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.
Claire Saldaña
You’re not crazy — even if everyone says art school will lead nowhere and you should stick to a local college. Trust yourself. One day, that leap will become the first step in a lifelong love affair with fashion and art. Read more>>
Jen Benton
Unfortunately in the world of fitness, the biggest lie we are told is that our body size and shape dictates our worth and health. So we spend countless dollars, hours, and tears chasing something that often times isn’t even achievable for our genetics, minds, and bodies. Read more>>
My-Huong Elsa Bui
I’m raising my son (9) and daughter (6) to respect elders and learn valuable small and large life lessons. It may be a day-to-day challenge because everyone gets frustrated sometimes, but when they reflect as I become an elder, I hope they will see those connections I tried to make when they were younger. As a family we celebrate our elders on our family altar. Read more>>
Damita Miller-Shanklin
Thank you for sharing my story. I wake up each day 4am. I work full time so I do as much of Uijma stuff as I can in one hour. This means I review and send emails, create social media post, and plan for what I need to do when I get home in the evenings. Read more>>
Christina Decker
I’m not exactly sure I would call it ‘powerful’, but one of my earliest memories goes back to elementary school, sitting in creative writing or English classes and realizing that words, how they are chosen, punctuated, and placed in a certain order on a page, can hold a lot of weight and meaning. I remember writing stories and getting praise from my teacher and peers. Read more>>
Hyder Dammad
The earliest memory of power through the band Slacker was the realization that we could influence people in a positive way, and create an environment where everybody feels like somebody. This idea of an empty room full of people first took flight at a house show Slacker performed at some time last year. Read more>>
Addison Van
What I will regret not doing is giving more of myself to the community. I have always felt a strong drive to contribute, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or helping others in small ways. Even in moments of personal downtime, like watching a movie, reading, or simply relaxing, I sometimes feel a quiet twinge of guilt. Read more>>
Legion D. Wise
When I first listened to the rapper Scarface and the group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. In particular the song ‘I seen a man die’ and the album E. 1999. I definitely have other musical influences, but when I heard them, that’s when I knew what I wanted to do with my life. That’s when I knew I wanted to make music. Read more>>
Brennan McGruder
My sister Brittany is my real life hero. Growing up with her and seeing the fight she had in her was everything to me. A lot of things could’ve broken her but, she pushed through and overcame. She was the reason I even decided to go to college. She was the first person I called/text when I had the idea of starting the business. Read more>>
