Introducing Rock Star Millennial Holly Edwin

Since Varinka Ensminger liked to drive fast cars, shoot guns, tackle bad guys and protect victims, she started her career as a police officer, before becoming a detective & Special Operations Command Leader. Her job? “Support special operators around the world who protect our national security mission and keep us safe.”

If you were raised in Italy, had parents from Bangladesh and had a heart for women in South Africa, where would you begin? If you're Urmi Hossain you bloom where you're planted—Quebec, Canada. Although she works her 9-5 job in the financial industry, Urmi's most important work happens from 5-9 when she mentors, blogs and leads workshops to empower women around the world.

Can you believe we're in Season 5 of Rock Star Millennials podcasts? To celebrate that milestone we're visiting with 5 past podcast guests to remember where they started and see where they're going. Join us for this special 1-hour episode taped in front of a live studio audience!

Wendy Callupe started her fashion career in LA and NY before founding Minted Media Productions in Chicago. Her large-scale fashion events include entertainment and feature people of color and indigenous designers. Her counsel to others? “You're never too young or too old and no dream is ever too big.”

When Amy Suprunowski describes her work of supporting the development of adults with disabilities she says it's simply “people embracing people.” As the Marketing & Events Coordinator for the Community Workshop & Training Center her purpose is simple: helping her clients be the most independent person they can be.

When Dierdre Barnes started her self-love journey as a young Mom with 2 littles, she didn't know it would lead her to open a candle-making business, become a facilitator of self-love candle-making workshops or be a leader who inspires other women to FLY-First Love Yourself.

What does Renae Kerrigan hope to accomplish in her role as the Curator of Science & Planetarium Director at the Peoria Riverfront Museum? It's simple. Educate people on the rarity of our planet, inspire them to protect it and in turn… make life better for the people in her orbit.

When she started a school newspaper in fifth grade, Jennifer Kyulule knew she was destined to share others' stories. As the CEO of Marketing Blueprint she does just that, using websites and social media to promote her clients' brands, tell their stories... and grow their businesses.

Danielle Scarzello didn't just step into a world of entrepreneurs—she jumped! As a project manager for the gener8tor venture capital firm, Danielle is a coach, an encourager and most of all a connector among entrepreneurs and investors. Her favorite part of the job? Being an advocate for people with passion and purpose… who are changing the world.

When you're the founder & CEO of a smart irrigation company at 17, what's next? For Khushi Shah it's being a student at Harvard, MIT and Northeastern while running her business, pitching investors, working on a book and a movie and exploring global applications of a technology she created to reduce cost, preserve water and most importantly… inspire other young minds.

As you enjoy time with family and friends this holiday season, I hope you make lots of new memories and share some memories from days gone by that you cherish the most. Whoever you're celebrating with today here's a little gift to pass on that will fill someone's heart...and fill yours.

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As a military veteran and someone who grew up in a family of 15, Elonda Whitfield was no stranger to hard work. This mother of 4 started her own specialty concrete contracting company to provide for her family and make beautiful things for others. What's next? Teaching other women around the world how they can do their own work…and run their own business.

When Malaya Curtis decided to move her hair braiding and make up artistry business from Atlanta to Peoria, she also made a choice to put her health and family first. Her love for entrepreneurs led her to a new role as the Community Concierge for Distillery Labs--a place where she can grow her business... and help other entrepreneurs grow theirs.

When Krystal Stegmaier published her book "Captivating Creations: Seasons," she had one goal in mind--helping women find freedom and purpose within their faith and life struggles. Through her personal coaching and book study groups she helps women discover their own path forward and understand how they are uniquely qualified for the journey.

Whether she's working with a client who imports high-end chocolate and wants to keep it from melting in transport or working with a German travel accessory company that wants to distribute through retailers in the U.S., Paola LaManna has found her purpose and passion in solving business issues by managing logistics. Her discovery? One company's problem is another company's puzzle…just waiting to be solved.

If you're the 4th generation owner of the family's electrical contracting company with a degree in business and construction management, what else do you need? Well if you're Emily Jacob Rudesill, you add a 5-year electrical apprentice program to understand the people and the business… from the ground up.

As a life and business coach, author, podcast host and serial entrepreneur, Kisha Woods supports others on their transformation journey as they become the best version of themselves. Along the way she reminds us, "It's never too late to elevate."

