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.
Katina Johnson
I hope people say that I was truly great — not just for what I accomplished, but for the way I made others feel. That I was warm, inviting, and that my personality showed in everything I touched, from my food to my relationships. I want people to remember how much I loved what I did and how deeply I cared about those around me. Read more>>
Zixiao Ye
One moment that really shaped how I see the world was when I moved from China to the United States to study music. It was the first time I had left home for such a long period of time, and everything felt new and uncertain. Read more>>
Zaliyahful Hughes
I was Zaliyah before the world told me to become my alter ego, Zaliyahful. Zaliyahful is a powerful woman—radiating positivity and determined to be a hero in her community. Zaliyah, on the other hand, is the quieter side of me—the girl who used to stay silent and hide in the background. Read more>>
Kelsey Berry
My art is such a priority for me and brings me so much joy, and one reason why I love it so much is because it still catches my interest even though it’s tucked into my day in a very mundane way. Most mornings I wake at 6:30 and go for a walk with my mom who lives next door to me. Read more>>
Temeka Teshunda
I’m an avid reader, and lately, I’ve been diving into the works of Octavia Butler, Maya Angelou, Chinua Achebe, Jen Sincero, Arlan Hamilton, Clarissa Pinkola Estés, and Thomas Stanley. These authors have become my teachers. I truly believe that through books, you can meet anyone and travel anywhere. Read more>>
