Julian arrived in the U.S. at two and a half with his parents and two sisters, each carrying a small bag and a single change of clothes. “We came here with nothing but the clothes on our back,” he says. Catholic Charities gave the family about $200 and a pat on the back: welcome to America. They landed in Miami, then moved to Chicago, settling in Northlake between Melrose Park and Elmhurst.

His father worked two full-time jobs for a decade, seventeen hours out of the house, while his mother worked too. Home was tight-knit and musical. Salsa spun on weekends. Disco filled the living room. “We get up every morning, hug, kiss each other,” Julian says. The soundtrack was family first, work second, music always.

Work started early. At eight, he delivered newspapers and ran a neighborhood snow-removal crew, paying friends five dollars on ten- and fifteen-dollar driveways. By 13 he was at McDonald’s; by 14 a busboy; and that same year, a DJ—thanks to a dream. “I had a dream…come up with a name,” he recalls. The name was Midnight Express. He borrowed two household record players, split speakers across the room, and learned the hard way that beatmatching isn’t turning volumes up and down.

He promoted as hard as he mixed. The first event was inside a Chinese restaurant on St. Charles Road. Flyers were quarter-sheet photocopies. Admission was five dollars. Two to three hundred kids showed. The lesson stuck: create the room, and people will come. He kept going—clubs, radio, concerts—staying visible through each new cycle of nightlife.

For Julian, the craft is not a gig. “DJing is my life…music is the gateway to my soul,” he says. That mindset is why he still moves crowds across generations. He doesn’t chase trends; he shows up, programs a feeling, and builds spaces where people connect.

Lockdown tested that resolve. On the first Saturday of the citywide shutdown, Julian turned on a livestream. It became a weekly ritual—Julian’s House Party—where birthdays got shouted out, families danced in living rooms, and kids discovered house classics with their parents. “We had at one point 1.3 million viewers worldwide,” he says. When people needed connection, he built a window and held it open.

Then he scaled the idea outdoors. Drive-in concerts filled the vast lot at SeatGeek Stadium with five to six hundred cars, ten-foot squares between them, concert sound and video walls up front, food trucks on site. They sold out five times, including a 39-degree New Year’s Eve with Stevie B, the Cover Girls, and the OutHere Brothers. “We were the only New Year’s Eve party in the entire country,” he says. Snow plows, masks, and house anthems; Chicago showed up.

Giving back runs in parallel. Through the Julian “Jumpin” Perez Foundation, his team has raised funds for coats, backpacks, and groceries. “Your neighbor could be the one that can’t feed the kids,” he says. Pride keeps people quiet; music lets help move quietly, quickly.

The habits behind the scenes are simple and strict. Julian doesn’t drink or smoke. He’s obsessive about learning; he holds licenses in real estate, mortgage brokerage, even private investigation. He builds with a small team he trusts. “You don’t want to be the smartest person in the room,” he says. “Keep them and hold them dear to you.”

His advice to anyone chasing a craft or a business is blunt. “If I can do it, you can do it,” he says. Don’t wait for permission. Don’t accept ceilings. “I dare you to tell me you can’t do that; watch me.” If you’re working 60–70 hours a week making someone else money, rethink your path. Invest in your own platform. As Julian puts it, “At the end of the day, you’re just a number. Build something of your own.”

Three moves stand out. First, create the room: pick a date, book a space—physical or digital—and host your audience. Second, program...

Elias Foster’s life is a testament to what can happen when passion meets purpose. Growing up in the South Suburbs of Chicago, Elias was always surrounded by music and creativity. From those early days tinkering with speakers with his brother to curating events that bring artists and entrepreneurs together, Elias has built a life centered on connection and opportunity.

After high school, Elias didn’t waste time following the traditional 9-to-5 path. Instead, he jumped straight into the business world, driven by a desire to help those around him break free from the confines of conventional jobs. His first venture was in music, hosting an open mic night that gave local artists a platform to perform, build content, and grow their brands. “I wanted to create something where artists could not only showcase their talent but leave with tools to grow,” Elias shared.

His focus on relationships has been the cornerstone of his success. Whether negotiating discounted venue rates or helping artists gain exposure through high-quality content, Elias has always prioritized genuine connections. “When people see that you’re moving with good intentions, they’re more likely to invest in your vision,” he explained. It’s this authenticity that has allowed him to collaborate with venue owners and build a network that supports his mission.

