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.
CHANGING FOUNDATION
Hi there changing ways Foundation started in 2018 after a little girl did not attend church for 6 months and after finding out the reason was she wasn’t able to receive education and both parents decided to keep her indoors for that period of time because they didn’t want us to know that she was home pretending like she had gone to school I have been a preacher in children’s ministry for the last 15 years so I have worked with families communities and in 2020 I was elected the youth chairperson in my community so briefly that is how our journey started Read more>>
Natasha Cline
I spent years working both front and back of house in restaurants working every position in a restaurant that there was. In 2018 after dedicating my craft to Uncork Charleston as the general manager and chef I became a managing partner. My goal was ultimately to open Daniela’s Downtown, a local market & deli with imported goods in honor of my mother who sadly succumbed to her disease in June of 2017. My passion for providing people with a great experience with food and beverage is in my roots and I will continue to make it my mission to bring a little piece of home to everyone. Read more>>
Yasmin Bonvin
And that’s where I started noticing people were liking what I was doing. I started receiving calls from referrals and got my weeks booked really fast. Today I have a team working with me, but I still get my hand on the jobs, still come to check pretty much all the houses of my clients every time. Getting where I am today was not easy, specially with two little kids and away from my mom. But I love what I do and pour SO MUCH LOVE and care into every home, and I believe that makes all the difference. Every challenge that I faced shaped me into who I am today, and I’m proud to keep growing, learning and building something meaningful, one clean at a time. Read more>>
Domonique Fell
Today, I own Designer Faces, a luxury body-focused spa built around self-care, confidence, and results. I specialize in full body waxing, body facials like back and vajacials, makeup, and more. What started with a makeup brush is now a full-circle experience—from glam to glow, from survival to strategy. And I’m still growing, still building, still learning , still evolving and still making beauty feel like home. This career is not easy at all but I won’t give up on my dream ! Read more>>
Pat Tantikul
During 6months of renovating our food trailer is the hardest and toughest time. I had to control the budget so we had to do most of the work ourself and also we had to run the pop-up tent events as well because we can’t only spent our budget on new trailer without making more revenue. Also some people love our food and some don’t due to shortage of manpower sometime we couldn’t make everything ready like a fastfood restaurant but every dish are fresh cook that’s what I can guarantee. Read more>>
Jessica Pack
I got my start at an Aveda salon in Virginia, where I was lucky to be surrounded by an environment that truly valued education. From day one, I immersed myself in learning everything I could about the industry—I’ve always believed that the more you know, the better you can serve your clients. Over the years, I worked hard to move up to an educator role, and every salon I worked in, I chose with the goal of growing not just as a stylist, but as a professional. Read more>>
Will Matic
Took a while to find my way. Life be lifing. I always saw myself sharing my gifts tho and I know that it’s a task giving by God. I got discouraged a few times and actually quit. Didn’t make any music or perform for about 4 years. A friend of mine encouraged me to get back in the game and I did exactly that. Read more>>
Mitchell Kaufman
I grew up on a farm right on the border of Illinois and Wisconsin. It was simple living. We heated our house with wood, we grew a lot of our own food, and we stored extra produce and canned goods in a dirt-floored root cellar beneath the house. Our lifestyle was modest, but also rich in many ways. I had the privilege of beginning life in a quiet environment, surrounded by natural beauty, in the company of horses, goats, geese, chickens, dogs, cats—and even a pig named Wilbur. Read more>>
Nameless Numberhead
We got involved in a ton of creative projects and just immersed ourselves in a crazy world of the most talented and funniest people on the planet. Improv, Sketch, Experimental Theatre, and just some really outside the box stuff. We worked with a theatre company that used improvisation to develop scripted plays which led us to winning some awards and putting us on the map in Chicago. In 2011, Henry was a part of a show that won a Jeff Award (the Chicago Tony’s) for Original Music Composition. Then in 2012, a play that Maari co-created called ‘5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche’ caught fire and was called up to an Off-Broadway run in New York. Read more>>
