We asked some of the brightest folks in the community to open up to us about the most important lesson their business or career has taught them. We’ve highlighted some of those responses below.

TJ Ellington | Bigg Buttz BBQ; Owner and Pitmaster

The values that matter most to me are perseverance, community, and authenticity. Perseverance is critical because my journey — from serving in the Air Force to working multiple jobs, including over a decade with the USPS, and now running Bigg Buttz BBQ full-time — has shown me that persistence and dedication can turn dreams into reality. Community is equally important; I’ve seen firsthand the positive impact my business has on the local community, from catering events to inspiring younger generations. Lastly, authenticity is a principle I live by, evident in the unique flavors and homemade sauces of Bigg Buttz BBQ. Read more>>

Elijah Hamm | CEO/Founder of Penguin Pups LLC

I am from a very small and beautiful mountain town where we have the deepest natural hot springs in the world. Growing up in such a peaceful yet vibrant environment instilled in me a deep appreciation for nature and calmness. My mom loves to read and tell stories. She’s filled our home with books and tales from around the world, giving me my love for words and books from a young age. Read more>>

Corey Sampson | Studio Engineer, Producer, Label Exec, & Recording Artist

Hello I am Corey “Sammy Cain” Sampson CEO of Bluehouse Records and I am from Gulfport, Mississippi. I grew up in a military family and we bounced around quite often. It was probably 11 or 12 years old when my family moved from Colorado Springs, CO to Gulfport, MS. Moving from the Mid-West to the South was definitely a culture change, We went from being one of the only minority families in our area to being surrounded by people who looked just like me. It was vibe that was unexplainable. I talked different, dressed different, just about everything about me was different so I had to adapt quickly at a young age. Read more>>

Matt Rinn | Artist & Creator of Imaginations

I was born in Bangkok, Thailand, the youngest of three with two older sisters. My father Paul Rinn, who was an officer in the US Navy and mother Pamela, a retired nurse, are both natives of New York. My father’s naval career landed us in several locations spanning the east coast of the US and Canada. Of these places, the majority of my childhood was spent in the town of Summerville, South Carolina, a subtropical and culturally diverse suburb of Charleston. There, I engaged in a vast range of the recreational activities accessible to me, which included soccer, surfing, skateboarding, sailing, hunting, fishing, creating, and rough housing with my friends. Read more>> 

Abby Keefe | Owner / Bridal and Extension Specialist

Being a Colorado Native and growing up in Boulder County it is serial to think about where I am now. Some people call it Imposters Syndrome. I have my very own business on Pearl Street in downtown Boulder. I have been doing hair and makeup for 20 years and I still love what I do. I have always said since I was young that I wanted to be a hairdresser. I believe hair runs in my blood. My aunt and cousin on my moms side both do hair. When I was young I would go to Kansas where my mom is from and I would go to work with my aunt. Read more>>

Tamara Nisbeth | Chef

I’m from Montego Bay Jamaica, I’ve loved to cook since I was a child, my grandmother Ms. Daisy, who raised me was also an amazing cook. She passed away when I was still very young 14, in honor of her memory I enrolled in food preparation in high school. The more I learned the more passionate I became about cooking I decided to make it my career choice, and went to culinary arts school. Read more>>

Kelcey Hostetler | Wholesale Wine and Spirits Rep

I was born and raised in Colorado. My upbringing heavily influenced who I am today, particularly through my parents’ deep interest in wine. They frequently attended tastings, and I vividly recall my early fascination with wine when my mom allowed me a small sip, prompting me to describe its aromas and flavors. This experience sparked my passion. My mom also taught me how to cook, and our shared interest in food and wine led us to take pairing classes together. Additionally, my husband’s family, who also loves wine, further nurtured my passion. Read more>>

Ana Temu Otting | President/CEO

My story begins with my parents. My father came from Mexico as an economic refugee, and my mother escaped genocide during the Guatemalan Civil War. I was raised with a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities this country has to offer and a sense of responsibility to do good and provide for my family.
As a little girl, I witnessed the hardships my parents faced due to their undocumented status in the country. It wasn’t until I was older that I could put a name to many of the injustices my family endured. This realization was the main catalyst for my activism. Read more>>

SISHENG YU | Artist, graphic designer, make-up artist, piercer, brand owner

I come from Changsha, the capital city of south-east China. I spent the first 18 years of my life here, then completed my undergraduate studies in Wuxi before moving to London to further my education. “Home” and “mobility” are the biggest generalisations I can make about my work, or myself. I spent my birth and most of my adolescence within a 2 km radius centred on my home. Although it was the capital city of the province, cultural exchange was scarce. Even though I felt slightly different as a child, I didn’t realise I was gay until after I turned 20, and I didn’t identify as a queer (now I’m more like asexual) until two years ago. Read more>>

DANIEL HURD | Suicide Prevention Advocate; Youtuber; Creater of Smiles

I was born in Manchester, New Hampshire. And raised in Carver, Massachusetts, I tell people I’m from New England. I was physically sexually and mentally abused as a child, though I didn’t remember much until I was sober, 2016. I started using drugs at a young age. As early as I can remember of being seven as I got older the drugs and usages got harder. My saving grace was a family that took me in when I was 14. They pretty much gave me my best part of childhood. Till I was 18, I got to experience a lot of great things like playing sports, having a supportive family, they taught me the importance of work ethics. Read more>>

Louisa Finch | Barista & Dead Stop Coffee Owner

I am originally from the Midwest, with roots both in Minnesota and South Dakota. When I was in my early elementary years we lived just outside of a small town in Northern MN, so I had a couple acres of pine forest and a rocky ravine as my closest neighbors. I loved playing outside, whether it was a below zero snow day digging out snow tunnels or a summertime day in my fort, climbing trees. Nature is now where I continue to find my greatest comfort and deepest faith in what is, and I am ever drawn to our relationship to plants as a species and how we connect with the land on which we live. Read more>>

Chantel Mohar | Aesthetician and Sound Healer

I am from Denver! I’m first generation Cuban American. Both my parents came from Cuba when they were younger with nothing but the clothes on their back. They came from a terrible government that took everything they had and this was the land of opportunity, truly. They built the lives that they wanted out of sheer determination. My dad was an engineer but eventually started his own businesses and I remember from the time I was very young knowing and thinking and hoping and wishing that I, too, will one day work for myself. So all my life, no matter what job I was in or what schooling I took, I always knew in the back of my head that I would work for myself one day. Read more>>