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.
Desiree Green
I wasn’t always the type with an entrepreneurial spirit. For a long time, I valued the security of having a job—knowing that every two weeks I’d get a paycheck. That felt safe and predictable. Things shifted when I went into business with my kids’ dad doing TV mounting and assembly work. Read more>>
Carlos Bulnes
I started with a simple goal, to provide reliable maintenance services that people could truly trust. Years ago, I worked hands-on in the HVAC industry and quickly noticed how many homeowners and businesses struggled to find honest, quality service. That experience inspired me to launch Palmetto Facilities Maintenance LLC, starting with just a few tools, a van, and a strong work ethic. Read more>>
Jessica Felder
I’ve always had dreams of becoming a model but most recently I attended a fashion show with a friend they were short a few models & asked if we wanted to fill in after that I’ve been pursing modeling full time Read more>>
Treva Anderson
Dr. Treva Anderson’s path began in Florida, fueled by a dream ignited at 17 – empowering individuals to achieve peak performance. Earning her psychology degree at Florida State University, she honed her expertise in mental toughness and resilience at UNC Greensboro’s esteemed Sport & Exercise Psychology doctoral program. Today, Dr. Anderson calls South Carolina home, where she juggles raising three children with a thriving career. Read more>>
Jason Stuart
I grew up in the Palo Alto, California area and enlisted in the U.S. Navy at 18. Early in my service, I was selected for an officer program and sent to college, where I earned my commission as a Supply Corps Officer—the business managers of the Navy. Looking back, that was truly the beginning of my professional journey. Read more>>
Alex Winnicki
My name is Alex Winnicki. I’m 34 years old and originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. I spent much of my life in the Carolinas. After high school, I was an average student who landed a job at John Deere–Hitachi as a welder. Over time, I worked my way up through the company into the robotics department, eventually becoming a robot programmer. Read more>>
Bryanna Patten
All of my success stems from having a supportive foundation, my mother. She was a licensed cosmetologist in the state of Massachusetts all throughout my childhood. My mother was a strong, single, and independent woman that instilled in me everyday to be hardworking, kind, and optimistic. Read more>>
Jaleesa Mathis
I started my journey in the beauty industry fueled by a passion for creativity and a desire to help people feel confident in their own skin. Growing up, I was always inspired by hair and makeup artistry, but it wasn’t until later in life that I truly stepped into my calling. Read more>>
Lynette Harvin
My story began from my work experience and simply from my love of bringing people together over good drinks and good vibes. I started by bartending for friends and making mocktails, always adding a little extra sparkle, delicious flavors and care. Seeing how everyone enjoyed my drinks and service inspired me to turn my passion into a business. Read more>>
Sally Hester
From having available property in No Chas and having 2 yo twin granddaughters came the idea that a children’s boutique was needed in the Park Circle area. Read more>>
Parris Balazs
My journey in the event world began long before Balazs Events officially came to life. After spending years in management roles across multiple businesses for a single owner, I discovered how much I loved organization, creative problem solving, and building meaningful relationships. Read more>>
Roshard Dawson
I started from humble beginnings in Hartsville, South Carolina with limited opportunities, but I always had big goals. Before real estate, I worked in customer service roles that taught me how to connect with people and earn trust. When I entered real estate, I didn’t have the connections—just faith, drive and a genuine passion for helping others. Read more>>
Scott & Constanza Cowell
We took the initiative to become Wedding Officiants, offering heartfelt ceremonies that each couple will remember with great emotion. We officiate weddings throughout N.C. & S.C. As an American and Latina married couple, we perform bilingual ceremonies so that all guests can fully enjoy such a beautiful occasion Read more>>
Ed Zehme
Who We Are – Stump Grunts We’re not just another land management crew. We’re Army veterans who served together in Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 3rd Infantry Division. Forged by long days, tough missions, and an unshakable brotherhood. Read more>>
Roxanne Altman
