AUTHORS & ENTREPRENEURS

Ryan Hawkins is a dedicated growth hacker, specializing in empowering startups and small businesses to thrive in competitive markets. Leveraging innovative, data-driven strategies, Ryan uncovers untapped growth opportunities for these businesses, helping them stand up to larger competitors. His focus isn't on personal success but on the milestones achieved by the businesses he serves, underscoring his belief that every small enterprise can punch above its weight with the right strategies.
Tyler Maldonado is an accomplished entrepreneur with a unique blend of strategic perspective and hands-on operational experience. He is known for his broad understanding of the startup ecosystem, having created, nurtured, and successfully exited a tech startup in the early stages of his career. Now, as a sought-after startup advisor, Tyler brings his multifaceted experience and pragmatic insights to help emerging companies navigate through the complex world of entrepreneurship. His guidance has been instrumental in the growth and success of numerous ventures across various industries. Still, he maintains a low profile, letting his work and the accomplishments of those he advises speak volumes. Despite his impressive career, Tyler remains a perpetual learner and an advocate for innovation and creativity in business.
Mason Brown is a dedicated health enthusiast and fitness expert. Known by some as a "health nut" or a "fitness fanatic," Mason has spent years researching and studying what it means to live a healthy lifestyle in the modern age. He practices what he preaches and is committed to staying up-to-date on the latest health and diet trends. With his extensive knowledge and expertise, Mason is able to effectively debunk internet health fads and offer proven solutions to those seeking a healthier way of life.
Staff writer at discoverGREY covering topics that matters to our audience with insightful and easy to read content.
Emily Wright is a modern relationship guru focused on helping busy entrepreneurs find love and build fulfilling relationships. With years of experience and a passion for all things love-related, Emily has become a trusted voice for those looking to navigate the complexities of dating and relationships while juggling a busy career. Her practical advice and tips are designed to help people find love and build strong, healthy relationships that complement their professional lives. When she's not writing, you can find Emily exploring the world of dating and romance firsthand, while keeping up with the latest relationship trends and research.
Gabriel Mitchell is a seasoned health and fitness coach known for his holistic approach to well-being. Through his own practices, Gabriel embodies the philosophy of "practicing what you preach," maintaining personal health and fitness at the forefront of his life. His unique expertise lies in assisting busy individuals, particularly the younger demographic, to achieve and sustain a balance of physical fitness and mental clarity amidst their demanding schedules. With a blend of innovative strategies and compassionate coaching, Gabriel is transforming lives by fostering healthier lifestyles without compromising professional ambitions.
Nick has been a published writer for the past twenty years for many entertainment magazines and newspapers. He was the editor of the niche magazine Mob Candy Magazine for seven years. Nick has also appeared on the mob documentary “Mafia Killers w. Colin McLaren” on the cable channel REELZ. His knowledge of the underworld is extensive and not only for his research but because he knew many of these individuals growing up. He has published three books so far: “Destinies” (a fictional mob story) which was published by Austin Macauley a London / New York based publisher, "Prison Rules" which he co-authored with ex-mobster John Alite, and "Godfathers of the Night, In the Shadow of the Mafia" put out under his company Nick Christophers Ink Corp.
Samuel Green is a well-respected tech reviewer known for guiding startups to align with the right technology. His deep tech understanding and business acumen enable him to provide precise, actionable insights, helping startups optimize operations and foster scalable growth. Samuel's tech reviews stand out for their depth and accuracy, earning him a trusted reputation in the startup ecosystem. Despite his influence, he remains modest and focused, valuing his contributions over self-promotion.
David is a seasoned technology journalist with a focus on the ever-evolving landscape of startups and companies in the AI sector. With a background in both business and technology, Samuel brings a unique perspective to his reporting, offering readers insightful analyses that bridge the gap between innovation and market viability. His work has been featured in various industry publications, and he is known for his ability to break down complex topics into easily digestible narratives.
Lily is a technology enthusiast with a passion for exploring their impact on entrepreneurs. With a keen eye for the latest trends, she regularly tests new products and stays up-to-date with the latest developments in the field. With a unique ability to see things from both a user and manufacturer perspective, Lily provides honest and practical recommendations and advice. As a tech writer, Lily shares her insights and expertise on the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship.
The news crew at GREY Journal
Abigail Barrett is a dedicated and insightful finance reporter with a passion for uncovering the stories that lie within the vibrant startup community. With a keen eye for detail, Abigail specializes in delivering in-depth analysis on fundraising, financial trends, and the impact of economic policies on new ventures. Abigail began her journalism career as an intern at a leading financial news outlet. Over the years, she has honed her skills, becoming an expert in dissecting complex financial concepts and translating them into engaging, digestible content for her readers. Abigail's work has been featured in major publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and TechCrunch, where she has earned a reputation for her accuracy and clarity. In her pursuit of the latest trends and developments in the startup ecosystem, Abigail has built a strong network of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. This allows her to provide a unique, insider perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by up-and-coming businesses. Abigail is especially interested in fintech, edtech, and green technologies, as she believes that these sectors have the potential to revolutionize industries and improve lives on a global scale. Outside of her work as a finance reporter, Abigail is an advocate for financial literacy and volunteers her time to teach personal finance workshops in her local community. When she's not busy chasing down stories, you can find her exploring the outdoors, attending cultural events, or experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. Follow Abigail Barrett for the latest updates on the startup community and to gain valuable insights on the fast-paced world of finance and innovation.
Katie Pierce is a teacher-slash-writer who loves telling stories to an audience, whether it’s bored adults in front of a computer screen or a bunch of hyperactive 4-year-olds. Writing keeps her sane (most of the time) and allows her to enjoy some quiet time in the evening before she walks into a room of screaming kids (all of whom she loves dearly) the next morning.
