“My purpose, my mission statement is to create the landscape in which we celebrate this big, beautiful existence,” said Morgan Simkins, owner of Native Flower Company. Inside, that purpose is visible everywhere. Both the Liberty Wells shop and their Sugar House location are bright and beautiful, filled with color and movement, with a small, well curated collection of gift items tucked between lush plants and artful floral arrangements. 

“I ask myself this a thousand times a day - am I acting in good faith? Am I being honest, empathetic, forthright, grateful? That’s the rudder I steer my life with now, and it’s how we run our business too.” Jared Neiswender, owner of MOZZ, grew up in the suburbs outside Philadelphia. It is an area where New York commuters met hometown tradition, and where, at fourteen, he got his first job in a restaurant. “I’ve worked in restaurants my whole life,” he said, “but I never imagined they would become my path forward.”

“I like to say, ‘One mission, two locations.’” Tim Brown smiled as he spoke, the phrase capturing both the scope and the spirit of the organization he leads as President /CEO - Tracy Aviary in Liberty Park and the Nature Center at Pia Okwai along the Jordan River.

“There is a difference between eating and dining,” said Marco Stevanoni. “Dining is an art that is being lost, but it is an experience that brings people together.” This philosophy is at the heart of VENETO, the Italian restaurant he and his wife, Amy, opened in 2016 in Salt Lake City. Born out of a desire to create the kind of culinary journey they longed for but could not find locally, VENETO is more than just a restaurant; it is a deeply personal expression of their shared passions, backgrounds, and values.

“I grew up on a commercial orchard in Logan, Utah,” recalls Jennifer Felton, “where my grandpa, a professor of agriculture, instilled in me a love for old-school cooking.” This early immersion in traditional culinary arts, including baking and jam-making, laid the foundation for what would become Atomic Biscuit.

“I believe that a cup of coffee can bring us together, creating a sense of community and providing comfort,” Vi Tran shared. Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Vi’s roots in the culinary world run deep. Her family owned a restaurant for two decades, immersing her in the rhythms of the food industry from a young age. “I kind of just grew up in a restaurant and learned some of the ins and outs. I saw how much joy food could bring to people,” she recalled.

“I’ve always believed that taste has the power to transport us back to special times in our lives. When I lived in Taiwan and Hong Kong, I became deeply attached to the food, especially dumplings, and that craving stayed with me.”

“We want every woman who walks through our doors to feel like an absolute queen,” Marley McKenna says with a warm smile. Her voice is as confident as her vision for Revive Boutique, a place that has redefined the shopping experience in Salt Lake City. From its beginnings in 2020 during the height of the pandemic to its relocation in the vibrant Central 9th district in May 2024, Marley’s passion for accessible, high-quality fashion has made Revive a standout destination for locals and tourists alike.

“I always had this passion for cooking,” said Hudson Shorter, owner of Utah Knife Shop, reflecting on his roots in Salt Lake City. Born and raised here, Hudson’s culinary journey spans over two decades, ignited by an unforgettable experience while cooking for the French team during the 2002 Winter Olympics.

“I wanted Annata to feel like a place where anyone can come in and find something without any judgment,” shares Nicole Jensen, the visionary behind Annata Collective, a thoughtfully curated vintage shop in Salt Lake City’s Central City neighborhood. On sunny days, Nicole bikes to work with her loyal dog in tow - a touch her customers love and remember.

“A Genie’s Dream is all about unleashing your imagination and igniting the spark within,” Allison Gondoli says, her voice warm with enthusiasm. For this Salt Lake City native, her boutique is not just a shop, it is a manifestation of her philosophy on life, creativity, and connection. Allison always dreamed of creating a space where people could nurture their well-being while exploring the magic of self-expression. In 2024, she brought that dream to life by opening A Genie’s Dream in the heart of Salt Lake.

"My entire family is all about food. It's what our family revolves around." Manoli Katsanevas, owner of the eponymous Manoli’s as well as the less formal Paréa, was born and raised in the world of food. When he turned eighteen, he knew that he wanted to pursue a career in this field. Today, he has woven his Greek heritage into the culinary fabric of Salt Lake City, creating dining experiences that celebrate family, tradition, and exceptional cuisine.

"My entire family is all about food. It's what our family revolves around." Manoli Katsanevas, owner of the eponymous Manoli’s as well as the less formal Paréa, was born and raised in the world of food. When he turned eighteen, he knew that he wanted to pursue a career in this field. Today, he has woven his Greek heritage into the culinary fabric of Salt Lake City, creating dining experiences that celebrate family, tradition, and exceptional cuisine.

“When I was a baby, Tinker used to sleep with me in the crib. He lived to be twenty-two years old.” Lisa, originally from Las Vegas, was inspired by Japanese cat cafés and named her own shop, Tinker's Cat Café, after her beloved cat.

“Tea is about connection - connecting with yourself, with others, and with the world around you,” says Bradley Heller, reflecting on the philosophy that drives his beloved Salt Lake City establishment, Tea Grotto. Originally from a small farm in central Illinois, Bradley’s journey to becoming a tea shop owner was anything but conventional.

“We noticed there were some high-end shops in town and some budget-friendly ones, but nothing really in between - nothing really woman-owned at the time.” This insight from Danielle Bossert, one of the co-founders of Strawberry Mansion, captures the essence of what she and her sister, Josie, set out to create when they opened their shop in 2022. Set in a vibrant area of Salt Lake, Strawberry Mansion offers a carefully curated collection of furniture, art, pottery, lighting, and books, all echoing the sisters’ deep-rooted passion for design.

“I’ve always loved small treasures—those little things that bring joy into our lives. Owning a store where I can curate and share those special finds with others has been a dream of mine since I was thirteen.” 

“I came to Utah for school, but I stayed because I fell in love with the people, the environment, and the opportunities,” shared the inspiring restaurateur, Chanon Vanngam. Her journey from Thailand to the United States is as remarkable as the dishes she serves in her beloved Thai restaurant.