Hidden Gems: Local Businesses & Creatives You Should Know

Trinity Huntley

My journey into wellness began during my junior year of high school when I I started to work on my senior exit project. My topic was Food desert, I can’t remember exactly what got me to that topic but once I researched, what a Food desert was, I realize how prominent they were and how they affected the community.

This experience highlighted the importance of nutrition , prompting me to take my health more seriously. I noticed that many women in my family struggled with health issues like diabetes, obesity, and high blood sugar, which motivated me to use my research and understand my own eating habits.

I learned to focus on nourishing my body based on its nutritional needs rather than just responding to hunger cravings. This personal journey deepened when I became a mother. After my daughter was born, I recognized that she was experiencing similar health issues that I had battled for years, bloating. This realization pushed me to explore genetics and how factors like age, region, and genetic makeup can influence dietary needs for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Read More>>

Chelsea West

Growing up, my mother worked as a special education teacher and I loved when I got to help out in her classroom. My mother is the one that first introduced me to the occupational therapy profession. She knew I loved working with children, had a teaching heart like her, and had always raised me to be independent myself, which is the main foundation for occupational therapy, so that really resonated with me. Originally from Indiana, I completed my undergraduate in Sociology at Ball State University then went on to pursue my Master of Science degree in occupational therapy at Indiana State University. My graduate program lead me to complete my 6 months of clinical rotations in Columbia, SC where I met my husband and decided to start putting down roots! I have experience working with several different pediatric companies, however, my professional dream has always been to open my own outpatient clinic. After having my son in 2023, I was determined to make it happen! He has been my biggest motivator and has even provided inspiration for my company’s logo (his initials are hidden in it). This spring, we opened our doors and hit the ground running! It has been a wild ride learning the business, taking risks, and building new relationships, but I am really happy with how everything has developed and I am looking forward to the years to come! Read More>>

Caroline Pm Jones

I started my career as an artist, painting on the streets of Gibraltar, and selling my works to tourists and passersby. I spent 15 years painting and sketching all over Asia and Europe, always deeply engrossed in the culture and heritage of the area I was in, drawing from the people, their history, their story and the landscape. My father was in the British Military so we grew up moving around and being apart from what was familiar. I always loved to draw and paint and sit in nature, it was my constant and my comfort, and my greatest source of pleasure. In 2001 I moved to London, and whilst pregnant with my son, I decided to finally go to school and studied ornamental and architectural stone carving, at an art school invested in preserving the guild traditions of the City of London– so stone masons, haberdasher’s, gilders, conservationists, etc. As my child grew within, my journeys across landscapes became ones across surfaces. I then had my daughter, and finished my degree with two children and a new medium, and moved to Los Angeles where I still have a studio today. I’ve created many bodies of work, combining both painting and sculpture, and show regularly at art fairs, exhibitions, collectives and galleries. Read More>>

Lex Campbell

My path to the pet care business has been shaped by resilience, adaptability, and a lifelong passion for animals. From a young age, I’ve had a deep connection with animals. I’ve always had several pets; they have been a constant and grounding part of my life. Over the years, many of my animals had high needs, requiring special care and attention. It was often difficult to leave them behind when I had to be away, and I understand firsthand the challenges of finding the right caregiver who can meet those needs.

After my enlistment in the Marine Corps and sudden medical issues cutting my military career shorter than anticipated, I transitioned into civilian life. I then spent five years as an operations and safety manager, excelling in leadership roles. While I performed well professionally, I struggled to find fulfillment in the work. Read More>>

Fatima Golden

From a young age I picked up a camera and loved it even if it was just a disposable camera from CVS. Later on in high school I got the chance to use real cameras through the class yearbook and I just fell in love with the art of it. A few months later I bought my own camera and that was the start of it all. I would love to say it was a smooth road but honestly it wasn’t. It is already hard being a woman in a male dominated field so it times it felt like people thought they could just walk over me, but I learned that I would also have to stand up for my self and show this is where Im supposed to be. But I also had surgery throughout one of my busiest times it was hard to sit down and just relax and for a while it was even hard to hold my camera. But I came back even better. Read More>>

Tiffany Mcgroarty

I’m a lifestyle and travel blogger, as well as a landscape photographer. On my YouTube channel, “Tifftraveled What’s Next,” I share my life through photos and videos. For me, travel is about more than just going places – it’s about the journey and learning along the way.

