Community Spotlights: A New Series to Celebrate Local Good

Why I’m Starting the Community Spotlights Series

Welcome to Community Spotlights — a series where I share stories from neighbors, makers, teachers, and friends who are making a difference in our community.

Before stepping out on my own, I spent years working in marketing, helping brands shape their messages — and, if I’m honest, often nudging people toward a purchase. While that work wasn’t all bad, over time I began to feel a growing disconnect. You can read more about my background and how this project came to be here.

After becoming a mom and taking a step back, I realized that if I was going to continue using my marketing skills, it needed to be for causes and people I truly believe in.

What I Hope This Space Can Be

I wanted to do work that aligned with my values — something that inspired, encouraged, and felt real. My hope has always been that my corner of the internet could offer a little joy, comfort, or even just the simple feeling of “oh, me too.” And maybe now and then, someone might stumble across something deeper — a story or connection that sparks a new passion or helps them feel seen.

That’s where the idea for these Community Spotlights came from.

With so much noise and negativity online, it’s easy to feel like the world is crumbling right in our backyard. But I believe in the power of community — and not just the big, flashy kind. I’m talking about the everyday, quietly powerful kind of community. The kind that shows up when you need cornstarch for toddler slime (true story — thank you, Jessica!). The kind that supports a neighbor’s new idea, helps spread the word about a fundraiser, or just listens when someone needs to be heard.

A Sneak Peek at Who’s Coming Up

For now, I’m starting small — mostly with people in my immediate circle. That’s what works best while juggling two kids and no car during the day. But even these first few spotlights feel like something special. I plan to expand this as I make deeper connections in my neighborhood and beyond. The goal is simple: to highlight the good that’s happening around us, to give people a voice who may not have a platform, and to help us all feel a little more connected — whether we’re across town or across the world.

Some of the people I’ll be introducing you to soon:

• Kayden Shaw, a public school teacher, mom of three, and my dear friend, who recently started The Little Makers Collective — a passion project born out of a real need she saw in our community.
• Heidi Raak, owner of Yardstick Books, who many know for her incredible bookstore, but trust me — there’s so much more to her story than just managing shelves.
• Sara Krouse, a bubbly, familiar face to many in the area. She’s been involved in countless local efforts and organizations, and I’m hoping our chat sparks ideas for anyone wondering how to get more connected in their own community. She’s the kind of person who makes you believe there is a place for everyone to plug in and make a difference.

Building Bridges with Community Spotlights

And that’s just the beginning. I’m also looking forward to highlighting smaller nonprofits, new-for-now businesses, and friends just getting started — because I know how hard those first steps can be. I’ve been there. You might be there right now.

Sometimes people don’t know how to ask for help. Sometimes their ideas go unheard simply because they don’t have an audience yet. That’s why I’m hoping to build a few bridges — to encourage a little more connection, more support, and more belief in one another.

Let’s Get Back to the Basics

Let’s borrow sugar from the neighbor, lend a hand when we can, and celebrate the people quietly doing good work around us.

I’m excited to share these stories with you — and I hope they leave you feeling just a little more inspired to look around and see your own community in a new light.