Liam Jensen is a finance reporter with a keen focus on the startup community. His incisive reporting and expert analysis keep him at the forefront of the latest financial trends influencing startups. Liam's forte lies in probing investors, extracting insights that shape understanding of the ever-evolving startup financial landscape. His work not only reports the facts but also illuminates the implications, making him a valuable asset for anyone navigating the complex world of startup finance.
Aaron Smith is an LA-based content strategist and consultant in support of STEM firms and medical practices. He covers industry developments and helps companies connect with clients. In his free time, Aaron enjoys swimming, swing dancing, and sci-fi novels.
Emily has a wealth of experience, advising companies from startups to Fortune 100s on various aspects of business law, including fund formation, corporate strategy, and investment management. In addition to her legal expertise, Emily has also led strategy at a software startup, studied investment psychology at Harvard, and driven government initiatives focused on economic development. She's an active participant in the finance community, regularly speaking at investment conferences and judging venture competitions.
Jenna is a freelance content writer with a degree in English and a background in Marketing. Her passion for exploring how current trends affect business development is evident in her articles which offer up-to-the-minute industry insights for small business owners working in a variety of niches.
Richard Hoffman is a digital marketing blogger and content creator. He has over 2 years of experience in the digital marketing field and has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry. He is passionate about helping businesses grow and reach their full potential by leveraging the power of digital marketing.
Meet Nora, the ultimate world traveler. Working remotely, she's a true jetsetter who knows how to make the most of every trip. From Michelin-starred fine dining to local street food, she savors every aspect of the travel experience. But Nora's not just out for herself. As a passionate travel writer, she's on a mission to bring you along for the ride. With Nora, you'll get to see the world through her eyes and experience every moment of her adventures. So buckle up and get ready to explore the globe with a true expert at the helm
Grace Hawkins is an accomplished contributing writer known for her versatile expertise and engaging content. With a passion for knowledge and a commitment to delivering valuable insights, she has earned a reputation for producing well-researched articles that simplify complex concepts. Grace's work has been featured in reputable publications, showcasing her ability to captivate audiences and inspire positive change. Her dedication to continuous growth and her unwavering commitment to excellence make her a trusted and influential voice in the world of writing.
Dixie Somers is a freelance writer who loves to write for business, health, and women’s interests. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters. You can find her on Twitter and Facebook.
Prashant is a talented Senior content writer at Backlinks Digital with a passion for exploring new places and cultures. His writing expertise spans a diverse range of topics, including marketing, technology, business, entrepreneurship, and lifestyle. With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the power of words, Prashant brings a unique perspective to every project he takes on. When he's not crafting compelling content, you can find him planning his next adventure or immersing himself in a good book.
Khushboo is a health and wellness content writer who frequently writes about the latest trends in the industry. . She has experience of 6+ years. Through her writing, she hopes to influence as many people as possible to help maintain better health.
William Powell is a freelance editor and content specialist who has had the opportunity to work with a wide array of experts and professionals in the real estate industry, finance/economics industry, and law industry. He is also well versed in past and current trends in international relations. In his free time, he enjoys visiting historical landmarks, studying Korean, and producing music.
Meet Mandi, Freelance and Featured writer's niches are mental health, lifestyle, business [and so much more subjects ]. Originally from Toronto, Canada I currently serve as a Freelance Writer for Unwritten, GreyJournal, an EpilepsyDiease opening that provides thought-provoking and evolving conversation and news from various perspectives. In this role, my semi-goofy and storytelling tone pieces intersect with social issues, mental spaces, and pop culture. I've made my small stamp as an established whisper & a storyteller in this evolving industry. In addition to my work at Unwritten and other establishments, I've also been featured in other publications and platforms like Femi Magazine, GreyJournal Magazine, GROWN, Sheen Magazine, and more. Within the drive of future opportunities, I'd love to translate my publications and more commentary pieces and skills and even possible panels. And, of course, creative articles that start conversations and glance into another philosophy.
With a BA from Columbia University in the City of New York and an MFA from the City College of New York, John Dean Alfone is a freelance journalist who works in the film/television industry.
I’m Globo Drew (Pen Name), Managing and Lifestyle Editor and a Contributing Writer for a Lifestyle Media startup, Globo Life Media; publisher of the soon-to-be-launched GloboLife.Net a Lifestyle and Business of Lifestyle publication. I am also a contributor to various publications including the Global Travel & Tourism video + print Storytelling publication Travelin’ Times EXTRA and the Social Cause Good News publication. I have consulted with Brands and Governments on matters of Global Tourism and Trade development. I sometimes participate in conferences and trade shows, as a Journalist, Subject Matter Expert, and Presenter.
Tess DiNapoli is an artist, freelance writer, and content strategist. She has a passion for yoga and often writes about health and wellness, but also enjoys covering the fashion industry and world of fitness.
James Deutsch is a writer with a passion for fashion, interior décor and DIY projects. He writes about the art of decorating small spaces, styling fashion items, home maintenance projects, and that #vanlife aesthetic. His other hobbies include trotting the globe and advocating for the art of gift-giving.
Broughel is a student at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. Born and raised in Boston with an avid interest in sports and anything history, he plans on double majoring in history and government on the way to attending law school. Broughel has always enjoyed writing as a means of self-expression and hopes the world of journalism will serve as a means to further both his skills and ideas.
Following a masters degree in music and management, Lexi enjoys channelling her creative juices to write about current events, life hacks, and how to achieve a greener future. In her spare time, she loves video gaming, playing the piano, and baking (and is always happy to share a recipe or two!)
With a master’s degree in Marketing, Neha Khan shares her deep understanding of B2B industry through words. She is a passionate writer who loves to explore the export business sector and the trends that define the industry dynamics. Neha is the author of 30-plus articles on B2B industry and has published her work on some of the most credible online sources, including digital doughnuts and more. Apart from writing, she is an avid reader and tennis fan idolizing Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic.
