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.
Nicole Russell-Schlesinger
My fascination with art goes back as far as I can remember. My childhood spent with a crayon or a paintbrush in my hand. Playing with Play-Doh and clay for hours at the kitchen table. My mother recognized my talent and signed me up to audition for Rollings School of the Arts, which I attended for 5 years. I continued my practice through high school and college but never with the idea that I could actually become a working artist. After graduating from the University of South Carolina, I began teaching elementary school – always infusing art into my lessons and even starting an Art Club amongst the students. Read more>>
Jamie Sanderson
When it came to the table in its green basket with fries, I snapped a photo. I later shared it on my personal Facebook profile just to mark the occasion. I only had Facebook, and nothing dedicated to showcasing restaurants. Well, the next day I woke up and saw that photo had 80+ reactions, all positive. I went back to show the owner and he got emotional. It meant the world to him. After that his family and mine built a great friendship. One day, he messaged me to say he was going in a different direction in his life and the restaurant would be closing. He said he was going to name that burger after me for the final service. He named another burger after my wife Adrianne, too. Read more>>
Allyson Jackson
I remember growing up knowing that my voice was powerful and what I had to say mattered. I was never afraid to speak up, perform, or take the lead when given the chance. Whether I was in front of a crowd or a classroom, I always felt confident expressing myself. My mom always encouraged me to follow my dreams, and she allowed me to take part in many activities like music, acting, and singing camps such as Broadway Camp at the Peace Center. I took piano lessons after school and was in Girl Scouts. Through my family and church family, I was given opportunities to participate in many things. These included church plays, being mistress of ceremonies, leading songs in the youth choir, saying Easter speeches, and leading church services. Read more>>
Brendan Johnson
I worked from near the age of 10 with my father in his construction company learning framing,plumbing,kitchen installation,window and door installation and so many other skills. I bought a home at 19 and met my lovely wife in high school and was married at 20 and we’re blessed to have a 5 year old daughter. I started my company concierge cleaning to learn about the pressure washing industry and to provide more services to people who are in need of them and are 2 years strong! Owning a company is very challenging but with that is also very rewarding. I’m continually exploring new businesses methods and am growing everyday! Psalm 34:8: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man that trusts in Him. Read more>>
Maddie Powell
From an early age, I was captivated by the transformative power of design. I would often rearrange my parents’ furniture while they were out, instinctively crafting spaces that felt more inviting, balanced, and artful. What began as childhood curiosity quickly evolved into a lifelong passion for aesthetics—one grounded in a deep appreciation for beauty, simplicity, and authenticity. I cultivated an eye for understated elegance, where every piece has a purpose, and every space tells a quiet, compelling story. Read more>>
Tiana Hyde
Now, I see myself as more than a designer—I’m a storyteller. I use fabric the way some people use words. My pieces hold rhythm, emotion, and soul. They speak when I can’t. I’ve had the chance to show my work in the community, collaborate with other creatives, and build something people actually connect with. And that’s what keeps me going—knowing that what I make can move people, because it was born from something real. Read more>>
Shelice Johnson
Navigating motherhood, school, and life’s hardships, Shelice experienced the raw and unfiltered reality of being a teen mom—the struggles, the fears, the doubt, and the overwhelming responsibility. But she also discovered resilience, faith, and strength she never knew she had. Now, as the visionary and founder of Providing Mothers Joy Inc., Shelice is using her own journey of survival and success to uplift, empower, and guide other young mothers. She understands firsthand what it takes to overcome the barriers of teen motherhood, and she is deeply committed to ensuring no young mother feels alone. Read more>>
Sarah Anna Hansen
Photography for architects, interior designers, realtors – private, corporate and commercial over the years. I never really thought about real estate till we moved to Dallas, TX in 2016. It just wasn’t the right timing for me at that point. However, we did end up buying and selling our first home in our 40’s in Dallas, TX. This season really showed me that we needed to invest in property/real estate. We did very well selling our first home, it’s never too late to get started. Read more>>
Jontay Blackmon
I am an Esthetician who’s selling Holistic Skincare Products and offering Esthetic Services. What sets me apart is the fact that my brand originated from Atlanta, Ga and located here to heal others in a way no one here in South Carolina has ever experienced. You’ll have to become a client to understand what I mean. I’m proud of how my brand is expanding and being able to offer more than just products but services as well. I am currently offering services such as waxes and facials at the Paul Mitchell School of Greenville, I offer travel services as well and I would love to have more clients that stick around for a very long time. Read more>>