Dr. Shaleigh approaches her practice every day with a singular focus: Expect Miracles. When you do you will see them every day. Whether she's caring for a patient who is one day old or 96 years old she knows that helping them live happier, healthier lives is really impacting generations...one person at a time.

Of all the businesses to start, why choose catering? For Gabi Thompson it was simple. If food is your love language, hustle is your game and serving is your passion… then hospitality is your industry. Whether she's cooking for local school children, the national guard or families in the community, Gabi's work provides more than a hot meal. It brings joy…and comfort…and hope.

From intensive care to neonatal to family practice Cori Jahns was a nurse who wanted to do more. So she became a nurse practitioner, opened her own clinic and focused on wellness- helping patients prevent illness instead of treating it. Her greatest joy? Watching her patients transform physically and emotionally. Priceless.

When her clients ask "What if I fail?" Melissa Entzminger responds "What if you fly?" As a Public Speaking Coach, she uses tools and techniques to help clients step into their power and achieve their dreams. Her counsel? Think bigger. Your work can make the world a better place. For her free e-book, go to https://beautiful-art-42260.myflodesk.com/uxmri1sq3d

How does a chiropractor who owns his own practice make time for his patients, his team, his 4 children and international mission trips with his wife? If we take a tip from Dr. Bryne Willey, it's simple-align your work with your values: faith, family, fun and freedom.

Who would buy one business to prove their concept for a second one? Josie Tayllor Wells, owner of a boutique hotel and founder of Social Society. Her goal? Give business owners confidence to be creative, change the conversation and use social media to showcase who they are as they grow their business. In short, she helps them all to shine.

If you have a 9 to 5 job that lacks creativity and flexibility and you've thought about starting your own business, you're not alone. Sara Heider had been dreaming about starting a business--one she enjoyed that also worked with her family life. She found both when she created Shei Style and learned she could have success… and live her dream.

When she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 33, Lindsay Vlaminck knew her life was about to change. What she didn't know was she would start a rowing team of breast cancer survivors, create a non-profit to support that team and inspire others and then open a nursing practice that helps survivors navigate their health journey with confidence, compassion and caring.

From banker to salon owner to mentor and founder of an inspirational non-profit, Michelle Bohm has known many hurdles but few boundaries. More importantly, she's helped others do the same. Why? Your ideas are yours for a reason. Explore them because you never know what that idea might become and the impact you could have… on others.

What's the secret to being a mother of 4, a coach and community advocate while running the family pizza restaurant and starting a 3-D printing company that produces custom cosmetics? For Caroline LaHood, it's simple. Throw off the mantle of perfection and do what you love with the people you love.

As Laura Cullinan traveled her path of becoming a Chicago attorney, wife, mother and the Executive Director of the Gilmore Foundation she found a constant thread woven through it all-gratitude. Her counsel? No matter where you're starting, keep moving and you'll find yourself where you're meant to be.

As the Director of Care Coordination and Systems Development at the University of Illinois-Chicago's Division of Specialized Care for Children, Dr. Molly Hofmann wears many hats. She's worked in emergency rooms, at clinics for abused children and with caregivers who serve children with tracheotomies and ventilators. Her mission is simple: Partner. Help. Connect.

What do you get when you mix 4 doctors, organic coffee and health supplements? Well, if you're Faith Valenti you get the makings for a business called Smart Owl Coffee, a line of organic coffees infused with vitamins and supplements designed to improve cognition, creativity, digestion and sleep. Smart indeed!

If you've dreamt of living on a farm and owning a clothing boutique, how do you blend the two? Well, if you're Jaden Hansen you work three jobs--become a farm wife, manage another farm to learn the business and open an online boutique for the rural living lifestyle…and you call it Rural Rose.

Lindsey Kirk isn't your average jewelry maker. She's a ladysmith who uses ancient tools and metal smith techniques to melt metals and pour them into clay and sand molds to craft her one-of-a -kind jewelry. Her purpose? It's more than making beautiful jewelry. It's making sure people know… they're cared for.

Changing mindsets from losing weight to gaining strength was the focus for Ashley Davis when she became a gym owner. Her goal? Give women a place to be seen and known and celebrated as they become stronger in mind and body. Why? Sometimes the best life you can have is the one you had zero idea you were meant for.