Tonya R. Harris
I truly enjoy being a realtor and helping my clients find their dream homes or get their homes sold, but real estate has not been an easy road. Over my career, I’ve experienced many ups and downs with the changing market, but one thing I know for sure is that it always comes back around. That’s why I make it a point to study the market closely so I’m always ready and prepared for whatever comes next. Read more>>
Griffin Donley
After spending so many years involved with music and choirs at Clemson, I also knew I needed a creative outlet. I love meeting new people, so a podcast asking about someone’s small business or their work felt like an obvious answer, but I didn’t want it to be just like any other podcast. A friend suggested keeping the podcast local and from there, the idea to do an interview-style podcast while walking on the Swamp Rabbit Trail took off. We launched The Upstate Trail Talks in April 2023 and over 100 episodes later, we are still going strong! Read more>>
Gianna Longo
This experience was the perfect way for me to explore the path I wanted to take with food. Following school, I worked in many bakeries and kitchens throughout NYC, Miami & New Jersey. I’ve also hosted my own supper clubs & catered events. I’ve now moved here to the lovely city of Charleston, South Carolina where I am starting my own private chef business. I’m eager to nourish this community, and learn from it as well. I love the way that food can bring people together, and always teach us something – I will always be a student of the food community. Read more>>
DJ BTRUE
Every craft or dream has obstacles/challenges but I look at it as motivation because what’s a story without challenges, I stay prayed up and ready to face anything that may come my way so to anyone out there who may want to give up on their dreams or goals think about the reason why you started and look back at how far you came. Read more>>
Nate Wilhoyte
I started playing music at a very young age. With my grandfather playing guitar and my cousin going to Nashville to do music professionally, music and performing ran in my family. When I was 11 I started playing in my local church as a bass player and picked up the guitar from there. Starting then I worked on my skills and started gigging in the Spring of 2025 Read more>>
Angel Lavelle
I began coaching others, first using a secular framework but always weaving in a faith-based foundation. The results were undeniable. Lives were changing. People were healing. That’s when I formalized the process into what is now the Renew & Rewire Brain Retraining Method—a science-backed, faith-infused approach to calming the nervous system, retraining thought patterns, and walking in peace, health, and purpose. Read more>>
Carolyn Hall
After some trial and error, I used some money I had saved up, and ordered some higher quality materials that I could actually sell. I launched my Etsy shop, took some product pictures, created an Instagram, and started promoting my brand! Immediately, my family and friends were so supportive. This was so encouraging to me, and was the motivation I needed to keep going and work even harder. Read more>>
Gretchen Yarborough
After a few years in private practice, I opened my own private practice, Peak Dental, where I continued to focus on helping people love their smile again with veneers, crowns, general dentistry, surgery, and eventually full arch implant solutions. After years with full arch dental implants, I wanted to expand my office to include another office, Implant Smile Studio. With the latest technology, predictable solutions, warm welcoming smiles and attention to detail, Implant Smile Studio has helped change the lives of so many people who want a permanent solution to their chronic dental issues. I love helping people, and treating them how I would want my mom to be treated. Read more>>
Margaret Stypa
But what I did have was the curiosity and drive to learn. My introduction to marketing was incredibly hands-on, which I think worked in my favor. I was thrown right into real world projects, and I quickly learned how much I loved the creative and strategic side of it all. Because I didn’t have a traditional marketing background, I felt like I needed to work twice as hard to prove myself- but that made me more resourceful, more observant, and always eager to keep learning. That mindset has been a big part of how I’ve stepped into the role of President for the Charleston American Marketing Association and how I’ve grown and advanced my career. Read more>>
ChoirBoi Cam