Health issues forced me to step away from the 9-to-5 grind, but this allowed me to see life in a new, more meaningful light. I realized that many small businesses, farms, and local ventures often lack the budget for professional photography and videography. So I decided to provide these services to them for free, filming and photographing their operations to help showcase their offerings. Read More>>

Shannon Pruitt

I was at the kitchen table with my husband, our 6-month-old daughter snoozing upstairs in her crib, and I was having one of those “something’s gotta give” moments. You know the ones – where you can practically hear the universe saying “girl, it’s time for a change.”

I had just closed my wedding planning business four months earlier, and let me tell you, walking away from something you’ve built? Not exactly a “thanks for coming to my TED talk” kind of moment. But here’s the thing – when I was a wedding planner, I kept running into this frustrating situation where I’d recommend these INSANELY talented vendors to my clients, only to have them turned down because their websites looked like they were designed in the era of flip phones and MySpace Top 8. (No shade to MySpace Tom – he was everyone’s first friend.)

It was like watching the most amazing restaurants serve Michelin-star food out of a drive-through window. The disconnect was REAL, and it was driving me bonkers. Read More>>

Austin Krantz

I was adjusted by a chiropractor the first day I was born and I received consistent care from there on. This is because my dad is a chiropractor. However, I never wanted to be one myself. It wasn’t until my first year of undergrad until I made the decision to pursue this life changing career. The next year I would transfer to a college that had an execrated pre chiropractic program. After three years of undergrad, I was off to chiropractic college at Northwestern Health Sciences located in the twin cities of Minnesota. While going through school I realized that they prepare us to be amazing doctors but not so much when it comes to running a business. Because of this, I started our schools Business Club. This helped many students learn what it takes to run a successful practice. While chiropractic school challenged me in ways I never could have imagined, I managed to make it out the other end graduating with high honors. When you graduate you are left with two options. Read More>>

Jamaica Carter

There have definitely been some ups and downs during this journey. I started my business at only 18 years old, so you can imagine the things and circumstances I had to face as as business owner at such a young age. Now I’m 25 and I can say I still struggle to keep up with social media. Being a business owner, it’s important that you are innovative and you stay on the trends. Social media moves so fast from one thing to another so I do struggle with keeping up with the latest talk & making sure my brand stays relevant. Read More>>

Katie Walling

After graduating from college, I spent almost ten years running marketing departments. They ranged from start-ups where I was the only marketing employee to larger companies where I managed dozens of employees. This meant that I was required to be able to not only know how to do all functions of a marketing department, but to execute them, allowing me real-world, baptism-by-fire experience in all aspects of marketing and communications. Fast forward to 2021, and I found out that I was pregnant… with triplets. A few months later, I had to stop working altogether. I stayed home with them for the first year, but when they turned one I realized that I needed to continue to flex those marketing muscles that I had spent so long building—so I went rogue and started my own business. It started out with a couple of clients who fell into my lap through personal connections, and has now grown to almost 40 clients (past and present) in the last year and a half. There has been no paid advertising on behalf of me or the company, meaning they all either found me organically or were referrals from colleagues and friends. It has been the most challenging and rewarding experience, and I am so grateful to say that today I am able to stay home with my kids AND run a successful business, thanks to my incredibly understanding clients and family. Read More>>

Kaitlin Mark

I’ve been in the marketing industry for over 8 years, and my journey has been one of growth, creativity, and embracing opportunities. It all started during college when I took on an unpaid internship that allowed me to dive into creative projects, even without prior experience. That role sparked my passion for marketing and shaped my work ethic, teaching me the value of adaptability and taking initiative.

Over the years, I worked with a variety of brands, honing my skills in digital marketing, social media strategy, and content creation. By 2022, I felt ready to take the leap and launch my own business—Leave Your Mark Social. I wanted to create a space where I could combine my expertise with my love for helping businesses tell their stories authentically and effectively.