Susan Daigle is a professional writer with a passion for storytelling. With a background in literature and a talent for crafting engaging narratives, she has established herself as a versatile and skilled writer in a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and journalism. Susan is a dedicated and talented writer whose work has earned her a place among the best in the field. Her passion for storytelling and her commitment to excellence make her an inspiration to aspiring writers everywhere.
Laura Henry is a writer and editor with a passion for alternative health products and practices. When they're not outside with their rescue dog, they spend their time exploring local wellness/new age spaces and practicing yoga.
Jordan McDowell is a writer and content strategist. He specializes in technically-oriented B2B and B2C content for a number of digital companies.
Aprile Serry is a credentialled marketing and communications strategist. The serial entrepreneur, owns a personal styling venture and blog, The Sleek Wardrobe. She enjoys bringing balance to her active lifestyle by practicing yoga, dancing, and hiking.
Forbes 30 Under 30 coveted after advisor in business building, digital marketing, customer acquisition, PR publicity, social media, and advertising
Anson Wu is a successful entrepreneur with a proven track record in building engaging brands across industries. A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he first learned and practiced creative thinking as an architect. After graduation, Anson spent almost 10 years building a successful millennial marketing agency to help brands engage with younger consumers through digital media. Anson is a frequent speaker on the topic of digital marketing and entrepreneurship and he lives Manhattan New York City
Elizabeth Hazard is a photo director, producer and writer with several years of experience producing content for magazines, websites, brands and artists. A published author, she frequently writes about fashion, art and cultural topics for websites and publications.
Ashlee Moore is an illustrator, writer, and editor from Portland, OR. Her passion for creating content that's both sex positive and LGBTQIA+-centric drives the majority of her visual and literary storytelling. Currently, she lives in Philadelphia, where she works as a content strategist.
An optimistic creative living in a world full of opportunity. I inspire change, growth, creativity, and strength. With a diverse background working with athletes, musicians, and actors producing content to working with C Level Executives in business development. I’ve had the pleasure of working with The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Starting companies, failing and succeeding with some, but always gleaning from each experience. Now I share what I've learned with you while I continue my journey in life. My mission is simply to help as many people as I can, which is actually not that simple, but I persevere. I'm just The Usual Smith, trying to do the unusual thing – create, go against the grain, help others, and thrive. Oh, and occasionally I may have a Kanye moment. Connect with me on LinkedIn @jasonsmith85
Sunny Popli is the owner of SPOPLI Web Development & Services. He loves to learn and grow. His key interest areas are to learn and implement the latest & impactful ideas in the field of digital marketing.
Sarah Kaminski is a freelance writer and social media marketer. She works with a number of small businesses to build their brands through more engaging marketing and content.
Imran tariq is a #1 wsj best selling author and ceo of webmetrixgroup
Caroly Mitchell Is a freelance social butterfly and content strategist with a passion for home decor and hosting events. She can often be found re-painting and updating the furnishings in her home with her husband, and she is also a dedicated pet mom to an adorable kitty and a rambunctious puppy.
Imani Muhammad is a Multimedia Communications major and rising Senior at Augustana College. She has been published in both poetry and journalistic settings and is dedicated to bringing truthful and captivating stories to her audience.
Nick is an online health and fitness fanatic with a fierce, newly discovered passion for freelance writing. If he isn't writing, working out or handing out advice of the healthy kind, Nick can be found reclining in his favorite armchair playing Xbox with his friends or jogging around the block with his dog.
Mariam Simmons is a fashion trendsetter and the content manager of Alpine Swiss. She loves traveling to the world’s top stylish destinations and gets inspired to create helpful business fashion and lifestyle guides.
Phillip Johnson (he/him) is an MA student in English and Literature at CU Boulder and a Writer Intern at GREY Journal. For the past 10 years he has worked for a large swath of entrepreneurs in the specialty coffee industry. He hopes to suture his knowledge of community building and writing to create a space for voices that currently need to be heard.
Wasif Khan is a Content Writer. He's been writing for over 3 years and has recently decided to start doing it professionally. Wasif is doing his bachelor's in Software Engineering and the topics he enjoys writing about are technology, science, entertainment, cryptocurrency, business, and finance. He is also an SEO expert, a graphic designer, loves learning new skills, and is a well-known astronomy enthusiast.
Cathyrn Eta is a Contributing Writer and former Editorial Assistant Intern at GREY Journal. She loves to write about Mental Health/Self-care and Entrepreneurship. Currently, she is a Caregiver for her father as she continues builds her writing portfolio. During the times she is not writing. You can find her reading anything romance, working on projects such as Positive Affirmations journals, and creating a business. She would also like to thank her late mother for always encouraging her and being her biggest supporter when it comes to writing. She dedicates all written pieces to her, Ms. Eta.
Damon Shrauner, Senior Sales Consultant and VP on B2B Sales at CKitchen, working in the food service equipment sector since 1994. With his expertise in market analysis, product placement, sales and project management, he will always tell you what to do for the best of your business.
Heaven Ayele is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno with a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs with an emphasis in Africa and Political Science. She's ecstatic to be a part of the GREY Journal team and write pieces related to political and international affairs.
Marketing leader with a proven track record of delivering growth through clear, focused strategies in Digital Strategy, Integrated Marketing and Advertising. He focuses on Business to Business and Business to Consumer marketing and advertising campaigns that drive new customer acquisition. He has traveled internationally for the last few years while working remotely.
Born and raised in India, Palak Jain aspires to create an impact through what she writes. She directs her passion for marketing and advertising into her writings, to make them fun and informative for young entrepreneurs. She plans to travel the world widely and vividly.
