Passions

By Brigid MorrisseyFor someone who describes her artistic medium as “telling other people they’re good at art,” Juanita Mondragon sure has a vision like an artist. “I’ve always loved art. I know what I like. I have a subconscious mind for beauty, for the different. I’m no artist, but I met a man who was an artist.” Spoiler alert — she married that man. Her husband, Travis King, is an award-winning tattoo artist with a rapidly growing clientele. Together, they’ve set out to change the stigma that comes with tattoo parlors and end the debate [...]

By Brigid Morrissey Melanie and her husband Casey (in the background) are bringing art to the forefront in their community. Here she stands in front of the hot shop.  Melanie Miller shares a lot of qualities with glass. Both are made up of multiple elements.They are versatile and can attain many forms. They are fluid, and they both hate the cold. Their most amplified quality is that they are transparent. You can see right through glass, and Melanie is so open and willing to share both triumphs and struggles. Although Melanie’s story doesn’t date back [...]

By Brigid Morrissey If you think that a woman can’t thrive in the field of construction, you’re wrong. Just ask Cynthia Torp. “There have been several instances, at least in the beginning, where I would be sitting in a construction meeting, and the men in the room would try and explain things to me, but I didn’t need them to explain; I understood everything. It’s always a little harder as a woman, especially in my generation.”My generation. As in the generation of empowered women who forged a path so millennials like this writer can have [...]

By Brigid Morrissey Amy Jo Goforth (left) and Carrie Ann Foster merged their talents to create Merci Bouquet. Photos by Patti Hartog  Carrie Ann Foster and her business partner, Amy Jo Goforth, give a new meaning to one-stop-shop. But Wal-Mart employees need not worry, the partners’ specialty is in weddings. Their friendship blossomed after meeting through various social circles. Amy has 15 years of experience as a floral designer, plus a connection to the wedding industry. Carrie Ann has as much artistic experience as a graphic designer. With encouragement from Carrie Ann’s mother, the duo decided [...]