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.
Angela Vayda
This year marks my twentieth year teaching in the Rock Hill School District, where I’ve been fortunate to grow alongside my students and community. Over the years, I earned endorsements in Gifted & Talented Education and AP Chemistry, and I’ve taught in both traditional and virtual settings. My time at the district’s Virtual Academy—where I was honored to be named Teacher of the Year—expanded my expertise in online instruction and deepened my appreciation for the many ways students can connect and thrive. Read more>>
Ernesta Adams
I first discovered my passion for the field of mental health in high school while completing a career-focused project. That experience sparked a deep curiosity about the human mind and behavior, which led me to major in Psychology at Winthrop University. With each course, my fascination and commitment to understanding people grew stronger. Read more>>
Jason Kendall
Jason Kendall’s journey began with a deep love for storytelling, design, and the power of authentic visual communication. As the founder and creative force behind kendallprojects Media & Design, he built his career around creating media that not only looks good but means something—work rooted in community, culture, and human experience. Read more>>
Felicia McCoy
They say, “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him about your plans.” My plan was never to be where I am today — but looking back, I see how perfectly God has orchestrated every step. It all began after my husband and I welcomed our first son. Read more>>
Annette Faber
I have three boys, and my last baby was a girl! I started teaching heirloom sewing and smocking in my home to friends (two of whom were also expecting little girls). I got a business license and purchased basic sewing supplies that students would need to work on projects during classes. Read more>>
Thomas Nunez
It all started at 12 years old the first time I heard a gas powered RC car turn on in front of me after that I fell in love with the hobby and I’ve always had Rc hobby grade vehicles growing up then I went off to the military. Read more>>
Laura Scukas
Cascade Farms SC began with a simple love for nature and the joy that flowers bring into everyday life. What started as a small family dream has grown into a blooming farm nestled in the peaceful countryside of Chesterfield County — surrounded by trees, wildlife, and the quiet sounds of nature that remind us every day why we chose this path. Read more>>
Kate Conway
My journey into entrepreneurship began somewhat unexpectedly. I was first introduced to the marketing industry through a previous job, but creativity has always been a part of who I am. I come from a family of photographers, artists, and entrepreneurs, so creating has always felt natural to me. Read more>>
Laura Nicholas
I was a shy student in middle school when I first found theatre. It gave me a way to express myself when I didn’t yet have the confidence to use my own voice. I began as a performer, like most people do, but in high school a teacher challenged me to direct a scene — and I fell in love with directing. Read more>>
Jamison & Shyla Ganzy
WNM Essentials began as a deeply personal journey. As an Army veteran, candle making started as a form of self-initiated therapy for me, a way to find calm, focus, and meaning through creativity. What began as a small act of mindfulness quickly evolved into a shared passion between my wife, Shyla, and me. Read more>>
Eric Wilson
Started the business in 2004 after working for two companies in 15 years both filed chapter 11, and we lost jobs. Decided I would work for my self. I had used to sell to the insurance industry so I had a general knowledge of the business. Started in 2004 and now do business in 36 states. Read more>>
larry moore
It’s been a long and diverse creative journey for sure. I’ve been an artist for nearly 55 years, starting at the age of 15, when I began airbrushing t-shirts and surfboards. Read more>>
Michelle McKdavis
I am lucky enough to have been born into an artistic family. Among them, my mother and grandfather were both gifted landscape artists. As a child I enjoyed drawing, but never pursued it seriously until I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 41. During recovery I began painting for the first time and found it surprisingly therapeutic. Read more>>
Emily Watson
I didn’t plan to fall in love with renovation—but once I did, I never looked back. In 2011, I wanted to buy my first home, but couldn’t afford it. I eventually found a beat-up foreclosure with so much potential. What started as a leap of faith turned into a calling. I got into the house and worked tirelessly to transform it. Read more>>
Bethany Thomas
I started dancing at the age of three. I trained in ballet, tap, jazz, and twirling. I always dreamed as a little girl of having my own studio one day. in 2017, I became a certified barre instructor. I fell more in love with movement and the beauty of working out in a room full of clients moving together. Read more>>