Now, as the founder of Leave Your Mark Social, I get to partner with amazing clients across industries, develop impactful strategies, and mentor others in the field. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’m grateful for every step that brought me here. Read More>>

Katie Rose

My photography journey started 3.5 years ago while I was in college and desperate to figure out something I was passionate about. After my freshman year of college, I realized that there was no way I could continue in the major I was in but I had zero clue where to turn. My dad was the one who suggested photography, let me use his gear, and helped me figure out Lightroom and Photoshop! If it weren’t for my Dad’s help, I would never have been able to figure out that this is my passion and start a business doing what I love.  Read More>>

James Collett

My career path into the automotive industry has been anything but traditional. It all began when I joined the U.S. Marines at just 18 years old. Serving my country taught me discipline, perseverance, and a strong work ethic. After receiving an Honorable Discharge, I pursued my education at Clemson University, where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree.

Soon after graduating, I began a new chapter as a Special Agent for the U.S. Government, a role I held for over 21 years. During that time, I spent seven years in the Middle East; I learned to navigate complex challenges, a skill that would later become essential in entrepreneurship. Read More>>

Abagail Otto

I have always loved art and loved transforming things! Doing hair is one way I can do this every day with my clients. I studied Cosmetology in high school at our carrier and technology center. A few months after graduating in 2020 I passed the state board and have been working since. the last 4 years have been life changing in so many amazing ways! I love making people feel seen, heard, beautiful and happy after leaving my chair. Working at Stella Nova in mount pleasant has been the greatest blessing. Here, I have learned from some of the greatest cosmetologist in Charleston SC. I love learning new techniques and any chance to grow and learn in my career. Read More>>

Kevin Thompson

My name is Kevin Thompson. I am originally from Hemingway, South Carolina. Raised in Conway. SC then later moved to Columbia, SC where I have been for the past 10 years now. Ministry and Business has always been a part of my life since I was the age of 7. As for ministry, I’ve been singing since the age of 7 in my local church choirs, traveling with them and singing all over which later birth me into becoming an Independent Gospel Artist, Praise and Worship Leader and Lead Psalmist as I currently am now. My story with music ministry is simply “It was a leap of faith and doing what I’ve always been called to do”. I didn’t pursue anything full throttle until I moved to Columbia in 2014, started my own gospel group and began to travel all over singing the gospel. Since then, a lot more developments have happened with the music ministry. I have rebranded my ministry brand from Kevin Thompson & Rebirth to now “Kevin Thompson Ministries. Within KTM, I became a gospel recording independent artist, with music out on Apple Music titled, “Lift Him Up, released August 28, 2020. My followers and supporters doubled from what they were when I first launched back in 2014. When I released my single , I won an award for “Best Contemporary Gospel Song” awarded by the “Victory Gospel Awards Fest” in November 2020. In addition to KTM, I was licensed as a Minister of the Gospel in the Church of God In Christ back in June 2022. I am just grateful to where the Lord has brought me from and accelerating me to. I’m just honored to be considered for it all. Read More>>

sip & Share Llc

Our journey began at the University of Mississippi, where we all studied marketing. After graduation, we each took our own paths, but fate brought us together again in Charleston, where we were all seeking new opportunities. It was during this time that we saw a gap in the market for high-quality content creation at weddings and other events—a niche that sparked the vision for what would become our business.

In early 2024, we sat down together to discuss how we could turn this idea into a reality. What started as casual conversations quickly turned into countless hours of planning, brainstorming, and strategizing. We knew the road ahead would be challenging, but we were motivated by a shared passion for what we wanted to create. Read More>>

Hannah Zerbe

Growing up, I was always interested in art. I loved how I could perfect a skill and teach myself different painting techniques. I tried all the mediums—from watercolors, to painting jewelry, to embroidery—until I landed on oils in 2015. I felt like a grand master from the Renaissance, and my love for art history grew out of that. That same year, I took a photography class in school and I was hooked. I’d ask my two older sisters to model for me all the time, and I’d spend hours on Photoshop trying out the bottomless effects. Read More>>

