Seanloui Dumas is a man of many talents. From performing music and building a studio in his home to organizing cultural events showcasing the talent of Arizona's Black community, he seldom takes a break. Learn about his passions and the launch of Black Renaissance, a unique Arizona experience originating in Tucson elevating the culture of Black artists.

Kevin Lebron has been cooking food in some of Phoenix's most well known restaurants for years. Ever been to the Windsor? You've likely eaten from Kevin's talent. Getting their start through Local First's Community Kitchen in Mesa, Arizona, hear about Kevin and his wife Maria's journey bringing Pachamama to farmers markets and a brick and mortar location showcasing their vegan cuisine.

Located in the heart of downtown Tucson on Congress Street, Hotel Congress is a staple to the community and an Arizona landmark. While things have changed over the years, the art, entertainment, food and beverage, and culture hasn't faded at all. Not only that, but Hotel Congress is tackling environmental opportunities through electric vehicle adoption in Local First's Scale Up program. Hear Todd Hanley share how the company has offered a place to stay, eat and enjoy music to tourists and residents alike while innovating along the way.

What do you picture when entering a laundromat? Christy Johnson Moore knew that most laundormats don't create a welcoming environment that benefits those using the services, and she set out to change that. Hear Christy's story as a social worker and entrepreneur committed to solving a problem through launching a social impact business.

Jason Marino has traveled the world capturing moments from weddings to corporate events through his photography business. Before settling in Kingman, Arizona he was flown to Guyana and other parts of the world. Hear about his passion for delivering high-quality experiences and products to everyone he works with.

"Millions still unemployed, the aid's not enough." In March 2020, you'd be more likely to expect David Tyda to be sharing about the great weather we'd be seeing before his upcoming pizza festival in Gilbert than reporting on congressional legislation. But a global pandemic will change that. As a long-time festival organizer in The Valley, David is more well known for bringing us together with tacos, french fries, and donuts. Hear about his own pivot (he said it, not us), and what the future of events may look like for Arizona.

Ginger Flaherty has been involved in the wine industry for years, but didn't know her love for it would bring her to the mountain town of Jerome, Arizona. From views of the landscapes of Sedona, to the unique experience of spending a day or two in town, VinoZona gives visitors and residents of Arizona a true taste of why our state has a lot to be proud of.

When visualizing a "family-owned" business, what comes to mind? Add Del Sol Furniture to your list moving forward. The Macias family has been committed to community for years, including contributing to the launch of Fuerza Local, Local First Arizona's initiative providing education and assistance to Latino entrepreneurs. Hear from Alex Macias on how his family's business grew to be a Valley-wide staple and an ideal option when looking to furnish your home.

For a catering business that has relied on special events and in-person dining, there's no guessing that the Covid19 pandemic took a hit to Bruce Brown. But giving in would not be an option. Participating in unique community programs including "Feed Phoenix", hear firsthand from a business that has battled the ongoing challenges of the economic crisis and forced his company to adapt and persevere.

Tucson, Arizona is arguably the city full of the most pride in our state. From quirky businesses in funky buildings to international recognition as a City of Gastronomy, it's no wonder why those transplanting or growing up in Tucson love their home. When Julie Bonner moved to Tucson she immediately felt that connection and launched her business, Julie Originals. Get to know an artist and business based in the "Old Pubelo" and how her surroundings and love for her community drive her inspiration.

How do you connect with your community digitally? With the rise in social media and technology, it's easy to be disconnected rather than closer to others. Tony and Adrian launched Local Buzz to solve that problem. Hear their entrepreneurial journey, commitment to community, and work being done to shine a light on the diversity in Arizona.

Have you stood on a corner in Winslow Arizona? While The Eagles may have written a catchy phrase in a popular song that gave a small town worldwide recognition, it's the people within Winslow driving the uniqueness forward. Meet Brian Law from Motor Palace Mercantile - a storyteller, bike rider, and business owner who will invite you in and make you feel right at home in one of Arizona's smaller towns.

7th Ave or Northern Ave? For 60 years the Valdivia's restaurants, Los Compadres, delivered comfort Mexican food out of two well-known locations in The Valley. After venturing from Globe/Miami years ago, the family's recipes took many shapes and forms in different corners of the state. Monica Valdivia-Merenda has now taken the reigns of the Los Compadres legacy. From dining in to farmers markets, hear how she's adapted the business and continued carrying forward the food so many people have come to love.

As the Covid19 pandemic disrupted our everyday lives, small businesses that relied on foot traffic and visitors shuttered and were forced to adapt. A staple of downtown Phoenix, FilmBar was no outlier. Hear Kelly Aubey's journey experiencing the development of an ever-changing downtown, what his small theater's role in that may or may not have been, and how his business was forced to persevere through a year of incredible challenges.

Only 2% of the teaching population are Black men. When Drew Shaw got his start in education, he wasn't sure what it would lead to, but knew he had a responsibility to give back to the community. Little did he know that would lead to writing children's books and manufacturing socks. Learn how Drew took the leap from teaching to entrepreneurship, and how he continues to influence others to consider the social impact of their daily lives.

8 years ago, Jacob Meltzer and his business partner set out to disrupt the traditional model of how you get a haircut. Rather than a sterile environment and being rushed through, what if you looked forward to going back to getting trimmed? Keep it Cut has expanded to multiple locations throughout Greater Phoenix through a monthly membership format. Hear Jacob's journey, how they're committed to everyone who walks in the door and the community, and get a taste of the different environment they bring to Arizona - all through haircutting.

Ashley La Russa has been planning events for years in Tucson, Arizona. And as a Black Woman-Owned business, her call to provide a voice for others has developed into an inspiring venture. Blax Friday was launched in the summer of 2020 as the only directory of Black-owned businesses in Arizona and quickly grew to nearly 700 businesses across the state. Get introduced to Ashley's passion for courageous conversations, uplifting voices that have been suppressed, and bringing the community together to learn, grow and inspire each other.

Real Estate Development. Intimidated? Bored yet? Let's stop you right there. Ashely Harder launched her small-scale adaptive-reuse-focused development company 10 years ago with a focus on contributing to building a more vibrant and unique environment throughout Phoenix. Discover her commitment to redefining what development can actually be, the opportunity the city has to showcase any creative development projects that make us unique, and the need for more residents to activate in their neighborhoods to build the future of the community we want.

Middle Eastern Dance (commonly referred to as Belly Dancing) has a deep history in its development across the world. Did you know how diverse and active the community sharing this special form of artistic dance is in Greater Phoenix? Meet Mahin Sciacca, owner of One World Dance Studio, a life long dancer and career dance instructor as she paints the story of the Phoenix Middle Eastern Dance community, the welcoming environment she creates through her studio in Midtown Phoenix, and how she's committed to sharing what she loves with everyone in Arizona.

Meet Eddie Hantas, owner & Chef Kelton of Hummus Xpress. Kelton may be new to the team, having joined the in May, but agrees with Eddie who says, "It's like a lab at Hummus Xpress. An abundant experience... It's a lot of fun to be around all of these fresh veggies!" Eddie hails from Lebanon and lived in Michigan before embarking on an adventure to the wild West of Arizona to escape the cold winters. In 2002, he honed his skills in the kitchen working at a local Tempe pizza spot, Gus' Pizza. Hummus Express blends traditional meals of Lebanon with a few twists (like Mexican peppers) to make it special. "It's a lot of family recipes - just like mom makes it - so it's really personal to me." To commemorate the 15th anniversary of Arizona Fall Fest, we're bringing you local stories from those who will be celebrating with us on Nov. 2nd! www.localfirstaz.com/fall-festival