project. My clients aren’t just clients they become part of a shared vision. What sets me apart is how much I care. Read more>>

Brian Gill

I believe I’m doing what I was born to do. I was told if I got a job with a company they would appreciate my work. I was told that company would promote me. I was told I would make great money and get vacations and be able to retire because the company would care. Read more>>

George Tutie

I guess a moment recently where I felt proud was finally quitting my day job at the Aldi Warehouse in Hinckley, Ohio. I was employed by Aldi for 13 years. Thats a good chunk of someone’s life. The past 5 or 6 years i just wasnt happy. It continued to get worse the longer I stayed. Read more>>

Daniel Guthrie

No. There are at least 36 documented different personalities within my head. The public version is only 1 version. Male mental health is VERY REAL. Make sure to check in on your loved ones daily. It really helps. Read more>>

Jenn Prine

Sure, my persona is a part of me. In astrology it is your rising sign which affects appearance and is your conditioning. This is very much a mind, body, soul experience. I am a Libra Rising which is Carl Jung’s Lover. I am the charming, people pleaser who can easily work a crowd. Read more>>

Moira Reed

What I’m being called to do now is step fully into coaching, particularly with higher level programs that invite clients to go deeper into self-discovery. For a long time, I resisted offering bigger containers of support because it felt intimidating. Read more>>

Kathy Vogel

Speaking publicly about my faith. It’s something you are not supposed to do when you’re in the entertainment business. While I don’t speak about it during my radio show, I do speak about my faith on my other platforms. I feel we’re in a place in our human history where people are seeking and needing hope. Read more>>

Patricia C. Rogers

I’m most proud of the inner infrastructure: the calm, laser-focused version of me that greets every Body Smarts® client. Behind the scenes? Let’s just say I spent a month in a South Sioux City jail, checked into mental hospitals three times, and wrestled with attachment wounds until this very year when I finally created a home steeped in emotional safety. Read more>>

BJ Wingfield

Self-love & Balance. Being able to create a safe space for myself to learn and grow. Unfolding my true self while still learning new things about me. Read more>>

Cori Wamsley

I was taught that creativity is nice, but that’s for hobbies. Unfortunately, I’m a very creative person, so I found myself pushing for success in other areas to prove that I could do something with my life. Read more>>

James Johnson

The first 90-minutes of my day is crucial. I have very long days and short nights; given the work I do throughout the day, so it’s imperative my day gets off to a great start. In all honesty, the first thing I do in my mornings; I’ll humorously say on a good day, is I awake about 5am, only to lay in bed and reflect. Read more>>

Kashi Jayy

The first 90 minutes of my day starts with a nice spliff to get my thoughts together. I might do some plant care in my sunroom or listen to beats and write something vibey. Or read some of my book that I’m tuned into at the moment. All depends on what side of the bed I wake up on. Read more>> 

Madison Clark

Definitely fear of what people think. I couldn’t care less about what people think of me now, but just a few years ago I was absolutely terrified of what people thought of me. I was scared of being judged. Eventually, I just came to a couple realizations: 1. You will never see most of those people again. 2. Read more>>

David Slagle

There’s been a lot of defining wounds in my life .. being born different.. having the cleft lip .. going through all the surgery and recovery from the moment I was born up until my last operation when I was in 3rd grade . I had 6 surgeries by 8 years old . Read more>>

Karen HILL

“I am committed to helping women love themselves and their natural hair, no matter how long it takes. For generations, so many of us were taught to dislike or hide our texture, and I want to change that narrative. Through my salon, my book, and everything I create, my mission is to educate, empower, and heal. Read more>>

Gianni Donofrio

One of my biggest dream projects would be to write and direct a movie one day, I have very slowly started writing it, but I will absolutely finish it and make that dream happen or die trying. Read more>>

Essence Easley

A moment that shaped how I see the world was when my house was set on fire when I was a little girl. My mom and I were victims of arson in 2004. When the fire happened, it taught me so much. One. It taught me that anything could happen at any time. Read more>>

Obadiah Baker

The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point in my life—not just globally, but personally. It tested my resilience in ways I never anticipated. After years of carrying the weight of wartime trauma from my service in Afghanistan, I had stepped away from music for nearly seven years. Read more>>

James Lanham

While I believe intelligence, energy, and integrity all play essential roles in success, I place the highest importance on integrity. The reason is simple: intelligence and energy without integrity can be dangerous. Someone can be brilliant and work tirelessly, but if their motives or actions lack honesty and accountability, those qualities can quickly lead to harm rather than progress. Integrity is the foundation of trust. Read more>>

Tionna Barksdale

“Integrity is most important to me because it sets the foundation for everything else. Intelligence and energy are powerful, but without integrity, they can be misused or lose their value. Integrity ensures that my actions align with my values, my words hold weight, and my leadership inspires trust. With integrity at the core, intelligence becomes wisdom, and energy becomes purpose-driven.” Read more>>

Marian Nurani

My mom has been a huge influence on my work ethic. Watching her bake bread from scratch, carefully measuring ingredients and kneading dough until it’s just right, has taught me the importance of attention to detail, patience, and dedication. Read more>>

Candice Zinner

Lately, I’ve been finding so much joy in hiking and planning my upcoming trip to Scotland this fall! I can’t wait to explore the history, soak in those stunning views, and just experience everything Scotland has to offer. Planning a trip that far for a few weeks feels both exciting and a little scary—but mostly exciting! Read more>>

July Dreaming

Writing songs and collaborating with other local talented artist to make music glorifying God. Read more>>

Walter Martin

Currently, I am working a full time job as a business operations administrator and I sometimes do photography on the side. When I’m not working at my day job, I try to go out and do photography whenever I can. Read more>>

John Dante

Going back into the woodshed with my guitar. Read more>>