Kamisha Pruitt

I am the Owner and Program Coordinator for Carolina Ties of the Lowcountry. Originally from North Carolina, I moved to South Carolina in 2006 as my next Duty Station with the USAF. She earned an Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from the Community College of the Air Force and a Bachelor of Science in Social Psychology with a concentration in Human Development from Park University of Parkville, MO. I am an Air Force Veteran with a background in Security and Law Enforcement. I began my journey with Supervised Visitation under Family Ties of the Lowcountry in July 2014 as Administrative Assistant to Linda Toporek. I worked closely with Linda to refine the supervision services we were providing as well as created other programs to better help families in our communities who were struggling with seeing their children while going through the Family Court process and/or Adult situations. Anyone doing this type of work must be compassionate, child-focused, and understanding of the emotional stress our clients are under. I have worked hard to ensure the best for families, normalizing abnormal situations as much as possible. Children need and deserve healthy relationships with their parents as well as positive home environments to support healthy foundations for the emotional growth of children. Read More>>

Mariah Bintliff

I started collecting scraps of fabric from hand-me-down clothing, antique linens, and my mother’s tattered scarf that lay hidden in a box of memories. When collecting these, I didn’t have a plan, I just couldn’t bear to get rid of them. Each piece had its own sentiment and a story that I knew I would one day share.

A new life for these remnants were realized when I discovered Bojagi. I immediately resonated with this traditional art form, because it was a clear expression of Korean heritage, sustainability, and most of all, storytelling. Read More>>

Jordan Hodgens

In 2015 when my father passed away, my mother needed to step away from the farm and I couldn’t stand the thought of it being sold. As unsure as I was, I took things over alongside my young daughter. I didn’t have the first clue on how to maintain or run a farm, and that’s when God sent me Mr. Sid. I was working at a small town country buffet in the evenings to make ends meet and he was one of my regular customers. I asked him what he did with the produce that wasn’t fit to sell (in hopes I could get some scraps for my pet pigs) and he invited me out to his farm. I visited Livingston Farms in Woodford for the first time in 2020 and my life changed forever. Covid shut things down at both of my jobs and Mr. Sid asked if I’d be interested in helping pick squash in the mornings for some extra money. Just like that, our business partnership was born. By August I realized I had a heart for produce and that he was exactly the person I needed to coach me through how to successfully maintain my own farm. Fast forward almost 5 years now, I manage every aspect of his produce business, from operating and repairing tractors, planting, harvesting and selling vegetables on a wholesale and retail level. I’ve also made huge strides in achieving my dreams of turning my farm into a mini cow farm that also functions as an event venue during the offseason of produce. I’ve been able to step away from the other jobs I had and focus on farming full time and I’m loving every minute of it. Read More>>

Melody Webb

I have always been a creative person and was an art teacher for seven years after going to art school in my hometown of Richmond, VA.

In 2014 I lost my grandfather; he was the first person I really knew that passed away and I did not handle it well. At my therapist’s suggestion I ended up adopting a dog, and on our daily walks I found so much peace and joy in nature and in the little things I would find and pick up on the way.

Over time those things started accumulating and I began researching ways I could incorporate them into my artwork. Lonely Pine Preservation started there and spiraled out into what it is today! Read More>> 

Arlette Cotrina

My journey into the beauty industry started with a deep appreciation for artistry and a desire to help others feel confident in their own skin. After studying computer science for four years, I realized my true passion lay elsewhere. I wanted to create something tangible, meaningful, and transformative.

I discovered permanent makeup and immediately fell in love with its ability to enhance natural beauty in a subtle yet impactful way. I spent about a year learning and practicing, taking classes with skilled artists, and earning multiple certifications to refine my techniques.

In the winter of 2023, I launched my business, TéTé, focusing on nano brows. It’s been a rewarding journey, blending creativity, precision, and client care. My business has grown because of my commitment to providing natural, personalized results, and the relationships I’ve built with my clients. Today, I’m proud to be doing what I love and helping people feel more confident and beautiful. Read More>>

Rosie Geen

After acquiring a historic building several years ago, I opened Southern Sisters Coffee & Sweet Shop, which became a beloved spot in the neighborhood from 2009 to 2015. Seeking a change, I transitioned into the shipping container business with my fiancé at DP Containers, but I still owned the building. I decided to repurpose the space into something unique—a cozy gathering venue with character.
Thus, Rosie’s was born. It’s a warm, welcoming space that our guests often describe as having a “homey” feel. Rosie’s has become a popular spot for small, intimate events like weddings, bridal and baby showers, graduations, and birthday parties. In a world where most event venues cater to large crowds, Rosie’s offers a rare and intimate setting for gatherings of 30 to 50 people. Read More>>

