Amna Rafiq, Founder/CEO/Licensed Esthetician of The Skin Lounge
Amna’s passion for skincare began at an early age.
Originally from Lahore, Pakistan, she grew up in an Eastern culture and was introduced to holistic beauty rituals as a young child, watching her mother whip up masks and treatments from natural ingredients.
“This foundation instilled in me a deep respect for the power of skincare as both a science and an art,” Amna says.
In 2019, she founded The Skin Lounge, blending clinical efficacy with luxurious, holistic care.
“My goal is not only to transform skin but to educate and empower my clients, helping them develop a long-term approach to skin health that aligns with their lifestyle,” Amna adds. “I love what I do because it’s more than just skincare. It’s about helping people feel good in their own skin.”
Now, she doesn’t just want young women to feel confident in their own skin, but to trust themselves when it comes to discovering where they fit in the professional world – just as she did.
“You don’t have to have it all figured out right away. Explore, learn, and allow yourself to evolve,” Amna says. “Follow what excites you, not just what feels safe. The best careers are built on passion, resilience, and a willingness to take risks.”
Misty Flannery, Owner/Founder of Valcore Construction
It all began with a hail storm back in 2015. The storm damaged Misty’s home, catapulting her into a frustrating, confusing insurance claims process. Fortunately, the roofer she was using at the time assisted her and worked with the insurance company on her behalf.
That situation made Misty realize the importance of having a local advocate who not only understands construction, but also the insurance claims process. After her house was repaired, Misty got involved in the roofing and construction industry.
For a few years, she worked for another contractor. But, upon realizing differences in personal values, Misty walked away and decided to start her own company.
“I knew I wanted it to be built on a strong foundation of core values—not just in words, but in action,” Misty says. “By combining the first part of ‘values’ and ‘core,’ we created Valcore – a name that reflects our commitment to integrity, excellence, and putting people first in everything we do.”
While Misty acknowledges that businesses must make money to survive, she believes that by prioritizing people before profits, everything will work itself out. Focus on people, and the money will follow.
“If you help enough people get what they want, you can have anything in the world that you want,” she adds. “Loyalty, impact, growth, humility, and teamwork are my own core values.”
As an entrepreneur, the success of others motivates Misty. Her greatest inspiration is witnessing individuals hustle and chase after their dreams.
Her team members at Valcore Construction inspire her as well.
“Each person who works for us is working hard to improve the lives of themselves and their families,” Misty says. “They give selflessly to ensure that our clients are well taken care of and that everyone else on the team feels loved and supported.”
Jessie Rule, Event Director for desk chair workspace, Owner of The Rule Events
“I got into this business fueled by my passion for hospitality, as event planning is deeply rooted in creating memorable experiences,” says Jessie.
Six years ago, desk chair workspace recruited Jessie to manage a venue, something she hadn’t done before. Yet, she had years of experience managing various events, from weddings to festivals to fundraisers for nonprofits.
It was during COVID-19 when Jessie’s husband encouraged her to start Rule Events. Running this business gives Jessie the space to let her creativity flow and execute much larger events.
But, from her perspective, it isn’t solely about event planning.
“We are building community and creating experiences, not just executing an event.”
Jenna Schaefer, Co-Owner of Mountain View Farmstead
Since her high school days, Jenna dreamed of owning a ranch. Both she and Ryan, her husband and high school sweetheart, felt it was necessary for raising their children and offering them something to tap into that was “bigger than themselves.”
The couple’s desires came into fruition in 2021 when they opened Mountain View Farmstead, providing local, responsibly-raised meats for the community.
“It has been a beautiful sight to see people are waking up to the importance of what is in our food, but also in how it is raised,” Jenna says.
On top of that, she believes this lifestyle has taught her kids invaluable life lessons to take with them wherever they go.
Erin Merkley, Dance Director of Eleve Dance Academy
“Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
That is one of Erin’s favorite quotes, and a philosophy she lives by.
Erin started taking dance classes when she was five years old and fell in love with it. She then set her sights on opening her own studio one day.
In 2023, Erin officially opened Eleve Dance Academy, offering exceptional dance training and performance opportunities for students of all ages.
“Dance has been a lifelong passion for me, and sharing that passion with others brings me immense joy,” Erin comments. “Seeing students grow in their skills and confidence, and knowing that I play a role in their artistic journey, is incredibly fulfilling.”
Adriana Karagozian, Owner/Head Chef of From Scratch Farm
Love is the driver behind everything Adriana does. It is her purpose—an unwavering passion that led her to start From Scratch Farm, a seed-to-supper company rooted in nutrition, sustainability, and care, by building backyard farmsteads and crafting intentional, inspired catering experiences.
Adriana's culinary journey began in childhood, steeped in love. These early memories aligned her with her intention to reconnect people to the land and their food. The lack of access to fresh, healthy ingredients in our communities inspired her to launch the business in 2023.
“Fresh, healthy food shouldn’t be a privilege," Adriana echoes. “We must nourish our bodies with the foods that help us live our highest good.”
Wendy Buckley, Executive Director of Stillwater Ranch
Over 20 years ago, Wendy was listening to a radio interview featuring a woman who started a nonprofit ranch for youth in Oregon.
Upon hearing this, Wendy knew she was being called for a similar life mission.
A decade later, in 2014, she co-founded Stillwater Ranch, which offers veterans, service members, and their families programs and resources in a safe, healing, and peaceful environment.
“We always say there’s something about fresh air, sunshine, open space, animal interactions, and the camaraderie of like-minded people that’s good for the soul,” Wendy comments. “All that and more is part of the Stillwater Ranch ‘magic.’”
Miriam Veigel, Owner/Office & Marketing Manager of Wally’s Speed Shop
The decision to start working with her husband, Wally, at Wally’s Speed Shop stemmed from Miriam’s desire to do what was best for her family.
As a mother of three, Miriam required a job with a flexible schedule. And with the rapid growth of the classic car repair and restoration business, Wally needed someone to help manage the office, so he could spend more time working in the shop.
“For me, accepting the office role was a no-brainer,” Miriam says. “I could better support my family’s needs that way. So, in June of 2020, Wally and I began working together.”
She’s now been managing the office and marketing at the shop for nearly five years, doing her best to find that balance between family life and work.
“I stay grounded by focusing on what I can control. Having an easy-going personality and willingness-to-help attitude is a plus, too. I cannot do it all alone, though,” Miriam adds. “At home, everyone in the family pitches in, and we work together there, too.”
She’s also grateful for the outstanding team at Wally's Speed Shop that keeps things running smoothly.
At the shop, Miriam loves to hear all of the stories that accompany the classic cars that pass through the family business.
“Every one of them has one,” she says.
“This was my dad’s first car.”
“I had one just like it when I was a kid.”
“My husband took me to prom in this truck.”
“The history and memories behind them are so fascinating to me,” Miriam comments. “Part of my job is to photo document them as they come through the shop. This is one of my favorite parts of what I get to do, and I enjoy seeing them move through the restoration process.”