Bio: 🇲🇽Proud Mexicano ❤️ God 💰Businessman/Investor 🏆Builder of Champions 🙏 Grateful/Blessed 💋 My wife & 3 beautiful kids ⛳️ Played Augusta National
Johnny M. DeCarlo is a lifelong New Jersey professional who has owned and operated a successful food and beverage business, and is a researcher / writer of other entrepreneurial ventures. Garnering a large social media following as a blogger and popular entertainment figure, appearing on TV and radio with a perspective on a variety of subjects including not only the culinary and cultural aspects of his background in Italian-Americana, but transcending all matters of the modern man. With extensive knowledge on music, movies, politics, sports, fashion, health and wellness, any interesting areas surrounding topics of today and those of the past worth examining.

Jennifer Obrien

Content Writer | Social Media Manager
An author who stimulates and inspires the readers to achieve their goals, creating content that flows & connects. Helping Brands Grow Effectively With Well-Researched & Original Contents!
Elizabeth Mumbi is a passionate writer and an avid reader. She has been writing for the online audience for a while now and enjoys doing it immensely. She Enjoys reading and learning about new things. When she is not writing, you will catch her watching movies or traveling.
Born and raised in Mexico City, Ana Sophia Sleeman is a contributing writer for GREY Journal focusing on trending topics through the lens of entrepreneurship. Her background allows her to bring a unique and critical eye to current social issues. She is currently an undergrad at Suffolk University pursuing a degree in Economics, Political Science, and Philosophy.
Richard Koenig is a graduate of The College of New Jersey with a concentration in Finance. He has an interest in tech, crypto, investing and politics and how it will shape the future.
Louis Mignone III is a student at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, NJ. He is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Finance while minoring in Data Science. He is the Business Editor of the school’s newspaper, and is an active member of the FDU Men’s Soccer team. Louis has always had a passion for writing, and values the opportunity to share his opinions and interpretations through his work.
During his time as Editor in Chief for GREY Journal, David covered a diverse range of entrepreneurial stories—from accomplished Silicon Valley investors to rising startup founders. He holds a BFA in digital filmmaking and has spent years honing his skills as a screenwriter, producer, and author. Currently, he has one published book, The Streetfighter Journals, and is working on releasing a collection of short stories and a tabletop RPG adventure.
Marla Goldberrg is an Energy Healer, Intuitive, Speaker, Teacher, Host of Guided Spirit Conversations Podcast, and Best-Selling Author of My F*cking Long Journey To Loving Myself: A Guide to a Shorter Path. Prior to beginning her spiritual quest, Marla was a serial entrepreneur, founding and running four businesses during her professional career; Event’s inc., a full service event management company, The Candy Lady, Ltd., a candy manufacturing company, Pawz Pet Taxi, and Sweet Bites Bakery. In 2003, Marla’s life had hit rock bottom. Feeling lost and not having anyone to turn to, Marla saw a promotion for a women’s conference. It was at this conference where Marla met her first spiritual teacher. Her journey began. Marla attended a three-year mystery school and, by graduation, learned fourteen healing techniques. Marla continues to build on her education, having learned 24 healing modalities to date. During this time, she became certified as a Spiritual Response (SRT) therapist and an Intuitive Life Coach. In the spring of 2018, Marla founded and is the host of Guided Spirit Conversations podcast, and has three best-selling compilation books and her own best-selling book; Heart and Soul and 52 Weeks of Gratitude Journal, Kindness Crusader and My F*cking Long Journey To Loving Myself: A Guide to a Shorter Path. The latter book is partially non-fiction and partially self-help. Marla’s mission for this book is to help others learn how to release anger, frustration and stress, how to forgive others and themselves, learn self-acceptance and ultimately self-love.
Shailaja "Shai" Venkatsubramanyan grew up in Mumbai, India in a middle-class household. She started keeping a diary in her teens. One fun entry in the diary made its way to India's national newspaper - The Times of India - when she was 18 years old. After getting her Ph.D. in Information Systems from the University of Arizona, she taught at Tulane University and San Jose State University and worked for three years at a Knowledge Management startup. During this time, most of her writing involved research papers related to information systems. More recently, she has started maintaining a blog on Linkedin. Having taught for many years and been a mother to two children, she tries to extract lessons from her life journey and pass them on to those who may benefit from it via writing. She has presented on KQED's Perspective segment a couple of times and has also published in online magazines such as India Currents. Shai considers herself to be a lifelong learner. She is passionate about writing, yoga, cooking, animal rights, and being a mother to her two children.
AJ Granese is a graduate of Rutgers University located in his proud state of New Jersey. He possesses a wide range of interests from tech to entertainment and everything in between. In addition to writing, he has a passion for thinking creatively and outside the box. He has a particular interest in the news and covers whatever catches his eye.

Brittany Baugher

Staff Writer
Brittany Baugher is a staff writer at GREY Journal. She earned a B.A. in English from Pensacola Christian College and loves writing about all things psychology, travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She is excited to explore all of these avenues with the GREY Journal gang. Currently, Brittany homeschools her three kids, adores traveling with her family, reading mysteries/thrillers, and crafting words any chance she gets.
A small gal with a lot to say. Lover of dogs, bottomless mimosas, pasta, and going to sleep by 10pm.
Jacob Choza, from California State University Los Angeles is pursuing his degree in Communications and a minor in English. He plans on working hard and gaining the proper experience needed to pursue his future endeavors as a writer in this industry. Being from Los Angeles, his current passions revolve around being a co-host to a sports podcast and writing informative articles on Los Angeles professional sports teams. He hopes to inspire his younger brother to always work hard to accomplish his goals.
Jasmine Powell is an Editorial team member at GREY Journal. She is also a Clarksdale native interested in finding ways to uplift and inspire her community through financial freedom and awareness.
Faith is an aspiring writer of both fiction and non-fiction. Raised in rural Southern Illinois, she finds herself interested in the lives of the underrepresented and often uses her love of words to encourage and vocalize those who grew up like her. She also enjoys politics, reading, and movies. Faith is currently a student of English and Journalism at the University of Illinois and plans to pursue a career in writing, journalism, and media production. She is excited to begin her career in journalism by contributing to GREY Journal.
