Stories That Move

Michelle Smith-Ledrew's fashion journey began with a childhood love of sketching outfits and creating "looks for less" in her small hometown of Mentone, Indiana. That spark of creativity eventually led her through the retail world, from managing high-volume stores in Florida to styling high-profile military clients near Washington DC. When life brought her back to Indiana in 2014, she recognized an opportunity in Warsaw's dynamic professional community—there wasn't a single boutique serving local women.Glam Boutique was born from this gap in the market, but Michelle's vision extended far beyond selling clothes. "My passion has become a movement to empower women by building confidence through fashion," she explains. "There really is power in a great outfit." She understands that women juggling careers, families, and community involvement often lose themselves in the process. Her boutique creates a space where women feel seen, valued, and reconnected with their authentic selves through thoughtfully curated fashion experiences.What truly distinguishes Michelle's approach is her dedication to fostering community rather than competition. "We've come to a space where now it's about building each other up," she reflects. This philosophy shines through her famous fashion galas, where she showcases women of all ages and body types from her clientele, many initially reluctant to participate but ultimately transformed by the experience. During the pandemic, this community focus became her lifeline, inspiring creative solutions like her "hug in a box" gift packages that kept her business afloat while supporting her staff.Looking ahead, Michelle is excited to be part of Warsaw's downtown revitalization, having recently purchased a building to establish more permanent roots. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs reflects her own journey: be passionate about what you do, be present in your business, and truly understand your customer. Visit Glam Boutique at 108 East Center Street or online at glampresents.com to experience firsthand how fashion can become a vehicle for empowerment, confidence, and community.FIND US ON THE SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamonstudios.ioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamOnStudios574LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamon-studios/

Jim Grant's remarkable journey from political scientist to sailing entrepreneur unfolds as a testament to curiosity, resilience, and the power of pursuing passion. As the founder of Sailrite, Jim transformed a simple solution to a personal problem—needing better sails for a competition—into a thriving family business that spans three generations.Growing up on Crooked Lake in Indiana, Jim developed an early affinity for boating and entrepreneurship, fixing outboard motors with his brother as teenagers. His path took unexpected turns, from being among the first American students to study abroad globally in the 1950s (where he encountered figures like Eleanor Roosevelt and the Pope) to teaching political philosophy at the university level.The genesis of Sailrite came when Jim, unable to get professional sails made in time for a national sailing competition, crafted his own—and placed third. This success led to writing instructional articles and manuals on sail construction, which evolved into a business providing materials and guidance for DIY enthusiasts. What began with sail kits expanded to "make your own canvas" projects, supported by durable sewing machines designed to last, unlike the disposable alternatives flooding the market.Jim's entrepreneurial spirit shines through in stories of running the business from an unheated barn in Indiana, starting a printing operation to produce manuals and catalogs, and continuously adapting to changing circumstances. Throughout it all, his philosophy remained consistent: "If it isn't fun, don't do it. Take a hobby and make it a life."Now a multi-million dollar enterprise led by the next generation, Sailrite continues to empower people to create with their hands. Jim's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? "Don't be discouraged by failure. Failure is a way to learn." His story reminds us that with persistence, adaptability, and genuine passion, we can build something meaningful that transcends our own time—turning what we love into a lasting legacy.FIND US ON THE SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamonstudios.ioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamOnStudios574LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamon-studios/

The difference between companies that retain top talent and those with revolving doors often comes down to one thing: a culture of belonging. In this illuminating conversation with workplace belonging expert Adam "Smiley" Pozwalski, we uncover why human connection has become the competitive advantage modern organizations can't afford to ignore.Smiley shares his journey from being the slowest but most enthusiastic runner on his high school cross-country team to becoming a globally recognized keynote speaker who's delivered 700 presentations across 25 countries. His path wasn't linear - after experiencing his own quarter-life crisis in a stable but unfulfilling government job, he took a risk by self-publishing a book that eventually sold 10,000 copies and launched his speaking career.The statistics he shares are compelling: 70% of Americans are disengaged at work, costing businesses $150 billion annually. Meanwhile, organizations that foster strong connections see dramatic improvements - 56% better job performance, 50% lower turnover risk, and 18 times more promotions. These numbers tell a clear story: belonging isn't just a nice-to-have, it's essential for business success.Particularly illuminating is Smiley's advice for creating cultures that resonate with younger generations. As the first smartphone generation, Gen Z brings different expectations around speed, mental health awareness, and personal growth opportunities. Yet their fundamental needs mirror what we all seek: to be seen, heard, and valued for who we are.Whether you're leading a global enterprise or building a startup, Smiley's practical guidance on treating "culture like a product" - something that constantly evolves and improves based on feedback - offers a roadmap for creating workplaces where people genuinely want to stay. Want to learn more? Join us at the Warsaw Growth Summit on November 6th, where Smiley will be delivering a keynote presentation on building cultures of belonging in our increasingly digital world.FIND US ON THE SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamonstudios.ioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamOnStudios574LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamon-studios/