Cornelius Strickland
Where to do I start? Let’s just say I should have listened to my mom 7 years ago! I traveled a bit before I started the Tudaloo Travels YouTube channel. My mom said I should document and record my travels. I told her I didn’t want to become like those “annoying travel influencers” I just wanted to travel! I was so determined to just travel for enjoyment that I RARELY took pics even for my personal use! She said I should combine my love for travel and my Television Production degree, something I did take consideration in since I always enjoyed creating videos. Read more>>
Danielle Jones
After taking a leap of faith and moving to the Sea Islands in the summer of 2023, I was inspired to create every day. I reconnected with my love for art by taking pottery classes, painting regularly, and joining an artist group to showcase my work and connect with local artists. It wasn’t long before I began displaying my art at local shows and restaurants and selling my paintings. Read more>>
Shelby Hamilton
I grew up in Augusta, Georgia, where I naturally gravitated toward anything creative. Art class was always my favorite, and drawing was one of the things I truly felt I was good at. My creativity was also shaped by my family—my older sisters were creative, my mom had a knack for decorating and creating beautiful floral arrangements, and my dad was always tinkering with his equipment and building more efficient ways of spreading sunflower seeds on our farm. Read more>>
Janisa Camille
Nearly five years and over 150 births later, I stand as a pillar in my community—not just because of what I do, but because of what I’ve overcome, remembered, and reclaimed. My purpose as a doula is to hold space with intention, to guide others back to their own inner wisdom, and to create pathways for healing through ancestral, emotional, physical, and spiritual support. Every lesson I’ve learned—through motherhood, through struggle, through service—shapes how I show up today and how I teach others to do the same. Read more>>
Margaux Swearingen
My journey into this work & field has been a wild one. Before COVID, I was fully immersed in the corporate world, chasing the idea of a “safe” life. But on the other side of the pandemic, I realized just how much I was doing that didn’t feel good—it was draining me, and I hadn’t stopped to ask myself what I truly wanted. Was the safe path the only path? What would actually make me feel excited to wake up in the morning? Read more>>
Catherine Waite
All of our baked items are completely free from gluten, dairy, soy, nuts and peanuts. Cappys is most well-known for our cookies, brownies and mini muffins; however, we also offer specialty cakes and holiday baked items as well. Whether you find us at the Grind Coffee Roasters in Bluffton, Brighter Day Natural Foods Grocer or Southern Nutrition in Savannah, we hope you take a moment to yourself to slow down and enjoy a bite. I pride myself on my transparency as a person, baker and business owner. The messages I receive from customers thanking Cappys for what we do is why we keep going. Read more>>
Emily Bargeron
It was on this journey of self expression through custom design that Mess Hall was born. The concept: an accessory that says a lot about who you are without having to having to say anything at all, a personality piece if you will. It started with a curation of patches and pins that allowed people to express themselves through decorating hats. It’s turned into a fun-tastic phenomenon, where people are eager to come into the store and share in a creative experience with a friend or loved one. Emily has created an immersive environment that excites and engages the customers, and inspires them to create something one of a kind for their wardrobe. Read more>>
Loretta Green-Warren
I do have my husband and kids who are great supporters but the vision is mine alone. Throughout this process of building I have for the most part been “a one woman show”. Building a team has been most difficult but God has been faithful so I press forward. Another big challenge has been financial strain. Building a streaming network is a huge financial strain but a worthwhile investment. I truly believe in the vision. Lastly, marketing is challenging for me. I have to admit that it is an area of weakness for me. With everything that I have on my plate, I’d prefer to get someone else to do it. Read more>>
Melissa Whiteford St. Clair
A white woman writing poetry about racism is met with curiosity the majority of the time. Melissa founded White Girl Advocacy LLC as a platform for her poetry and advocacy and the name often confounds people, but once she explains she is a white girl and an advocate, the intent is well understood. She has had some pushback on social media from adult white men in her network, but that gives her fodder to write more poetry. Read more>>
John Apida
After two years on the installation side, I transitioned to the service side of the HVAC industry, where I found my true calling in the technical aspects of the trade. A few years later, I started working for a new company, which continued to build on my previous electrical experience. By this point, I was handling a mix of HVAC and electrical duties, working on everything from new construction buildouts to commercial remodels and service calls. Read more>>
Casper T
