Shawn Fink

An Accidental Entrepreneur: A Creative's Unconventional Journey to Finding Purpose -- and Community Along the Way

Shawn’s journey to entrepreneurship didn't begin the traditional way with a business plan and a loan. It began like most creative projects do with a hope and a prayer -- and having no idea what she was doing. Her quest became a mission to find balance, alignment and community. She quickly learned that being an accidental entrepreneur was everything she was supposed to become in this lifetime. Shawn will share about the messy, creative process of finding your Brave YES in the world as a passionate creative and thought leader -- and the powerful benefits of trusting yourself and never giving up.

Shawn Fink (she/her) is a Business Design Strategist & Courage Coach for female entrepreneurs, creators and thought leaders. But that's not how she started out. She first moved to York in 2000 to work as a newspaper journalist and from there she wore a number of other professional hats -- and identities. It was the power of birth and motherhood -- and its isolation -- that catapulted her creativity and instigated her desire and longing to seek something beyond the conventional. She now spends day in and day out on Zoom working with rising entrepreneurs around the world on trusting their Brave YES ideas that will leave a legacy of impact. Shawn is also an activist and founder of the grassroots group RiseUP York. When she has free time, she can be found drinking coffee, reading, walking in nature -- and journaling out her next creative project. Learn more about her work at shawnfink.com

Click here to view Shawn’s presentation.

Aaron Guhl

Front Porch Trained

What do you get when you cross furniture with a mischievous cat? Scratched up family heirlooms! That’s the problem Aaron set out to solve on his front porch while he was stuck at home on medical leave. His solution turned into a new venture. Though there were many struggles along the way, he was able to learn new skills, grow the business, and find the community he was looking for through the art of refinishing furniture.

Aaron Guhl was born in Arcadia, Florida, and grew up in Lancaster County (Conestoga), PA. He attended Millersville University and graduated with a Bachelors in Psychology. He is a furniture refinisher and lives in York with his lovely wife, Krista, and three adorable cats. He is proud to volunteer his time to York XL. You may find him in the wild hiking local trails, always searching for the highest views.

Click here to view Aaron’s presentation.

Justin Hershey

Of Sound Mind

A look into the life and journey of a "sound guy."

Justin Hershey is a well-traveled audio engineer from York, PA. He is a graduate of Central York High School and Sheffield Institute for the Recording Arts. From performing as a vocalist, to touring as a front of house audio engineer, Justin has worked with Grammy award-winning artists and local legends alike. He currently owns and operates Hershey AV Solutions in Mechanicsburg, PA, which services the audio and visual needs of music venues, houses of worship, and touring acts in Central PA, and the Midatlantic region. When he isn't doing sound, he can be seen speaking for the RASE project as an advocate for those struggling with Alcoholism. 

Click here to view Justin’s presentation.

Patricia A. Jackson

Unleashing the Inner Child: A Writer’s Journey

The best advice for writers? Never grow up! Patricia A. Jackson invites you to her creative playground to discuss the journey and the process of writing and traditional publishing with all of her imaginary friends. Learn to listen and trust the inner eight-year-old and improve your story telling. But beware, here there be fallen angels, fiery Nightmares, and Sith! Inner critics and crippling self-doubt are not allowed!

By day, Patricia is a high school English teacher. By night, she’s a science fiction/fantasy writer with published work in the Star Wars Universe. Her urban fantasy Forging A Nightmare debuted in November 2021 from Angry Robot Books. Nancy Springer (author of the Enola Holmes mysteries) described the novel as “A brilliantly plotted, hard-hitting fantasy deeply rooted in the myths of the human, the divine, the angelic, and the equine.” When not writing, Patricia advises The Beautiful People, a club that creates brave spaces for high school students who identify as LGBTQ+. She is also co-advisor to the Panther Anti-Racist Union, who successfully fought a racially-motivated book ban in the Central York School District. In her spare time, she spoils her horses Maya and Indy.

Click here to view Patricia’s presentation.

Kayode Malomo

Joy of Art

Kayode's journey into art did not begin in a traditional way. Living and going to school on three different continents and finally settling down in York has been quite an interesting journey. He will share about the "Joy of Art" and highlight his journey and experiences while on his mission of bringing happiness, hope, and healing to his community through creativity. 

Kayode Malomo is a multimedia artist based in York, PA and also the CEO/Creative Director of MalomsyArt Collections and MPG. Kayode weaves themes that oscillate around a game play of light and shadow, expressing strong versatility in oil, airbrushing, collage, and mixed media. His paintings often feature themes that depict happiness, hope, beauty, and the importance of education. Malomo has been commissioned to paint for dignitaries such as the President of Nigeria, Sierra-Leone, Mali to name a few. He was recognized by the Philadelphia Museum of Art during its African Art, African Voices exhibit in a feature film titled, In Their Own Voices, an interwoven portrait of four African artists in Pennsylvania. Malomo’s painting titled “Serenity” graced the cover of the 2017 January edition of the Journal of African Literature, a global professional society of diaspora scholars, teachers, artists, artistes, and creative writers from more than 55 countries. MalomsyArt has a presence in galleries, homes, hospitals and other creative outlets in the US, UK, Africa, and Asia. He has completed over 200 artworks.

Click here to view Kayode’s presentation.

Jen Simon

Tarot and The Journey Back to Who We Are

Jen’s journey back to herself began with the death of her father. While wading through grief, she picked up the cards she used to know so well and realized she had something to offer others. Through plenty of introspection and deep work, she found that she was closer to knowing her true self than ever before. A remembrance, an epiphany of the path she was supposed to walk in this life. She has been healing through tarot and helping others see their true selves with compassion and humor ever since.  

Jen has been a professional reader for the past few years with her business Soul Haus Tarot. She reads from her private studio, at events in the local area, and private parties. She is also an artist and owned the business Feather and Snail. When not reading cards, painting, or making, you can find her in the garden and the forest or spending time with friends and family. 

Click here to view Jen’s presentation.

FEATURED PRESENTERS AT OUR EVENT ON February 16, 2023. LEFT TO RIGHT: Justin Hershey, Kayode Malomo, Aaron Guhl, Patricia A. Jackson, Shawn Fink, Jen Simon.