What makes some organizations thrive for decades while others fade away after a promising start? Jesse Oxford, founder and creative director of Ox Creative, has spent years pondering this question—not just as the leader of a successful creative agency, but as someone fascinated by the intersection of longevity and impact.Jesse's creative journey began not with heavy metal (despite his joking claims about ACDC and Black Sabbath shaping his infant years) but with craft projects that provided a sense of belonging as he moved between eight different schools before eighth grade. These early experiences taught him how creativity could serve as a bridge when words failed, especially in unfamiliar environments. Later, through an internship at a Chicago megachurch, Jesse discovered filmmaking and began developing the skills that would eventually lead to founding his own creative agency.The most compelling revelation from our conversation comes from Jesse's current research project examining century-old nonprofit organizations. Working with Baylor University researchers, Jesse discovered approximately 7,000 nonprofits worldwide have survived for 100+ years. His investigation revealed six crucial principles these enduring organizations share, with perhaps the most fundamental being an enduring founding mission. "If your mission is built around something that may not last in a hundred years," Jesse explains, "you may need to revise it to be something that will still be a clear need without people questioning your identity every time there's a huge change or innovation."Throughout his career, Jesse has helped cause-based organizations harness creative storytelling to illuminate their work. He observed how innovative nonprofits like Invisible Children and TOMS pioneered film-based communication strategies while other established organizations struggled with outdated approaches. This experience informed Ox's mission to elevate nonprofit messaging to match the quality of profit-driven companies.For those feeling the pressure of instant success, Jesse offers sage wisdom: "Just because something isn't happening instantaneously doesn't mean anything's wrong." He points to Colonel Sanders starting KFC in his late 50s and Christopher Nolan directing Memento at 40 as reminders that meaningful impact often requires patience and persistence.Connect with Jesse on LinkedIn or follow @OxCreates on social media to learn more about his upcoming book "Here for Good" and discover how your organization can achieve both lasting endurance and meaningful impact.FIND US ON THE SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamonstudios.ioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamOnStudios574LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamon-studios/

What happens when your identity is shattered on national television? When strength fails you at the moment you need it most? For Angela Gargano, six-time American Ninja Warrior competitor, Miss Fitness America, and founder of the Pull-Up Revolution, that moment became the catalyst for her most meaningful work.Angela's path from biochemist to fitness icon wasn't linear or predictable. After college gymnastics, she found herself in a lab coat working on prostate cancer research, yet feeling lost without the structure and purpose sports had given her. That search for identity led her to fitness competitions, where persistence through countless failures eventually earned her the Miss Fitness America title.But it was her devastating ACL tear on American Ninja Warrior—a moment of public failure when she was at peak strength—that forced her to completely reimagine what resilience looks like. "I was flying through the course. I'm looking at the sidelines, seeing people who are OG Ninja Warriors being like 'who is this girl?'" Angela recalls. "And then I just remember completely blacking out." That rock-bottom moment became the foundation for what she now calls the RIGHT framework for navigating life's most challenging setbacks.The framework begins with giving yourself permission to feel pain rather than masking it. "Strong leaders and strong women, we mask. We don't want people to see that we're in pain," Angela shares. "But if you keep resisting feeling those things, you're going to get stuck." This vulnerability, combined with identifying what you can control and asking "what if it all goes right?" transformed her recovery and eventually became her message.Today, Angela's Pull-Up Revolution has helped thousands of women achieve what they once thought impossible, and her keynote speaking brings these lessons to audiences worldwide. Her story isn't just about physical comeback—it's about discovering that our deepest vulnerabilities often become our greatest platforms for impact. As she puts it, "It's so much less about actually making it to that destination... it's so much more about who you're becoming on that journey."Ready to redefine what's possible in your life or business? Join us at the Warsaw Growth Summit on November 6th where Angela will share her full framework for turning setbacks into comebacks.FIND US ON THE SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamonstudios.ioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamOnStudios574LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamon-studios/

