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.
Jessica Huthmaker
The coffee house vision is to become a small oasis to “come get away” from the hustle bustle of life and provide a place to enjoy excellent service, excellent high quality coffee and food items, in a casual, welcoming atmosphere, family friendly atmosphere with relationship building in mind. Read more>>
Isabel Straka
This led me to creating The Sunday Reads. Born out of an irresistible urge and need to express myself, it started as a blog. Later, it developed into an Instagram account, and I didn’t follow a single person in my real life. Eventually, they started to find me anyway. As my close friends found my account, I learned that the right people loved this part of me simply because it was me. They’ve fully embraced this additional side of me. Read more>>
Ashley Shepard
. I started doing fashion shows by doing that I connected with designers who want me to wear their clothes in other shows. I have won awards 3x Atlanta hottest female model I have been in magazines an on covers of magazines. With everyone knowing my name I have traveled to Virginia and Chicago for shows and twice to New York for fashion week. I have enjoyed becoming a model it’s fun you can set your own amount of pay along with meeting new people.. Read more>>
Mallory McConnell
Growing up, I always knew I had a love for doing hair, but with the many career options I had it was always just in my back pocket. There was a time in my life that was very dark for me and I closed a lot of doors that had previously been open, but I somehow never received to close this one. Growing up, especially in the world right now there’s a lot of negativity and a “standard” to look like everyone else, and it was hard to find confidence in myself. I like go and give it to God and he put me on the path I was meant to be on all along. Read more>>
Jahlil Brown
One day at work, I rapped a verse for my manager. I wasn’t looking for anything—I just wanted to share what I’d been working on. But that moment sparked something. From there, we started building. A team. A vision. A mission. We knew we had something special, and from that day forward, the goal has always been the same—pave a new path for the young folks coming up behind us. Read more>>
Gospel Ikashi
I grew up in Port Harcourt City, Rivers State, Nigeria, the first of three boys, raised by my incredible mother after we lost our dad when I was just 8 years old. I Studied Urban and Regional Planning in the prestigious Rivers State University. Life wasn’t always easy, but with God’s help and my mum’s unwavering strength, I learned early on how to figure things out, push through challenges, and create opportunities where none existed. Read more>>
Tom Theus
We have some very ambitious projects for 2025, scheduled, such as a stream restoration on the North Saluda River with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and several brook trout restorations in the Jonasse Wilderness. Read more>>
Natorsha Hammonds
My name is Natorsha Hammonds everybody calls me Danellie or Dannie , I’m 31 years old I’ve been dancing 15 years +. I have 6 kids, I am a CNA, and currently in college to get my bachelors. My passion is dancing, mentoring, and helping kids grow into wonderful humans. I believe in God and what he is doing in my life. I started my organization 7 years ago, after the loss of my daughter due to abuse. Read more>>
Ta’kiya Mitchell
In the dynamic field of graphic design, I honed my skills through formal education and practical experience. I embraced opportunities to collaborate with diverse teams, infusing my unique perspective as a black woman into every project. Through innovation and a commitment to excellence, I established a reputation for delivering compelling visual narratives that left a lasting impact on audiences. Read more>>
Devan Carroll
After graduating from Clemson University with a degree in Entrepreneurial Leadership, I began my career in recruiting. While the job provided stability, I quickly realized that trading time for money wasn’t the life I wanted. I craved more freedom and impact, which led me to explore real estate. With no prior experience, I sought out a local mentor who helped me understand the fundamentals and gave me the confidence to pursue my first deal. Read more>>
Connie Little
While I’ve always enjoyed baking and being in the kitchen, my macaron journey really took off as a pandemic hobby! I really focused on perfecting my shell recipe and making different fillings for the first year or so, only having them for friends and family for get-togethers and special events. My sweet friends are the ones who pushed me to start little macs officially, and I’m so glad they did! Read more>>
Shannon Grice
My passion for photography began at a very young age. In elementary school, I was part of the Program for Academically Talented Students, and one of our projects was studying photography. We built a “camera” out of an oatmeal canister and developed our one photo in a real darkroom. I was hooked from that moment on! Read more>>
Kimberly Cables
