The heart of our mission is to find the amazing souls that breathe life into our communities. In the recent weeks, we’ve had the privilege to connect with some incredible artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and rabble rousers and we can’t begin to express how impressed we are with the incredible group below. Check out our favorite stories from across California’s Central Coast.
Venessa aka alma Henry
My journey has always been rooted in service, healing, and community. For much of my life, I have been drawn to creating spaces where people can reconnect with themselves, with one another, and with a greater sense of purpose. This calling eventually led me to co-found Alma Wellness, a vision centered around holistic wellbeing, stewardship, education, and community connection. Read more>>
Jennifer Park
I am baker/pastry chef, worked in the industry since 2008, have a passion for baking and upon graduating college wet pastry school in Chicago and have experience working in bakeries, restaurants, hotels, until finally deciding it was time to try venturing out on my own. Read more>>
Jake Karecki
Conquered Heights started with a simple realization: businesses do better when they have a dedicated creative partner in their corner, not just another seat that gets cut when budgets tighten. Read more>>
Paula Butler
My story as a business owner began in Argentina. I am originally from Lago Puelo, Chubut, in Patagonia. At 17 years old, I moved to Buenos Aires to pursue my studies and earned my Professional Photography degree in 2015. After moving to California, I spent several years working for other photographers and businesses before starting my own photography business in 2021. Read more>>
Ulrich Brugger
One day I walked on this property (which was for sale). I was stunned by the incredible views and the beauty of this property. I thought it would be great to have an educational/cultural retreat center here. But I had no money! But I asked friends to give me loans. It worked. And after 34 years the Ojai Retreat and Inn is now ‘flourishing’! Read more>>
Lawrence Butler III
My dad is a General Contractor and after crashing a jet ski at 14 I needed to make money to pay for the $400 repairs so I began working with my dad and worked the rest of that summer with him. I worked part time each summer for the rest of H.S. with my dad. Read more>>
Nikki Gianni
I was born & raised in Queens, New York. Thanks to Uncle Sam, I’ve lived in 10 states, currently living in Riverpark, in Oxnard as an empty nester with my 2 mini-Aussies, Tony and Carmela (yes, they are named after The Sopranos LOL). My 22-year-old son, Lex, lives in N. Hollywood and goes to nursing school. Read more>>