Music had always been a part of my life, but it wasn’t until high school, when I struggled to accept that I was gay, that I truly fell in love with not just music itself, but the artistry behind it. This was around 2011—I was a freshman, almost a sophomore. I knew who I was, but I wasn’t ready to accept it. Growing up in the South and being “different” wasn’t easy, but I refused to let that hold me back. Instead of being the quiet, withdrawn kid, I was loud, bold, and unapologetically myself. I had an alpha personality—sometimes to a fault—but that headstrong nature is what got me to where I am today. Read more>>
Leyly Bagherof
I opened Sun and Soil with the goal of creating a houseplant shop that felt approachable, welcoming, and inspiring—even to those with no prior plant knowledge. Over time, the shop has evolved into so much more than a retail space. It’s now a place where people come to connect, create, and celebrate. Whether it’s through our terrarium bar, dog breed meet-ups, or unique events like Plants and Pilates or meditation mornings, we’ve focused on fostering experiences that bring people together and help them grow—literally and figuratively. Read more>>
The Industry
All four members of our band were associated with the Music Industry Studies program at USC, some majors and some minors, where we were all introduced to one another. In early 2023, we got together for the first time, bonded over our similar tastes, started learning each other’s songs and writing new ones, and began rehearsing to put together a set list. Our first performance was a house show in Columbia for around 20-30 people. Since then we’ve played shows at New Brookland Tavern, Art Bar, Live at the Underground, and other Columbia venues, as well Tin Roof in Charleston and various frat and sorority gigs. Read more>>
Kalee Salcedo
As a little girl, I was constantly creating something or learning some new kind of skill to create something. Whether I made little YouTube videos in my room at 3am with my siblings or I created a book completely from scratch. I have always wanted to create. I’ve tried painting, drawing, piano, sculpture, embroidery, you name it and more than likely I’ve done it. I love to learn and know new things. Especially anything art related. So when I was 11 years old and gifted my first ever camera, I was in an absolute awe. I love the art world. I love how artistic photography can be when you just create something with how you view the world. Read more>>
Olivia Diaz
Magnolia Print and Press is a custom apparel business I started recently, and it’s all about giving people the chance to create personalized pieces that reflect their unique style. I specialize in custom hats and apparel, with a focus on adding unique touches like different vinyl, patches, charms, chains, and other accessories. My goal is to work closely with customers to bring their ideas to life, ensuring that every product is truly one-of-a-kind. Read more>>
Kari Alvaro
I started the Sweet Girlz Brand back in 2011 just shy of a year after I lost my fulltime job in a budget cut on my 30th birthday. I had to reinvent myself at 30 which was scary but I ended up making it sweet. I launched Sweet Girlz Bakery in Easton Pennsylvania in December 2011, a historic town know for architectural charm, delicious food scene and fierce love of community. During the pandemic the business expanded from an 800 square foot space to over 1600 square feet. Read more>>
Summer Zell
My journey has been anything but linear, but each step has added depth and purpose to the work I do today. I began as an art and interior design major in college, but during my practicum, I felt a growing desire to help people in a deeper, more personal way. That led me to discover the field of Art Therapy, which felt like the perfect intersection of creativity and healing. I shifted my focus to psychology and went on to earn my Master of Arts in Counseling: Art Therapy from Adler University in Chicago in 2009. Read more>>
Bri Powell
Then years later in 2016 my husband got out of the marines unexpectedly. We found ourselves in Arizona, close to family and starting all over. My husband was working at a prison. We were struggling more than ever before. He is a hard worker and dedicated to taking care of his family so he worked up from that (making $13 an hour ) to becoming a sheriffs deputy. Which brought ANOTHER move. It wasn’t as far as our other moves from California to North Carolina and back a couple of times, or from NC to CO or back again to go to OR and then finally AZ, but it was still another move and another start. Read more>>
Christian LeBlanc
I am most proud of the many clients I have helped launch their small business and nonprofits to make them profitable in the community. I am also proud of the many candidates that I have helped elect to public office. Read more>>
Amanda Fenker
But I’ve always been one who needs to go after the things that scare me, so I volunteered to gift my first wedding painting to a couple for free. As soon as I did it I was enamored. I loved the pressure, the magic, and getting to share my painting with people in a whole new way. I find the entire process so enchanting and since moving to the Carolina’s a year and a half ago, it has been the primary aspect of my business, although I definitely plan to release some personal collections this year and continue to grow in the art world. Read more>>
Kezia Reed
My journey as a content creator and UGC creator started with a passion for beauty and storytelling. I’ve always loved makeup and skincare, not just for how it enhances our appearance, but for the confidence it brings. I began sharing my favorite products and tips on social media, just for fun at first. Over time, I realized how much I enjoyed creating content and connecting with people—especially young women who wanted to feel confident in their own skin. Read more>>
Aza Goodwin
