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.
Alyssa Alexander (Wood)
Absolutely! I recently went viral on social media after sharing that I’m one of the models on the packaging for Depends Incontinence and Postpartum Underwear. I honestly didn’t expect it to blow up the way it did — millions of views, thousands of comments — it was wild! Read more>>
Emily Michael
Yes, in so many ways, the public version of me is really me. But I also think, as humans, we all tend to hide the harder parts, right? We love to share the good—the joys, the celebrations, the wins. And that’s beautiful. But I’m also okay with the moments when I feel defeated or tired. Read more>>
Caryn Dixon
One of the biggest lies the industry tells itself is that you need a label or a major platform to make an impact. I’ve learned that the real power comes from authenticity and connection, not gatekeepers. There’s also this unspoken belief that you have to fit into a certain mold to “make it…”a certain sound, look, or lifestyle. But audiences are smarter than that. Read more>>
Janeka Jordan
Right now, I’m being called to rise. To walk boldly in the woman I’ve become and no longer apologize for my strength, my softness, or my light. I’ve spent so much time pouring into everyone else, learning lessons through loss, and finding my way back to myself. Read more>>
Jakeena Geobani
What I am most proud of building, though it isn’t always visible, is the freedom and peace I’ve created for myself since leaving the corporate world and fully stepping into my business, Keena Konnects. This journey has allowed me to expand my work to include wedding celebrant services, which has been such a fulfilling addition. Read more>>
Kaitlyn McDonald
That I had been gifted with useless talents. I have studied historical fashion for most of my life and occasionally make my own period accurate costumes. When I was younger, I thought I was talented in ‘costuming’. Read more>>
Ashley Guthrie
I believed I was shy, but I realized I am just a naturally quiet person! I am actually quite friendly and enjoy being around people, but I definitely need time to reset by myself, as well. Read more>>
D Fitz
I wake up in the morning relatively early, I’ve become a morning person in my late 20’s and now the start of my 30’s, and I immeadiately make a cup of Cafe Bustello instant espresso to start off the day. I enjoy my cup of coffee, listen to music, and I meditate on what needs to be done that day. Read more>>
Barrett Baber
For many years, and even still today, I struggle with ‘self doubt’. For many years I performed all over Arkansas in dive bars and restaurants, and for many of those years people would say ‘you should be famous’ or ‘you should do this for real!’ For a long time I just couldn’t bring myself to believe that I was good enough to even try. Read more>>
Tessa Alexander Helberg
In November of last year, my husband and I welcomed our baby boy, Jordan! He’s an absolute joy to be around. Although it was tough at first to balance photography and motherhood, I eventually found a good rhythm. I truly love both of my jobs and feel so grateful to be living this life. Read more>>
Ah-Deli
Pausing everything going on on a busy day and stepping into a zone of conscious awareness of the present moment. Meditation, essentially. I have not mastered this art, but always glad when I do. I remember working in Costco in Queens, NY about fifteen years ago and this older lady that worked there was telling me ‘people don’t even stop to smell the flowers anymore’. Read more>>
Caleb Mckenney
I believe that creating authentic images is incredibly important. In a world where AI has made the everyday person question legitimate photography, I want my images to be true to what I see with my eyes. I want to always be committed to being honest with my art. I edit my images in a way that highlights what I witnessed in person. Read more>>
Jenner Kreifels
My family and my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!! I’ve been incredibly blessed with the most amazing parents and siblings. They are my rock, my sounding board, and my unwavering support system through every season of life. Their love and guidance have shaped so much of who I am. My faith isn’t just a part of my life; it’s a crucial part of my foundation. Read more>>
Emily McMannis
I think pretty close to who I am today. Before the world told me who I had to be, I was just…me. Curious, restless, and unafraid to try everything that sparked my interest. Somewhere along the way, life piled on expectations—what success should look like, how I should “have it all figured out,” and the pressure to carve out a neat, perfect path. Read more>>
Jenna Rose
I have, in both of my businesses and in jobs that I’ve had along the way. I seek out that feeling. And when I can’t find it in what I’m doing then I have a gut check moment to make sure what I’m doing and what is occupying my time is really in value to me. Read more>>
Erin Fennell
This question truly strikes a deep chord with me because, like so many others, I’ve spent much of my life defining my worth through external measures—my title, my career, and the things I’ve accomplished or acquired. For years, my identity was tightly intertwined with my role as a Nurse Practitioner in oncology. Read more>>