Ally Nelson

Art has been something I’ve enjoyed for as long as I can remember. Starting with crayons, then painting, and eventually I started writing short stories during class. Those stories became my new form of artistic expression. From secret supernatural societies to tearing down corrupt power structures, all the movies I’ve ever watched and books I’ve read influenced the stories I wrote. I wanted a way to combine the visual power of a painting and the stories I’ve written and I found that power in filmmaking. Read More>>

Russell/katherine Dodson

odyssey is the locally-owned business-baby of JI residents katherine and russell dodson. these two nut-jobs didn’t have enough going on with their 2 kids, 2 dogs, 1 cat and 6 fish that, after having to leave the island for the bazilyionth time to go find a great selection of craft beer to bring home, they screamed from the mountain tops (*flat driveway) that they were going to change that for all the wonderful people of JI.

and with that, odyssey was born: an island-inspired neighborhood spot to kick back and clank glasses with your people and strangers alike. Read More>>

Donna Pellegrino

Meet Donna Pellegrino, founder of Cove Concierge. With over 30 years in healthcare, Donna’s journey began in the New England seacoast town of Rye, New Hampshire, where her passion for service led her to volunteer at local nursing centers. She earned a B.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling from Boston University and an M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from New England College. Donna’s clinical experience at Portsmouth Hospital’s Psychiatric and Referral Services, coupled with leadership roles in healthcare spanning medical home care, senior living, addiction medicine and primary care, shaped her holistic approach to geriatric care. Read More>>

Natalie Allard

Acupuncture practice also offering LED light therapy, holistic microneedling, cupping, and herbal therapy
located in Mt Pleasant inside a very relaxing spa atmosphere
been practicing over 20 years
focus on fertiltity, pregnancy, postpartum, sleep, anxiety, digestion, pain
acupuncture is acute but also preventative medicine
have helped over 100 women get pregnant either naturally or with IUI/IVF methods
Acupuncture helps get your mind and body balanced, grounded and unblocked so that your blood and qi (energy) can flow freely and alleviate physical symptoms. Read More>>

Claire Campagna

My career story begins with a pretty traditional background: I went to Clemson University where I earned a degree in Packaging Science. I was then hired directly out of school as a Packaging Consultant with a respectable company in the industry, building a career that exactly correlated with my degree. As the years passed, I became externally successful, but internally, I was miserable. I knew something major needed to shift because this was not how I wanted to live my life for the rest of my career.

So began my personal self-discovery journey – I was still silently suffering at my day job, but I felt like I had to wait for total clarity before I could confidently take a leap and start forging a new career path for myself. This journey eventually led me to explore astrology and Human Design, which I had to begrudgingly admit were proving to be the most helpful tools I had found when it came to understanding all facets of myself. As much as I wanted to resist it, I felt a familiarity with these systems, like I had always known them. I realized that I was able to see the patterns and connect the dots in charts in ways that were genuinely helping me and those close to me. Read More>>

Renay Adams

This journey commenced in late 2020, shortly after the COVID pandemic began, with a simple plant swap in Charleston, SC. I soon discovered that many local hobbyist plant growers lacked a physical venue to sell their plants, depending entirely on online platforms. Furthermore, the public appreciates the opportunity to meet vendors, choose plants in person, talk about plant care and make new like minded friends. We have fostered an extraordinary relationship with the community, focusing on supporting small plant and artisan plant-themed businesses. Our local breweries and local businesses also play a vital role by providing space for our fantastic local events! We are truly grateful for all their support. Read More>>

William (jake) Fulton

I have always been into music. I started listening to music at a young age while growing up in St Louis, Missouri. My family would sit around the family record player and listening to 60s and 70s records every night.

Fast forward to 2013 when I started learing to dj. I am sorry that I waited so long to start on this career path. I started learning to DJ through an acedemy called DJ4LIFE. The acedemy has taught me everything that I know and more. It has brought life into me and into others. Read More>>

Emily Jeffords

I have been a professional artist since I was a child and began selling artwork to family, friends, and people at small local shows. My practice has steadily and consistently grown to connect my work with collectors and buys spanning the globe.

