Idaho Speakeasy | Stories and advice from Idaho business owners, entrepreneurs, creators, local icons, and community leaders By Mike Turner: Author | Entrepreneur | Interviewing Idaho Thought Leaders

Preston Lewis is the cofounder and Chief Creative Officer of Black Box VR—a virtual reality fitness experience. Black Box VR’s innovative technology represents the world’s first fitness virtual reality space that uses real weight. They have invented a dynamic resistance machine that pairs with virtual reality game experiences. When the player is in the virtual reality world—wearing the VR headset—they can use their body like a controller with the game responding dynamically to their every move. The cofounders’ background at Bodybuilding.com also means that the fitness aspect of the experience is completely dialed in, with an integrated app to deliver short feedback loops and small victories. Preston is especially proud of the accuracy of reporting from the dynamic resistance machine and the potential to change the face of fitness adherence.

If you want to know more about Black Box VR, check them out online at: https://www.blackbox-vr.com

Read the full Idaho Speakeasy story: idahospeakeasy.com/preston-lewis-story

Boise Angels is a Treasure Valley non-profit focusing on supporting foster families in skill and relationship building. In Idaho, numbers vary, but there are currently over 1,700 children in foster care. The need for foster homes remains high and they continue to turn over quickly, with over 60% of first time families calling it quits after their first year. It’s difficult for families to deal with the emotional needs of children while getting their only help from already thin state resources. The average foster kid is forced to move 7 times in 2 years—a statistic Boise Angels wants to change. Emilee Fortin is the Vice President of Boise Angels and has made it her mission to eventually connect every foster family in the Treasure Valley with the support they need by way of a love box.

If you want to help, but aren’t able to foster, starting a love box group through Boise Angels is a great way to get involved. To get started, visit the Boise Angels website at www.boiseangels.org

Read the full Idaho Speakeasy story: idahospeakeasy.com/emilee-fortin-story

Nicole Foy is a reporter with the Idaho Press Tribune who focuses on Canyon County and Hispanic affairs. She has spent the last few years ‘building a beat’ in the Hispanic community and does her best to report on stories that are representative of a range of experiences. Part of Nicole’s work has been focused on building relationships within the Idaho Hispanic community and says that giving a voice to a historically under-represented group of people has been an eye opening experience. From immigration to college admissions, Nicole’s reporting touches the lives of thousands and brings life to a part of Idaho that has been largely left behind.

If you want to keep up with Nicole, you can follow her here: https://www.idahopress.com/users/profile/nicolefoy/ or on Twitter at @nicoleMfoy

Read the full Idaho Speakeasy story: idahospeakeasy.com/nicole-foy-story

Conservation Voters for Idaho is a statewide nonprofit that safeguards what makes Idaho special through voter representation and mobilization. From hot springs to clean water, Conservation Voters for Idaho protects the natural resources that Idahoans take for granted. Antonio Hernandez is a voter’s right associate working specifically with the Hispanic community in Idaho. His goal is to ensure that the people in these communities are fairly represented and have a strong voice for conservation in Idaho.

If you want to find out more, please visit their website at: www.cvidaho.org

Read the full Idaho Speakeasy story: idahospeakeasy.com/antonio-hernandez-story

Jessi Roberts is founder and CEO of Cheekys Brand as well as author of the new book, “Backroads Boss Lady” which will be available in stores and online March 5th. While there is no doubt that Jessi Roberts is a force, her personal brand of success is anything but aggressive. The author and main Boss Lady at Cheekys, Jessi’s no-nonsense attitude is tempered by a sassy, approachable personality that forms the basis of her brands authentic and accessible character. What started as a few handbags and a potential tanning salon is now a multi-million dollar clothing, jewelry, footwear and home decor retailer located in the tiny town of New Plymouth, Idaho. Jessi is a self-made success and her belief in relationship building has set Cheekys apart and won the hearts of hundreds of thousands of loyal customers.

If you want to learn more about Cheekys Brand or get something for yourself, visit: www.cheekysboutique.com If you want to read Jessi’s book, you can buy it from wherever books are sold.

Read the full Idaho Speakeasy story: idahospeakeasy.com/jessi-roberts-story





 

In 2018, the Boise Rescue Mission celebrated 60 years of service to the Valley’s homeless, hungry, and needy community. Founded in 1958 at the Mission’s downtown location at Front Street and Capital, the Boise Rescue Mission has been one of the city’s most beloved and trusted organizations. Reverend Bill Roscoe is the current President and CEO at the Mission and has been growing the organization’s capacity and programming to keep up with the growing need in the Treasure Valley. 

If you are interested in volunteering at the Rescue Mission or want to speak with Reverend Roscoe directly, visit the Boise Rescue Mission website at www.boiserm.org

Read the full Idaho Speakeasy story: idahospeakeasy.com/bill-roscoe-story