When Emma Lawson graduated high school, everyone expected her to go to college. Her parents, teachers, and friends all assumed she’d follow the usual path—pick a major, get a degree, and find a “safe” job. But Emma had other plans.
Growing up in a small apartment in Atlanta, Darius Carter knew the meaning of hard work. His mother, Vanessa, worked two jobs—one as a hospital janitor and another as a night cashier—to keep food on the table. Seeing her exhaustion every night fueled Darius’s determination to create a better life for both of them.
When Anna Novak arrived in the U.S. from Poland in 2012, she had little more than a suitcase, a strong work ethic, and a dream of building a better life. She had spent years cleaning offices and homes in Warsaw, but starting from scratch in a new country wasn’t easy.
Growing up in a small town, Angela Wayne always had a passion for creativity. As a child, she spent hours sketching, painting, and transforming her bedroom walls into colorful works of art. Encouraged by her family, she took art classes throughout school and dreamed of turning her passion into a career.
At DiscreteHeroes, we believe that the true backbone of the American economy isn’t always found in the spotlight. While much of the focus tends to be on the ultra-successful, we know that it’s the small businesses—the unsung heroes—making up the most significant part of our economic landscape.
Our magazine delves into the inspiring, real-life stories of these individuals who quietly carry the weight of our economy.