Music has been a part of me from the beginning. I started singing in church with my family as a child. By my early teens, I became known as ChoirBoi Cam — writing, recording, and touring. My debut album War Zone dropped in 2014, followed by The Destiny Project in 2016, and Growing Pains in 2019, which debuted in the Top Ten on Billboard’s Gospel Albums Chart. Read more>>
Shannon Lewis
Absolutely not a smooth road—but that’s part of the journey! We expected finding funding to be the hardest part (and it definitely wasn’t easy), but now that we’re open, we’ve realized the real challenge is everything that comes after. Balancing operations, supporting employees, creating and documenting processes, and maintaining the property—it’s a constant, all-hands-on-deck effort. Like most small business owners, we’re learning as we go, juggling a lot, and doing our best to stay grounded in our purpose while keeping all the wheels turning. Read more>>
Mindy Kuhn
Owning a restaurant is never a smooth road, especially with economic changes coming out of a pandemic. We have worked hard to learn from our mistakes and shortcomings and constantly adjust and make tweaks to offer our guests the best experience possible while visiting our shop. We do the best we know how as business owners and truly strive to offer amazing, healthy food and great books with a really cool vibe. Read more>>
Danielle Zuck
My husband, three dogs, and I hit the road in search of a career in animal welfare for me. We sold everything, left on a whim, and worked remotely until an opportunity came about. Along the way, I became a HSUS and ASPCA responder and deployed on two missions to help animals in need – for a week as a volunteer. These cases were horrifying and what the dogs endured was worse than imagined. It was then, that my passion and love hit me – and I was determined to find a place helping those who were voiceless – and deserved better/more. Read more>>
Dayanne Araujo
Definitely not. Being a content creator — especially in a new country — has been one of the most challenging and transformative experiences of my life. In the beginning, I had no idea what I was doing — I just knew I needed to express something that words alone couldn’t explain. Read more>>
Patrick Edmonson
I’ve always had a fascination with self improvement and becoming the best version of yourself, however, I think a life led in pursuit of self actualization, only for the self, is selfish. I think a life lived well is a life where you create an environment that enables others to become the best versions of themselves. If you can pull this off, you have objectively made the world a better place. To me, there is no better use of your time, energy, or resources. Read more>>
Chase Cabaniss
On the media side of Chase the Coast, we don’t just film videos on our own boat—we often collaborate with fishing charters across the country to create high-quality videos that showcase what each charter has to offer. By featuring these charter operations, we get to highlight the unique fishing cultures that exist not just from boat to boat, but also from region to region. It’s a great way to show people around the world why sport fishing is such a powerful and inspiring community, full of passionate people. Read more>>
Aileen Ghitelman
This business gave me the strength to get a full time job, while continuing to sell candles and do craft fairs. It made that thought in my head that kept telling me not to start anything because I will just give up flip, and now I am living a life beyond my wildest dreams. I am 27 years old and teaching myself gymnastics! Life is crazy and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have definitely put the social media aspect of my business on the back burner, but you can catch me at craft fairs for the fall season and always message me on my facebook page! I love and appreciate all my new and returning customers! Read more>>
Dr. Juliana Ekstam
I began my journey as a pre-med biology double major with the original goal of pursuing neurosurgery. During that time, I had the opportunity to work closely with a naturopathic physician, which really opened my eyes to the power of holistic care. That experience shifted my focus toward chiropractic—it felt like a much better fit for my passion for wellness and helping people live to their fullest potential. Read more>>
Christiana Coyne
I worked 100-hour weeks, every holiday, and didn’t take a single day off for months at a time. Looking back, it seems absolutely insane, but at the time, it was worth it. And honestly? I can still say, without a doubt, that it was. I made a lasting impact at a place I loved so much, and spear headed my entire career. We won two Championships. I was nominated for the Future Star Award at Baseball Winter Meetings. My work was featured in magazines, ESPN, Sports Center, Baseball America, and all across the Charleston area. I still see people wearing t-shirts I designed all over town. It’s still an incredible feeling I don’t think I’ll ever get over. Read more>>
