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.
Gerald Meetze
We have a great staff, now at 26 team members. Most of them have been with us over 10 years. I love my job and take pride in making customers happy. If a customer is upset, I lose sleep and do everything possible to fix any surprises or problems as fast as possible. I feel we have a great system in place, but not afraid to tweak systems and procedures when necessary. The best part of my job is meeting new people and staying friends with them for many years. 15% of our business is repeat customers and another 50% is word of mouth. Read more>>
Emma Shepardson
I absolutely would not be where I am today without the ones who walked this road before me. Additionally, as I’m sure comes with owning any small business, there is a sense of imposter syndrome. I have a tendency to minimize the work that has gone into building my practice. My husband has been a constant source of encouragement and makes sure I acknowledge my hard work. With owning a small business, there is a balance of patience, perseverance, and recognizing your achievements. Read more>>
Geoff Weber
I spent the first part of my career serving as a U.S. Navy intelligence officer, where I learned the importance of safeguarding information and preserving what matters. Read more>>
Waleska Rojas-Rowe
My journey in the food industry started at a young age. I come from a family that has owned Mexican restaurants since 2003, so I grew up surrounded by the culture, flavors, and hard work that goes into creating authentic Mexican cuisine. Read more>>
Kaitlyn Carroll
My passion for chiropractic began at age 15, when years of back pain led to a scoliosis diagnosis. Chiropractic care was life-changing, helping me find relief and regain control of my health. That experience inspired me to become a chiropractor, dedicated to helping others overcome pain and improve their quality of life. After chiropractic school, my husband and I moved to Mt. Read more>>
Olga Katic
I grew up mushroom hunting with my relatives in Bosnia and Hercegovina. When our parents were at work, our grandma watched my sister and I and we had the freedom of being in the woods all day long. Read more>>
Marie Elana Roland
My story began not with a grand plan, but with a willingness to show up. Over a decade ago, I was working closely with veterans and their families, listening to their stories and walking with them through moments of deep crisis. What struck me most wasn’t just the lack of housing or employment—it was how broken and disconnected the systems meant to help them were. Read more>>
Dexter Davis
In 1997 I retired from the National Football League after suffering a career ending injury. I vowed to represent the game and maximize the platform that God has given me. My wife LaShea and I started a company to put our girls thru college. Eagle Universal Services went from commercial to government contractor. Read more>>
Terrance Ferrell
After being released from prison on October 1, 2019, I found myself trying to figure out how to navigate a society that doesn’t always make room for people coming home from incarceration. Jobs were difficult to land. Opportunities felt limited. And when you can’t see a clear path forward, past familiarity can start looking like an option again. Read more>>
Ahmad Mikell
We started this construction company with a borrowed truck and a credit card. We began in roofing, then expanded into carpentry and masonry. From there we grew into homebuilding, eventually stepping into commercial general contracting. That path led us into infill development — and now even property management. God has truly been good to us. Grateful for the journey and excited for what’s ahead. Read more>>
Lydia Atkins
It all started when Leo arrived on our families farm as my (Joanna) 14th birthday gift! Leo is a Highland calf, who is as sweet as can be. I, Joanna, spent almost every hour of everyday training him. Then my older sister, Lydia, and I saw on social media a bunch of fun photo props including highland cows and decided to give it a try. Read more>>
Yekaterina Tereshko
in the small town of Lisakovsk in Kazakhstan. I graduated from Kostanai State University with a bachelor’s degree in English Philology. After my university graduation, I moved to Charleston, South Carolina, in 2008. I worked diligently to support myself and to help my family during this time. My primary goal was to enhance my language proficiency and embark on travel adventures. Read more>>
Laurie Candelaria
I began my journey by earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New Mexico, where I focused on metalsmithing and jewelry design. Over the years, I explored several artistic passions, including stained glass, before ultimately finding my love for watercolor. I was drawn to watercolor for its softness and fluidity, which lend themselves beautifully to capturing nature. Read more>>
Kelly Schott
My path into this work wasn’t linear, but in many ways it feels like everything I’ve experienced led me here. I entered the wellness field through bodywork, driven by a deep curiosity about how the body holds stress, pain, and emotion. Early in my career as a massage therapist, I began to notice that physical tension was rarely just physical. Read more>>
Kelly Simmons
I’m Kelly, the photographer behind Photos By Kelly. My work is rooted in a photojournalistic approach, focusing on genuine moments, thoughtful composition, and natural light. I aim to do as much as possible in-camera, using editing as a way to enhance what’s already there rather than reinvent it. Read more>>
MaryAnna Heacock
My name is MaryAnna. I am a mom of two girls. When I was pregnant with my oldest I had photos taken during my pregnancy and after. The photos were beautiful but quite pricey. So I decided I would teach myself photography and be able to provide the photos myself. Once I began I very quickly realized it was becoming a passion of mine. Read more>>
