Tourism is an integral facet of the Emerald Coast economy. Ashley Herrick plays a vital role in ensuring the Henderson Beach Resort stays booked and busy. She knows just what makes Destin and one of its finest resorts special, and how to make everyone’s experience something they will cherish and keep coming back for year after year.

What advice would you give to young people/entrepreneurs with a similar trajectory to yours?

Practice patience and humility in everything you do. The hospitality industry is fun and exciting but also leaves guests and clients vulnerable as they are looking to you to fulfill a certain expectation. Their time, money, and experiences are important to them, and therefore it must be important to you. When facing challenges in the hospitality industry, it is always important to put yourselves in their shoes and remember that each challenge is an opportunity for growth and development.

How do you hope to make an impact within your community?

By working at the Henderson, I hope to make Destin and the surrounding communities a destination for luxury travel, as well as a place for personalized hospitality and unique events. In turn, this would bring a new age and standard of tourism to this area that I have grown up in and love dearly.

Who is the single greatest person who influenced/supported your journey to success? 

My husband and family have supported me endlessly, but within my career, I would say my Director, Samantha Corbin, has had such an impact on me. She is a wonderful mentor and teacher.

What motivates you?  

In events, my motivation is rooted in my relationships with my clients. I know they trust me to make their meeting, trip, event, and experience successful. This drives me to be the best partner to them I can be and strive for excellence with them. I am also motivated by peers to be a leader in the evolution of hospitality standards as this will impact future trends and events.

What would you go back and tell newly 20-year-old you?  

 I would tell my 20-year-old self to value the people in front of you as their experience will continue your education far after you graduate and into your career. Your relationships with your clients, peers, and teachers are your biggest asset as you continue to develop in the years ahead.

Kailien Silva believes that character development is key to future success and that change is a valuable component of growth that can help one find their own self-worth. In her role, she strives to help those facing legal challenges address their mental health and substance abuse issues though a variety of services in the center’s Forensic Mental Health Pre-Trial Program.

What is the accomplishment you’re most proud of?

I’m honored to lead an incredible team that provides 90-day mental health, substance abuse, and outpatient services. We have the beautiful opportunity to make a difference and impact each participant’s life.

Who is the single greatest person who influenced your journey to success?

My father. He served in the military for 27 years and counting. Recently, I attended his promotion ceremony to Chief Warrant Officer 4 and met soldiers who look up to him as much as I do. He’s been through multiple deployments, long nights of work, training, and earned his master’s degree while serving his country and his family. He has a realist perspective and work ethic that has made me into the leader I am today.

How do you hope to make an impact within your community?

I hope to reduce recidivism in our area. By providing psychosocial rehabilitation and substance abuse groups, we can help voluntary participants make changes in their lives. I work to inform individuals about community resources, which in combination with the education we provide, is very impactful in helping them achieve sustainable and stable lives.

What would you go back and tell newly 20-year-old you?  

If I could go back to 20-year-old me, I would tell myself to find your worth and never be afraid to grow. We are always evolving and changing as we grow. It is important to accept and love every past and present version of yourself. Your experiences, hobbies, people, and more can change over time as you grow. Sometimes we think it’s necessary to let go of the past version of ourselves to change. In reality, the past version  of yourself is what you need to help you grow. Be accepting of who you were and who you are now so you can only become better for yourself in the future.

What motivates you?  

Every individual apart of my life motivates me. My family, partner, friends, team, and even my clients motivate me each day. Individually, they all inspire me in their own unique ways and provide support to me without prompt. I aspire to make them proud by never settling for less and continuing to work hard. I stay motivated by bringing light to their lives just as much as they bring light to my life. Life is truly worth living with supportive people who constantly motivate you.

Creating images that are vibrant, bold, dramatic, and timeless describes the work that Carolina Waldroff does as a photographer. She got her start in business through the encouragement of her family, husband, and best friend who was also an early customer. Waldroff is looking forward to branching out and sharing her skillset.

What advice would you give to young people with a similar trajectory to yours? 

Give it your all. I never imagined where I would be today when I started my business. I didn’t realize the mistakes I was making until I fully immersed myself in the mission to grow, and within six months, I could see the transformations, the improvements. It pushed me to be even better. Give every ounce of you and sow the seeds, the work will be rewarded.

What would be the title of your autobiography?

Rooted Resilience: A Life in Bloom. It would be a story about blooming wherever you’re planted.

What is the next opportunity that you are excited about? 