At 18, I was unexpectedly kicked out of my home by my mother—a moment that, while incredibly hard, turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Thanks to my amazing boyfriend and his incredible family (who I love dearly), I was able to truly dive into my passion for hair. I attended cosmetology school in Charleston, and after graduating, I worked at the wonderful Strawberry Blonde Salon, where I had the privilege of assisting and learning under some of the most talented stylists. That experience gave me the confidence and skills to grow as an artist. Read more>>
Hayley Domin
Like most, Covid really changed everything for me. I recall sitting on the floor one evening, when I just decided I wanted to be a travel writer.. so, I started pitching hundreds of stories a month.. and the rest was history! Read more>>
Tara Ogilvie
That email really changed things for me. I have been so lucky to meet so many local vendors that I have partnered with or they recommend me to their clients. I have partnerships with luxury Airbnb concierge companies, private yacht charters and a mobile wine bar to do wine pairing dinners. I cater a lot of bachelorette parties, friends & family get togethers, large charity fundraisers and so much more. I love having the freedom of my time and creativity. Every menu is unique to each client; I customize to their needs and budget the best I can. So much has changed and grown the past two years and I look forward to the continued growth. Read more>>
Bobby Trigg
He was introduced to Kiawah Island in 1992 when his parents bought a vacation home, and he later moved to the island in 2013. For 6 years, Bobby was the chef at the private Kiawah Island Beach Club and was fortunate to build relationships with many Kiawah property owners. He earned his real estate license and joined the Akers Ellis team in 2019. In 2024, Bobby was named one of the Top 500 Real Producers in Charleston. Read more>>
Kim Gilbert
there’s something about striking a match and watching the flame shift the energy in a room. That calming, comforting presence inspired a desire to share the same experience with others. What started as a small experiment at the kitchen table has grown into a passion, building a business, connecting with people at farmers markets, and teaching my grandson the ropes of entrepreneurship. It has truly been a journey of turning passion into purpose, and nothing about it would be changed. Read more>>
Kristy Hyde
I’ve been a stylist for 23 years and a salon owner for 11. I opened my own salon because I could never quite find a space that truly fit me—or the women I wanted to serve. From the beginning, my focus has always been on helping women embrace their natural beauty, with a special love for curly hair and the confidence it unlocks. Read more>>
Kristian Niemi
During my senior year of architecture school at the University of Minnesota I enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at St. Paul College. Moving to Columbia, South Carolina, I went from bartending to managing a franchise steakhouse before becoming a General Manager of Blue Marlin. Six months later, along with two partners, we purchased Mr. Friendly’s and went about transforming it from a sandwich shop to a full-service New Southern Cafe. Before long, it was considered one of the best restaurants in Columbia and gained national attention by winning a Wine Spectator Award. Read more>>
Fredrick Harris
Through the trials, tribulations, heartaches, and losses I’ve learned that everything has to do with timing and patience. With much more ahead as I’m slowly growing my business presence as an owner, I can humbly say that I am excited about what’s to come for my future and my expected end. That’s why my slogan for my company is, “God’s vessel to be your present help in your time of need “. My business was created to serve others and inspire other entrepreneurs to become business owners. Read more>>
Emily Cook
With a husband in the Navy, we collected sand whenever we traveled and, in 2012 it occurred to me to try and fuse some sand in with the glass. After a lot of troubleshooting, I was able to successfully develop the process to make my glass and sand pieces. I developed these sand and glass pieces into the line of jewelry, home decor, and functional art that I carry on my website and with retailers today. I’m happy to give people a bit of the Lowcountry (or any favorite beach) with the beauty of glass. Read more>>
Latoya Gibson
With those questions in mind, an idea was born—to create a scholarship pageant that would open doors for girls from all backgrounds. Although I was stepping into unfamiliar territory as a nurse practitioner, I leaned into my passion—and our first pageant, Miss Teen Personality, was born. Read more>>
Tina Green
My career path has not been without its challenges. I began as a single mother of four, which came with significant responsibilities. However, working as a sales representative provided the flexibility necessary to balance my work and family life. The waste and recycling industry is closely tied to economic conditions and commodity market trends. Adaptability is required to endure the ebbs and flows of this industry and success requires stamina, tenacity and faith. Read more>>
Matt Jones
