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My Economy

My Economy tells the story of the new economic normal through the eyes of people trying to make it, because we know the only numbers that really matter are the ones in your economy.
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From This Collection

My Economy

It's true love when an Orlando woman opens a romance bookstore

by Sean McHenry
Jan 3, 2025
After struggling to get bank loans, Jane Rodriguez borrowed from family members in order to open The New Romantics.
Jane Rodriguez was listening to Taylor Swift's "The New Romantics" when she thought, "Wait a minute, this would be a really cool name for a romance-only bookstore."
Madison Leigh Photography
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My Economy

The Tetris of words: naming a pharmaceutical

by Nicholas Guiang
Jan 2, 2025
Behind every name for a business, product or prescription drug is someone writing hundreds of possible names. Lieba Golden-Koulendros has made a career out it.
"There may be regulatory requirements that you have to encode the name of the generic into the pharmaceutical name," said Lieba Golden-Koulendros.
Tim Boyle/Getty Images
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My Economy

Searching the world for hat manufacturers

by Nicholas Guiang
Dec 12, 2024
This past spring, Eric Bauer bought the Turner Hat Company, but looming tariffs have thrown a wrench in his plans for the company in 2025.
Eric Bauer is an entrepeneur based in Seattle, Washington.
Courtesy Eric Bauer
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My Economy

It's never too late to change careers, even after retirement

by Nicholas Guiang
Dec 11, 2024
At 55, Michelle McKenney Jones retired from a 31-year career in corporate human resources and is pursuing her passion for higher education.
Michelle McKenney Jones says her 31 years in corporate human resources gave her a skill set that she transferred to becoming a university professor.
Sky Nesher/Getty Images
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My Economy

This muralist took just about any position in building her career

by Aleezeh Hasan
Nov 25, 2024
Cindy Fletcher Holden would hang upside-down while painting on boats. Her work evolved to beautifying walls in homes and on public spaces.
As a sign painter, Fletcher Holden's signature was hanging upside-down to paint lettering on the side of boats. Now, she's a full-time muralist.
Courtesy Fletcher Holden
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My Economy

Alabama toy shop owners prepare for the holiday rush

by Sofia Terenzio
Nov 22, 2024
Sisters Stevi Bell and Amanda Calhoun of Fantasy Island Toys, talk about their plans for the busiest shopping season of the year.
"It's the best job that I've ever had, and I do say that, like, multiple times a day," says Stevi Bell, left, about co-owning a toy store with her sister Amanda Calhoun.
Courtesy Stevi Bell
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My Economy

Violin maker crafts a strategy to deal with tariffs

by Sofia Terenzio
Nov 20, 2024
With import charges looming, Wesley Rule, owner of Knoxville Fine Violins, is considering alternatives to Chinese-made instruments.
Wesley Rule is a luthier, or stringed-instrument craftsman.
Courtesy Wesley Rule
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My Economy

Neurodivergent actor juggles many roles, lives their passion

by Aleezeh Hasan
Nov 12, 2024
Eliana Marianes of Atlanta has 12 jobs, all related to acting. The creative life "brings out the best in me as a person and as an artist."
Eliana Marianes is an actor and artist based in Atlanta.
Courtesy Marianes
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My Economy

Hurricane Helene ruined her business, but she finds hope in community and a PB&J

by Sofia Terenzio
Nov 1, 2024
Hannah Burnisky, owner of Cold Mountain Art Collective, talks about how the hurricane destroyed her business and how she plans to rebuild.
Hannah Burnisky stands in front of her business, Cold Mountain Art Collective, before the water receded.
Courtesy Hannah Burnisky
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My Economy

A singing career in opera burnt her out, but compassion fueled a new passion

by Sarah Leeson
Oct 29, 2024
Keriann Otaño felt isolation and economic insecurity as a singer, but an opera house official did her a good turn.
Fifteen years into Kerriann Otaño's opera career, her passion changed to working for artists behind the scenes.
Courtesy Meghan Newberry Photography
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