My Journey: From Young Volunteer to Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Pure Wellness by Medicos From a young age, I knew I was meant to care for others. I volunteered as a candy striper at a local hospital and enrolled in health courses throughout high school. I even wrote a letter to myself declaring that I would become a nurse someday. Read more>>
Chad Smith
I grew up on a farm in rural South Carolina before attending Clemson University, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture in 2015. After graduation, I spent three years with a land planning and design firm in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. While I enjoyed the creative work, I realized that being chained to a computer all day wasn’t the right fit for me. Read more>>
Ashton henderson
I was born in Augusta, Georgia, but my story as a DJ really began in Tulum, Mexico. That’s where I enrolled in a DJ and music production school and stepped behind the decks for the very first time. I didn’t know it then, but that moment would change everything. Read more>>
Nykia Wardlaw
My journey began during one of the most challenging yet defining seasons of my life. As a single mom of three and full-time caregiver for my mother, who was battling Dementia, I was simply looking for a way to make extra income to support my family. What started as a side hustle through a network marketing company became the seed of a God-given purpose. Read more>>
Jessica Badger
I started Magnolia Properties with my best friend Alyssa back in 2021. At the time, she had just a few homes under management, and she asked if I wanted to join her as a partner. Read more>>
Patti Daniel
In 1997, I graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina with a degree in Health Sciences for Occupational Therapy. At the time I was a single parent of three young children, completing 15 semesters over five years. It truly took a village of amazing family and friends to make that possible. Read more>>
Shawn Caviness-Brigman Aka Lilblackshawny
I Started Making Skateboarding Edits With My Homies & From That Branched Off To Skateboarding Sponsors such as eastern hour skateboards & Brooklyn cloth Read more>>
Chandy Page
I’m a licensed clinical social worker and have been a therapist for 17 years. I own Chandy Page Therapy, a virtual psychotherapy practice that serves women across South Carolina and Georgia. My focus is perinatal mental health and other women’s issues. I’m deeply passionate about this work and feel honored to walk alongside women during some of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives. Read more>>
Carol Anderson
As an undergrad, my loves were all things biology and psychology. I went to work for the Department of Mental Health, then transitioned to managing adult group homes for those with intellectual disabilities when I moved to VA. After returning to SC, I completed my MSW and focused on working with a variety of populations to build a broad knowledge and treatment base. Read more>>
Susan Chalela
Finding Functional Foundations: A Physical Therapist’s Journey Through Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Upper Cervical Instability I am a physical therapist specializing in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and Upper Cervical Instability (UCI). My professional path is deeply intertwined with my own lived experience with these conditions. As a child, I faced numerous unexplained health challenges. Read more>>
Eric Archer
Opening a coffee shop has been a dream of my wife, Victoria, and mine for over 5 years. Initially, the mission was to create a space where people of all kinds can come together in community, believing that nothing brings a diverse group of people together like coffee. Read more>>
Larry Ambrose
The church I pastor, Manning First Assembly of God, began in 1984. They met in a few different locations before being able to build the first of the present buildings at our location. Before they built here, it was a pumpkin patch. Church members used to pray over the pumpkins that they would one day be people worshiping the Lord. Read more>>
Jannys Hilliard
For Jannys, braiding isn’t just a profession — it’s a heritage. Born and raised in the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), she grew up surrounded by the artistry of African hair styling. Her mother, a talented stylist herself, was Jannys’s first teacher and greatest inspiration. From a young age, she learned that every braid carried meaning — a blend of culture, creativity, and connection. Read more>>
Tannis Kufner
LinkGVL was born from a love of meaningful connections and celebrating life’s milestones. I’m a Greenville-based gal who believes jewelry can be more than beautiful—it can tell a story that lasts. After years of working in marketing and community-focused roles, I wanted to create something that blended my passion for people with my love of creativity. Read more>>
