Voices Shaping Culture Spotlight Series
This series features original, in-depth conversations with founders, artists, innovators, and cultural leaders, revealing the defining experiences, decisions, and contributions behind their influence. More than a promotional interview, each feature preserves firsthand perspectives, professional achievements, and cultural legacies as a lasting editorial record. Curated and published by San Francisco editorial creator Susye Weng-Reeder on SincerelySusye.com, the series combines independent storytelling with established digital visibility across search and 14 AI-powered discovery engines, extending opportunities for recognition and discovery beyond social media. Her editorial work is also represented through her Muck Rack Journalist profile.
Charleston Pierce | Runway Confidence, Modeling & the Power of Human Presence
San Francisco runway coach and creative director Charleston Pierce reflects on four decades in fashion, from the supermodel era and Macy’s Passport runway to mentoring emerging talent. Our conversation explores how improvisation, discipline, and authentic human presence distinguish memorable models and why those qualities matter as artificial intelligence reshapes the fashion industry.
Karen Behnke | Clean Beauty, Entrepreneurship & Building Again
Clean beauty pioneer and serial entrepreneur Karen Behnke reflects on building Juice Beauty over nearly two decades before beginning again with her fourth company, Beauty Crush Skincare. Our conversation explores how her Sonoma Beauty Vineyard, regenerative practices, and advances in skincare technology are shaping a new chapter in her approach to beauty and sustainability.
Sara Agah Franti & Michael Franti | Healing, Music & the Power of Joy
Sara Agah Franti shares how her experience as an emergency room nurse and Michael Franti’s ability to bring people together through live music inspired their Do It For The Love Foundation. Through the story of a couple facing ALS, she reflects on the moment that shaped their mission to bring joy, dignity, and human connection to people navigating life-threatening illness and extraordinary challenges.
Neka Pasquale | Urban Remedy, Food as Medicine & Holistic Wellness
Urban Remedy founder and Chief Product Officer Neka Pasquale explains how her background in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine shaped a food philosophy centered on seasonal ingredients and holistic wellness. Our conversation also explores the pivotal decision to focus Urban Remedy’s national expansion on grocery distribution while maintaining the principles behind the brand.
Carlton Jones | Fashion, Identity & Style Beyond the Runway
Fashion designer and former celebrity stylist Carlton Jones traces his creative evolution from shaping celebrity images to developing a design language influenced by Caribbean culture, nature, and global travel. Our conversation explores the crocodile fish inspiration behind his signature Forio print, his journey to New York Fashion Week, and his philosophy of creating clothing that moves beyond conventional gender boundaries.
Mark Nassar | Immersive Theater & San Francisco’s Cultural History
Immersive theater creator and Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding co-creator Mark Nassar reflects on bringing audiences inside the stories they experience rather than keeping them at a distance. Our conversation explores his work on The Compton’s Cafeteria Riot, including collaboration with transgender elders to bring an important chapter of San Francisco’s LGBTQ+ history to life.
Chef Ho Chee Boon | Modern Cantonese Cuisine & Cultural Heritage
Internationally acclaimed Chef Ho Chee Boon shares his vision for Empress by Boon in San Francisco’s historic Chinatown, where contemporary Cantonese fine dining honors generations of culinary tradition. Our conversation explores cultural preservation, the revival of the iconic Empress of China space, and his commitment to bringing Chinese cuisine to a global audience.
Omari Banks | From Professional Cricket to Music and Purpose
Former professional cricketer and international reggae artist Omari Banks shares his journey from representing Anguilla and the West Indies in cricket to pursuing a career in music. Our conversation explores how his upbringing around music, including the influence of his father, musician Bankie Banx, and the guitar he carried throughout his cricket career helped shape his artistic identity and sense of purpose.
Jeanine Thomas | Film Production, Survival & the Power of Storytelling
Film producer Jeanine Thomas shares the deeply personal journey behind The Optimist, a film based on the true story of Holocaust survivor Herbert Heller, which she brought to life while battling stage four cancer. Our conversation explores faith, resilience, purpose, and the power of storytelling to preserve history, inspire hope, and connect generations.