If you think a guitar is just a musical instrument, think again. To Michael Kuzma the invention of a self-playing guitar has been a creative and collaborative project. He has paired his engineering ability and musical talent to design a self-playing guitar that is full of purpose...and passion...and potential.

This holiday season, I'd ask you to take a few minutes all to yourself....to relax, restore and rejuvenate as you recall holidays past and prepare for the ones ahead. In that quiet time of reflection, I hope you'll find joy and peace as you cherish the fond memories you have... and look forward to the new ones you'll be making.

On her way to becoming an ag lab manager and genetic scientist, Molly Richeson knew her mind was her way out of poverty. She also learned that living authentically and being good to yourself were lessons that impacted her as a writer, a scientist, a researcher and a Mom.

Born in Guernsey, educated in England and Australia, Gemma Long now calls America home. Her international PR firm keeps her traveling while her longing to serve small businesses and families in need keeps her grounded in central IL. What allows her to manage it all? Words of wisdom from a dear friend, "spend more time doing less."

When Alexa Hoffman started her career in fashion design in NY with companies like Reebok and Free People, she found she wanted more....more of the things that mattered. So she founded Alevan Botanica to help people discover mindful rituals, establish daily routines, reduce stress and relieve pain...naturally.

Did you ever wonder what role a physical building could play in a child's education or how a structural design could empower a teacher? Kelsey Jordan did. And the answers to those questions have prompted her work as an architect and educational planner to design schools that impact more than learning....they impact lives.

When she left L.A. to start her career Diana Wilson didn't know her children's allergies would lead her to create luxury hair care products that were safe for her family, clean for consumers and internationally acclaimed in the fashion world. Her lesson learned? Some of the most amazing experiences and adventures are borne from less-than-ideal circumstances. Embrace it all.

Working at Rush Medical in Chicago may have been daunting to some but not Deborah Daniels. She built on that experience, became a Nurse Practitioner, taught other young nurses and started her own practice. Why? Part of medicine is trouble shooting and finding the best solutions to help patients feel better about themselves and more equipped to live their life and their purpose.

When Joyce Day opened her Wellness Studio, she wanted to work with women who had tried exercise, massage, physical therapy and chiropractic care, yet were still in constant pain. Her goal? To listen to each woman, identify the true source of pain, create a healing plan involving connective tissue and alignment and give her an alternative solution that restored movement and hope…and joy.

When Midwest Food Bank started on a family farm 20 years ago, the founders didn't foresee providing $415 million worth of food through 330 agencies serving 90,000 people a year. How do they do it? Listen as Audrey Kamm shares their philosophy of being faithful with what they have, being open to what is next and being willing to meet the current need...one day at a time.

After you've spent 10 years singing at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Madison Square Garden, performing with the New York Philharmonic, James Taylor, YoYo Ma and Martin Short, what's next? Well, if you're Jennifer Rosa you're taking the stage in a new role, advocating for neuro diverse children and using your voice to help others find theirs.

If you've ever had a child who doesn't sleep, you may think ever sleeping again is a pipedream. Melissa Perry was one of those Moms and when she figured out a process that worked for her child, she shared it. And soon Cradle Coach was born, empowering parents to restore sleep, rebuild marriages and revive joy in families…all around the world.

As a former Youth Pastor, husband and father of 4 who homeschools his children, David Bell had a vision for the business he wanted to create. He wanted to develop leaders and provide physical and financial health. To David, Lifeline to Health isn't just the name of his business. It's been his life's work.

What's the common denominator to owning coffee shops, being a ceramic artist, running an art gallery and becoming a divorce coach? For Katie VandenBerg that central force is curiosity, mixed with a strong desire to connect people, appreciate nature, build community and above all, focus forward.

Whether you're a seasoned leader or an emerging one, the practice of knowing your people and working proactively to support them is one of the most positive things you can do for your team, your culture and your business. And the return on your investment? Engagement, creativity and loyalty. Priceless.

As a college athlete studying physical therapy, Taylor Leontios had an opportunity to work with pro athletes which she thought would be her dream job. Instead, she found her passion was helping the most severely injured patients regain their most basic skills and realize their biggest dream—living independently.

Since the day he was born with Cerebral Palsy and not expected to survive, Sam Miller has been beating the odds. His book "I'm Possible" recounts his journey from surviving to thriving with a disability and his coaching circles challenge others to move from dreaming to doing and making the impossible, possible.