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth ride. At first, it was finding the right places to play. We have also had some lineup changes over the years, but only in the guitarist position. We lost one due to him moving out-of-state. We lost another one during Covid, which in itself was a very trying period. Right now, we are on our 4th (and hopefully last) guitar player. We have also lost some shows due to the SC Venue Crisis, which has caused a lot of venues to either close or stop facilitating live music. So our path has definitely had a few challenges thrown our way. Read more>>
Adam Gilbert
I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands. I completed the Street Rod & Custom Fabrication program at Wyotech in Laramie, Wyoming in 2003, and worked on hot rods for many years. In 2016, I broke my ankle and wanted to find something I could do with my hands while healing. Blacksmithing caught my eye. I remember saving money weekly so that I could buy tools and it grew from there. I started with a piece of railroad track anvil and built my own soup can forge. Once I hammered my first piece of metal, I was hooked. As people found out I was into metal work, they’d share their stories with many having a connection to the work through their ancestors, and occasionally they gifted me with old equipment and tools they had. My very first commissioned job was a custom fireplace crane on Daniel Island in 2017. Read more>>
Deron Williams
I earned my undergraduate degree from Winthrop University and returned home to Charleston, SC, to pursue a Master’s degree at Charleston Southern University. With my education complete, I launched my real estate career with a passion for helping others find their place in the world. Over time, I realized I wanted to do more than close deals; I wanted to create opportunities and impact communities. That vision led me to my next chapter: building homes, focusing on quality housing in growing communities that need it most. Read more>>
Mckenzie Coggins
When I wasn’t doing makeup I would be watching someone else doing it on youtube. Makeup reviews, tutorials, recommended products-anything and everything makeup. My favorite youtubers then (and still now) were Laura Lee, Jaclyn Hill, Manny MUA, and the Vogue celebrity makeup routines and what they used. Watching all the makeup content also gave me a passion for creating my own content too! I posted everything I did, even if it was just a little braid on my. sister. I wanted everyone to know about my passion and talent. Read more>>
Anna
Clay resists perfection, and it’s in that resistance that I’ve found my reason to keep learning. By its nature, you can’t achieve perfection right away—or ever, for that matter. Pieces break, collapse, or come out differently than you planned. Over time, it has taught me how to fail well, to embrace mistakes as part of the process, and to find growth in setbacks. Read more>>
Kaydence Day
My music career began at Powdersville Elementary School. I had always been captivated by sounds, and the different ones that came together to make melody, harmony, and ultimately, music. When I got to 4th grade in elementary school, that’s when they began offering courses we could take in music. I registered for orchestra and started with cello, and switched to upright bass in 5th grade, and I also auditioned for our school’s chorus in 4th grade, and was grateful when I made it! Read more>>
Trevor Smith
The CTD Teams mission was to re-establish contact with the enemy by tracking the paths of travel the enemy moved along. This included re-establishing contact after enemy ambushes and IED strikes and developing intelligence on enemy movements and operations. During his training as a CTD handler, Trevor partnered with the dog (Omar) that would accompany him to fight in South West Asia. During multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, Trevor’s efforts on his deployments led to successful disruptions of enemy operations and the capture of numerous enemy high-value targets and combatants. Read more>>
Maryann Ewing
My speciality is space planning and integrating a space to the surrounding so that there is a sense of place. I have been creating environmentally friendly spaces for over 25 years. I integrated Biophilia into my design principles 12 years ago. Environmental psychology has been an integral part of my designs from the beginning of my career. Once a year I am a guest speaker in an environmental psychology class at the College of Charleston. Read more>>
Kevin Jarvis
Over the past 25 years, I have released around 20 albums and many singles either solo or with various bands or groups, including Farpoint (a progressive rock band), From the Morning (a folk duo), The Green Swamp Collective (a folk rock/Americana band), and several more. I’ve also played over 2,000 live gigs at clubs, restaurants, festivals, fundraisers, private parties, church events, musical productions, and more. Read more>>
Nicholas Overstreet
My story has a very humble beginning. I was born in Akron, Ohio, the eldest of a family of 9 children. My parents, respectively, worked as a school secretary and a corrections officer. Growing up with very little, outside of love and constant companionship, I, like many children of humble means, developed a desire for nice things. My parents could not afford to spend their hard-earned money on things that weren’t absolutely necessary. We shopped at thrift stores before that was a fashionable convention. All of my brothers received my hand-me-downs. And all of that was okay. Read more>>
