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.
Adam Jones
I grew up competitively dancing in a studio in Massachusetts. So I have been a part of this community since I was 6 years old. After furthering my dance education at SUNY Purchase in NY, I went on to have a professional career that included cruise ships, theme parks, concert performance companies, and dancing with multiple recording artists. Read more>>
Rotoshia Wakefield
I started out selling plates from home. I would create a menu for each day for lunch and promote it on Facebook and through people I knew. After doing that for a year I was able to partner with a club owner and I took on the kitchen. That helped me put my business out there. Read more>>
Kristina Brooks
I guess it really goes back to when I was in the fourth grade. I can remember being in class and we had to say what we wanted to be when we grew up and one by one, I watched all of my classmates say they wanted to be teachers, policemen, nurses, doctors, astronauts, firefighters … Read more>>
Drea Tremols
Drea grew up in Camden, South Carolina and has lived in Argentina, Spain, Vermont and recently moved back to her home state of South Carolina to settle in beautiful Greenville. She graduated from the BodySoul Massage and Bodywork School in St. Read more>>
Bri Garnica
I’ve always been naturally good with people, but for a long time I couldn’t find a career path that honored that gift. Read more>>
Kuda Timbe
My story begins with heritage, family, and a deep appreciation for the timeless beauty of jewelry. Eniya Accessories isn’t just a jewelry brand — it’s a celebration of culture, confidence, and the personal stories we carry with us every day. I was born in Zimbabwe and am now based in South Carolina. Read more>>
Lindsey Ballenger
I’ve spent the last 25 years working in the nonprofit sector here in Charleston, primarily in administrative leadership and fundraising roles. My work has always sat at the intersection of mission, sustainability, and community—helping organizations build the infrastructure and support they need to create lasting impact. Read more>>
Patrick Thompson
I officially started my career working for Fortune 500 companies, primarily in Project and Product Management, and specializing in the hospitality, communications, and financial sectors . Prior to that I worked in family businesses in the agricultural space. Read more>>
Lane Hughey
I joined Civil Air Patrol simply for another excuse to be at the airport. I was taking pilot lessons at the time, and felt this program could be a good supplement to that. I quickly realized that, while aviation related, the program had much more to offer than just aerospace. Read more>>
Brandon Mohtassem
I’m originally from Charleston SC. I joined the military at 17 out of high school and have been traveling, serving my country ever since. 3 tours to fight 2 different wars helped me compile a series of skills that propelled me to an easier transition back to civilian life when I medically retired in 2019. Read more>>
Carla Mouzakitis
Whip it Good Ice cream started as a family dream built on joy, community, and togetherness. What began as a simple love for ice cream grew into a passion project we could build as a family. During a season of change, we wanted something that created happiness while allowing us to be present for our kids and our community. Read more>>
Melanie Jones
I’ve always loved dogs, but didn’t grow up with any, and actually never had one until I was 30. That’s when I adopted an old farm dog named Dulcy, who was taken to the shelter where I worked in rural Montana when the family lost their ranch. Read more>>
Ira Lopotan
I began my career in floristry at 16, working in a local flower shop as an order taker. Over time, the owner noticed my growing interest and natural ability with design, and she took me under her wing. She taught me the fundamentals of floristry—from mechanics to design principles—and that mentorship laid the foundation for everything I do today. Read more>>
Allison Anspach
I started baking after graduating from Tulane University. I wasn’t ready to leave New Orleans and found a bakery that would hire me with no experience. I fell in love with baking in a commercial setting and making things for people. I specialized in working in bread bakeries and had very little experience with anything else. Read more>>
Beth Reeves
This is a great time to reflect as we come to the close of 2025. If I were to talk to my younger self, I would say, “I see you and you’ll be ok.” I was a competitive All-Star athlete with a leadership mentality. Read more>>
Troyanna Shaw
My journey as an artist has been one of faith, obedience, and growth. Art has always been a part of who I am, but it wasn’t always something I fully embraced as a calling. Over time, I came to understand that my creativity is a grace gift from God—one meant not just for me, but to be shared with the world. Read more>>
Joe Nierstedt
I grew up in Charleston on James Island—my dad worked at the Navy Yard—and food was always part of the backdrop. After the Navy Yard closed, we moved to Beaufort, but Charleston always felt like home. I went to Johnson & Wales for hospitality management and, right out of school, decided to chase the best kitchens I could learn from. Read more>>
Brooke Forsee
I grew up and attended school in the small town of Hamilton, Montana. After taking a few classes in photography, something clicked…literally. I was instantly drawn to the art. I soon realized, memories may fade but the photograph will not. I was immediately attracted to the idea of capturing a moment in time, as a tangible keepsake treasure for generations to share. Read more>>
