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.
Madilyn DuBois
A pivotal moment occurred in London, where a chance encounter with my now supplier who shares the same commitment to quality and intentional design sparked the birth of A Bag Concept. This sustainable bag company aims to create functional, beautiful, and reusable bags tailored to the needs of busy women. This venture represents a fusion of the founder’s design background with a passion for everyday objects, applying the same level of thoughtfulness used in designing healing spaces to crafting beautiful and practical bags. Read more>>
Eugina Jordan
I was a single parent for six years. During that time, I juggled raising my son, building my career, and finding my footing in a Cirporte America — often all at once. It wasn’t easy, but it shaped me. I learned how to be resourceful, resilient, and fiercely focused. Years later, I met my husband, a true partner in every sense. He’s steady, supportive, and never once asked me to be smaller. Together, we’ve built a home filled with love, laughter, and mutual respect. My family is my greatest gift and my constant source of strength. Read more>>
Meghan Truman
That discovery lit a fire in me to document not just milestones, but the beautiful, fleeting rhythms of motherhood in a way that feels both authentic and lasting. Through a lot of trial and error, and with the help of a few great mentors, I’ve learned to record the soft unspoken ways a mother loves her children. I’ve been blessed to photograph families across multiple states, and look forward to continuing to grow in how to best tell the beautiful stories of families her in South Carolina. Read more>>
Luz Fiaschetti
I believe every business faces challenges along the way. For us, decorating, designing, and creativity have always come easily—it flows naturally, and we truly enjoy bringing events to life. However, the real challenges have been more complex. One of the biggest hurdles we faced was the COVID pandemic in 2020, a time when people couldn’t celebrate in person, and venues and restaurants had to close their doors. It forced us to rethink our strategies, adapt to new ways of reaching our audience, and find a financial balance that would keep the business afloat. Read more>>
Mykeva Floyd
I grew up in Greer, SC, I had a big heart for people—especially those who felt unseen or unsupported. That compassion led me to work with youth, and eventually, I found my way to the YMCA, where I’ve spent years serving my community through youth development and outreach. At the YMCA, I’ve had the privilege of helping young people feel safe, valued, and empowered. I’ve built afterschool programs, led community events, and formed relationships with families that have lasted for years. Every day, I see how powerful it is when someone believes in you—and I’m grateful I get to be that person for so many kids. Read more>>
Andy Jahde
The original business model was retail, but just this past year I transitioned from traditional retail and moved my workshop upstairs. Clients are still welcome to walk in and see the collection, but they can also make appointments to create something original and Julep moved into the retail space downstairs. They have been a wonderful partner and able to display my bags, collars and jewelry. I’m focusing on custom work, designing bags and building my wholesale business. I’ve got a lot of fun work in the pipeline that I can’t wait to share in the future. Read more>>
Mandy Jo Squires
Since then, we’ve expanded to South Carolina and are building toward becoming a nationwide—and even global—community. We host book signings, virtual and in-person writing sessions, and spotlight indie authors across our platforms. Our mission is to help writers reach their goals while creating a space rooted in encouragement, learning, and genuine support. Read more>>
Kari The Jeweler
Growing up in Greenville, South Carolina, I was surrounded by a quiet charm, Trees with green leaves, the rush of the Reedy River and a strong sense of community. As a kid, I didn’t know what I wanted to be, but I was always drawn to the small details. Whether it was the way the light hit glass windows or the sparkle of diamond jewelry that famous celebrities wore. Something about beauty in small things caught my eye. Read more>>
Teresa Smith
I was born and reared in a modest home in West Columbia where I attended school including college at the University of South Carolina. My home life was challenging as I grew up with an alcoholic father. Although I had a mother who did the best she could under the circumstances, I often wonder if one of the reasons I was so drawn to animals was to find unconditional love. I had several dogs as pets growing up and they brought me so much comfort and companionship. Read more>>
Candice Jones
I am an entrepreneur who has owned a credit and financial consulting company prior to launching my Virtual Business Management/Transaction Coordinating Business. I realized very quickly that though most of what I do is front facing in other areas of my life, I truly enjoy the back office/administrative side of organization and decided it made perfect sense to offer my years of experience to other business owners who were drowning in their day to day administrative tasks. Helping ministries and businesses gain more streamlined processes and more focused daily operations really has brought me great joy and I’m tremendously excited for what’s ahead in this journey! Read more>>
Tatiana Parrilla
I’m originally from São Paulo, Brazil, but I grew up in Rio de Janeiro — the beach has always felt like home to me. I was raised by the most wonderful parents, alongside my brother, and I’ve always carried with me a strong personality, a creative spirit, and a love for connection. I moved to the U.S. right after my 22nd birthday. I became an accountant by trade and built a life here with my husband and kids. Read more>>
Michael Wishnia
During time in the military, Michael was a part of a Close Quarter Battle team, in charge of protecting nuclear weapons. He deployed to Iraq in 2004, 2005, 2006, was a Drill Instructor on Parris Island from 2007-2010, and deployed to Afghanistan 2011-2012. After being injured in Afghanistan, he was placed in a vital role of running the Marksmanship Training Unit for 1st Marine regiment (approx.. 1500 Marines). Eventually, he was medically retired as a Sergeant. His military qualifications include being a non-lethal weapons instructor, combat marksmanship coach and trainer, and martial arts instructor trainer, among many other qualifications Read more>>
Michelle Berg Radford