What happens when artistry meets community service in a small Midwestern town? The story of Kira Lace Hawkins and the Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts reveals the extraordinary magic that unfolds when creativity takes root.Kira describes theater as "mental floss" that helps us see the world with fresh eyes—a perfect metaphor for the transformative work happening at this unique theater-in-the-round in Warsaw, Indiana. As the Outreach and Education Director, Kira nurtures both emerging talent and seasoned performers while building bridges throughout the community. From her conservatory classes that welcome everyone from second-graders to adults to professional summer productions that rival Broadway quality, her work epitomizes how the arts can become the heartbeat of a community.The Wagon Wheel's seemingly modest venue belies its outsized impact. With 836 seats circling performers in an intimate arena, productions require innovative staging solutions—actors crawl through underground tunnels nicknamed "Shawshank" and elaborate sets emerge from beneath the stage floor. But what truly distinguishes this organization is its legacy of launching careers. Alumni have gone on to perform on Broadway stages (including a current Eliza in Hamilton), creating a remarkable artistic pipeline between rural Indiana and the nation's theater capital.Kira's own journey weaves together unexpected threads. Growing up in a musical Minnesota family (the "Von Laces"), she found her way to Indiana after meeting her husband, whose fourth-generation family farm now operates alongside her theater career. This intersection of sustainable agriculture and performing arts creates a unique perspective on creativity—as her husband says, "the farm has truly become his symphony."With an exciting season ahead featuring Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, South Pacific, Sister Act, Steel Magnolias, and Grease, now is the perfect time to experience the Wagon Wheel's community-centered magic. Subscribe to their newsletter or visit wagonwheelcenter.org to discover how this nearly 70-year institution continues to prove that the arts aren't just entertainment—they're essential to helping us connect with our shared humanity.FIND US ON THE SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamonstudios.ioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamOnStudios574LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamon-studios/

In this conversation, Jesse Cody shares his journey from a successful athlete to founding Hike the Good Hike, an organization dedicated to promoting mental health through nature. He discusses his personal struggles with mental health, the impact of nature on well-being, and the importance of storytelling in inspiring others. A pivotal moment during his 40th birthday party led him to seek help and commit to change, emphasizing the power of community and love in the healing process. In this conversation, Jesse Cody shares his transformative journey from the restaurant industry to hiking the Appalachian Trail, highlighting the importance of self-discovery, mental health awareness, and the healing power of nature. He discusses the challenges of opening up about his struggles, the impact of childhood trauma, and the significance of taking small steps towards personal growth. Jesse emphasizes the need for community support and encourages others to share their stories as a means of healing.Keywords:mental health, hiking, storytelling, Jesse Cody, Hike the Good Hike, nature therapy, personal journey, mental health awareness, self-discovery, resilience, mental health, self-discovery, hiking, Appalachian Trail, personal growth, trauma, inspiration, nature, resilience, storytelling, Appalachian Trail, mental health, hiking, community, personal growth, nature, Hike the Good Hike, documentary, Jesse Cody, transformationhttps://www.hikethegoodhike.org/@hikethegoodhikeFIND US ON THE SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamonstudios.ioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamOnStudios574LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamon-studios/

In this conversation, Todd Elliott shares his journey from a childhood immersed in church activities to becoming the president of Fusion Productions and the founder of the FILO Conference.  He discusses the importance of building trust between tech teams and church leaders, the challenges faced by tech personnel, and the evolution of church productions. He shares insights on writing his book, the impact of technology on church services, and the need for authentic engagement in church missions. Todd emphasizes the significance of leadership in guiding tech teams and the potential of technology to enhance church outreach and community involvement.FILO Conference, church production, Todd Elliott, Fusion Productions, community, technical artists, nonprofit, AV, church leadership, encouragement, trust, technology, church production, leadership, communication, book writing, church events, tech advancements, community, future aspirationsFIND US ON THE SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamonstudios.ioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamOnStudios574LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamon-studios/

In this engaging conversation, director Corry Wiens shares his journey from making goofy high school films to becoming a successful filmmaker in Los Angeles. He discusses the importance of leadership in film production, emphasizing empowerment and collaboration. Corry also reflects on his significant move from Chicago to LA, driven by a desire to pursue his dreams in the entertainment industry. The conversation highlights his award-winning short film 'Defy the Odds,' which tells the inspiring story of Bill Lester, a trailblazing NASCAR driver. Corry shares insights into the challenges and experiences of filming, showcasing the passion and dedication behind his work. Keywordsfilmmaking, leadership, Defy the Odds, Bill Lester, Los Angeles, short film, production, creativity, empowerment, storytelling, NASCAR, filmmaking, short films, feature films, perseverance, challenges, creative problem solving, Bill Lester, Defy the Odds, film industryFIND US ON THE SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamonstudios.ioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamOnStudios574LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamon-studios/

In this episode of Stories That Move, hosts Matt Deuel and Alexis Grant, interview Tyler Thompson, a writer and executive producer of the hit series The Chosen. They explore Tyler's creative journey, his upbringing in a storytelling culture, and the early days of The Chosen's production. Tyler shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of bringing the series to life, the importance of humanizing biblical stories, and the impact of audience reception on the show's evolution. The discussion highlights the impact of personal experiences on creativity and the need for artists to engage with the world around them.KeywordsTyler Thompson, The Chosen, storytelling, filmmaking, creative journey, production, audience reception, biblical stories, writing, creativity, storytelling, The Chosen, character-driven, emotional connection, writing process, audience impact, future projects, unique perspectives, filmmaking, personal experiencesFIND US ON THE SOCIALS:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamonstudios.ioFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamOnStudios574LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dreamon-studios/