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.
Ophelia Childress
**“Something I understand deeply that most people don’t is the power of intentional connection and personal accountability. On one hand, I know that connection is not optional — it’s medicine. Read more>>
Tracy Richardson
I lost my husband in 2022. That has been the worst, most painful, experience of my life. I still miss him everyday. Truth be told, I still talk to him and ask him to help me figure out what to do when I’m confused or uncertain. Read more>>
Ada Pasternak
Watching a family member destroy themselves with drugs, and finding them not breathing on the floor. That was traumatic. He’s alive today and I couldn’t ask for a bigger miracle. The other big wound in my life was a sudden and excruciating breakup with the man I thought I was going to marry. Read more>>
Wes Pryor
My closest friends always hear me say, ‘There’s a right way and a wrong way.’ They know I’m determined to do whatever it takes to do the job right, even if it takes more time. Read more>>
Sparkle
Eating Read more>>
Tania Smith / Lumo Woekar
I think it’s really important to be kind. If everyone could be kind to each other the world would change in an instant. Some people think that kindness is weakness but to that I would say, try being kind to someone who is not kind to you. That is strength. I’ve seen compassion open doors, where every other approach failed. Read more>>
Caylea
The first time someone else (a close family friend and mentor) told me about their struggle with clinical anxiety and panic disorder, I remember feeling a huge sense of relief. Read more>>
Lauren Reno
100% I could give my best, and I would expect no praise. Actually, that’s what being a mother has taught me. You do everything for those little humans, and they are the light of your life, but something I’ve come to realize is that my children will not feel that way about me. I won’t be the light of their lives. Read more>>
Aiden Saroka
In August 2024, a coworker came over on our day off. After about an hour of hanging out, she asked if she could hear something new I was working on. Read more>>
Tom Morrow
Absolutely. Last year I was playing dozens of arenas and festivals shows at 22 years old, often in front of 20,000-30,000+ people…and feeling totally empty about it. Ever since middle school I’ve wanted to be a guitar player and go on tour. Once I finally did that in my early 20’s it was incredible and everything I’d ever wanted for about 6 months. Read more>>
Morgan Salsman
I feel like there’s a unanimous “absolutely, yes” that comes with this question as an entrepreneur. You chase something for months (maybe years) pouring time, energy, and belief into it. Then you get it, and for a moment there’s a high, but it fades quicker than you expect. The goalpost just moves further away and there is a new shiny thing to work toward! Read more>>
Sydney Guerrette
I’ve been out of my depth since I was 15. At that age, I took on projects and responsibilities that felt way bigger than me—raising funds for Make-A-Wish, leading initiatives, trying to make a difference in ways I didn’t fully understand yet. I still feel that way sometimes, like the challenges are bigger than my experience or my skills. Read more>>
Lara Lenhoff
I would build a small bungalow in the country and rescue a few more dogs. I’d turn the garage into my studio, have a garden, and be near water so I can walk the dogs by and let them swim. Read more>>
Porsche Moore
If I knew I only had 10 years left, the very first thing I would stop doing is waiting. Waiting for the “perfect” moment, the “right” timing, or for life to somehow line up before I fully step into it. Read more>>
Anna Shinholster
It’s common to believe that in order to make it in the music industry, you have to have a large team around you and be signed to a label in order to be successful. It is only becoming more accessible these days to be able to run your own business as an artist. Read more>>
Jordan DePaul
If we’re talking the public on the Internet, then kind of. Unless they’re reading into every little detail of my music catalogue, then they’re getting the synopsis without the full body of work. I think for a long time, I didn’t know what the real version of me was. As artists, we want to share our stories with whoever will listen. Read more>>
ashton roark
The fitness industry, like any other business, can be misleading. Where should you begin? Numerous popular fitness apparel brands promote clothing knowing it can have a negative impact on your health, while energy drinks and protein supplements often contain ingredients best avoided. Within the Pilates community, there’s a widespread myth that one can achieve a specific “Pilates body,” which is simply not true. Read more>>
Kyle Ward