A graduate of Computer Science, Thomas Glare is a reputable writer for America-based startups and a website developer. He is passionate about delivering satisfying advertiser/consumer platforms for business owners on the Internet and making websites that "work." Thomas is also an avid advocate for a consistent website review.
B. Zachary Bennett is the author of “Married to Marketing, a Relationship Guide to Business” available on Amazon.com and his own bzacharybennett.com. He is also a frequent keynote speaker and marketing personality within the business communications industry with a 25+ year career working in marketing agencies to help build some of the largest brands in the country. He currently owns Reformation Productions, a full-service marketing agency in Atlanta, GA that is focused on helping grow small and regional sized businesses through the use of his own Straight Line Marketing Process™ and a marketing-centric business consulting practice where he offers one-on-one and corporate consultation in addition to interim and outsourced CMO services. You can find his video podcast, Straight Shot marketing podcast, at StraightShot.net, on YouTube, Pandora, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy podcasts.

Hailey Groover

Staff Writer
Based in Maryland, Hailey Groover is a graduate of George Washington University with a Bachelors in English. Having joined the GREY Journal team, she aspires to break out into editing and publishing world and has a passion for film and Victorian literature.
Debra is an entrepreneur, and creator, producer, and host of the award-winning podcast, The Great Fail, a true crime-inspired business show that explores some of the most iconic failures in corporate history. The Great Fail is internationally recognized and has reached the Top 10 Charts for “Entrepreneurship” and “Business” categories worldwide, The show has been featured in Forbes, ABC News, Podcast Magazine, Digital Hollywood and recently won Adweek’s 2020 Podcast of the Year awards.
Isaac Mashman is a businessman, podcast host, speaker, and private investor. Since launching his public relations firm Mashman Ventures in 2020, he's had the opportunity to work with some high-caliber individuals and has dozens of positive reviews to back his work. He is the running host of Chase the Vision with Isaac Mashman podcast, which serves as a platform for him to share his experiences and knowledge. Isaac is now taking what he knows and applying it towards articles to help you save time, and get to your goals quicker.
Ben Togut is a queer poet and singer songwriter from New York City. An intern at GREY this summer, Ben is writing about entrepreneurship and social issues. He is currently an undergrad at Wesleyan University.
Contributing writer at discover GREY. She also currently works full-time as a Finance Partner for an international corporation with varied financial analysis experience. Sharice holds a Masters degree in Accounting with a concentration in Financial Analysis and Tax Strategy. She is passionate about educating people on finance. Whenever she's not working she's reading books and writing short stories.
Jada started at discoverGREY as an intern on the editorial team. She passionately blogs about the environment and technology updates, as well as the latest tea. Jada was born and raised in Texas. She attended Texas State University, where she got her bachelor's degree in English in May 2020. Jada loves reading and being outside with her dogs. She hopes to become an editor-in-chief one day.
Maddy is a senior at Southwestern University, majoring in English and Economics with a minor in Business. She has worked with Dr. Micheal Saenger as a research assistant for his most recent books regarding Shakespeare and translation.
Abby Westling is an up-and-coming writer with a love of the arts (more specifically entertainment). She joined the Editorial team at Grey Journal as a writer with the potential to write her heart out about what she loves. You can usually find her reading the latest book, catching up on movies and tv shows, or listening to the latest album that just came out. As an up-and-coming writer, she hopes to use her own writing to grow as a writer and create new stories as well.
Jasmine Fink is a graduate from Norwich University with a Masters in International Relations. She plans to continue her education and start new adventures, all while enjoying the outdoors and finding new hobbies.
Cristina Jimenez is a California-born and raised individual who embraces all walks of life. A previous Elementary tutor and painter who is now unschooling or homeschooling her son since 2019. Cristina and her family moved out of the city to the valley in 2016, since then her ability to paint and write almost every day gained her recognition and opportunities as she always made sure to stay creative while raising her young boy. Now in 2021 after all changes due to the pandemic, she transformed her artistic visions, credibility and began to blog about personal experiences based on art, music, and life. An individual who believes in the creative power of self-expression she now seeks to change careers into writing and podcasting as she has newly discovered her old passion which was singing and public speaking. Her excitement for sharing ideas and inspiration continues to flow as she now teaches privately and is learning web development to further her career and merge her experiences with others in a team setting. A young and motivated mother who believes in rising above all circumstances to continue to work, achieve and help.
Magdalene is a graduate from the University of Maryland with a B.A. in Literature and Spanish. In her spare time, she rides her bike, reads Forbes, and writes for various DC online publications. Magdalene enjoys the tech world, social media, and taking photographs to post online. She also enjoys writing about Asia and Africa and their economic states. Magdalene is excited to begin working with DiscoverGrey and hopes to learn as much as she can about the Entrepreneurial Universe.
Jahn is the founder, weed master grower and head writer at Jah Cool. Together with his 3 friends, he grows and smokes marijuana regularly. He loves trying to grow new strains and smoke them for medical and recreational purposes. He has written hundreds of marijuana related articles. You can visit him online at https://jahcool.org/.
Jody Taylor is a retired women's professional football player and former Media Relations Director for the Women's Professional Football League. After hanging up her cleats in 2010 she officially launched her own San Diego based Public Relations, Media, and Marketing firm, Sixty5 Media named after the jersey number she wore her entire football career and where her french bulldog, Brooklyn interns. The 2019 Nicky Award winner for Outstanding Businesswoman, Jody has worked with national media outlets and everyone from entrepreneurs to entertainers . She has served as a guest columnist in three different national publications and is currently a co-host on the radio show, Notes From the Underground on KNSJ 89.1 FM in San Diego which also streams worldwide.

Leimamo Kanaeholo

Editorial Staff
Leimamo is a writer who manages her own blog and website. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Literature and Writing Studies at California State University, San Marcos. She joined the Editorial team at GREY Journal and helps with the distribution of newsletters and writes weekly articles about business news, motivational tips & tricks, and other fun topics! As a passionate, driven, and growing writer, she hopes to use her love for writing and sharing stories as a journalist.
