Brilliant Cuts

Interviews & stories packed with entrepreneurial, artistic, and human spirit. Because we believe in welcoming & celebrating all people, making jewelry that cultivates genuine connection, being good to one another, and laughing (a lot!) — every step of the way.

Connie Wohn, event producer extraordinaire and active community member, tells us, “I've always...
Connie Wohn, event producer extraordinaire and active community member, tells us, “I've always had this conversation about politics in my brain and my heart and my interests.” Upon that reflection, her mission to “help Portland rebuild, reclaim, and re-energize” in a more equitable way came into view.
Style activist, Judith Rizzio, recounts developing her passion as a girl growing up in...
Style activist, Judith Rizzio, recounts developing her passion as a girl growing up in the '60's. “Early on, like most kids, I wanted to fit in. If I wanted anything extra, anything fun, it was on me, so if I wanted all the latest styles, I needed to work hard, and sew it myself. That’s when I realized, the joy and passion I have, for clothes, and the beauty they bring.”
As the owner of Coral Story Beauty, Morning Dove Barranger recalls the journey it...
As the owner of Coral Story Beauty, Morning Dove Barranger recalls the journey it took to get there. “The 'story' part of the name is in it because everybody has their own journey, and my whole business started because of an unexpected journey I went on. When I think about a coral reef, it’s an ecosystem that creates a community. That’s the beauty part.”

Lindsey Murphy has been a whirlwind force in the Portland community, known around...

Lindsey Murphy has been a whirlwind force in the Portland community, known around town for her YouTube presence, hosting TEDx, being named 40 under 40 in Portland Business Journal, and more. “For 10 years, I lived from the outside in and it didn't work. And now I live from the inside out, and it is everything. And people are longing to know how to do it.”
Bar Norman is a dual personal triumph for Dana Frank. For the first...
Bar Norman is a dual personal triumph for Dana Frank. For the first time, she gets to work for herself without being the centerpiece.
With her personal touch, wardrobe stylist Scarlet Chamberlin aims to make clients...
With her personal touch, wardrobe stylist Scarlet Chamberlin aims to make clients feel seen and cared for – they might simply want change yet may have no clue what that change is. Scarlet is the detective that finds the clues.

Darshanpreet Gill isn't afraid of standing up for what's right. In a fight for education...

Darshanpreet Gill isn't afraid of standing up for what's right. In a fight for education funding, she bravely goes against the school board to teach her students a lesson on courage.
As a rabbi, Rachel Joseph has the great privilege of holding space for people, being...
As a rabbi, Rachel Joseph has the great privilege of holding space for people, being let into people's lives in difficult moments, and helping them find and make meaning.
When she was just 11 years old, Joanne Bland marched on the Selma Bridge...
When she was just 11 years old, Joanne Bland marched on the Selma Bridge that Bloody Sunday. Mrs. Bland has spent her life fighting for freedom and preserving Black milestones in American history.

Sita Symonette provides more than acupuncture; her practice restores access to a medicine made...

Sita Symonette provides more than acupuncture; her practice restores access to a medicine made inaccessible to far too many people, beyond just a particular well-off white community.

Helen Leong helps build community for LGBTQ+ elders by vetting queer-friendly housing and hosting...

Helen Leong helps build community for LGBTQ+ elders by vetting queer-friendly housing and hosting community events like parties, group activities, and socials.
Rebecca Biederman helps people slow down enough to hear what their bodies are telling...
Rebecca Biederman helps people slow down enough to hear what their bodies are telling them. “Self care is a way of communicating with yourself.”

She holds 9 Oregon state weightlifting records, but Mira Kwon Gracia believes that a...

She holds 9 Oregon state weightlifting records, but Mira Kwon Gracia believes that a stronger body is only an added bonus. The real work is what happens internally.

Ciara Pressler launched Pregame after dreaming of a community where business owners would feel...

Ciara Pressler launched Pregame after dreaming of a community where business owners would feel less alone and a place entrepreneurs could get good, sound business advice.

Erin Timmins’ purpose is to build a community of people that are compassionate, creative,...

Erin Timmins’ purpose is to build a community of people that are compassionate, creative, excited to serve others, and excited to serve each other – through coffee.
Meet Jill Kuehler and Molly Troupe of Freeland Sprits, a woman-owned distillery in an...
Meet Jill Kuehler and Molly Troupe of Freeland Sprits, a woman-owned distillery in an industry dominated by men.