Danielle DiLorenzo
I moved down here because of financial reasons, and being a 27 year-old working in retail with an income of about $12 an hour looking to branch off on my own was really difficult and not having enough funds was a huge problem back then. My mom was already living down here, and she was also in the process of moving my grandfather (who had dementia) down here, and I asked her if I could come too, and being her only child, she said ‘of course’ with no hesitation. Read more>>
Lacey Eibert Keigley
I think all of that is actually what sets me apart – relationships with real human beings. And – letting businesses be run by actual humans. It cannot be constant and relentless. We need breaks and understanding, empathy when the bad days come or the hurricanes hit or the delivery doesn’t come through on time. Read more>>
Joshua Knight
I am a Native American artist, born and raised in South Carolina, and adopted at the age of four. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from Coastal Carolina University and later went on to complete my Master of Fine Arts at the University of South Carolina. Currently, I am a full-time Foundations Lecturer at Coastal Carolina University, while also pursuing my passion as a portrait artist. Read more>>
Paige Bowser
We have had lots of highs and lows, we bought a building in 2019 and while I love my building and I still believe it was the right thing to do – we haven’t gotten to the plateau of effort yet. We had catastrophic termite damage to deal with, and are still renovating 2 years later but we have made it through. That is what entrepreneurship is – finding out that you can get through all of the bad stuff, and enjoying the good stuff and people along the way. Read more>>
Jordan Onufer
Those four years were challenging, but they helped shape my confidence and direction. At my senior show, a local designer, Janet Estes, noticed my work and offered me an internship, which turned into nearly two invaluable years of hands-on learning in high-end residential design. Life then shifted me back home to help with my father’s landscape business, GreenLeaf Landscapes, which taught me even more about hard work, creativity, and adaptability. Along the way, I worked countless side jobs, bartending, housesitting, restaurant work, and landscape drawings, all of which added to the many hats I now wear. Read more>>
Tina McDowell
My love for technology began early. In 1982, I received my first computer, a Commodore 64, and from that moment on, I wanted to know everything about how it worked. That passion led me to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a Management focus from Southern Wesleyan University and a Master’s degree in Computer Resources and Information Management from Webster University. Read more>>
Taniya (Niyah Dreams) Mcinnis
I’m mostly proud of my debut album “D.A.N.K”. My music is like one of my babies. In the great words of Ms. Badu, “I’m an artist and I’m sensitive about my sh…”. Had it been up to me, that album would’ve still just been songs on my phone and the fact that it was received so well is a moment that I will never forget. Read more>>
Alex Smith
I served in the Army for 4 years—my career as a soldier ended due to a back injury sustained from rappelling out of helicopters. Every doctor told me I would be injured for life and that I needed surgery. As a last resort I decided to see a chiropractor, who ended up being the only doctor that offered me any hope of getting better and reassured me that I could heal without surgery. When I moved back to Greenville, I found a chiropractor to continue to see because I had made so much progress and wanted to continue to get adjusted regularly. Read more>>
Dana Watkins
Today, I balance running Snaply Sites with my role at the Boyd Innovation Center, where I support early-stage tech startups and help build Columbia’s innovation ecosystem. Both roles connect back to that same drive – helping others solve problems and grow their ventures. We live in downtown Columbia and LOVE it! We’re all in on Columbia, SC. Family brought us here, but we stayed because of the affordable cost of living, genuine community spirit, and collaborative culture where we’ve found people that want to help each other grow. Plus, there’s something special about being in the capital city while still having that small-town feel and natural beauty right in our backyard (we have three rivers that run through the city!). Read more>>
Aaron Silverman
Ari Foss was our first child. Ari was our beautiful baby boy. Ari was a perfectly healthy baby. I was 39 weeks 5 days pregnant when my water broke. We were so excited to meet our little man. I was in labor about 8 hours when we were told I would need a routine C Section. As I was being wheeled into surgery I remember one of the medical staff saying to us “The good news is your son will be here in about 20 minutes.” Read more>>
LaTosha Ficklin