brian nguyen
Brian Nguyen is a talented nail artist & educator currently working with WaveGel, a leading brand in the nail industry known for its premium gel nail products. With a passion for the art of nails & a commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity & technique, Brian has established himself as a respected figure in the beauty community. Read more>>
Jim Paolone
I’ve been a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones for 24 years now. It’s been an incredible journey! After graduating from the University of South Carolina, I had a 10 year career as a hotel manager. Managing hotels requires an incredible commitment of time on a daily basis and it really pushed me to develop a strong work ethic. Read more>>
Dante Smith
I come from a military family, where I learned early the importance of discipline, hard work, and taking pride in what you do. Those values carried into everything I touched. My journey started right in my own neighborhood, simply taking care of my yard because I enjoyed the process. Read more>>
Bill Hodges
From 2006 to 2011, I worked for an endoscopy company that was a global leader in medical technology, specializing in the development and manufacturing of advanced medical devices. I was originally hired as an International Field Engineer, supporting 25 of the top healthcare facilities around the world. Over time, I worked my way up to Field Operations Manager. Read more>>
John Baker
I actually got into diving because I loved fishing — but I wasn’t very good at it. After enough empty days on the water, I figured I’d have better luck going underwater and shooting the fish instead of waiting for them to bite. That first dive completely changed my life. Read more>>
Janna Risch
My journey began with Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT®), where I learned how gently people can connect with their Higher Self — the part of us that holds wisdom, clarity, and the power to heal. Over time, my own body became my teacher. Read more>>
Rachel Brumlow
Our Story I bought Green Papaya Salon as a small two-chair space back in 2010. Today, we’ve grown into a thriving 10-chair salon in the heart of downtown Spartanburg — a dream I didn’t even know existed when I first began. Over the years, I’ve grown not only as a salon owner but as a mentor and leader. Read more>>
Michelle Boyd
My love for antiques and all things vintage started with my grandparents. Growing up, I would always watch my grandmother decorate her home with beautiful pieces that my “pops” would bring home from either his trips from his job in the moving business from all over the USA, flea markets or auctions. Read more>>
Stacelyn Jones
Honestly, my story started in a cubicle. I was working in medical coding, and when our company got bought out, we had to start coming into the office every day. I quickly realized that cube life and being micromanaged were not for me. Read more>>
George and Kim Newsom
IT ALL STARTED with a Big Green Egg smoker and our passion for entertaining friends and family. One Egg became two, and after repeated requests from friends to provide barbecue and sides for their special events, our Atlanta-based catering business was born. A trailered competition pit smoker was added as the business grew, which was soon followed by another 500-pound capacity commercial smoker. Read more>>
Cheryl Marceda
Cheryl Marceda is the President/Founder of Renual Medspa. Most of my professional career has been in Beauty, Day Spa, and Medical Spa. I was an early pioneer in the medical spa industry, opening my first med spa in New York, in 2005, L’Azur La Vie. Ten years later, my husband and I relocated to Myrtle Beach to be near my Daughter and Grand Daughter. . Read more>>
Amanda Smith-Lane
I’m Amanda Smith-Lane, wife to my wonderful husband, Derrick, mama of four, Zoey, Karter, Kash, & Kam, and proud owner of GlamMama’s Boutique. My journey as an entrepreneur really began back in 2015, shortly after having our twins, when my husband and I opened a car lot, Lane’s Auto Sales. Read more>>
Devon Kirk
My journey into the aesthetics and digital marketing world began long before launching Digital Med Spa. It started with my own skin. As a teenager struggling with severe cystic acne, I spent years on Accutane, Retin-A, and countless antibiotics before discovering a deep passion for understanding skin health and the science of aesthetics. Read more>>
Classie West
My journey began in 2019 while I was on a surgical technician travel assignment in Charlotte, N.C. One evening, while talking with my cousin, I shared how I had always struggled to find clothing in malls or department stores that truly matched my style. That conversation sparked the idea for my own boutique. Read more>>
