Author: Quinn Propst (Quinn Propst)

On Bainbridge Island, where misty mornings linger and the views never disappoint, Mikal Foushee has created something extraordinary: a Scandinavian-inspired refuge where heat meets cold – and transformation begins.

Launched in 2024, Fire + Floe is rooted in the centuries-old Nordic tradition of sauna and cold plunging. It’s a ritual Foushee and her husband practiced for years in the chilly waters of the Puget Sound. Inspired by travels to Denmark and Sweden – where sauna culture is seamlessly woven into daily life – Foushee often dreamed aloud of a sauna to warm up in after their plunges. Eventually, that dream took shape.

Honeybee Horticulture is a Kitsap-based event planning and floral design business that also offers charcuterie catering, combining artistic detail with heartfelt personalization to create meaningful, memorable experiences for weddings, celebrations, and community events.

For owner and founder Mariah Mendez, the name Honeybee Horticulture is more than a nod to flowers—it's personal. Her mother always called her "honeybee," and the business name reflects both that endearment and Mendez’s original intention: to grow plants.

When the Suquamish Tribe established Port Madison Enterprises (PME) in the mid-1980s, it was a bold and visionary move. At a time when few tribes had separated business from government, the Suquamish Tribe charted a course that emphasized sustainable economic development, cultural stewardship, and long-term thinking—principles that continue to define PME today.

The Kitsap History Museum in downtown Bremerton is more than just a quiet archive of dusty artifacts. It’s a place where the past is constantly being rediscovered and retold — especially the stories that haven’t always been heard.

“We focus on local history,” said Lisa Hope, the museum’s Director of Marketing and Development. “Everything we preserve or collect must have a connection to Kitsap County,”

Willow Treats, a pet store in Port Orchard, isn't your average pet shop – it’s a health-first haven where every product is handpicked by a veterinarian with your pet’s wellness in mind.

Opened in 2023 by veterinarian Dr. Amanda Smith and longtime animal hospital practice manager Angela Williams, Willow Treats was born out of a simple but persistent problem: the vet-recommended products they advised clients to use were often hard to find locally.

Near Poulsbo, tucked among trees and gardens cultivated over two decades, Jessica Young is quietly fostering connection—one meal, one book, and one honest conversation at a time.

Near Poulsbo at the Red House, nestled among the trees and lush gardens cultivated over two decades, Jessica Young is bringing people together around the table one meal, one book and one discussion at a time.

The Marvin Williams Recreation Center is more than just a community center – it’s a living legacy of love, leadership, and cultural connection.

Built with the vision of the late Bishop Lawrence Robertson and sustained by his wife, Dr. Lillian Lockett Robertson, the center has become a vital “third place” for the Bremerton community—a space for gathering, learning, healing, and celebration.

Poulsbo chef Sandra Rocha Evanoff is using Afro Brazilian cuisine as a powerful tool for connection and change. Through her business, Brasil Comes to You, and global work with the Social Gastronomy Movement, Evanoff blends storytelling, heritage, and advocacy to fight food insecurity and build inclusive communities. Born in rural Bahia, Brazil, Evanoff brings a lifetime of resilience and cultural pride to everything she does—from teaching refugee youth to organizing global hunger initiatives. With every dish, she celebrates the beauty of Brazilian food and its African roots, inviting people to gather, learn, and grow—one shared meal at a time.

What started as a frustrating sailing mishap led Bainbridge Island dentist and adventurer Drew Fiscus to invent Anchor® Drink Systems—a magnetic, spill-proof drink holder designed for life in motion. Built for boats, kayaks, RVs, and even strollers, the system uses a waterproof magnetic base and silicone sleeves to keep beverages secure in any environment. With help from family, friends, and a Seattle-based design team, Fiscus brought his idea to life through eco-friendly packaging and hands-on innovation. Anchor® is more than a product—it’s a reminder that the best ideas often come when you’re simply willing to try.