Due to the pandemic and the closure of many spaces, I decided a mobile tutoring model would be best. Many jobs had transitioned to work-from-home, and for those who still had to go to work, children were often staying with relatives. I masked up, sanitized between sessions, and conducted in-person sessions with safety protocols in place. As COVID cases increased, I transitioned to virtual tutoring. Then, in February 2022, I returned to in-person sessions for families who were comfortable—again with safety measures in place. Read more>>
Ashley Turner
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I started my esthetician career right at the end of Covid’s peak, when a lot of salons were still shut down, mask mandates were in place, and facials and brows weren’t exactly at the top of people’s priority lists. It was a slow start, and at times it felt uncertain. But as clients slowly began coming through the door, I focused on building strong relationships and making sure every person left feeling cared for. Those connections turned into loyal clients who kept coming back, and eventually, word of mouth helped my name get out there. It was challenging, but it taught me the importance of patience, consistency, and truly valuing the people who support you. Read more>>
Josee Madison
After 16 years of studying her own patterns of overdrive, emotional exhaustion, and high-functioning anxiety, she developed SMARTER Living: 7 holistic, practical principles that bring soul and alignment to the logical mind. Through powerful keynotes, immersive workshops, and soul-nourishing retreats, she has guided hundreds of individuals to reconnect with their hearts, regulate their nervous systems, and redefine success on their own terms. Read more>>
Sydney Wells
Not smooth at all! I think the main struggle for me has been dealing with so many vocal health issues. As someone who sings a lot, it’s very disheartening and confusing when your main tool is in pain or fatigued or failing. There have been so many times where I’ve cried from frustration, realizing that I’m ultimately not in control of this thing I love to do. But learning that my voice has never been mine, it is the Lord’s and He can do with it what He sees fit, has been a challenging but freeing process! Read more>>
Janine Dunlap
Glass edges are never smooth, but working together has always come naturally to us. We find so much joy in combining our unique ideas to create lasting art that brings color and whimsy to every home. Even during outdoor markets in every type of weather (yes- that does include a massive thunderstorm), we always find joy in sharing the artistic business experience. Read more>>
Eleanor Haspel-Portner
Because of my other-dimensional abilities as a child, I knew that I wanted to have a Ph.D. so my work would be credible and grounded in science. I attended the University of Chicago, Department of Comparative Human Development, for my Doctorate. The department was the first interdisciplinary Social Science department in the world, and the faculty were well known names in their fields. I studied psychology, biology, anthropology, and sociology. Read more>>
Rodney Sullivan
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been the recognition my work has received. To see my photography noticed by celebrities and public figures has been both humbling and motivating. It’s a reminder that the dedication I put into my craft resonates beyond my immediate circle. Read more>>
Oneshia Edens
Im single parent of an amazing dancer:/choreographer Jakevis Thomason who truly inspires me to be the best radio personality and Christian comedian. I have ten years experience in radio and twenty as a comedian. I now have my own digital podcast called G-Race with the Lovely Big O.. My motto is Laugh Until The Pain Is Gone. We shed enough tears about life sometimes you need to laugh to get through it! Being born and raised from Greenville SC I have seen my city change so much some good and let’s just say some still needs work lol but I LOVE the fact that I can say Im from the best city in South Carolina! I love it here. The support the love the kindness I feel from people is unmatched. Read more>>
Harold Reid
Well growing up I didn’t really have a great home life, so I would use music as a way to escape all the chaos and bad things around me. I would always have head phones in and be listening to the radio, a cassette tape or a cd. Growing up we had an old record player I would play around with and try to listen to the few albums we had in the house but they were so old the quality was real poor and you couldn’t really understand what was on them but I thought it was neat to play around with anyway. Read more>>
Taytem Barth
My father was diagnosed with stage four cancer at the age of 6, and subsequently passed away when I was 8. At the age of 13, I was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of soft tissue cancer affecting the connective muscle tissue of my upper torso, unrelated to my genetic condition, and had my right side torso skin, muscle, and bone removed, with my legs grafted to repair the damage. I was never supposed to be born due to complications, and then my parents were told that I would never walk, talk, be a productive human being without being wheelchair bound. Read more>>