Dennis Devorick
I’ve always lived at the intersection of faith and education. I began my professional journey as an elementary school teacher after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh, and over time I earned my master’s in administration and eventually became principal of Carolina Forest Elementary in Myrtle Beach. Read more>>
Nia Allen
I became a Massage Therapist (M.T.) in 2014. However, soon after I joined the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman from 2016 to 2023. While serving on active duty I attended a military training school for Advanced Radiology. Later became a registered Diagnostic Radiology Technician. Read more>>
Chuck Alberding
All my life I’ve loved animals and my family helped nurture my interests with a variety growing up, mostly farm animals or traditional pets. This wasn’t just a childhood fad but grew stronger over the years. As an adult I continued to learn as much as I could and spent my spare time volunteering with zoos, museums, and rescues, including a tiger rescue. Read more>>
Greg Vance
I’m a full-time touring drummer, session player, music educator and recent founder of Dreamscape Co-op, a communal space for artists to not only collaborate on songwriting, session jobs, and compositions, but to collaborate on media as, with other passionate local artistic entrepreneurs, who want to integrate more fully in the community. Read more>>
Matt Hickey
I started my woodworking business after my younger sister passed away from cancer at just 44 years old. She was the picture of health—she ate well, exercised faithfully, and didn’t smoke. Her passing made me realize how short life truly is, and it pushed me to pursue my dreams without delay. Read more>>
Rosina DiBello
I started my photography business 25 years ago, working exclusively with film cameras. At that time, there was no instant feedback, so I had to truly understand exposure, composition, and lighting before pressing the shutter. That foundation trained my eye and discipline as a photographer and still influences how I work today. Read more>>
Haylee Williamson
I actually fell in love with photography way back in the 5th grade through 4‑H. That was the first time I realized how much joy I felt behind a camera. In high school, I joined the yearbook staff, and that’s where everything really clicked for me. I loved documenting people, moments, and the little stories happening around me. Read more>>
Gina Tierney, President
Our Sons and Daughters of Italy Lodge was founded in 1992. During that year we incorporated in South Carolina as a non-profit organization and were presented with our official OSIA charter. The lodge is recognized as the oldest and largest continuously operating lodge in the state of South Carolina. Read more>>
Lindsey Murphy
I started my journey in a pretty unconventional way. I am a U.S. Air Force veteran and discovered photography while I was stationed overseas with the United States Air Force. What began as a creative outlet quickly became something I cared deeply about. I fell in love with capturing emotion, connection, and real stories, not just posed images. Read more>>
Darby Florian
I grew up doing competitive gymnastics, competitive cheer, show choir, and singing in choirs. I loved to practice and perform. As an adult in my 20s, I got into Latin dancing in Charlotte, NC, and met my future husband at a dance studio where we were both learning Salsa. Read more>>
Trish Lazarin
In 2023, I began growing microgreens for personal use after reading about their health benefits—and quickly fell in love with them. Microgreens are vegetable or herb plants that are harvested at a stage after sprout but before adult plant. They are vibrant, nutrient-dense, super-flavorful plants that enhance any dish and supercharge any diet. I started sharing extras with friends and neighbors, then selling small batches. Read more>>
JR Rodriguez
I was born on Long Island, New York. I was fortunate enough to be raised by family members that had construction companies and I was able to see the ins and outs of the construction world. When I turned 16 years old, I started working with a family member in the Hamptons on Long Island, New York. Read more>>
Madeline Penkoff
Beautiful Gate Center is a nonprofit organization created in response to a growing need within our community: access to high-quality care for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. What began as a vision rooted in compassion and service has grown into a trusted resource for families seeking comprehensive, evidence-based therapy services. Read more>>
Madison Lloyd
I started Destination Us with a mission to create personalized weddings and events for clients who were tired of every event looking the same. I built my professional experience around what I would need to know about events and all of the vendors involved and how I would make sure that my planning company could accurately provide the essentials to each vendor to guarantee success. Read more>>
Candice Nance
I started Pilates years ago after learning it was a low-impact form of exercise that was accessible to someone with as many injuries as I had. After the first session, I was completely hooked and not too long after, I started the journey to becoming a comprehensively certified Pilates instructor. Read more>>
Alicia Connolly
Long before Southern Mushroom Company existed, my husband and I were simply two people who loved growing things. During his birth I incurred a brain trauma which lead to a road of recovery I am blessed to say by the grace of God was beyond anyones hopes. One thing I was really struggling with after my brain trauma was regaining speech recall. Read more>>
Nick Zarnowski
I was a hopeless drug addict and alcoholic. I got arrested the last time on 1-16-19. I woke up in Greenwood County Detention Center, dope sick and full of fear. As I stood in line, waiting to use the phone, I prayed. Read more>>