Sr. Client & Community Specialist at AeroPay, one of Chicago's top startups. That means he is the go-to for the companies clients around the country, as well as a liaison for communities around Chicago, organizing events that are meant to educate business owners about the best ways to receive payments. A veteran of the startup and corporate world, he loves to collaborate and be creative about how to serve his clients and community.
Currently, a senior working toward degrees in Journalism and Acting at Azusa Pacific University (a small school in SoCal), reading and telling stories has been something I’ve treasured since I was a kid (I was the girl who preferred reading Magic Treehouse over running around a playground if you catch my drift). I guess that explains where I am now: working as a freelance writer at Houstonia, a local magazine in Houston, Texas where I was born and raised, a student writer for my university’s student-run online blog and magazine, and now as an editorial intern hoping on to the GREY journal team. When I’m not typing away, I love reading an entire book in a single sitting (nothing has changed since the playground), listening to True Crime podcasts, or spending too much money on iced coffee.
John Victoria is the Founder and Owner of Polianna (polianna.net), a boutique SEO agency founded in 2016. His company specializes in helping HVAC & Plumbing businesses drive more phone calls, leads, and sales through Google search.
Tony Bonilla is a marketing analyst, who enjoys writing and playing guitar. In addition to working as an analyst and writer, he hosts his own podcast. He currently resides in Southern California and is an avid baseball and soccer fan.
Graduated from Columbia College Chicago, Marcus is a motivated entrepreneur who writes for motivated entrepreneurs. He enjoys analyzing films and writing screenplays in his free time.
Kirk Navarro, a graduate from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, history buff, and writer. When not working for GREY Journal, likes to work on personal manuscripts, draw, read, and collect swords.
Mike is a programmer in the medical software industry with nearly two decades of experience. For just about as long, Mike has also been an on-and-off again freelance writer. Having found his passion in writing, and when time permits, he aspires to be a published novel writer.
Armen is the CEO of AMVCreative, a production company specializing in Video, Web and Graphic Design. He started the company in 2010 after six years in the ad agency world, with the entrepreneurial desire to build his own valuable client relationships under strong moral guidance. A passionate artist, writer, director, traveler and musician, Armen is also a former Division I collegiate soccer player and Olympic athlete in the winter sport of skeleton. This athletic “alter ego” has shaped his business today, valuing discipline, teamwork and desire to always achieve at the highest level.

Abby Siatkowski

Editorial Staff
After receiving a Bachelor’s in English from The Ohio University, Abby joined the #GREYGang as an editorial assistant. She aids with daily editorial assignments and social media outreach. She loves being apart of a team that Hustles as hard as she does.
Alex is a part-time student, part-time marketer, copywriter and blogger with his own start-up business. He believes that everyone has a responsibility to be constantly improving, and writes in Grey Journal to share his advice, contribute to your knowledge, and motivate you to aspire for more. Enjoy.
Cedric is a very versatile thinker and writer from New York state. He has spent much of his life on the East coast of the U.S., visiting many of the nation’s prestigious College & University campuses, seeking to create a unique living-learning experience for all college students to enjoy. Cedric enjoys traveling, reading, research, sports, and engaging in intelligence-related activities. Cedric’s vision is to make the Universe a smarter, better place for young people and college students by making education as fun, easy, and innovative as possible!
Nancy is a cannabis and health industry consultant who frequently writes about the latest trends in the industry. She has been writing on Cannabis for a long time now. Through her writing, she hopes to influence as many people as possible to help maintain better health and lifestyle. She has written many informative blogs on other verticals too.
As a motivated business leader, Casey is a passionate entrepreneur who got his start owning a home service franchise. After nearly a decade, he successfully exited his role with 90+ franchise owners and over 600+ employees. Casey went on to create Cultivate Advisors with his business partner. As the CEO of Cultivate, his team has helped thousands of owners reach their growth objectives through core business skill development and scalable systemization. In 2019, Cultivate ranked #280 on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies. The mission of Cultivate Advisors is to partner with committed entrepreneurs in propelling their business beyond expectations.
Adelheid Waumboldt is President of the ISET Agency in Los Angeles, California and a member of the Forbes Business Council. The ultimate connector, her history living in cities throughout the world like Paris, France; Amman, Jordan; and New York, NY while working in sectors from crude oil and precious metals, to fine art, music and film have garnered her a rolodex and reputation like no other. For the last three years, Waumboldt has been a constant in the sphere of journalism - sharing her knowledge and finds from business to lifestyle, culture, and beyond with the world at large.
Nia Tipton is a journalism student finishing up her last year at Columbia College Chicago. She has written for HerCampus, and hopes that after graduating, she can write for more online magazines.
Brock D. Vickers is a writer, actor, and athlete with more than a decade of experience in the entertainment industry both backstage and in front of the camera. In addition to working as an actor and writer, Brock has served as a marketing manager, a journalist, a ghostwriter for the self-help industry, and an on-camera host for various travel shows as well as a bartender and brand specialist for companies such as Glenlivet and Hendricks to Vital Proteins and Four Sigmatic. Every artist is an entrepreneur. From the stories they select and the narrative they craft to their branding and social media use, artists learn quickly the grit required not only to survive but thrive.
Harvey L. Frierson Jr. Host of The Ike Jackson Report Podcast and Owner of BX Media LLC a commercial HipHop Music, Film and Television intellectual properties company.
Connor McCrory Is a well-versed social media and entertainment journalist. Based in Los Angeles, Connor's background stems from the social media influencer industry. He served as the co-founder of "Horizon Talent," a social media management company, and now works in Talent Acquisition with Sun & Sky Records
Michelle Kelly is a freelance writer from NYC. Her main focus is holistic health + wellness and ghostwriting. She’s also an animal activist working towards creating safe environments for all animals.
