“I’m not a chef; I’m a pilot who just happens to love good food.” Pierre Vandamme laughs as he reflects on the winding path that brought him from Belgium to Salt Lake City - and to opening Bruges Belgian Bistro.

“I was born in Mexico, or at least my father liked to think that I was.” David Galvan, volunteer manager of Mestizo Coffeehouse begins his story smiling as he recalls his father holding him up as a child in their home in Utah and proudly proclaiming, “Who’s my beautiful Mexican baby?”

“This is my first interview ever,” Molly Mullane laughs, admitting her slight trepidation at sharing her story. As the owner of two Club Pilates studios in the Salt Lake City area, Molly’s journey from a small farm town in Indiana to becoming a fitness business owner is both inspiring and relatable.

“I grew up in this record store,” Sam Stinson begins, reflecting on a childhood steeped in the world of vinyl. “My brother and I had a little room here with a TV where we’d play, and watch shows while my parents ran the shop. I started working here when I was seven or eight, cleaning 45s. It’s been a lifelong journey.”

“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.”

“Jewelry is so much more than an adornment; it’s about sentimentality, connection, and the stories it carries,” shared Stacey Foster, owner of Mineral and Matter.

“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 thought it was every girl’s dream to open a bookstore,” Courtney Stookey, owner of Lovebound Library, recalls with a smile. Moving from Washington State to Utah at the age of thirteen, she always harbored a passion for books. Yet, it was not until the pandemic that she discovered romance novels, realizing they offered a mix of escape, emotional depth, and even comfort.

“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.

“I’m a preservationist of history. Every piece here has a story.” Capital City Antique Mall, a cornerstone of Salt Lake’s antique scene since its opening during the summer of 1999, is more than just a store to Ralene Barton; it is a living museum. Ralene, the shop’s third owner, has been part of the store’s journey since she became a dealer in 2011.

"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.

“I never thought I’d come back to Salt Lake, but life has its twists and turns.” Romina Rasmussen had traveled the world, living in Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Taipei, Hong Kong, Miami, and New York City. In 2003, however, life brought her back to her hometown of Salt Lake City. What began as an unexpected detour turned into the foundation of a long and successful career as one of the city’s most revered pastry chefs.

“Alan Galeano is the kind of person everyone should have in their life,” says Jonas Piraquive, co-owner, and manager of Mi Buena Vida. Jonas and Alan's shared vision goes beyond delicious food - creating a space where customers feel at home, and employees are valued. It is, therefore, not surprising that this vibrant Mexican restaurant quickly became a community favorite in Salt Lake City since its opening in December 2022.

"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.

“I was born with a paintbrush in my hand, right out of my mom's belly.” Marla Hart’s artistic journey to the opening of Art Heart began early, infused with the rich colors of her Mexican, Italian, and Indigenous heritage.

“Kahve means coffee in Turkish,” Elif Ekin said with a warm smile, introducing the heart of her cafe’s name. Born in Adana, a small city in southeastern Turkey, Elif’s story is one of deep cultural roots, migration, and a love for creating community.

“The best part of being here is knowing we’re building something lasting,” shared Anne Holman, current owner of The King’s English Bookshop. “It is a space where people can browse, connect, and discover. Bookstores like ours help us all see the world a bit more clearly.”

“I wanted Mochi Kids to be more than just a store. It’s a way to connect with families, to celebrate culture, and to give back to the community that supports us,” shares Amanda Stewart, the founder of Mochi Kids.