The year I graduated from high school, our family stopped at the Worcester Art Museum, just south of Boston, to allow me to view some art while on a vacation roadtrip. We discovered a notable exhibition of about 75 Hudson River School landscape paintings. The paintings in that exhibition, along with paintings by Winslow Homer and Vincent Van Gogh, which I saw in person about the same time, instilled in me a love for landscape painting. Read more>>
Anastasia Ford
I believed at the time he had a speech delay and a year later, we received an autism diagnosis with mixed receptive and expressive language disorder. I remember not even blinking once his developmental pediatrician told us. I believed, somewhere throughout the process of finding an extremely suitable pediatrician, and the mountains of paperwork before Donovan’s final observation, I mentally prepared myself. Yet, what made me the most afraid was the question, “What will life be like for him in the future?” Sometimes I would cry at night. A series of thoughts would enter my mind: What if something happens to him? What if I cannot protect him? What if I fail him as a parent? Read more>>
Jeanine Christian
Having never considered this, I honestly didn’t know where to begin. She would gently remind me for a few months to consider it. Eventually, I went down the rabbit hole of researching. This is how I discovered Beautiphi academy and Kelly Hermans (the owner). She is also a CRNA which drew some appeal. I was able to take some of her courses, one of which included understanding the business. I not only prepared on the didactic side of things but I started working on actively opening a business. The hands on training received was invaluable. Through the community of mainly CRNAs built through this academy, I have met many counterparts on varying stages of their aesthetic journey, who have been and continue to be a great support which is needed in this business. Read more>>
Andreia Lima Myers
The following year, I married a wonderful and wise man, Timothy, who shares my heart for helping others. He has been an incredible support, both emotionally and in managing the business. Maria and Timothy have had such a meaningful impact on my life that I invited both of them to join me in this journey—and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made Read more>>
Trinity Lemm
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Trying to juggle school work with writing was a huge challenge, and when I graduated from college and got a full-time job right away, the challenge never stopped. It’s a constant struggle to keep up with work, writing, and my personal life all at once, but I do my best to manage my time effectively! Read more>>
Detrick Smith
What sets me apart is my versatility and the way I bring energy, authenticity, and mentorship to every space I’m in. Whether I’m in the classroom, on the court, or behind the camera, my goal is always to inspire, educate, and lead with purpose. I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my students and athletes—and watching them grow into confident, successful people is the ultimate reward. Also the the relationships I’ve built with other content creators across the country Read more>>
Zesarae Bodie
“My journey has been rooted in helping people reconnect with themselves and each other. As an occupational therapist, I saw firsthand how often intimacy, wellness, and connection were overlooked — especially for women navigating major life transitions. That inspired me to found Intimate Health Solutions (IHS), a consulting and community-building platform that uses OT principles to support sexual wellness, intimacy, and functional living in small group settings. Read more>>
Hosanna Wilmot
Before long, I posted my photography services on Craigslist for $150—back when it was popular—and landed my first client! I shifted away from shooting beachgoers and started promoting my business online. This led to a steady income, and I was thrilled! From there, my journey blossomed into real estate photography, wedding shoots, and continued family portraits. I learned that where there is a will, there is a way! Read more>>
Sade Adewale
I’ve had a love for art since childhood. I still remember like yesterday my mom taking me to First Friday gallery walks on Broad St when I was 8 and talking Van Gogh. In middle and high school I attended School of the Arts where I was classically trained in various mediums and art styles. That is where my love for colored pencil bloomed. After graduating though, my passion waned and I stepped away from my art for some time to focus on my studies in college. It wasn’t until Covid that I began doing my art seriously again; I gained a real feel for my specific art style and refined my skills as a mixed media artist. Since then I’ve had my work on exhibit at Charleston’s City Gallery, Silver Hills Studio, and several other art exhibits. Read more>>
Kristine Pack
If you’re happy and living your best life, that’s success. For me, success is that I have my 8 beautiful children. They’re my world. On top of all that, I’m running my own every successful business that I built myself. I’m proud of that! Read more>>
Marcia Klingensmith
I switched my major to Visual Communications and earned a BFA from Syracuse. This was before digital portfolios—you had to pound the pavement with your art in hand. I was shy, and freelance work felt intimidating, so I eventually found my way into the corporate world. I worked across the country—New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, California—and while I built a career, my art sat quietly on the back burner. Read more>>
Kelsey Pettus
I took a leap of faith, leaving healthcare to go all in on CHS Coastal Charcuterie. Now, with a team of six, we create everything from custom charcuterie boards to full grazing tables, single-serve options, and even Charleston’s first and only mobile charcuterie cart. We’ve catered everything from intimate gatherings to corporate events, weddings, and large-scale conferences. I’ve learned so much about business, branding, and the importance of building real connections with people along the way. Read More>>
Cassandra Osborne-Zilm
Keeping a jewelry business going takes more than creativity—it takes grit, flexibility, and leaning on others. My husband has been a supportive force from the start. Trends change, life shifts, and the path isn’t always clear. Through every challenge—whether it was starting from scratch, navigating motherhood, or learning entirely new skills—my goal has remained clear: to create something authentic, to express myself through art, and to keep showing up, even when the path wasn’t easy. Read more>>