Francis Maling is an NYC based creative with a background in restaurant hospitality and food service.
Web designer, Researcher, Virtual Assistant and Statistics student. I love learning new things, desire to be independent, passionate about what I do and am driven to deliver great quality work. Currently working with discoverGREY as marketing associate.
Sylvia valdez is a writer and photographer. After graduating with a BA in television, film and media studies, from California State University- Los Angeles, she has participated in the Spirit Awards Festivals. Her working experience includes reporting, photographing and Script Development Reading. She continues to write and photograph while raising awareness about mental health.
Aastha has graduated with a Masters in Luxury Brand Management from Regent’s University London. She has worked with several beauty brands and is passionate about the skincare. Aastha loves to read about upcoming skincare trends and implement the same. She has her personal beauty page on Instagram, for beauty reviews follow @iknoglow.
So as you know I'm Matthew Alicea, live in Long Beach, CA. I'm a creative individual with a hand in many creative outlets. I play music around town when I get the chance—that was until COVID. I skate daily and surf occasionally, that is when I can save up for another board because my last one broke. Originally from the east coast, specifically Philly, and moved around a lot as a kid so I've become a sort of social chameleon. Anyways, I ended up in Long Beach in 2013 and have been here ever since.
A Creative Writing and Political Science major, Aditi is a junior at Knox College. With a keen interest in journalism and publishing, she has played the role of Editor-in-Chief of her school's newspaper and also interned at the oldest continuously published literary magazine in America. She's also a big history and activism buff and hopes to use her skills for good someday.
Andy Jacob is Founder and CEO of The Jacob Group, bringing more than 20 years of executive experience founding and leading startups and high growth companies. Jacob is a pioneer in the fields of consumer finance, online customer acquisition, and consumer monetization. Jacob has been seen as a guest financial expert on CBS, ABC, NBC, Time Warner, and Bloomberg. Jacob’s companies have also been covered by The Wall Street Journal. Jacob is turning the billion dollar consultation industry upside down with his “one-hour” coaching and consulting practice, focused on startup entrepreneurs and visionaries who are creating innovative companies. Leveraging his experience and strategic abilities, Andy is known for breaking down business problems quickly and efficiently.
Ella Sabin is a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison studying Journalism, Spanish and Environmental Studies. She loves to travel and experience new places and cultures, enjoys reading and spending time outdoors with friends. She is very interested in global communication and globalization.
Amy Hamblen is a New York-based writer who finds it equally important to be willing to fly to find a good bar and to hone the craft of being a good barfly. You can find her on Instagram @AmysThirsty.
Victoria Thomas is a Washington State lawyer and writer who loves to talk —and write—about branding. Her business is in intellectual property law by providing support to clients who need to brand their businesses or their work via trademarks; or who require protection for their intellectual assets through copyrights.— She runs the Omega Inscribe Writing Company, a blogging, book writing and support platform for authors looking for guidance in their trade. When not busy with writing assignments, she spends a lot of her spare time working for the non-profit: The Lion’s Sanctuary Career Matchmaker, an organization helping individuals to discover their destined career paths. During leisure time, she loves to read and relax on the patio on hot days.
Content writer and fashion designer from New York City. Alumni from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Shortly after her career blossomed in fashion design, she has returned to pursue writing part-time, which was her first-time love. She likes to write about women of color, race, lifestyle, fashion, entrepreneurship, and mental wellness.
Alex is a marketing and sales leader that has spent his career working in different capacities at startups. He has spent the majority of that time focusing on payments, technology, B2B SaaS, and SMBs. He thrives on finding creative solutions to problems and helping bring new products to market.
Clinton Harris is an Entrepreneur, Best-selling Author, Life Progression Expert and Keynote Speaker. Working in organizational leadership, educational institutions, with families and the military, he has served to help people all over the world for over a decade. Clinton’s Life Coaching company, public speaking and books have now reached a global audience.
Anna is a young writer with a degree in journalism. She is a Chicago native and has a great love for travel, cooking and reading. Through her writing, Anna seeks to tell unique stories and create avenues for voices that may otherwise go unheard.
Chris Forson is a writer and entrepreneur who cares deeply about the hustle of trying to become an entrepreneur. He hopes in the future to live in a world where his entrepreneurial dream comes true.
Emma Hempstead is a graduating senior from Smith College in Massachusetts. She likes to write about literature, health, and cross-cultural connection. She is interested in how our rapidly globalizing world necessitates language, media, and storytelling as vehicles for communication and learning.
As a man who has been given a platform to reach my fellow human, my happiness is acquired through creating a source of knowledge that will incessantly engender happiness.
Joseph Gerdine-Knighten, hails from Texas (although he’d prefer New York). He’s worked in the health and fitness industry since 2014 where he’s done work ranging from; personal training, managing gyms, as well as working in the supplement industry. Apart from working out with his free time, he enjoys traveling, drinking wine, reading, writing, and spending time with his loved ones.
I'm a seasoned professional, with over 15 years of experience as an entrepreneur. Over the course of my career I have owned 3 companies. In that time, I have some stories of things that went really well. Then some where things worked… not so well. I am currently consulting with business owners on how to avoid the pitfalls and other things that could send them and their operations in the wrong direction. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn http://bit.ly/connect_with_lenny
Throughout the direct sales industry there was many companies Tony had worked for since age 16. Unfortunately, the companies he worked for did not share the same ethics and morals as he did. The young, ambitious twenty-one-year-old walked away from his job and knowing he could create something better! Tony has years of working with different marketing companies as well as in finances. Aspiring to become a successful entrepreneur, influencer to many people, and be free from the employee mindset. With his complimenting background, he created Pinnacle Status LLC, a Social Media Marketing Agency.
