The heart of our mission is to find the amazing souls that breathe life into our communities. In the recent weeks, we’ve had the privilege to connect with some incredible artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and rabble rousers and we can’t begin to express how impressed we are with the incredible group below.
Amanda Addy
In July 2024, I expanded the business to include a gift curation service, helping clients design unique and thoughtful gifts for weddings, corporate events, and holidays. I also began hosting Bottles & Bubbly classes, where I teach beginner decoupage techniques on champagne bottles. These workshops have been a wonderful way to connect with others, share my passion, and inspire creativity. Whether it’s a champagne bottle for a wedding proposal or a curated corporate gifting collection, each project is a labor of love. Read More>>
Kristan Hart
That’s when I saw the disconnect here. Local businesses and local models are both being overlooked and not represented properly when it comes to advertising. There is a community of talented models who don’t know where to find the jobs and business owners who are stuck with just asking random people or family members to take quality images/videos for advertisement. I have those models and I know the struggle that business owners run into. Marketing is important for all businesses and brands of every type. So I’m the bridge to both worlds. A hybrid of talent if you will. Read More>>
Dante and Holly Aguilar and Negreiros
In the beginning of our journey, we had no idea what we were doing, where this was going, and how to keep it up. Well, blindly jumping into florals two weeks before Valentine’s Day was a complete handful! We stayed up all night, every night, watching “how-to” videos and completing orders in time for pick-up. Since then, we have taken further steps into developing our craft; we have taken baking, pastry, and breads schooling along with online floristry classes. As of today, we have grown so much, thanks to our community, that we now are sponsoring and vending local events by request! Read More>>
SoFunk
Our band started a little over 2 years ago when Brett Ensley Studios hosted an artist showcase that combined different members of the studio together in order enhance their artist’s performances. Through this event the founding members of SoFunk, Matthew MacPhail (lead singer & rhythm guitarist) and Skyler Hall (drums) met and decided to start a band with a fellow musician named John Benson (lead guitarist). Read More>>
Chloe Parris
After graduating from chiropractic school I knew I wanted to share how chiropractic changes lives through opening my own practice. I had a vision of making chiropractic care accessible to all so that they are able to integrate it into their lives as a tool to function to the best of their ability rather than use it as a band-aid here and there to help with their symptoms. Read More>>
chef!
The smoothest road is the one not worth traveling. Dedicating myself to a mission of authentic human expression has been the hardest path to commit myself to. People themselves are more complicated than any of us can begin to imagine; it is that same human element that brings the spirit of creativity that also destroys it, competing with itself constantly. Other humans have been the biggest obstacles, and also the biggest blessings. Read More>>
Jana Ladson
My business is not designed to price gauge or hurt people’s pockets. My goal is to provide top quality work at affordable prices. I offer everything from acrylics/dip powder to natural nail services. My specialties are pedicures and acrylics. I’m also known for my designs and rhinestone work. Something that sets me apart from others is my eye for detail. From shaping to polishing, everything must be perfect! I am currently developing a product line that focuses on maintaining healthy nails and skin between services. For example, if my client is expressing concerns of dry, cracked skin and heels between pedicures, I’d recommend my foot butter to help keep the skin soft & moisturized between services. Read More>>
Ryan George
I was 21 at the start of looking for a space, so most realtors and landlords weren’t taking me seriously. Even with business proposals most adults were not willing to give me the time of day. I eventually had a friend that found me a serious realtor that was willing to help me out to find a spot to open Finds and Dives, with two great landlords who were also up to helping me achieve my goal. Now with the quick growth and success at the stores I have been able to gain more connections and have other opportunities in motion to continue to grow this store and other business ventures. Read More>>
Jessica Eason
Fast forward to 2018, I was working as a phlebotomist at a doctor’s office and I then decided to go to Kenneth Schuler School of Beauty to be an esthetician. After years of working in healthcare, it was time to start out the first steps to build my passion. After completing my certification in 2019, I began my esthetics career in May 2019 working part-time at Forever Yung Day Spa. That has been the beginning to the continuation of my career. Soon after, I became the third owner of the spa. Read More>>
Lorenz Esposito
Eventually, I realized I wanted more than just a job—I wanted to create something meaningful. That’s when I launched SearchX. My goal was to build an agency that goes beyond numbers and metrics, focusing on truly transforming businesses. Since then, SearchX has grown to work with clients across 15+ industries, with a presence in the U.S. and Europe. Whether it’s helping a small business grow locally or partnering with larger companies to expand globally, we’re all about making a real impact. Read More>>
Elliott Jeter