Amy Hibbs And Allison Huffstutler
Amy is an Occupational Therapist and has a disability. Her middle son, Caleb, has cerebral palsy and a rare genetic disorder, called Cabezas Syndrome, and Amy’s youngest son, Luke, has Autism. In 2019, Caleb started attending a local public elementary school. Amy was excited that Caleb was going to have opportunities to learn and practice social skills with his peers. However, Amy soon realized that Caleb’s experience in public school was going to be very different than she had imagined. Read more>>
Julie Hamer
Following my heart that day was the best decision I’ve ever made. I later earned my MFA, Masters in Fine Arts, a challenging but transformative experience that helped me realize just how far I could push my creative potential. I did have to teach myself a lot in grad school and continued my educatoin in ceramics afterwards. I have a shelf full of pottery books, I love taking classes, and I’ve taught myself so much. It’s made me realize, I never want another potter to struggle like I have to learn or feel bad asking for help. I love to learn and to teach, and I will take every opportunity I have to share this passion with others. Read more>>
Kiera Breland-Dowdle
Eventually, I realized I needed to slow down and really learn the fundamentals. I started reading every business book I could find and spent countless hours watching YouTube videos on everything from marketing to photography. One book that had a major impact on me was #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso. It really pushed me to stop trying to follow the crowd and instead lean into my own creativity—especially when it came to marketing. That shift in mindset helped me start building a brand that actually felt like me. Read more>>
Frankie Castellon
Right now, I have a beautiful wife, two great daughters, and a job I enjoy—but my expenses still outweigh my income. Life happens, so I have to hustle. I created my YouTube channel to talk about what I’m passionate about: caps and stadium news. I also resell and have designed some t-shirts and caps that connect to my roots—but I want more. My goal is to start my own hat company and make a statement, whether it’s on the baseball field or out at a party. It’s about finding that “it” factor—and finding the right people to help bring that dream to life. Read more>>
Phoebe Rowan Harkey
We offer horse training, riding lessons, consignment sales, boarding, and occasional clinics. We primarily train working western and ranch riding, with an emphasis on correct biomechanics for horse and rider, proper foundations, and true horsemanship. We aren’t a typical training or lesson barn. We believe in horses being allowed to be horses, in all our riders being functional and versatile, and we prioritize proper husbandry over show ribbons or winning checks. Read more>>
Samantha Moses
What sets me apart from others in my field is my communication. I pride myself on great communication skills, and my clients mention it often in their glowing reviews. I have held many customer service-driven jobs in the past, and learned many things along the way. I truly believe this has allowed me to hone my skills and I see just how much my clients value good, detailed communication. Read more>>
Naomi Waller
At the time, I was still navigating my own healing. I dealt with emotional wounds, self-doubt, and cycles that left me feeling disconnected from my true identity. But everything began to shift when I made the decision to fully surrender to God. That moment became the turning point not just in my personal life, but in how I approached my calling. Read more>>
Bonnie Papajohn
It’s never a smooth road. As I became more proficient in personal training, health and nutrition coaching, I had to pay my dues and learn and gain experience. My clients always wanted more than just an exercise routine or recipe. They longed for someone who could relate. I entered the fitness world full-time at the age of 50 and newly divorced. That alone was the toughest road. My clients and family kept me going because I felt a strong calling. Many times I thought about giving up, but I just couldn’t let myself down, even with money struggles and client ebbs and flows. Read more>>
Lauren Hadden
Whether I’m behind the lens at a wedding, in a cozy family session, or capturing content at the studio, I feel incredibly grateful for every opportunity to do what I love—and for the people who’ve trusted me to tell their stories along the way. I never would’ve imagined that this would become what it is today and I owe alot of my success to my mentors I’ve had along the way, friends and family that have been my biggest fans and ultimately the Lord for blessing me daily with all these opportunities. Read more>>
