In our view, values and principles are the foundation upon which our lives, careers and relationships are built. So, we asked folks we admire to open up to us about the values and principles that matter most to them.

Aimee Kearns | Leather worker & Graphic Designer

I think integrity is what matters the very most to me. I want my word to mean something. In my personal life, i hope my friends and those close to me know that my word is solid. I’m not one who will say one thing and then do something else. In regards to my business, if I say that my products are made using some of the highest quality materials, then that is what the customer can expect. I want people to know that if there is ever an issue with any of my products I will try to make it right. Kearns Leather is built on integrity, not just because I believe it’s the right thing to do, but my name and my husband’s name is on it. Read more>>

Wendy Gross | Hairstylist -Owner/Color Specialist

In my professional and personal life I have values and principles that I always stand by, but the most important to me in both, is trust. I can’ not have happy or successful relationships in life without that being the most important. When I hear a client say they trust me, it means the world to me. They trust me with not only their hair but also as someone who they can always come to for support whether it be during cancer treatments when they just need to feel beautiful or a shoulder to lean on during life’s challenging times as we walk through life. Read more>>

Kate Klasen | Pet care professional- pet groomer and pet cpr/first aid & wellness instructor

Integrity….. I think integrity is so important because without it, there is no base/trust. I believe in taking responsibly for your own actions, because that is how we learn and grow. It might not be something you want to admit to (making a mistake) but own it and learn from it. I think integrity is a huge part of my success in my business, if something happened in my care, I am honest about it and take responsibility for it and my clients respect me and trust me because of that. Read more>>

Christina Robb | Licensed Acupuncturist and Certified Hypnotherapist

The value/principle that matters most to me in regards to my business is choosing a plan that works best for my patients, even when it may not be best for my wallet. I worked for others for years and I often felt that I was pushed to sell services, sell products, sell, sell, sell. This left me uncomfortable and my patients feeling like they were sold stuff they didn’t need which ultimately negatively affected my relationship to the medicine that I was practicing. I swore that if and when I opened my own practice I would always do what was right for the patient even if it meant less money for me. I promised to imagine every patient as a friend or family member and recommend only what I felt was best. This took a huge burden off of my shoulders and allowed me to develop a much deeper and trusting connection with my patients which leaves more room for healing. Read more>>

April Olshavsky | Customer Engagement

We value education. Every customer who comes through the door is treated like a “patient”. We listen to their concerns, assess their needs, and match them with products that can best help them. Read more>>