My music career began when I was around 5 years old. I was introduced to my first love (musically speaking) at this age. Around the age of 5, the first musical instrument that I learned to play was the drums. Before I got my first drum set, I would use almost anything I could find and turn it into a makeshift drum set. One thing in particular that I used was a green Little Tikes chair. I still have that chair as a reminder to continue working toward my dreams and goals. Read More>>
Steve Selengut
My investment portfolio was entirely “blue chip” at-the-time equities, all dividend paying and all on the NYSE. The “tech” companies of the day were IBM and GE! I studied the charts, discovered the cyclical nature of the markets, and began to trade at “targeted” profit levels in what I dubbed “Investment Grade Value Stocks”. Eventually, the list of IGVS companies would grow to over 200 priced between $10 and $90 per share. A friend of mine developed an unweighted index so I could compare my selection “universe” to the market averages. Read More>>
Laura Goulet-Osorio
What shaped me into the woman i am today? I can say that not an easy path. After many changes and stages i’ve been in my life i had to go through some rough times and a lot of work not only in my career, but personally, spiritually, financially and morally. I have to say that i wasn’t born in a very wealthy family and my parents had to do their best they could in a country with a very tough economy to raise me and my two sisters, and we struggled for so many years… and i’m so grateful for all the sacrifices they made to give us a life so the promise of giving them back all of that sacrifice and give my daughter and future kids the life they deserve has been the biggest motor of my life. Read More>>
Dana West-abutbol
Dana West-Abutbol’s journey to becoming one of Myrtle Beach’s most sought-after names in luxury kitchen and bath design is a story of passion, creativity, and resilience. Hailing from Southern California, Dana earned her Bachelor’s Degree from California State University, Northridge, and launched her career in television news at KTLA and NBC. Her charisma and poise also led her to success as a SAG/AFTRA model and actress, starring in over 80 national commercials for iconic brands like Honda, Budweiser, and Nordic Track. She further expanded her career as the host of the syndicated series Adrenaline TV, showcasing her ability to connect with audiences nationwide. Read More>>
Ivey Parrish
Recently, I rebranded my business to “Lindan Ivey,” a name inspired by my parents, as a tribute to family and my roots. Along the way, I’ve built a reputation for attention to detail, a calming presence, and creating personal connections with my clients. My goal has always been to help people feel their best and to be part of their special moments, which has made this journey so fulfilling. Read More>>
Susan Lenz
My undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University (1980) was in Medieval and Renaissance Studies with a concentration on earlier Italian Renaissance art. I thought I wanted to become a museum curator but a year in grad school taught me that I really didn’t want to write grants, review insurance policies, fill in condition reports, or do much of the work that is required in this field. So, I got married and helped put my husband Steve Dingman through his PhD in civil engineering. In 1986 we moved to Columbia, South Carolina. Read More>>
Whitney Poitevint
After living at the farm for 18 months, my parents moved onto the land with us and we continued our efforts to build something that lasts. None of us knew what exactly we were working towards! But we knew we needed to tend the things we’d been given. So we just started with caring for fields, repairing buildings, tending critters, and growing the garden Read More>>
Lis Anna-Langston
I worked on a novel in Joy’s class that later landed me an agent. That agent really encouraged me to write books. I’d never really considered myself a novelist. I love the literary community and had always read literary journals and magazines but never really written short stories either. At the same time I took on a novel I started writing short stories as a way to be apart of the community and entertain with shorter pieces of fiction. Read More>>
Ruthann Hipps
I was always drawn to an entrepreneurial career. I spent time with many entrepreneurs to learn their best practices and what they learned from their experiences. The answers always varied but there was a common love for what they were creating. They were always invested in the outcome for the greater good. I wanted to be in that space. I wanted to create something, and I wanted to give back what I was given for so many years. Read More>>
Rachel Alford
In high school, we were reading A Tale of Two Cities in my english class, and my english teacher offered an extra credit assignment if we learned to knit. My grade could use the boost, so I taught myself to knit, loved it, and began making lots of scarves for those in my church congregation. Unfortunately, after a year or so, I lost the skill and forgot how to knit, too. Read More>>
Addi Rogers
Addi’s Lens Photography came about from ideas & visions I have had sporadically over the years. Like most business stories, it did not happen all at once but rather little nudges that led to me to fully diving into the creative world of photography, art, storytelling, and growth. I would love to say that “ever since I was little I had a camera in my hand” but that just was not the case. Every since I was little, I loved making things look creative/aesthetic. I didn’t care what I was taking a picture of but I loved editing, sharing, and creating something that meant something to me. Read More>>
Renu Eapen & Christie Bates
We decided to give it a try and host a singles mixer, only to see so many singles in Charleston excited to take a break from online dating and meet people in person. Since then, we have hosted approximately one event per month. Our goal is to create a space where singles, who are intentional about meeting someone, can come together and have fun mingling and flirting. Long term, we hope to see couples who have connected through our events form lasting, meaningful relationships. Read More>>