This year, I was selected from hundreds of others in the photography industry to speak at one of the nation’s largest photography conferences, Shutterfest. It is the push I needed to start giving back to the community which has poured into me. I started my educational group, Creative Collective, and am fully embracing the teaching world.

Who is the single greatest person who influenced/supported your journey to success?   

 I would have to say it is so difficult to assign all the credit to just one person in my community. My parents have set great examples of running a business. My husband has been my biggest cheerleader. But if I had to choose one, I would like to mention my best friend, Jennifer Young. She is the owner of Sassi Frass Boutique.  When I first moved to the area, my only connections were through my husband. Jennifer gave me an opportunity, not only to provide a service to her, but to collaborate and grow both our businesses in the process. She loves her community and helping others. It has been beautiful to meet her, witness selfless service, and connect with one of the most lovely people to ever exist.

What would you go back and tell newly 20-year-old you?    

I would tell her how amazing she is. She spent too much time hating who she was. Imagine if she had that time to love herself even more. Dreams can change and evolve, people come and go, but when you believe in yourself, when you love yourself as hard as you love everyone else, anything you set your mind to, will bloom as much as you have!

Lydia Williams has a passion for promoting Florida. She lives, works, and plays here, and it isn’t lost on her how lucky she is while watching over 142 million people who visit Florida each year. Her home is a destination, one she is avid about promoting and leaving a better place for her children.

What is the accomplishment you’re most proud of?

I’m really proud of being part of the team who’s helped create record-breaking visitation for Florida. Tourism is the #1 economic driver for the state and supports 2 million jobs. The impact of our work is felt in every community, big and small.

 Who is the single greatest person who influenced/supported your journey to success? 

My children. Motherhood has been completely transformative for me. I wouldn’t be the person I am today personally or professionally without them. Having kids has made me really understand what’s important in life and has guided me to find true work-life balance.

What advice would you give 20-year-old you?

Success isn’t climbing the corporate ladder and making 100k. It’s living a fulfilling life as the best version of yourself.

What advice would you give to young people/entrepreneurs with a similar trajectory to yours?

You don’t stumble into a successful life. You create it! Find out what “success” looks like for you and embody it. 

How do you hope to make an impact within your community?

 I truly believe the work you do on yourself isn’t separate from the work you put out in the world. Showing up as a kind and authentic person in every aspect of your life creates a ripple effect, positively affecting everyone around you.

Connection and quantifiable growth are the secrets to Joshua Henderson’s success. The advertising consultant for Cumulus Media—an audio-forward media company that delivers content to 250 million people monthly. Henderson also believes in giving back to his community and supporting local aspiring entrepreneurs.

What is the accomplishment you’re most proud of? 

I am particularly proud of my involvement with two nonprofit boards in 2024—the Ocean Strike Team, where I contribute to ocean conservation efforts, citizen science research, lionfish removal, and maintaining the cleanliness of our local beaches and the Gulf of Mexico, and the American Advertising Federation of Pensacola, where I support the professional development of students and working professionals.

What motivates you? 

Witnessing the tangible growth and success of my clients’ businesses directly resulting from their advertising efforts provides a distinct satisfaction in seeing a business expand and thrive through the implementation of effective and proven strategies.

What would you go back and tell newly 20-year-old you? 

Key advice would center on the importance of patience and perseverance. Trust the process and understand that meaningful achievements often unfold gradually and in their own time. Do your best consistently, as incremental effort builds towards significant outcomes.

Who is the single greatest person who influenced/supported your journey to success?

The person who comes to mind with this question is my older brother, Luis. His life has been a powerful example of unwavering grit in the face of adversity. Beyond his resilience, Luis cultivated a remarkably strong professional network and a close circle of friends, highlighting the importance of genuine connections. He has always been able to connect people with a need to someone with a solution. Furthermore, his determined spirit and refusal to accept the status quo have consistently inspired me to persevere and creatively solve problems in my own endeavors. His impact on my approach to both challenges and relationships has been profound.

What advice would you give to young people/entrepreneurs with a similar trajectory to yours?  

I’d strongly emphasize the importance of actively networking to build connections and potential mentorships. You never know who you are going to meet and how they may help in your career trajectory. It’s also crucial to practice self-compassion when facing setbacks, recognizing them as learning opportunities, not career-ending mistakes. Always reflect on your mistakes and how you can learn from them to grow professionally. Finally, embracing collaboration within your industry, rather than viewing others as competition, viewing them as partners can lead to significant growth and shared knowledge.