Nikki VonWickd
I’m originally from Chesapeake, Virginia, where I grew up in a proud military family—service and support for our troops have always been close to my heart. Years ago, I joined a pinup group as a model, and we’d participate in charity events to raise money for care packages for deployed service members. We’d get all dolled up and attend homecomings—not every soldier has someone waiting for them, and we made it our mission to be that smiling, glamorous welcome home whenever we could. Read more>>
Emmy
It definitely hasn’t been smooth! I fought with the Lord and myself a lot at first. I didn’t think I could do this full time so I just did it part time for a couple years. I even went to college, got my associates and started to finish my Bachelors in Anthropology before fully trusting God’s plan and taking a leap of faith. Three weeks into my Junior year of college, I dropped out to pursue photography full time. Thankfully, both of my parents were my biggest supporters- my mom actually helped my drop out that day! Read more>>
Rachel Wynia
Since starting, I have had the pleasure of working with several local organizations to supply treats for events. In 2023, I teamed up with another local baker and won that year’s Greenville Gingerbread Contest (Professional Category). In January of this year, I hired my sister, Claire Steffens, as a contractor to add royal icing cookies to our existing list of offerings. This fall, Rach Bakes GVL will have a booth at Makers Collective’s annual Indie Craft Parade. Read more>>
LaMorris + Megan Crawford
We are the founders of Covenant Culture Ministries, a marriage and family ministry, where we travel the world speaking! Our podcast, Covenant Culture, has allowed us to stay connected with the churches, schools, teams, athletes, etc that we humbly have the privilege of serving. We do it all for Jesus, and are so grateful for what He has done in our lives! We will continue to serve the Lord through professional sports, women’s conferences, men’s conferences, our retreats, that we host right here in Greenville, and through our podcast, because we have a desire to help bring change to marriages and families around the world! Read more>>
Mallory Allison
As a mom with two young kids I found myself consumed by motherhood, and scrolling mindlessly during any downtime. I was caught in a cycle that left me unfulfilled, but after a Bible study at my church about listening to the Holy Spirit I tuned into what God was asking of me. I felt a conviction to put my phone down and use my hands to make something. Read more>>
Sariyah Hawkins
Between my freshman and current senior year at Benedict College, I have begun building my brand, Dropped Source. A Creative Media Agency, producing creative visuals and elements, helping other brands have impactful content. From my close friends, to my professors, to my family and community, South Carolina and my hometown area, the DMV have all played a part in the person, creative, and professional I am. Whether I’m hosting shows/interviews, hopping on the cameras, or working behind the scenes, I, Sariyah X Gold, will be a future executive within the entertainment industry! Read more>>
Abigail Burt
I started college at the University of Georgia undecided, unsure of what direction to take. But I knew, without a doubt, that I wanted to build a life rooted in creativity. Through a lot of prayer and trust in God’s timing, I eventually found my way to majoring in advertising and minoring in fashion merchandising. That’s when things really clicked. I maintained a 3.6 GPA, which just confirmed I was exactly where I needed to be. Read more>>
Elizabeth Tate
As I child I would save the critters my cats would catch, lure all the neighborhood strays in to my home to feed them, always went to the animal shelter “just to look” but always came home with someone. My love for all things four legged was just at my core and has parlayed in to a lifelong mission to save as many as I possibly can, to give them a second or third chance, to give them a LIFE they deserve. Read more>>
Alexus Blanding
Complementing this experience are the skills I am developing as a book publicist. In this role, I work with authors to craft high-level media strategies designed to garner coverage for their titles, as well as create and organize nationwide author tours. Working in book PR has honed my ability to manage large-scale projects and event logistics with tons of moving parts. These strengths are what are highly transferable, making my cross-industry journey a logical–and exciting!–next step. Both of these roles combined bring me great joy and satisfaction. Being the owner of and lead planner at Precisely Yours: Planning & Coordination Services is a new path I’m thrilled to trek! Read more>>
