
Everyone has a story to tell.
Filmmaker and Founder of Theta State Studios | Meet Nicholas Allard
“Clear is better than clever, and done is better than perfect. As a creative, it’s easy to get stuck chasing perfection, but when you run a business, you have to prioritize impact and efficiency. I had to learn how to balance artistry with strategy—how to make things I’m proud of that also make sense for the client and the business.”
Building Community Through Art | Meet Skyler Oberst
"If you're not careful, you may fall into the trap of doubting yourself. I found that through healthier mindsets, you can unlock your inner potential and harness the courage to move forward."
Bringing the Aloha Spirit to Spokane | Meet Derek Medina
"It's really fun to share the culture and experiences that I grew up with. The coolest part is creating an environment where people feel welcome, sharing a meal, and just having that Aloha spirit resonate through the food."
Changing the Way Students Connect | Meet Maximilian Brown
"I knew I didn’t have all the answers, so I reached out to mentors, business owners, and people who had experience in tech. I asked questions, listened, and applied what I learned."
Building a Business That Empowers Women | Meet Rochelle Durruthy
“I started with nothing. No audience, no strategy—just a blog and a passion for sharing my experiences. That blog turned into social media influencing, and over the years, I organically grew my platform to over 11,000 followers. No shortcuts, no gimmicks—just consistency, connection, and showing up.”
From Home Kitchen to Local Favorite Biscuit Shop | Meet Kate Sousa
"I think if I knew from the beginning that I was 'starting a business,' I would have been too intimidated to start. Instead, I took each step as it came—licensing, finding a commercial kitchen, and growing organically."
Artist, Writer & Arts Consultant | Meet Karen Mobley
“I tried to follow a “traditional” career path, but I always found my way back to my studio to create and write. I’ve made a career out of doing what they tell you not to study in college if you want to make a living—and they were wrong! People should do the work that matters to them.”
The Artist Who Sees the Beauty in Everyone | Meet Hara Allison
“I feel like I’m a safe space for many. I contribute by giving my time and talent to others, whether that’s through my photography, my creativity, or simply being present for people who need support.”
The Power of Food and Community | Meet Jenny Finau
“I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. At least that is what I know it to be now. Back when I was broke with no experience or education... I just was a hustler. Always scraping something together to try and make life work.“
From Social Gap to Social Club | Meet Blake Gibson
“Our entire mission is to bring people closer together that otherwise wouldn't even have met. Fostering in-person social connection is something that got lost a few years ago and something I'm very excited to bring back to Spokane.”
Faith, Family, and Flexibility | Meet Josh King
I was a reluctant small business founder and owner but have since found the journey to be incredibly rewarding, albeit challenging. Fast forward almost 12 years, and I wouldn't change anything.
From IT Skepticism to Solutions | Meet Trevor Shanahan
“One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was overcoming the skepticism that many businesses have toward advisors in the technology space. There’s a common perception that advisors are just salespeople in disguise, pushing products or services that may not truly serve the client’s best interest. To address this, I’ve made it a cornerstone of my work to emphasize transparency and trust.”
Fostering Mental Fitness | Meet Stephanie High
“Knowing that my work has the potential to change lives keeps me motivated. I’m inspired by the stories of clients who’ve overcome incredible odds and by the belief that fostering mental fitness can create ripples of positive change in communities. I’m also driven by the pursuit of knowledge, which is why I continue my studies to stay at the forefront of performance psychology.”