But it hasn’t always been easy. For Elias, one of the hardest lessons was learning to embrace discomfort and keep doors open for new opportunities. “Being comfortable in uncomfortable situations is key,” he said. It’s advice that resonates with anyone striving to grow, reminding you that success often lies just beyond your comfort zone.

Elias credits his ability to focus as one of his greatest strengths. “Focus on one thing at a time,” he advised. “Establish that, and then move on to the next.” This mindset has helped him balance multiple ventures, from curating events to developing an app designed to connect entrepreneurs and creatives. By staying laser-focused on one project at a time, Elias ensures that each effort receives the attention it deserves.

His vision for his app, Rich Minds, is equally ambitious. Built as a private, invite-only platform, it serves as a hub for like-minded creatives and business owners. “It’s about creating a space where everyone can thrive together,” Elias explained. The app will soon expand to include features like service booking, connecting professionals from various fields, and even launching an integrated community marketplace.

At the heart of everything Elias does is a commitment to quality. Whether it’s the artists he supports or the events he organizes, he believes that excellence speaks for itself. “Whatever you present, make sure it’s the best,” he said. It’s advice that applies not only to artists but to anyone striving to make an impact.

Elias is also passionate about helping others navigate the complexities of business. For those planning their first event, his advice is straightforward: “Start with a budget and focus on the essentials. If you’re missing resources, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone who can help.” It’s a reminder that collaboration often leads to greater success.

Looking ahead, Elias is focused on building a community of genuine, like-minded individuals who share his vision for positive impact. “I want to create a safe space for people in business to thrive and support one another,” he said. It’s a goal that reflects his deep belief in the power of community and connection.

Elias Foster’s story is one of purpose, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to helping others succeed. Whether you’re an artist, an entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to make a difference, his journey offers valuable insights into what it takes to turn a vision into reality.

Alexis Warnick is a force of nature—a lifestyle influencer and model development coach who’s reshaped not only her own life but also those around her. From her early days in a small town in Pennsylvania to building a vibrant life in Chicago, Alexis has proven that transformation begins with courage and compassion.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Alexis grew up surrounded by mountains and close-knit communities. But when her mother moved to Chicago for work, Alexis followed in 2005, stepping into a world that was bigger, faster, and more diverse than anything she’d known. She described it as a "culture shock," but one that opened her eyes to the opportunities a bustling city like Chicago had to offer.

As someone deeply involved in model development and content creation, Alexis exudes confidence. But she’s quick to remind you that confidence isn’t something she was born with—it’s something she built. “Being in front of the camera was a comfort zone I created,” she shares. “It pushes me out of my shell, even though I’m naturally an introvert.”

One of Alexis’s defining moments came in 2016 when she made the bold decision to shave her head. It wasn’t driven by societal pressures or a need to conform—it was a declaration of self. “Your hair carries a lot of what you’ve been through,” she explains. Cutting it all off was her way of shedding the past and stepping into her true self. “If I can walk out bald with no hair, you have no choice but to see me for me.”

This boldness isn’t just for show—it’s a lesson she passes on to her daughter and to the young people she works with in Chicago Public Schools. During the pandemic, Alexis began working as a special education classroom assistant. The role taught her patience, empathy, and how to truly connect with children who face unique challenges. “Sometimes, I’m the outlet these kids don’t have at home,” she says. “It taught me that everyone’s complexity is their strength.”

Her work with students, especially those with autism or emotional challenges, has shaped how she approaches life. She encourages people to ask questions, to look beyond what they think they see. “We lack empathy because we see people as they’re perceived, not as they are,” she says. “The littlest thing you can do for someone can be the biggest thing for them.”

Alexis’s strength also comes from her experiences as a young mother. She had her daughter at 19, while in college, and refused to let motherhood derail her ambitions. “Being pregnant doesn’t mean stop,” she asserts. “I wanted my daughter to see me succeed so she’d know she can, too.” That determination led her to finish her degree, setting an example of resilience and perseverance.

Her advice to anyone facing setbacks? “Your setbacks are setups for comebacks,” she says. “Take the time to reflect and come back stronger. Life’s challenges aren’t roadblocks; they’re detours to something better.”

What’s most striking about Alexis is her ability to turn her struggles into wisdom for others. Whether it’s encouraging someone to take a leap of faith or reminding them to show compassion, Alexis is a living example of how courage and kindness can change lives. She sums it up beautifully: “We’re sometimes the fuel others need to get through the day.”

Alexis’s story is a testament to the power of authenticity and the ripple effect of compassion. She shows us that confidence isn’t about perfection—it’s about embracing who you are and using that to lift others.