Jim Helfgott
In 2017 I returned to the US from a 17 year stint in the Cable and Satellite TV industry in Europe. While I continued to do consulting work in that industry I also wanted to start giving back to the community. I became aware of the great work being done by SCORE and felt it was a good fit with my experience as a business leader. I have been volunteering as a mentor supporting small businesses in the Grand Strand. The more I saw the value of this work and the success in supporting the start of new small businesses, the more I saw the opportunity to support SCORE in that mission. I became the chapter chair of the Grand Strand Chapter and later was named the District Director of South Carolina. Read more>>
Andréa Christine Melone
When I returned to the States, I landed in the fast-paced world of commercial banking in NYC, smack in the center of the proverbial rat race. It taught me a lot, but left me feeling deeply unfulfilled. So I followed my inner compass toward movement and music. I dove into everything NYC had to offer: DJ courses, classical guitar, belly dancing, yoga, breathwork, crystals, you name it. That chapter helped me feel more liberated, creative, and most importantly, connected with different and colorful communities. Read more>>
Sarah Harvell
Ravena Metalworks began in 2018, but the seeds of it were planted long before that, in the Appalachian mountains where I grew up. I was born and raised in Indian Valley, Floyd, Virginia, a small mountain town where the rhythms of nature shaped my earliest sense of beauty and wonder. I spent my childhood sketching the trees outside my window, collecting rocks, and befriending birds that others overlooked, especially crows. Read more>>
Katelyn Ferrara
Last but not least, the heart of our full collection is Hairscreen, an SPF-based salt and sun protector that shields your hair while you’re in the water, offering the same protection for hair that sunscreen offers for skin while also creating a protective barrier on the hair. Surfer Betty is more than just haircare—it’s a commitment to the ocean, a love letter to the sun, and a dedication to the carefree spirit of adventure. Our products are designed to support and sustain those who seek the thrill of the waves and the warmth of the sun, with the belief that haircare should be as natural, restorative, and vibrant as the coastal life itself. Read more>>
Sasha Graddick
After college graduation, my journalism career was put on pause while I navigated life during lockdown and thinking about the future. In 2020, I became an intern for the Charleston RiverDogs but the season was cancelled before any games were played. Luckily, I was asked to come back in 2021 and I have continued to work for the team for the past five seasons. While my journalism career didn’t pan out the way I imagined, I found a new passion in videography and photography. Now, I’m able to tell stories through the lens of my camera instead of being the one in focus. Read more>>
Elaine Henderson
I’ve rescued dogs off the streets and found them homes most my life. I decided to make We Are Zeus, Inc. an official 5013c in the early part of 2023. My decision to start WAZ was due to a horrid case of abuse that stole my heart and I named him Zeus. Rescuing him, caring for him, nursing him back to health and seeing his personality come alive is what inspired me to start We Are Zeus, Inc. This dog who has every reason in the world to hate humans was an amazing example of the unconditional love you can find in a rescued animal and I want every dog to have a chance at knowing that love. We lost Zeus a couple of years ago but he knew unconditional love and it makes me even more dedicated to helping every dog that we can. Read more>>
Danielle Armold
Eventually, I found chiropractic care, and something in me clicked. I saw in it not only a clinical practice, but a way to continue that same mission of helping people feel safe, supported, and empowered in their bodies and in their lives. I returned to school, earned my Doctor of Chiropractic degree, and began building what would become Hub City Spinal Care here in Spartanburg.I opened Hub City Spinal Care in Spartanburg with that vision in mind, committed to delivering chiropractic care that honors the whole patient: physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. Read more>>
Randy Harris
I’ve been tinting for over 20 years, and after spending a decade in the Lowcountry working with dealerships and high-volume clients, I realized there was room for something more, something better. I wanted to create a business that wasn’t just fast, but flawless. A place where people could trust the quality, know they were getting the best materials, and feel good about their experience from start to finish. Read more>>
