“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.

“We wanted to create a brand that felt approachable,” Britney recalls. Sarah Duke and Britney Beardmore first met in Utah in 2010, drawn together by a shared love for adventure. Sarah, originally from Illinois, and Britney, from Texas, connected over skiing, hiking, and rock climbing before forging a business partnership that would blend their expertise and passions into something extraordinary.

“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.

“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.

“Our goal was to create something where we would want to work together,” Chris and Tricia Malstrom, the dynamic duo behind Malstrom Salon, stated. There is no doubt that they have succeeded in creating a haven for their clients, blending artistry and dedication. Their journey together began as teenagers when they met on the back steps of Jordan High School in the late 1980s. Their bond, forged in those early years, has only grown stronger over the decades, both personally and professionally.

“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.