Sharlene Shuler
I have always been a reader of romance, and other genres. Only one of my three children inherited my love for reading. Then one day, my oldest daughter picked up a book she saw on TikTok and fell in love with romance novels. This new hobby started conversations about opening a bookstore dedicated to romance. Read More>>
Alissa Hicks
I don’t believe there is truly a smooth road to anything in life, tattooing included. I have of course had my ups and downs, mainly learning the difference between tattooing and drawing and realizing how much knowledge you need behind just tattooing. It’s not like picking up a pencil and drawing on a piece of paper, it’s a heavy machine on someone’s skin. I also had to take a deep dive into color theory; what colors compliment each other, how different colors will look on different skin tones, etc. A lot of people don’t realize that social media is also a big part of tattooing and that has been a struggle for me; I struggle with self-esteem issues so showing my face has been a big hump to get over. Read More>>
Morgan Wright
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but the challenges have made Sweet Carolina Bakery what it is today. One of the biggest struggles has been balancing my full-time job, being a mom, and running the bakery. There were times I’d stay up late perfecting designs or juggling last-minute orders while trying to keep everything else in life running smoothly. I’ve also had to navigate the business side of things like pricing, scheduling, ordering supplies, etc. But every struggle has taught me something valuable, whether it’s patience, better organization, or just the importance of believing in what I do. Seeing the joy on someone’s face when they get their custom cake makes every hurdle worth it. Read More>>
Deb Presutto
I then added framing services, free in-room mockups so customers could see how the art would look in their space, and other things to make the buying experience easier. This year after 6 years in business I launched my first set of Christmas ornaments which became a huge success. I also launched gift boxes! These were a natural extension of my work and they always include a piece of my art and other home decor items. Now, here I am years later still living out my dream job and slowly growing and expanding what I offer. Read More>>
Stephanie Walker
It was from this experience that my mind was made up, I wanted to work with K-5 students. They were still so open to creative ideas, fearless, and sweet. They reminded me of what makes the art of theatre fun and significant. Though it was not easy to find full-time elementary theatre teaching positions in SC, I managed to. I learned so much from the places I worked and will remember those students forever. Then in 2010, when Mrs. Linke retired, I interviewed and got the position at Saluda River. I have been there ever since. Read More>>
Chris Wayne
Trying to distinguish yourself while finding work is challenging, and I’ve been lucky that many venue owners and booking agents seem to understand what I’m going for. But for me, the main struggle is the nagging voice of self-doubt, although it’s probably that way for a lot of artists. I mean, Rockabilly was born when Elvis Presley, Bill Black, and Scotty Moore were desperately trying to impress Sam Phillips at Sun Records. Read More>>
Ozge Adak
After moving to a new country, I couldn’t work because I had to focus on raising my children — juggling school activities and managing the home kept me busy. But as time went on, I turned to my hobby as a form of therapy. I started making pieces just for fun, and over time, I realized I could share my creations with others. That’s when I decided to open an online shop. Read More>>
Abby Ezzell
My journey in photography began in high school, where what started as fun photoshoots with friends quickly turned into a passion I could turn into a business. I realized early on that photography had the potential to be more than just a hobby, and with the support of my close-knit community, I was able to refine my skills and start earning from what I loved doing. Read More>>
Tim Davis
I’ve been an illustrator for as long as I can remember. Practically every picture I did as a kid had a story behind it. That has never stopped. Pictures and story are completely intertwined for me. This led me to work with Highlights magazine—Hidden Pictures—which became my specialty, and I suppose it will become my legacy. Through a quarter century of creating these popular puzzle illustrations, I came to appreciate the joy of utilizing patterns, negative spaces, and look-alike objects to fool the eyes and cause a viewer to read the story within the illustration. Read More>>
Ashay Blakely
One day the salon I was working with notified me we had to shut down. It was abrupt and I wasn’t prepared to go anywhere else. My dad and I searched for salons, my grades weren’t the best, and I was also in fear of my grad date being pushed back for missing one credit. Soo much was going on, until my cousin reached out to me and told me she has a space for me and it was only 3 minutes from my home. I was in there within the week! After a year of being there I was still looking for a stronger route into the hair loss side. Read More>>
Candice Cohen
In college, I majored in Mass Communication, where I continued to lead and develop the skills that would shape my career. After graduation, I explored acting, embraced the roles of wife and mother, and began a career in advertising and marketing. However, I quickly realized that my ideas and vision for innovation were limited by traditional frameworks. I wanted more than just to keep up—I wanted to help businesses rise as industries and technologies evolved. Read More>>