Sarah Gray
Well that’s a loaded question. It all started when I graduated college in May of 2020….that right there should have been my hint that the road ahead was not going to be easy. All my leads out of college were just trying to make it themselves during the peak of Covid and I was up a river without a boat, let alone a paddle. Read more>>
Melissa Barrett
I’m a South Carolina native, born and raised in York. After earning a Bachelor of Arts at the College of Charleston in 1999, I discovered my true, inherent passion for education while teaching preschool. Read more>>
Chuckie Stevens
I was born in 1979 in the upstate of South Carolina to a teenage mother and father. My dad struggled with addiction throughout his life and ultimately lost that battle in 2022. When I was five, my parents divorced, and my mom and I moved in with my grandparents. It was there that my grandfather, a godly man, stepped in to guide me. Read more>>
Jay Law
The day was September 11, 2001, and it was my first day in my new office in my new career in real estate. The first tower had been hit and I arrived at the office as the second plane hit. I recall a much more experienced agent making a statement like, well, there goes your career because nothing will sell while we are at war. Read more>>
Darby Samargo
My training is in Architecture and Fine Arts and I began my career as an Architectural Designer working with a team of creatives with various backgrounds from graphic design to interior design to visual merchandising. It was a remarkable place to witness and be a part of creative problem solving. Read more>>
Catherine Cuppari
I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs in the mountains of WV in a small town about 30 min from a place considered the ‘little Italy’ of WV. Read more>>
Christopher Gerard
I started off growing mushrooms in the back yard in buckets. I real found a great joy in the process of grow them. I was talking about it at work and a few guys I worked with stated if I would ever grow mushrooms they would buy them. That is how this all started. Read more>>
Cassie Jenkins
I began my career as a Family Nurse Practitioner and currently practice at Mackey Family Practice, where I’ve had the privilege of caring for patients across all stages of life. Over time, I recognized a growing need among my patients for medical-grade weight management options that supported both health and confidence. Read more>>
Peter Gunn
In early 2025, I got together with my friend Andrea Giordanni, who is herself a very talented voice actress, to revamp my Amazons audiobook. I decided to not only add sound effects but also hired about 30 voice actors to voice all the characters’ parts. Read more>>
Jennifer Elvis
In 2019 I took the role as Area Coordinator for Carolina Boxer Rescue. I covered Myrtle Beach and the Pee Dee Area. My main responsibilities were to oversee placing foster dogs and adopted dogs in forever homes.in 2021 I was approached to start an event called Boxerpalooza. Read more>>
Amy Edwards
How about this: When i purchased Carolina Tan in 2021, my goal for the future was to offer the middle class affordable services. That started the movement for Carolina Image to be born. Initially, the shop only housed 11 tanning bed rooms, but i knew i wanted to add more services. First, we added 2 hair stylists. Read more>>
Glen Miller
My wife (Lindsey) wanted to start a Christmas tree farm. We began in 2019. You can read our full story at Lakewoodtreefarm.com Read more>>
Dejan Djolic
I went to Life University College of Chiropratic in Marietta GA. I moved to Charleston and started practicing in Mt. Pleasant for a year then I purchased this office here in Aiken. I have been here 22 years at Aiken Chiropratic. Read more>>
Colette Allen
Even though my father has been an insurance agent in South Carolina for most of my life, my personal journey started with my work in home health care. I started this work because I was a new mom, and I needed a flexible schedule. I had no idea how much it would transform me. Read more>>
Maria Sofia Davis
My father spent over 12 years building a strong book of business under Murray/Blue Chip Insurance. He showed me what it looked like to work hard, care for families, and build trust in this industry. But while he chose not to pursue the agency path, his journey became the stepping stone for mine. Read more>>
Ashley Montjoy
My daughter was diagnosed with Epilepsy and Autsim. To make sure my daughter had the same chance as everyone else I decided to homeschool her, and start my own company. I had help starting photography from a very close bestie, who knew I needed more flexibility in my career. She taught me the basics and the rest was history. Read more>>