Jordan Upton is currently an HR Generalist in Los Angeles, CA. He has been a College Ministry Director, a baker with Bouchon Beverly Hills, an entrepreneur and a long time musician. With a thirst for writing, he contributes to Gearphoria Magazine and gigs all over the LA area. He’s a husband of 9 years, an avid runner, reader, and car fixer. This Texas native never settles and is always learning something new.
Marsha Rogers is the Member Services Director for Evolution Accelerator where she mentors startups on search engine optimization and growth hacking tactics. After serving in the US Army, she graduated with her Master's in Human Resource Management and found her next passion teaching business technology at local community colleges. Marsha enjoys spending time outside of the office rescuing hound dogs and giving back to the veteran community.
I’m a seeker. I seek for adventures, new experiences, reputation, friendships, discovery, above all I seek for hope. More importantly, I’m a writer. I write more than I say.
Alex H Stone and his cat Jeff live in Minneapolis, MN. Alex H Stone has an MFA in Creative Writing. In his free time he enjoys taking pictures and sneaking into places he shouldn’t sneak into—but don’t tell anyone. For more Ask Jeff’s Dad, visit us on the web at www.askjeffsdad.com
Eric Gasa is a freelance writer from St. Louis, Mo. His main focus is on music journalism, political news, and cultural criticism. He has an A.A. in creative writing and has interviewed everyone from MMA fighters to the guy who brought you the Pitch Perfect soundtrack.
Wes Speight (stylized as Sp8), an independent artist, has played many of the venues of hometowns Nashville and Seattle, toured 13 states, Europe and Canada. Speight has released 8 studio albums and several singles since 2008, on indie labels and self-released. Speight's music genres range from singer-songwriter Americana to gritty blues rock. Speight's other passions include being a good father and husband, filmmaking, exercising, and awkward comedy.
I am a U.S. citizen who lives in Houston, Texas. I graduated from the University of Houston-Downtown with a Bachelor’s Degree in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences/Technical Communication. Throughout my time at UHD, I have had experience in writing in plain language, proofreading documents, and conducting usability tests for professional websites.
The author of Thirst No More: A Fable of Hope and Forgiveness and Ready for Your Love and Other Poems, Kwami Nyamidie is an award-winning poet and freelance writer. He holds a Master of Arts in Transforming Spirituality from Seattle University. A U.S. citizen, Kwami lives in the Pacific Northwest where he’s currently working on a nonfiction book about mothers.
Aisha K. Staggers is a writer of culture, politics, music and Prince. She is the featured weekly guest on The Dr Vibe Show's "Staggers' State of Things," as a political analyst and social commentator. Aisha is the creator and co-host of the internationally syndicated "All Our Own Show," a weekly talk program for Generation X Women of Color. She is the creator of the "Soul Since '74" blog on Medium and will launch the syndicated blog and podcast series, "For Colored Girls," this spring.
Christine Cassen grew up near Orlando, Florida. She is currently a college student studying finance at UCF. She loves reading, writing, and nature.
Madeleine Hettich is a graphic designer, writer, illustrator, and comic book artist. After graduating with a BFA degree (with an emphasis in Visual Communications Design) from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she worked as a freelance illustrator and graphic designer before being hired by GREY. She continues to develop independent illustration and comics projects in her own time. This background gives her a unique perspective when writing about any number of topics.
My Name is Nicholas Bartlett and I am a recent graduate of the Edward R Murrow School of Communications at Washington State University. I live in the greater Seattle area and I am an assistant coach for three basketball teams. I have always had a passion for sports ever since I was a little kid. I believe that sports are the great equalizer in life. Furthermore, I believe many life lessons can be taught through sports. Sports are bigger than the actual game, it is the comradery, passion, intensity, and togetherness that ignites my love for sports. Beyond sports I love to read and write, I consider myself a fringe-dweller in society and I usually look at things differently than other people (or as I like to call them spirits.)
Jackie Sloane, Master Certified Coach, is a seasoned executive coach and consultant, specializing in enhancing ability to achieve greater well-being and significant results through how clients position themselves, engage others, communicate, cultivate relationships, and lead key initiatives. Jackie has over 25 years’ experience in executive coaching, leadership development, communication and organizational engagement consulting. Clients report significant results for themselves, their teams and organizations. They report becoming better leaders; greater ease in engaging the commitment and enthusiasm of others; in having conversations that result in transforming situations, as well as greater influence one-on-one and across organizations.Before becoming a coach, Jackie founded a marketing communications services firm that specialized in positioning, and grew visibility and sales for professional services, retail, consumer products, business-to-business and not-for-profit organizations. Her background includes serving on the staff of a national magazine and creating programs that resulted in significant sales increases, key contracts, favorable acquisitions and offers of acquisitions, top-tier media placements, and other targeted results. She has served leaders at privately-held, nonprofit, public sector and Fortune 300 firms. Jackie has worked with leaders and groups in most industries, including academia, energy, healthcare, financial, manufacturing, professional services, pharmaceutical, medical products, consumer products, sporting goods, publishing, digital, retail, telecommunications, and not-for-profit. She has served clients at Abbott, Accenture, American Society of Anesthesiology, Bank of America, Comcast, Deloitte, Exelon, Grant Thornton, Hollister, Navistar/International Truck and Engine, PepsiCo, Purdue University Northwest and others. Jackie wrote the Executive Coach column for Executive Travel, an American Express Publishing/Time Inc. magazine for five years, and has written for many publications, including Leadership in Action, the Center for Creative Leadership magazine. She has two coach certifications, including Master Certified Coach. She completed the graduate-level Mastering the Art of Professional Coaching in 1994, and many leadership, communication and coach training programs, and is a member of the International Coach Federation. Jackie has a B.A. in political science, and completed graduate work at Columbia College. She is a mentor for Chicago Innovation’s Women’s Co-op.
A young professional constantly curious about the nitch and tips for men's fashion style and lifestyle. He believes when he has one question in his mind, there are thousands of people have the same question. That is the time he needs to seek the answers for one, also for all.