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GuessWho Studio: A Collaborative Language by Twin Artists

Women's Journal Staff on September 10, 2025

Duality has long been part of how artists understand the world. From Van Gogh’s intensity and solitude to the quiet self-dialogues in Haruki Murakami’s novels, the idea of a dual identity often finds its way into creative work. But for Chenxin and Chenyi Luo, twin sisters and co-founders of GuessWho Studio, dual identity takes a different form. It is not a metaphor or inner conflict—it is a real, ongoing exchange between two people. They are collaborators working in a studio shaped by trust, years of shared experience, and an innate sense of mutual understanding.

Their collaboration began long before they founded GuessWho Studio. Growing up side by side, creating together became instinctive. At the studio, they do not strictly divide tasks. Instead, they co-develop ideas from the beginning, engaging in long conversations, building moodboards, and sharing references. This early phase allows them to align conceptually, emotionally, and visually.

Once a direction is clear, one typically focuses on linework while the other develops color and composition. But throughout the process, they continue to review and refine together. This approach is not just a working method—it is a form of connection. Their level of coordination often feels like one mind working through two sets of hands, a kind of creative intuition that appears to be shared only by those who are closely connected.

Their most well-known projects reflect this closeness. In Dollhouse Dreams, the sisters explored the imaginative space of childhood through a series of illustrations that blend personal memory with fictional worlds. The dollhouse acts as a frame where themes of intimacy and mirrored identity play out. The series has been recognized by Creative Quarterly, Communication Arts, and the American Art Awards, and has been exhibited in multiple venues across New York and abroad. Other projects like Pillowtalk and Cinema Escape continue these themes, using everyday environments as emotional containers. These spaces are often depicted with a gentle palette and a sense of stillness, encouraging the viewer to pause and reflect.

Beyond narrative themes, the sisters also focus on formal elements. “I often work with layered imagery, texture, and symmetry,” Chenxin explains. “These elements help convey emotional balance, especially when illustrating concepts like identity or memory.” Chenyi, too, emphasizes atmosphere and transitional space: “I think a lot about rooms, windows, and liminal spaces—places where something is about to begin or has just ended.” Their visual choices reflect a shared focus on emotional tone and understated narrative.

Their shared creative language is also shaped by a cross-cultural background. After growing up in China, both Chenxin and Chenyi studied at Pratt Institute in New York. This background influences how they approach composition, tone, and communication. They often draw on elements from Chinese visual tradition such as symbolism, restraint, and layered meaning, while also applying the structure and clarity emphasized in Western design education. This combination can be observed in both their independent projects and client work.

GuessWho Studio: A Collaborative Language by Twin Artists

Photo Courtesy: Guess Who Studio / Chenxin Luo and Chenyi Luo
Cinema Escape

One example is their collaboration with Dongyi Dunhuang Hotel & Resorts. Over the course of a year, they created a series of festival posters blending traditional Dunhuang mural elements with modern aesthetics. To ensure accuracy and respect for the source material, they spent time studying references and even traveled to Dunhuang in person. The resulting designs were distributed across digital platforms.

Outside of GuessWho Studio, the sisters also work independently in design and branding. Chenyi is a UI/UX and brand designer at What3ver, where she helped establish the company’s logo, typography system, and user experience. Chenxin’s experience includes roles at Peter Coffin Studio and USWOO Realty, where she worked on books, marketing content, and cross-format visual campaigns. These roles helped shape both artists’ abilities to shift between artistic expression and applied design, and to adapt creative thinking to different audiences and platforms.

GuessWho Studio: A Collaborative Language by Twin Artists

Photo Courtesy: Guess Who Studio / Chenxin Luo and Chenyi Luo
Pillowtalk

Looking ahead, the sisters are exploring opportunities to expand their collaborative practice. They are currently developing a character-based IP called Nanameimei and preparing an exhibition and publication titled Twin Size. At the same time, they are pursuing individual paths—not as a departure from their partnership, but as a way to bring in fresh ideas and energy that could support the collaboration’s growth. But at the center of their practice is a quiet consistency: a belief in visual storytelling that is sensitive, clear, and rooted in shared experience.

Marie Torossian: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs to Scale, Lead, and Thrive

Women's Journal Staff on September 10, 2025

By: Michael Beas

In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, women are increasingly stepping into leadership roles with growing influence. Few exemplify this shift more clearly than Marie Torossian, a successful CPA, business coach, thought leader, and mentor whose mission is clear: to help women entrepreneurs grow their businesses without losing themselves in the process. Through her innovative methodologies, mentorship, and hands-on guidance, Torossian is helping reshape how women approach leadership, financial strategy, and business growth.

