We asked some of the city’s rising stars to reflect on what made a difference in their journey. We asked them to tell us about what they think the most important factor has been behind their success.

Megan Engbring, Dnp, Fnp-c | Doctor of Nursing Practice

Flagstaff Optimal Health and Weight Management is a culmination of decades of experience helping my cardiology patients improve their health by focusing on weight loss and healthy lifestyle change. What I found working in outpatient cardiology, is that patients DO want to feel better and take less medication but they needed more than the quick diet & exercise advice or dietician referral that I was able to offer in that setting. Patients thrive when they have access to 1:1 coach support, an education system that guides one small change at a time, and a simple nutrition plan that works. When I implemented those factors in 2020, my patients started to lose weight and gain health in ways that I had never witnessed prior to that. Read more>>

Khrystian Veals | Content Creation Agency Owner

Success isn’t a straight line. It’s a series of raw, uncomfortable conversations you have with yourself—those moments where you stand in front of the mirror and see the parts of you that you’d rather keep hidden. The fear, the doubt, the nagging voice whispering that maybe you’re not enough. Not pretty enough, not smart enough, not confident enough. The secret shadow trailing behind you, holding you back when you try to step forward. Read more>>

Bridget Hazell | Hair Stylist

The success of my brand lies in its authenticity, which is deeply rooted in my personal identity and passions. By building a brand around my own genuine interests and aesthetic values, I’ve been able to created a foundation that resonates not only with myself but with my audience and clients. This authenticity makes my content feel natural, relatable, and trustworthy—qualities that I believe are invaluable in setting myself apart in a crowded marketplace. Read more>>

Steph Roach | Owner of Staying Driven, LLC

Authenticity. People are drawn to relatability and when you are unapologetically yourself especially as someone representing the disability community because it’s not very often you see that in mainstream media. Read more>>

Evan Frumkin | Nature / Landscape Photographer

Persistence, by a mile. Creatively, there are always going to be times where you’re not feeling like you’re able to create your best work. I’ve found that in these times grounding myself and reminding myself why I started my journey and why I got into photography in the first place really helps me. Sometimes it’s ok to step away from editing for a little bit to clear your head in order to produce better work when you come back to it. As for actually getting clients, the only reason that I ever got clients to begin with is persistence. I was working my 9-5 over the summer, sending emails to potential clients on my lunch breaks, when I got home from work, and any other free time I got. I got told no over 50 times and didn’t even get responses from at least another 100 companies. I quickly learned I wouldn’t get anywhere without persistence and that’s what has carried me throughout my photography journey thus far. Read more>>