THE DEEP BLUE RIDGE

Be nice to everyone – it’s so easy: that’s how one Rockbridge County man wants his legacy to inspire others. He’s an entertainer with a larger-than-life personality, and he demonstrates that through his gigantic art pieces.

A Floyd woman has worked decades to figure out her life, but little did she know it would be a hermit crab that would help her claw her way to her purpose.

A New River Valley man hopes his not-so-traditional journey to success inspires other people to act on their ideas in life.

A childhood memory inspired one man to pursue a passion in the industry of glass blowing and now, he’s giving back to people in the community interested in the art. Parker Stafford, 57, runs his own hot glass studio and gallery at 8685 Virginia Avenue in Newport.

The bond between a father and son over their passion for Hot Wheels collectibles is stronger than ever thanks to life and legacy of a close family friend.

A Roanoke survivor of sexual assault is using her traumatizing experience to connect with and serve other victims of sexual assault and human trafficking through her non-profit, The Lampstand.

A Roanoke man is hoping his testimony of turning his life around from homelessness will inspire others struggling in life to never stop fighting for better circumstances. Now, he is giving back to the very organization that rescued him from hitting rock bottom.

A Roanoke woman who has dedicated her life to serving people experiencing homelessness is sharing where this passion developed and how she closely relates to those dealing with these kinds of struggles. Dawn Sandoval, 55, is the founder of The Least of These Ministry or TLOT.

A Roanoke woman’s simple acts of pay-it-forward kindness has gone a long way with making a lasting impact in the community. Debra Ferrell, 54, is the founder of the LLC, ‘Love with Skin On.’

A Roanoke man hopes his personal experience of witnessing addiction in his family will emphasize a different perspective of what drug abuse looks like to raise awareness for others.

A Roanoke street performer is hoping his artistic performances inspire people to push themselves in life. Jefferson Rose, 30, does magic and side show acts for a living.

One Roanoke woman is making a difference in the community with her trash-to-treasure art. She’s doing so, not only by inspiring people to care about the environment, but by inspiring people to care about their passions as well.