From CPA to Entrepreneurial Leader

Marie Torossian’s journey into entrepreneurship began with a desire to make a meaningful difference for small business owners. “I wanted to bring my knowledge and expertise to business owners who often lack access to the financial insight and strategic guidance that larger companies typically have,” she explains. Her goal was simple yet impactful: help owners understand their numbers, leverage those insights for growth, and build businesses with lasting value.

However, the path to leadership wasn’t without challenges. As a woman entering a traditionally male-dominated field, Torossian often found herself as the only woman in boardrooms. Rather than seeing this as a barrier, she used it as fuel. “I could use it to master my craft, strengthen my resilience, and leverage the unique perspective I bring as both a professional and a woman. Those challenges ultimately shaped me into the leader and mentor I am today.”

For Torossian, entrepreneurship also offered personal freedom: the ability to shape her own schedule, be present with family, and build financial security. This combination of service and autonomy became the foundation of her leadership philosophy.

The VALUEATION-MT® Methodology: A Roadmap for Growth

Torossian’s notable contribution to the business coaching world is her VALUEATION-MT® methodology, which helps business owners scale efficiently while increasing the true value of their companies.

“I noticed that owners often focused solely on revenue but lacked visibility into the drivers that actually create value,” she says. The VALUEATION-MT® framework addresses this gap by combining valuation principles, cash flow management, pricing strategies, policies and procedures, data analysis, and operational efficiency.

Unlike traditional coaching, which often emphasizes motivation or surface-level tactics, Torossian’s methodology provides actionable steps, measurable outcomes, and a more holistic roadmap for building high-value businesses. Every decision is tied back to growth and sustainability, giving entrepreneurs both clarity and confidence.

Balancing Growth and Avoiding Burnout

One of the common struggles women face in business is balancing professional growth with personal life. Torossian advises women to let go of the belief that they must do everything themselves. “Too many women carry the weight of being both the visionary and the operator, which often leads to burnout. Invest in systems, automation, and people who can support your growth.”

She also encourages women to identify priorities and focus on high-impact activities. If everything is urgent, nothing is. And perhaps importantly, Torossian stresses that rest and renewal are not luxuries—they’re essential. Burnout does not typically lead to breakthroughs; clarity, energy, and strategic focus tend to be more effective in driving success.

Common Mistakes Women-Led Businesses Make

Having worked with startups, established businesses, and non-profits, Torossian has observed patterns in where women-led businesses struggle financially and operationally. One key mistake is not knowing their numbers deeply enough. Passion can drive a business, but without financial clarity, decisions can be risky.

Another frequent challenge is undervaluing oneself. Many women hesitate to charge what their product or service is truly worth. Torossian emphasizes the importance of implementing financial systems early, using forecasting and key performance indicators, and reviewing pricing to reflect true value. “When women own their numbers and their worth, their businesses have the potential to thrive,” she says.

Leading with Authenticity and Vision

As a thought leader, podcaster, and mentor, Torossian has a clear perspective on the future of women in business leadership. “We’re no longer just breaking into the room—we’re reshaping it,” she says. Women bring a balance of strategy, empathy, and innovation that is increasingly valued in business success.

She advises women to invest in visibility—sharing expertise through speaking, writing, and networking—while building strong connections that can open doors to opportunities. Staying future-focused is equally vital, particularly embracing technology, automation, and new ways of working. “Every investment is like sowing a seed. It will bear fruit at the right time.”

For Torossian, long-term success hinges on authenticity, adaptability, and vision. Women leaders are uniquely positioned to drive innovation, foster inclusive work cultures, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Empowering Women to Lead Tomorrow

Marie Torossian’s career demonstrates that leadership is not just about business acumen—it’s about perspective, resilience, and empowering others. From navigating a male-dominated profession to creating a methodology that transforms businesses, she exemplifies the values she teaches: strategic thinking, clarity, and self-worth.

Her guidance offers practical steps for women at any stage of their entrepreneurial journey: understand your numbers, embrace support systems, focus on what matters, and own both your expertise and your time. By following these principles, women can build businesses that thrive financially and personally, while positioning themselves as leaders for the future.

Torossian’s work reminds us that entrepreneurship is not a solitary climb. With the right mindset, tools, and community, women can scale their businesses, balance their lives, and lead with both confidence and impact.

Empowering Growth: How Premier Business Services Helps Businesses Thrive with Passion, Integrity, and Innovation

Women's Journal Staff on September 10, 2025

By: Michael Beas

Launching and running a small business is as rewarding as it is demanding. For many entrepreneurs, the dream of building something meaningful often collides with the reality of managing day-to-day operations—finances, payroll, compliance, and everything in between. It’s here that Premier Business Services, led by co-founder Sarah, has stepped in to make a difference.