Charity Swanson
After going through a painful divorce from a 25 year marriage, I had to start all over. With a background in special education, I went back to work, and eventually became the program director of an educational therapy center. Three years ago I started the process of writing a book- not just about my own story, but also the stories of my family of origin. Read more>>https://southcarolinavoyager.com/interview/meet-charity-swanson-of-greenville-sc
Michael Forseth
When I was 15, I wanted to be a software developer. I was self-taught and already doing small side jobs. Around that time, I stumbled across a YouTube video of someone building an ultralight airplane. That video changed everything. I decided I was going to build an airplane too. Read more>>
Patsy Hollman-Gardner
Patsy Hollman Gardner, MA, CAAP, is a distinguished community leader, advocate, and changemaker with more than 30 years of experience in human services and social work. Her life’s work has been dedicated to serving others and strengthening communities throughout Charleston County and across South Carolina. Mrs. Read more>>
Tracy Weeks
After 29 years as a special education teacher, I’ve always been a ‘hometown girl’ at heart. Throughout my career in the classroom, I often found myself at the center of school events, discovering a hidden passion for decorating and floral design. In 2020, a simple trip to Flowers De Linda’s changed my life. Read more>>
Sandra Leagon
My name is Sandra Leagon, I was born and raised in Germany. I moved to the US in 1991. 6 months after my son Ryan was born. This story is really about him and why I am where I am today. I’m not a professional speaker or an expert, but I am something far more personal: I’m a mother. A grieving mother. Read more>>
Jessica Bell
I grew up in rural New Jersey and had a passion for animals starting at a young age. I was active in local 4H and loved spending summers with my grandparents in Kansas helping on their farm. When my family moved to South Carolina in 1992, I had an opportunity to start volunteering at Split Creek Farm and jumped at the chance! Read more>>
McKenzie Silvers
I didn’t grow up planning to be a photographer. I’ve just always been really observant and drawn to real moments. I started taking photos casually at first, mostly for friends, and over the years it became something I took more seriously. When my hometown was hit hard by Helene, my family immediately went to help my grandparents, and I brought my camera along. Read more>>https://southcarolinavoyager.com/interview/check-out-mckenzie-silverss-story
Marissa Reilly
This studio began as a shared journey built on friendship, our Christian Faith, and a love for movement. This studio grew from many conversations, shared workouts, and a common desire to create something meaningful. We believe the body was designed to move with purpose and resilience. Read more>>
Andrew Gomez
I’m excited to share my journey with you. My path to becoming a business owner in Simpsonville wasn’t exactly a straight line, but every step was fueled by a desire to create something meaningful for our community. The Early Spark & The Pivot My entrepreneurial journey started earlier than most—I launched my first business in real estate investments when I was just 18. Read more>>
Tori Miller
My story is one of how pain literally pushed me to my purpose. After experiencing the transitioning of several very close family members in a very short period of time, I came to realize that I did not know who I was outside of the roles I served in the lives of those who were no longer here. Read more>>
Fernando Vasquez
It’s been a long journey for me going job to job not being able to find something stable to questioning my purpose, but it led back to me being a business owner and doing my own thing I am at where I’m at today because of God’s grace and his will delivering my services with integrity and purpose. Read more>>
Nora Luce
I started connecting with plants as a toddler- I was always collecting wildflowers and roaming around the forested land around my home. As I grew older I was given more and more freedom to explore on my own- and I spent hours walking through the woods with my two tabby cats as my guards. Read more>>
Britney Hauser
Belinda Mairowicz started Kind Keeper Animal Rescue in 2016 because she seen the need for a community-based shelter to help homelessness, neglected animals and keep animals from being euthanized. The nonprofit rehabs/saves dogs and dogs and then finds them homes. We also make sure all animals get spayed or neutered. Read more>>
Sarita Kauffman
I moved to the United States from Brazil in 2008 to learn English and pursue college. What I didn’t know at the time was that this decision would shape the rest of my life. I met my late husband, Topher, in Philadelphia, and later we moved to Charleston to build our life and raise our family. Read more>>
Marion Platt
My journey into this work began with a growing conviction that faith had to move beyond words and into lived service. After serving as an infantryman in the Army, I sensed a deeper call toward ministry among the vulnerable and marginalized. That’s where my faith became personal and vocational. Read more>>
Kamise Washington
It all started while I was working for an industrial, construction/painting company back in 2018. My supervisor and co-workers were training me on how to tape up ,prepare and paint. As I was learning things just started to come together like I already could do it. Never in my wildest dream I thought that I would be actually painting for real. Read more>>
Lav Hysa
ZARDIN began as a simple idea rooted in something very personal a garden, a table, and a way of eating that felt nourishing, vibrant, and real. Inspired by both my partners and I upbringing in our garden! Read more>>