Without realizing it, I grew up understanding the importance of a moment, and the power of preserving it. Eventually, I picked up a camera myself. And the second I did, I felt connected in a way I never had before. I’d tried a lot of things, hoping something would stick, but nothing made me feel grounded until that point. With a camera in my hand, I finally felt like I had found my passion. Read more>>
Lindsay Spurgeon
NeoHERO Foundation (Helping Educate Responders On-scene) was founded on March 7, 2025 by myself, Lindsay Spurgeon, I am a Board-Certified Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Board-Certified Neonatal-Pediatric Transport provider, a Trauma Certified Registered Nurse with Board Certification of Emergency Nursing, and a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant. I am currently working at more than three neonatal intensive care units across the United and States. The NeoHERO mission is to improve neonatal health in the prehospital setting by providing expert care at birth and following delivery through transport. Read more>>
Ron2Riches
Armed with a basic Blue mic, a laptop, and GarageBand, I took the leap. But I didn’t do it alone. First, I had to build up the courage. Then came the support of one of my amazing friends, Bri, who co-produced the very first episode with me titled, Swipe Right vs. Real Conversations. We discussed the dating scene back in 2018, and from that moment on, everything started to fall into place. Read more>>
Cassandra A. Pacheco Calderon
Throughout school, I volunteered a lot of my time in the Special Education Program where I assisted students in their studies. Aside from entering the work force at 14, I also babysat for many different families as well as church organizations. My final years of high school I completed the Teacher Cadet Program where I learned more about early childhood development and had the opportunity to shadow many amazing teachers within the Beaufort County School System. Read more>>
Jaylon Becker
I first got into photography when I was around 15 or 16. What really drew me in was the feeling of capturing a moment, showing people the photo, and hearing their reactions—when everyone’s looking at something you created and saying how good it is, it hits different. I decided to try going to school for it, so I moved to Kansas for college, but after about three months, I realized school just wasn’t for me. Read more>>
Dr. James L. Patterson
While I love what I do as a recording artist, I’m also deeply committed to teaching. I currently serve as the band director at Kingstree High School in Kingstree, South Carolina. Pouring into young musicians, guiding them, and helping them find their voice is one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey. I’ve even been recognized for my work in music education with nominations for the Grammy Music Educator Award in both 2021 and 2023. Out of almost 2,000 nominations, I made it to the quarterfinal round each time, and that meant the world to me. Read more>>
Jered
I recently had a challenging break with my church of 15 years. I realized I had no skills or connections outside of that system, and so there has been lots of growth opportunity in the areas of learning how to stay in touch with friends and make new ones. Relationships are not always automatic! Read more>>
Marvin Slater Jr
I do all kinds of photography nature events sports birthdays everything I haven’t done a wedding yet but I plan on it in the future. I would say I am known for my style and creativity with my clients when a client books me for a session and needs my help we come together and we throw different ideas out there we have fun with it then we go create the artwork. I am most proud of how far I have come and still going staying consistent with your craft can take you a long way. What sets me apart is my style of work my work isn’t meant to look like nobody else’s work and my artwork is unique which makes you feel like you are the star that you are Read more>>
Paul Rossi
I’ve lived in Afghanistan and Northern Iraq (Kurdistan). I deploy overseas as a security contractor for several months at a time. I began acting in 2016 and started on the CBS show “Hunted.” I’ve modeled for several companies, to include Ridgid Tools, Husqvarna and have been on numerous TV shows and films. I’m happily married to my wife Sara for over 20 years now, and have two sons, Zack 27, and Niko, 18. I spend my free time keeping in shape and being an Ambassador for a non-profit Veteran Organization called Mission22, which fights against Veteran suicide. I’ve been with them since 2016. Read more>>
Dr. Shirley McClerklin-Motley
I had many obstacles against me. My mother died when I was 9 years old and the oldest of the four younger children. We were relocated to Harlem, NY. Needless to say, we got into everything imaginable. However, the very people who some avoid decided to become my extended family. They made sure I stayed in school because they all said that I didn’t belong on the street. When I was 14 years old I was well on my way to becoming an alcoholic. Had it not been for God putting people in my life who actually threatened to “kick the s–t out of me the next time I was seen roaming the streets, I don’t know what I would have ended up doing. Read more>>
Frank Raybuck
I have always had a curious streak about me. Even as a child I wanted to know why things did what they did and how they worked. I dissected everything in my mind from the way a car drove, to how a movie was made. This has not changed. I have worked in many professions to explore the “how and why” that has fueled my passion. This has pushed me into the film industry which has soothed my soul as I feel I have found my place in this world. I turn words on paper into magical visual experiences for viewers to step out of reality and into the minds of artists and creators. This has been my “Bold Journey” if you will? Read more>>