My studio spans from my private painting space to the print studio, based in a historic 1890’s light-filled converted mill house called the White Whale Studios.

While pregnant, I became aware of the many toxic elements found in most art studios, which led to a fully re-imagined creative practice, rooted in natural elements, handmade products, and non-toxic methods.

With years of experience in selling thousands of original paintings and prints, and growing a brand around my art, I’ve learned some tried and true methods that will ensure creatives’ artwork gets the attention it deserves from the right buyers. Through courses, workshops, and memberships, I get to nurture the greater creative community, empowering others to expand their studio practices and businesses. Making art Work continues to change lives and The Collective is creating the most positive ripple effect through the art world. It is a humble honor to get to do this work each day. Read More>>

Anna Wachler-harris

I have always had a passion for women’s health. This was an area of practice that was largely unfamiliar to occupational therapists when I got out of school. I knew I somehow wanted to work in this setting but didn’t have any reference for what that might look like or any models of OTs working in this field.
After graduate school, I started providing occupational therapy services in an out-patient therapy clinic for children with various learning and developmental challenges. I kept observing that there was a consistent lack of resources provided to these families that specifically supported the parents and moms. I tried to get creative in order to find ways to incorporate and support the caregivers whenever possible, but resources were limited and insurance wouldn’t pay for it.
When COVID hit, and the office closed for 2 weeks, I finally had the time to take an in-depth breastfeeding course, which I had always wanted to do. I LOVED the content and immediately wanted more. I was also able to connect with a few other OTs around the US starting to practice in the field of lactation and infant feeding. From there, I was able to think about what my dream job might look like-working with and supporting new mom’s in their transition into motherhood while incorporating my extensive knowledge of feeding and the human body. From those dreams, I was able to create Motion In Motherhood, and over time it gained traction, and I have never looked back. Read More>>

Chris Wilson

It’s very strange. I always thought it would be cool to be a comedian. It sounded like a neat thing to do. You make people laugh for a job. I never thought I’d actually get to do it. My long time phobia of speaking in public wouldn’t allow it, but eventually I got over it. If I can get over that, I can do anything. So, here I am. Read More>>

Javon Talley

I’m a Charleston native. Born and raised in a small town call Hollywood or how we say the country. I had passion for business at a very young age and a thirst to grow my knowledge of the world. Since nine years old I sold candy and snacks on grounds of my schools all while learning my indigenous heritage of being a cusabo tribe native. Read More>>

Lindsay Stedman

I consider myself blessed that I knew my desired career path at a very young age. In middle school, I was cutting up fashion magazines for mood boards and sewing makeshift clothes in my bedroom to fuel my dreams of becoming a fashion designer one day.

Those dreams carried on through college where I graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in Fashion and Textile Management. I owe a lot to my time at NC State because they not only provided the design aspect but also required business classes as part of their degree. The goal was always to start my own business one day, so I enjoyed learning both design and business skills that I still use with my business today. Read More>>

Kelley Pettibone

My work began in 2018 following the sudden death of my Mother, on Mother’s Day. It was my Junior year of my BFA program at USC and I was beginning to plan my BFA Exhibition. My Mother’s death marked a decade of loss in my life, I had also lost my maternal and paternal grandparents, my biological father, and my adoptive father. As an only child, I was left feeling orphaned, homeless, and lost. As a mother of an only child, I found myself consumed with keeping tradition alive for my small family and searching for what “home” meant for me. Read More>>

Au’layeah Irving

AeMona began when I was 14, inspired by my struggles with sensitive skin and hair. Discovering homemade, chemical-free products sparked my love for natural remedies and everything made from nature. In May 2020, I turned that passion into AeMona, a holistic self-care brand offering products and services rooted in wellness.