Lillian Baker looks through her lens to tell each client’s life story. As a lifestyle, branding, and family photographer, she aims and shoots to capture meaningful moments you can forever keep. From business brand photos to a family portrait session or events— large and small, she’s passionate about preserving the lives of locals. Baker is also a certified yoga instructor and, as a Nashville native, is working to utilize her connections to bring more acts to the Emerald Coast.

What advice would you give to young people/entrepreneurs with a similar trajectory to yours?

Whatever the thing is that you dream of your future self doing, just start now. Why wait? Sometimes you have to take a step back, pivot, and then keep moving forward, towards your goals. Shifting gears to where you want to be is what life is all about.

What motivates you?

Being creative and connecting with others around me. When I create with others and make others feel good about themselves it brings me so much joy. There is nothing like seeing those around you happy. It’s what makes the world spin round.

Who is the single greatest person who influenced/supported your journey to success?

Kayla Campbell, a photographer in the Nashville/30A area. She was the one who told me to, “just buy the camera and start.” She has been the best mentor throughout my photography career.

What is the accomplishment you’re most proud of?

Packing my car up and moving to 30A from Nashville. Hands down the best decision I have ever made. Quite literally changed the trajectory of my life. 

What would you go back and tell newly 20-year-old you?

Stop worrying so much about the future. No matter the path you are taking you are moving to where you are supposed to be. A very wise person in my life has always told me, “the joy is in the journey.”

At 23, Shardai Sallye is still young herself, yet she’s highly attuned to the importance of the next generations, so much so that each school day she makes tangible impacts on students’ lives at the SHE Academy, an after-school mentorship program for girls in grades 8-12 that empowers them to cultivate life skills and inner confidence.

Who is the single greatest person who influenced/supported your journey to success? 

The single greatest person who influenced my journey to success is Ms. Shaqualynn Shedrick.  She helped me to become more empathetic toward the youth I encourage. She helped me to recognize my own power in the midst of struggle and adversity and encouraged me to never give up. Always remember, it’s not what you wish for but what you work for!

What motivates you?

The youth of today. So much promise is in each of them, and if you are able-bodied enough to help anyone, it should be them. My great grandmother taught me, “If I can help somebody as I pass this way, then my living is not in vain.” Being that guiding light in our youth’s eyes shows me every day that my living is in fact not in vain.

What advice would you give 20-year-old you?

Your race is not their race. They are sprinting and you’re running a marathon and that’s okay! Everyone’s journey is not the same and you have to have faith in God that yours will work out in his favor. Stay the course and follow God.

What would be the title of your autobiography?  

“She never Gave up.”

What advice would you give to young people/entrepreneurs with a similar trajectory to yours?  

Don’t be afraid to step out on your own. Yes, it’s scary but so worth it. You need connections in this lifetime to make it, and you can’t do that if they don’t know your name. if you’re scared to do it, do it scared.

With a strong understanding of complex real estate transactions, a passion for teaching, and a robust education that includes a master’s in business administration, Conner Morrison works to support and elevate the professionals of the Cocoran Reverie luxury real estate brokerage, which operates across Northwest Florida and Nashville, Tennessee. He credits his mother with instilling his work ethic through the example of her career.

What motivates you? 
The opportunity to be a true resource to colleagues seeking guidance and helping them navigate complex scenarios to achieve success or the desired outcome. It’s one of my favorite aspects of executive management.

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs with a similar trajectory to yours?  

I would advise upcoming entrepreneurs of the importance of putting in the work and never being afraid to consider new approaches to problems and processes. Nearly all industries are subject to continuous change and the ability to adapt to that change is a fundamental key to success.

How do you hope to make an impact within your community?  

I’m a firm believer in the power of community and always making time to give back. From local initiatives to philanthropy, I hope to continue finding new avenues and outlets that drive positive change and growth.

Who is the single greatest person who influenced/supported your journey to success?    

 My mom was an integral part of shaping my work ethic from a very young age. From successfully climbing the corporate ladder over a 20 plus year career in hospitality franchising to effectively managing large teams and operations, I learned the importance of communication, perseverance, and loyalty in the professional landscape from her first-hand. Her guidance along with the unwavering support from my entire family and partner, has fueled my success.

What would you go back and tell newly 20-year-old you?
I would tell my 20-year-old self to trust the process and to always embrace the hustle while remaining curious as curiosity and the desire to understand differing viewpoints is often one of the biggest catalysts for growth both personally and professionally.

Philip Bonabi leads the Beaches Construction team in handling new builds, remodels, renovations, and repairs for residential and commercial projects in Bay and Walton Counties. His construction career spans hospitals, aviation, residential neighborhoods, and more, making him adept in a variety of design standards while always offering the highest possible customer service.