Jenny Cruger
One of my favorite things clients say to me, and others they refer, is that I make the experience of having newborn & family photos taken so easy and elevated for them while being great with their babies & children, having patience, and always being able to create a gallery of images they absolutely love themselves in, can see their connection with their family, etc. Read more>>
Brenda Best
Right now, I’m chasing growth as an artist …reaching more fans, sharing my songs with the world, and yes, even a GRAMMY nomination. If I stopped, I’d miss the joy of creating, performing, and connecting with people through music. Music keeps me present, keeps me laughing, and even in the busiest or toughest times, it’s what makes me feel alive. Read more>>
Jenny Fann
Most people think real estate is about houses, when in reality it’s about people. A common misconception is that a realtor’s job is just putting a sign in the yard, showing a few homes, and collecting a commission. The truth is—if it’s done right—it’s about protecting families in one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions of their lives. Read more>>
Matt Wronski
I feel the most misunderstood aspect of the photography world is the amount of time, effort and knowledge that goes into making a truly awesome image. We are currently experiencing such an unprecedented era of cameras being omnipresent, and as a result, the quality of imagery, in general, has fallen off. Apps are developed to replicate certain looks, primarily film with on-camera flash. Read more>>
Jamie Carroll
When people hear the word “recovery,” they often think only of the traditional AA model. While that path has been supportive for many, at Recover Inner Truth we’re expanding the definition of what recovery can mean. Read more>>
Marin Rylee
My legacy will forever be a family legacy. LionEyes Entertainment is a company my dad founded. Any music I create is a collaboration with my mom who is a brilliant vocal producer. My dance training was paid for by my grandparents. Nothing I’ve done has been on my own. I work hard, I grind, and I do believe I’ll find success. Read more>>
Damien Horne
I don’t know if it’s something few people believe but I believe to truly discover your highest purpose you must connect with God! Who knows better what the creation is for than the Creator? Read more>>
Jonathan Barfield
Awaking day; typically begins at 5:45 AM, start a two-three hour workout to ensure self-care. Checking business emails, returning messages, voicemails etc. beginning at 8 am. From 8-12 skills trainings for clients in the daytime/lunch break. From 2-4 o’clock a second workout for self-care or a skills training fill in. Read more>>
Brennan Williams
Every day’s a new adventure, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Born in Nashville, raised in Eugene, Oregon, I carry Music City’s soul in my veins and the Pacific Northwest’s creative fire in my heart. Read more>>
Brian Emmel
A normal day for me is to read the latest news, practice fingerpicking exercises on my guitar, exercise, then work on promoting Grand Staff Music School’s new Rock Band Classes coming November 15, 2025. Read more>>
Autumn D
The relationship that most shaped how I see myself was an abusive one. It broke me down before it built me back up. Going through that experience forced me to confront my worth, set boundaries, and understand that love should never come at the cost of my identity. Read more>>
Gerald Barksdale
Denny Fry. He doesn’t know this and I didn’t realize it til recently, but I owe him a debt of gratitude. And one other person in the situation, but I can’t for the life of me remember her name. I didn’t blossom until college. Nearly nineteen years of not knowing how to talk to people or stand up for myself. Read more>>
Tyquez Johnson
If I’m being truthful my relationship with God shaped how I view myself. I try to appease him in all my actions and use my clothing line to reach and meet like minded folks. Read more>>
Kaylee Tate-Smith
I think a relationship that most shaped how I see myself is the relationship I have with books. I’ve always had a love for the romantic and whimsical and I never knew how to express it. When I discovered the world of books, I found myself there. It made me learn to see myself as capable, independent, free, and unique. Read more>>
Richie Lister
I’ve found that ANY belief you hold onto tightly should be the one your most skeptical of. Because if you feel any need to grasp onto it, that’s a sign that it may not be rooted in anything substantial. I’m learning to be a skeptic with anything and everything that comes my way. And it’s not easy. Read more>>
SJ McDonald
With ‘company’ meaning my career in this context… I actually decided to bet it all the day after I lost my first publishing deal. It was September 2024, and just a few weeks before then, I had decided to finally give up all of my cover gigs in Nashville to focus solely on touring. Read more>>