Jocelyn Tran
There have been many moments where I feel like I’m struggling to efficiently balance the two, and I’m almost positive that this will continue to be the case. That need and desire to spend all the time in the world with my son, show him that I’m present, and be there for every moment, while also meeting clients’ needs, brainstorming new ideas, and traveling for shoots is pretty hard sometimes. I think this is a pretty common struggle for a lot of working moms, and it’s a guilt that never really goes away but just has to be managed and understood. Read more>>
Tiffany Swinton
My journey into entrepreneurship was driven by my deep passion for managing time-sensitive and confidential paperwork while genuinely helping others. As a commissioned notary public in South Carolina, I recognized the perfect opportunity to merge these interests, which inspired me to become a certified loan signing agent and launch my mobile notary business, Prestige Notary Solutions. Read more>>
Vanity Jenkins
I grew up in New Jersey as the oldest daughter of a Black family with roots in the South. From an early age, my parents instilled a sense of pride in me for being Black, and knowing our history was a must. We celebrated Kwanzaa, and by the time I was five, my favorite movie was Malcolm X– so I guess in some ways, I’ve always been aligned with the kind of work I’m doing now. Read more>>
Dr. Tina J Ramsay
Dr. Tina J. Ramsay’s journey began as a homeschooling mom of two children—one with learning difficulties, including autism and dyslexia, and the other gifted and talented. These personal experiences have provided her with a unique perspective, deep empathy, and a range of insights into the diverse needs of homeschooling families. Her firsthand encounters with both the challenges and successes of homeschooling have shaped her approach to education. Read more>>
Doug Giesler
Everything that I knew, was now pretty much blown away. My eyes were opened, my ears were opened, and even my feelings were enhanced. It was a literal seeing of “the light” without dying! A true awakening, realization, and it hit like a ton of bricks. The adjustment took many years, but once fully digested, I knew that I needed to prove this stuff was real, for myself and others. I did that, now I am an award winning Realtor, International Best Selling Author, and proof that dreams to come true! I am now showing people how to accomplish the “impossible” and UN limit their limits through my books and coaching! Read more>>
Destynee Myhand
In the year of 2021 was when I posted my first Tiktok video on the social media platform with only 50 followers, I was a country girl who lived in the city and had a dream of just singing, doing makeup and having multiple streams of income. I met my best friend Austin Hines in that same year and even then I wasn’t interested in being committed to social media but he changed my way of seeing things and he took me under his wing and I began to grow and I had 500 followers, by the time I had my first link up with my best friend of 5 years, I went from 500 followers to 2k followers in 3 days. Read more>>
Niki Croom
My work today is deeply rooted in figurative art, particularly representations of women. I manipulate the form to express emotion, blending elements of both painting and sculpture so they can finally exist together rather than as separate entities. My art is a reflection of contrast—the battle between beauty and darkness, strength and vulnerability, struggle and grace. It’s this emotional depth that drives me to create, continuously pushing the boundaries of my own expression. Read more>>
David Lewis
Professionally and workwise, my journey started at the age of 13. My parents from an early age taught us we had to work hard to get what we wanted in life. My dad by having us do chores around the house, keeping us out of trouble and growing a healthy work ethic and my mom by her endless support of our lives and activities. My first job was working for a neighbor down the street. I was 13 and I would go over and help him cut wood and stack it, as well as watch his two sons when they got home from school until their mother arrived home from work. Both were of course paid cash, and I can remember it being my first job interview. He even asked how much I was willing to work for, and how often. Read more>>
Bailey Williamson
My goal is to give you a color and style that is realistic to your lifestyle and features-that is also easy to maintain! Currently, I am inspiring my clients to love not only their hair, but their health! I have introduced my clients to the newest and simplest way to prioritize their wellness, with the only non-injectable bioactive precision peptides on the market! Paying attention to the products you use is an important part of creating a healthier lifestyle. Blending health and wellness with the beauty industry is a unique way that I can show my clients that I care about them as an overall person, not just clients only during their appointment. Read more>>
Thais Brush
I can say that I am an Entrepeneur and I’m a florist in training and having Tricia’s guidance and her expertise is priceless. The Greenery Florist provides flower delivery to the Charleston area, as well as small events such as bridal and baby showers, weddings, and corporate events. We do have a physical store as well as an online store. We are in the process of relocating to a different building Downtown in the next 6 months. Read more>>