What advice would you give to young people/entrepreneurs with a similar trajectory to yours?

Keep going. My personal motto is “let someone else tell you no.” There will always be someone more seasoned, smarter, or stronger, but the key to success is perseverance and remaining focused on the goal. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

What motivates you?

My wife and children are the reason I wake up early and go into the office, they are my joy, and they are my motivation to be all that I can be, so that I can give them everything they deserve.

How do you hope to make an impact within your community?

We are a faith-based company that believes in helping and serving others. We regularly volunteer and serve in our local church. We believe in filling cups of those around us, as our cup is full, and we believe that building a strong company starts with building trust through honesty and integrity. The rest follows.

What is the accomplishment you’re most proud of?

My family, first and foremost, they’ve supported me through everything. Career accomplishments are great, but if you have no one to share them with, they’re useless.

Is there a next great project/opportunity that you are excited about?

We are in discussions with a couple developers and investors in the area that would potentially bring multi-nine-figures worth of construction to the Florida Panhandle. We cherish opportunities such as these to really impact our community and watch it thrive.

 Born and raised in northwest Florida, from the coast to the capital, Jaynie Mitchell Sundberg is set on helping people invest in the region while she herself invests in the people of the region. On a day-to-day basis, Sundberg meets with local businesses to help them prosper in their banking needs. Outside of the office, she serves on committees and boards for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tallahassee, Access Tallahassee, North Florida Worlds of Work, and Tallahassee State College Foundation’s Cleaver & Cork.

What motivates you?

 Whether through professional work or community involvement, I’m driven by the opportunity to contribute to something greater than myself. Living in a city like Tallahassee fuels that motivation—it’s a place where you can see the results of your efforts and be a part of its growth and evolution in real time. Most importantly, my daughter Margo is my greatest source of inspiration. She reminds me daily of the importance of creating a better future, and everything I do is grounded in the desire to set an example for her and to help build a community she’ll be proud to grow up in.

What advice would you give 20-year-old you?

I’d remind myself that it’s okay to not have all the answers. What matters most is showing up, staying curious, and being gentle with yourself along the way. What I’d go back and tell my 20-year-old self is three simple but powerful things: Invest in people and relationships, embrace Tallahassee’s potential, and follow your curiosity.

Who is the single greatest person who influenced/supported your journey to success? 

There’s no way I could credit just one single person – both my mom and my dad have been instrumental in shaping my journey to success, each offering different but equally powerful lessons that continue to guide me today. My mom has been a constant source of inspiration through her unwavering dedication to both our family and the broader Tallahassee community. Growing up in a household where my mom held a dynamic and impactful role was incredibly formative. Watching her excel, balancing leadership, purpose, and professionalism, all while being an incredible mom and wife, showed me firsthand what was possible. It normalized ambition and excellence and taught me that success and service should always go hand in hand.  At the same time, my dad taught me the power of relationships and genuine human connection. From him, I learned that success isn’t just about accomplishments—it’s about how you treat people along the way. His ability to build trust, listen with intention, and approach every interaction with warmth and respect left a lasting impression on me. He showed me that leadership rooted in kindness and authenticity is not only effective, but essential.

How do you hope to make an impact within your community?

I envision my impact on the Tallahassee community as a tapestry woven from intentional initiatives, everyday kindness, and a steadfast commitment to the future. Impact isn’t measured only by programs or projects; it’s felt in small gestures of compassion. A genuine smile or a listening ear can lift someone’s spirits on a difficult day, and it costs nothing but our attention. Above all, my hope is to build a better tomorrow for the next generation.  Everything I do is a step toward creating a stronger community where the next generation can thrive. I believe that by modeling compassion, service, and perseverance, we lay the groundwork for a future shaped by empathy and opportunity. This work isn’t just about today—it’s about creating a foundation that will empower those who come after us to dream bigger, lead boldly, and continue the work of building a better Tallahassee for all.

What would be the title of your autobiography? 

The title of my autobiography would be “From the Coast to the Capital: A Life of Purpose and Progress.” This title reflects both the personal and professional dimensions of my journey. “From the Coast to the Capital” symbolizes the duality of my life—my deep personal connection to the serenity and grounding of Florida’s Forgotten Coast, and my presence in the capital city of Tallahassee. It captures not only a geographical transition but also a metaphorical one—from roots and reflection to ambition and leadership. The subtitle, A Life of Purpose and Progress, underscores my ongoing commitment to growth, service, and excellence. This title honors the intentional, values-driven path I’ve taken while reflecting the momentum with which I continue to move forward—professionally, personally, and civically.