I’m now expanding to include services like esthetics, massage therapy, and natural hair care, blending my expertise with my commitment to empowering others through holistic self-care. Read More>>

Glory

“I was fifteen when I started living with my grandmother. Who lived in West Florence, South Carolina. She didn’t want me to leave the house and hang out with the neighborhood kids because of gun violence in the area. I would join clubs and sports teams, but I got kicked off or quit every team. I didn’t care for school, mostly skipping class to walk around. I wasn’t around my mother or father however I was surrounded by my Family. Even then I would feel alone, as if I had nobody. I remember asking myself why I was falling behind until I realized my focus was on something completely different: the music. I would spend the time I set aside to study I would use to write music. I would spend my class time listening to new albums that were released throughout the week. I’ve always loved music, it didn’t matter the genre. I often walked around my grandma’s house freestyling and listening to music. Music became a way to distract my mind from negative thoughts. The second semester of that year I would find myself making a new song every day, I was in love with recording music. Even when I was working to improve my music, friends would say, I was gifted, and after a while, I realized it too. I started releasing music on SoundCloud. When I moved back with my mother. I remember begging my mom for studio time. I started going to the studio and created my first ep “I Should’ve Told You, but You Wouldn’t Believe”. At fifteen I started consistently releasing music and building an audience. At sixteen I started doing local performances while dedicating days on end to studying the music. Two years later I’m preparing my second studio album “The Fallen Angelo”. The Fallen Angelo is about a boy who lost his life due to gang violence and the repercussions of the violence in the community.” Read More>>

Kathryn Hanna

It all started with a blonde. In the spotlights, in front of film cameras and bright lights, there was an undiscovered talent for all things at whisk. As a junior in high school, Kathryn Hanna, the creator of Baked By Blondie, had a mission. Her mission was to establish a business, but not just any type of business. She had a goal to establish a business as (extra)vagant as her.

Growing up in small town Greenwood, things seemed oddly basic. She grew up in the same two-story old fashioned house, with stimulation for the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. In her early teen years, she began her film and modeling career. With the hustle on set, it drove her crazy (but the type of crazy she craved.) Read More>>

Van Sharma

I’m Van, one of the Co-founders of Rupee Beer, Named Best Beer For World Food which is a line of easy to drink beers which pair perfectly with Indian, spicy and global flavors. Alongside my brother, we both grew up in the Indian restaurant industry which our family has been in for over 50 years across three different continents. We’ve always had a great appreciation for local craft beer and imports, and during covid when we rejigged our lives and moved back to the U.S. after living in the U.K. and Australia, we teamed up with a craft brewing legend – and the rest is history! Read More>>

Jay Branch

I produced my first live event, a concert in downtown Jackson, Mississippi, over 27 years ago. Since then, I have put on over a thousand concerts and before eventually moving into the convention business, producing comic and anime events across the United States. Our company, VXV Events, brings in guests from around the world to areas that may not normally attract celebrities. We love to show famous people that cities in the South and Midwest can have well attended events and passionate pop culture fanbases. Our events include not only celebrity meet and greets but also feature gaming, fan groups, vendors, artists, panels, workshops, and so much more. Read More>>

Jake And Rachel Daybell
https://cdn.southcarolinavoyager.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/c-1732654516142-personal_1732654515864_1732654515864_jake_daybell_biophoto.avif

I began to cold plunge in the winter of 2019 as a practice to build mental toughness, but quickly discovered it is much more than that. It became a healthy addiction as I saw my body be restored after every workout and could feel an increase of motivation and true joy on the days that I took a plunge.

What started out as a frozen horse trough in our backyard has grown into what is now Polarity Plunge. As I have researched the powerful benefits of infrared heat and saunas, I realized I had to blend them together for contrast therapy. Honoring my roots, we chose the Nordic cycle method, which means alternating between the heat and cold for an hour session.

This method heals the body and fortifies the mind in ways that we haven’t been able to experience any other way. So we began this business really so that we can use it ourselves, and of course to help other people experience it too! Read More>>

This Is It of Greenville

As homeschool moms, we realized that just because we were out of the classroom didn’t mean our thirst for growth and learning had to end. We knew that women, much like our students, have an insatiable curiosity and a need for personal development. Enter “This Is It”—our brainchild born from the idea that women deserve a space to explore their own journeys, surrounded by passionate experts who can help illuminate their paths. Our vision blossomed into a community where self-care, well-being, and genuine support take center stage. Read More>>

Jennifer Hunt

During that time I fell in love with food- trying new foods, experimenting and learning the science of cooking. Not long after, I started working at a holistic healthcare practice. Those instrumental experiences along with some thought-provoking conversations with my parents and fascinating science courses in college made nutrition and dietetics sound like a really fun career to pursue. Read More>>