Tammy Tran
My name is Tammy Tran, and I’ve been in this industry for about 11 years. I specialize in nails, lashes, eyebrows, and permanent makeup. In the past, I worked for many different salons and even owned couple nail salons myself. Read more>>
Lea Holliday
When I was a kid, I spent a good portion of my youth in competitive sports. I did fine in grade school, but I enjoyed the connection with my teammates and loved pushing myself to be better. I had a good relationship with my parents and often worked for my father who was a residential general contractor. Read more>>
Crissy Kuhl
I have always wanted to own a business, but I haven’t always wanted to be a baker. After a few fits and starts with different business ideas, we landed on plans for a mobile coffee cart to take to venues in the area and for party rentals. Read more>>
Lindsey Bowen
I was working as a Marketing and Social Media Director at a local company and had been tasked with hiring a part time intern. John came in for an interview and admitted he had zero experience but was willing to learn. I guess I just had a feeling about him and decided to give him a chance. Read more>>
Will Ward
It all started with an old laptop, I took it apart piece by piece just out of curiosity, and slowly, carefully put it all back together. That curiosity, along with time and patience, turned into something much more than just a skill. Before long, I became the ‘tech guy’ in my family, and then friends, always ready to help fix any problem. Read more>>
Sarah Anderson
My story starts with being a terrified teen who was privileged enough to experience a phenomenal therapist. From that time forward, I always had in the back of my mind that I wanted to be able to provide the same positive experience for others that she provided for me. Read more>>
Caroline Harris – Kid-Tillion Founder Shannon Jones- Kid-Tillion Founder
At Kid‑Tillion, we began with a simple yet powerful belief: children can—and should—learn not just good manners, but the why behind kind behavior, confident communication, and everyday social grace. As co-founders and moms, we saw a gap between wanting our children to behave “well” and equipping them with tools to navigate real-life social situations with ease, respect, and confidence. Read more>>
Rachelle Settle
I began traveling internationally in my teens. During college, I spent six months studying and traveling in Australia and New Zealand. As an adult, I continued exploring the world and have been to 33 states, 39 countries on 5 continents. Prior to becoming a travel consultant, I worked for 10 years in Corporate Financial Planning before deciding to stay at home with my two daughters. Read more>>
Lori Griggs
My husband’s family has lived on the property for over a hundred years. The old home place has been a beacon of hope, love and joy for the family for generations. We’ve enjoyed family gatherings in the old hay barn for years. When my son and his then fiancé were planning their wedding, they received some unexpected news. Her grandmother had been diagnosed with dementia. Read more>>
Scott Sain
I started playing music at the College of Charleston in 1990. Somehow, I joined a band and started playing gigs before I knew enough to be in a band, When I graduated college in 1992, I started teaching high school at Burke High in downtown Charleston. During my second year, I started my own band and began playing as much as possible. Read more>>
Zane Forrest
I’ve dedicated the past eight years to studying and training in self protection, combatives, and traditional martial arts. My school began from a desire to use these skills to inspire understanding of personal self protection rights, while promoting a love of God to have a positive impact on my community starting with the children I teach. Read more>>
Shelby Sheets
I’m Shelby, the owner and founder of Pearl Medspa. I’m 32 years old and originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. My nursing background spans both inpatient care and public health, which gave me a strong foundation in patient connection and care. Read more>>
Brooke Humphrey
I am a Doctor of Social Work and a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) with over 15 years of experience in the mental health and end-of-life fields. I am passionate about guiding adults and seniors through the unique challenges of life and helping them live their own special stories. I specialize in anxiety, grief and loss, end-of-life issues, and other life transitions. Read more>>
Mary Hooker
Following that first wedding, the business flourished quickly—though at the time, we lacked structure and were simply creating beautiful events without a clear system in place. By 2014, the pace had taken its toll, and I experienced burnout. I decided to take a brief break to reflect and brainstorm ways to refine and strengthen the business. Read more>>
Zane Witzel
I first came up with the idea of Cannador® in a Los Angeles apartment in 2013 because I wanted a place to keep my cannabis organized and fresh. Read more>>
