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.
Angela Propes
It’s hard to say if I’m doing exactly what I was born to do, because I have a lot of different interests—entrepreneurship, crafting, tennis. One version of me would love to be the #1 tennis player in the world. Another version of me would be living on a mountain and creating pottery. Read more>>
Samantha Hastings
I’ve always loved Jane Austen and her books. I invented a card game with her characters and it comes out 10/7/25 from Chronicle Books. Just in time to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday! Read more>>
Annette Wasden Goitia
Girl, you did it!! Look at you go!! Read more>>
Madison Bradshaw
Yes, I believe in being wholly authentic and true to myself. Putting on a facade or trying to be someone I am not has never been something that I felt was worth my time or effort it takes to accomplish.Read more>>
Aubrey Williams
I think one of the biggest lies the wedding photography industry tells itself is that it’s all glamorous and easy. From the outside, it looks like we just get dressed up, go to beautiful weddings, and take pretty pictures. The truth is, it’s physically demanding, emotionally draining, and takes an incredible amount of preparation and follow-up work that most people never see. Read more>>
Rick Kennington
There was a long time in my pursuit that I struggled to get noticed and recieve representation and shiws It was hard on me to be turned down consistantly. Read more>>
Gina Strole
As a child, I was shy, anxious, and often uncertain of my place in the world. I carried a deep sense of unworthiness—believing I wasn’t deserving of time, money, love, or even joy. Read more>>
Laurence Boswell
Growing up in a conservative home, I was surrounded by messages that shamed both the body and sexuality. Conversations about sex were rare and, if they happened at all, they were very surface-level and often framed in terms of guilt or sin. I was taught that any kind of sexual thought, expression, or even appreciation of my own body was selfish or wrong. Read more>>
Nicole Bowdle
That being liked is overrated—and being trusted is everything. Too many people chase approval. I chase alignment. I’ve learned that in real estate, in marketing, in life—your energy introduces you before you even speak. If you’re trying to be everything to everyone, you’ll end up meaning nothing to anyone. I understand that trust isn’t built through perfection. It’s built through consistency. Boundaries. Listening hard. Read more>>
Katie Bunnell
The fear that has held me back the most is the fear of not being enough—not strong enough, smart enough, capable enough. When my husband passed away, that voice got even louder. I wondered if I could really do it all—raise a baby, provide for us, go back to school, and somehow find purpose in the middle of so much pain. Read more>>
Sheralyn Bennett
I LOVE hiking! Being out in the mountains with no cell service is truly refreshing & reenergizing for me Read more>>
Morgan Hutchings
When I’m gone, I hope people say that Morgan was always tough but fair. That he never lowered the bar, because he believed deeply in the potential of people—even when they didn’t always see it themselves. I hope they say he was bold but never a bully, unafraid to speak truth, take risks, and lead with conviction, but always with respect for others. Read more>>
Madi Roberts
All I could ever ask for when it comes to my legacy is that I was helpful to others. I want to be known as the photographer that created art with people. Who made others feel like models. Who helped someone find their confidence. Who helped people feel worthy. I want to be remembered as someone who cared and who fought for happiness and love. Read more>>
Lo Cohen
Imposter syndrome once kept me grounded, reminding me there was always more to learn. But over time, it became a constant whisper that I wasn’t good enough. Letting it go meant finally being content with who I am, instead of comparing myself to who I thought I should be. Read more>>
Julie De Jesus
That feeling seen as a human instead of a number or label solves almost all mental health and resilience issues in our culture at large. For this reason, we’ve developed a group at I See You Living especially for women who are looking for a community that shares the goal of human connection. Read more>>
Christopher Cleveland
Integrity because the rest can be gained, regained, lost, and found again. But integrity is something that doesn’t require very much to have. Read more>>
Lenni Uitto
From an early age my father had always instilled this work ethic in me that today keeps me going. The Finnish people refer to it as Sisu. Read more>>
Eric Bennett
The most important person to please has always been myself. If I am not satisfied by my work, I will not publish it or ever share it with anyone. I have been very careful to remain unaffected by both criticism and praise, as both of them can dictate your actions and coerce you to act in ways that are untrue to yourself. Read more>>
Safarri Jessop
Of course! One of my biggest mottos is “All or nothing.” Read more>>
Sierra Banks
In tattooing, I think the difference between fads and foundational shifts comes down to longevity. Fads are fun and they’ll always be part of tattoo culture because people want to feel connected to what’s current in pop culture—but they don’t always age well on the skin or in meaning. For me, I aim to make tattoos that hold up over time, both technically and visually. Read more>>
Dawn Quintana
The biggest thing I believe people misunderstand about my business is that since having my own brick and mortar store is that I am rich and living the high life. That is further from the truth, my business does pay for itself and offers a small draw occasionally but is far from making me rich. Read more>>
AuLora Record
A common misconception in the hair industry is that we simply “work for fun.” While it’s true that we love what we do, it’s important to remember that this is a job—a professional career that provides our livelihood. Many people enter beauty school thinking it’s an easy path to success, not realizing the level of expertise and commitment required. Read more>>
Anna Gygi
My grandpa used to say to me “Put the beast away and show your beauty.” Which truly was something I took to heart and remember it to this day. He really just encouraged me in everything I did and showed up. He reminded me that things are hard sometimes, but you keep showing up. Even when you don’t want to. Read more>>
Rachel Elberts
That so much of life comes down to mindset. I know, deep down, that we create our own realities with the thoughts we choose to believe—but living that truth is a constant practice for me. It’s so easy to get caught in negative self-talk or spiral into stories that aren’t actually true. Read more>>
Audra Thompson
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I was about 11. I remember my safe place was the woods in the back of our 18 acre property. I wrote to myself recently , to that little girl who still empowers me. To the Little Girl in the Woods, I see you. Read more>>