Most mornings, I don’t rise with the sun I rise with the soft buzz of a 9:30 alarm and the pull of a cozy routine I’ve grown to love. I stretch, blink off the sleep, and make my way to the kitchen where the day officially begins. Breakfast comes first , always high-protein to keep me full and focused. Read more>>
Tina Gionis
I wake up and am at the gym within 15 minutes before I have time to procrastinate and make an excuse not to go. I don’t like going to the gym necessarily, but I notice such a difference in my energy levels that I make sure to fit it in 4-5 times a week. Read more>>
Peyton McLain
I’m currently pursuing my dream of becoming a full-time makeup artist. Helping others feel their most confident and beautiful truly brings me joy—it’s a passion that goes beyond just a skill. Outside of my family, it’s what fulfills me most. Doing makeup allows me to connect with people, boost their self-esteem, and express creativity in a meaningful way. I can’t imagine doing anything else. Read more>>
Tyler Drouet
Although parenting is for the here and now, a lot of it is also long game. I hope to see fruit in my children’s lives in the future. Read more>>
Tonya Pineda , owner of Slow Burn Bookshop
My tbr 👀👀👀 Read more>>
Joy Shaw
I have experienced and witnessed these three things to be true, though I can’t necessarily prove them. First, you can only meet someone as deeply as they have met themselves. Second, every relationship — whether with a person, place, thing, substance, or environment — reflects the relationship we have with ourselves. Read more>>
Shivani Darsinos
I believe that the energy and excitement we feel in a space come entirely from the people within it. A place on its own is just walls and furniture — it’s the warmth, passion, and care people bring that make it feel alive. No matter how beautiful an idea is, it takes persistence and genuine connection to breathe life into it. Read more>>
Monica Douglas
There has always been this fear of being seen since I was a kid. I’m an introvert to the outside world, but quite extroverted once I get to know you. I’m facing the obstacle of actually posting my art on social media. There is the self-doubt that my work isn’t good enough, and that there is no space for me on any platform. Read more>>
Marsha McDougal
It’s honestly funny to think about it now, but I use to think that working in Corporate America was the best thing since sliced bread. The dream job! Oh, I was so naive. But at the time when I was in school, getting a traditional job was pushed heavily and often glamorized. And entrepreneurship seemed too difficult, unstable, and unpredictable. Read more>>
Flynn Hendrix
That you have to work yourself to the bone without rest to get ahead. I wish I never developed that mindset and allowed myself to rest without feeling guilty. You can be successful without sacrificing your health and wellbeing. Read more>>
Shakira Chinchilla
Disregarding your values to appease others gets you nowhere. Often times as artists, we find ourselves molding our art to what we think our family, strangers, or even the algorithm will approve of. Our hardest time as a duo was figuring out who will actually enjoy our music and how we can cater to them. When in reality, people like when we’re just ourselves. Read more>>
Jack Youngblood
I feel true joy every time I walk into my church. When I am in church, worshipping God, I feel all of my worries and cares fall away. We sing a beautiful hymn that says ‘lay aside all Earthly cares’, and that is exactly what happens when I drive into that parking lot, all of a sudden, every worldly care goes away, true peace. Read more>>
Ashley Wilson
I’m going to have climb on my soap box for this one. Smart people, people with extreme intelligence (both IQ and EQ), good people with good hearts and good intentions across the world are getting this so totally wrong — breeding dogs and cats. The overpopulation of domestic dogs and cats is at crisis level. Read more>>
LaTonya Winfrey
Right now, I am learning the most from my son, Joseph. He has this tough tenacity for life that gives him the push to continue moving forward each day, regardless of any circumstances. Whether a defeat or win, he processes while in the moment, learns the lesson, and keeps pushing full steam ahead. Read more>>
Harrison Copeland
I bring more than just a camera to the table — I bring curiosity, adaptability, and an authentic connection with the people I work with. Since my last interview with Nashville Voyager, I’ve graduated college, expanded my portfolio, and evolved from “just starting out” to leading a professional photography business defined by a vibrant, concept-driven, and boldly editorial style. Read more>>
Ashley Greer
Of course! I take pride in the work I do, my services, and the connections I make. I show up with intention. I pay attention to detail and I always want to leave an impression. I’m reliable, consistent, and professional. I’m always looking for ways to improve and I accept feedback. I care about the work that I do. It’s a reflection of me. Read more>>