For Sarah, the inspiration to launch Premier wasn’t rooted in numbers alone—it was born from passion, excitement, and necessity. “We’ve always had a deep passion for helping people and a strong desire to grow in our own knowledge and expertise,” she explains. “At the same time, we saw a very real gap in what business owners struggle with when they’re trying to grow.”

That gap was clear: business owners juggling too many roles, overwhelmed by the sheer weight of responsibility. “So many small businesses and entrepreneurs are forced to wear all the hats—running operations, managing finances, leading a team, sales, and still trying to support their families and communities. We knew firsthand how overwhelming that can be, and we wanted to step in and bridge that gap.”

From its inception, Premier Business Services has been about more than just offering financial support. It’s about strengthening businesses so they can focus on their strengths, while simultaneously uplifting the communities they serve.

Helping Businesses Move From Reactive to Proactive

One of the most common pitfalls Sarah sees among entrepreneurs is a reactive mindset. “They’re often putting out fires instead of using accurate data to anticipate what’s ahead,” she says. This pattern, though common, can be costly—especially when growth is at stake.

Premier Business Services helps clients break free from this cycle by providing reliable financial reporting, cash flow tools, and planning support. “With those under control, businesses can focus on other areas needing attention like sales, production, or marketing,” Sarah explains.

Another critical issue is the risk of making decisions based on inaccurate or incomplete data. “If your books aren’t right, every decision you make is built on shaky ground. We ensure accuracy and consistency so business owners can trust their numbers and make smarter decisions.”

Sarah also points out that overstaffing—often driven by the pursuit of the “next big sale”—is a recurring mistake. “Instead of duplicating roles and building processes, owners sometimes throw people at problems. We help them step back, analyze workloads, and structure their teams in a way that’s sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective.”

And with fraud at an all-time high, Premier introduces checks, balances, and oversight processes to safeguard small businesses. “Peace of mind is priceless when it comes to protecting what you’ve built,” she adds.

Harnessing Technology Without Losing the Human Touch

The world of bookkeeping and financial services has been transformed by automation and cloud-based solutions, and Premier has embraced this shift thoughtfully. “We automate where possible, while always making sure the tools we use are proven, reliable, and beneficial for our clients,” Sarah says.

From payroll to accounts payable to real-time financial reporting, these innovations are helping businesses gain faster insights and reduce manual errors. But Sarah emphasizes that technology is never adopted for its novelty alone. “We don’t chase every shiny new product—we carefully test and adopt technology that supports our high standards of accuracy and compliance.”

What excites Sarah most is how automation frees up her team to focus less on repetitive tasks and more on strategic guidance. “It allows us to help clients understand their numbers, plan ahead, and make stronger business decisions,” she explains.

This thoughtful balance of innovation and reliability is one of the key reasons Premier continues to stand out in the competitive bookkeeping landscape.

Building Trust Through People and Purpose

Trust, accuracy, and integrity aren’t just buzzwords at Premier—they’re foundational values. And fostering long-term client relationships requires more than strong financial skills. “Client relationships don’t last because of one good tax season or project,” Sarah notes. “They last because of consistent follow-through, reliability, and an ability to adapt to what business owners truly need.”

Part of Premier’s success has come from investing in its team. A recent restructuring allowed the company to introduce new specialized roles, raising the level of expertise available to clients. “Finding individuals who are strong in every area of accounting and bookkeeping can be difficult,” Sarah explains. “Instead of expecting one person to be an expert at everything, we’ve built a structure where specialists can thrive.”

Internally, Premier has also created transparent career pathing for employees, ensuring they see a future within the company. “When employees understand how they can grow and feel supported, they’re more likely to stay long-term. That stability translates directly to clients, who benefit from consistent relationships with people they trust.”

By focusing on both people and process, Premier builds partnerships that endure year after year.

Rooted in Community, Growing with Purpose

Being based in Sioux Falls has been instrumental to Premier’s journey. “The community is filled with so many amazing people—supportive, thriving, and always looking to expand—that it’s been a privilege to grow alongside them,” Sarah shares.

That community spirit has shaped her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: be open about your goals. “When we were just starting out, we were honest about what we were trying to build, and some of our very first clients gave us a chance because of that transparency. Those same clients supported us when it came time to raise rates so we could grow, hire employees, and eventually buy a building.”

She believes this kind of openness not only attracts the right clients but also encourages others to pursue their own goals. “As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats, and that’s exactly what we’ve experienced here.”

Looking Ahead

From its beginnings rooted in passion to its present-day role as a trusted partner for small businesses, Premier Business Services has carved out a place where financial expertise meets genuine care. Through proactive support, thoughtful use of technology, and a commitment to trust and integrity, Sarah and her team continue to help businesses not just survive—but thrive.

For entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of growth, Premier stands as proof that with the right support, it’s possible to build stronger businesses, stronger communities, and a brighter future.