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.
Shiquita Kendle 
My journey into entrepreneurship actually started during COVID, right before I left my career in healthcare. While I was exploring different business ideas, I came across the virtual assistant industry and immediately thought, “You know what? Read more>>
Sunset Black 
Sunset Black is a South Carolina–based country rap artist who entered his first rap cypher at 17, beginning a musical journey rooted in Southern hip-hop, and high-energy live performance. Since then, he has shared stages with artists like Tech N9ne and worked with Bubba Sparxxx, Bezz Believe, YMCMB, Lil Wyte, and more. Read more>>
Sparks Thee 
I got into DJing at age 12 because I grew up with influence from my grandfather, DJ SG. I was fascinated by the whole thing, from the music selection to the equipment to the way a DJ could completely change the energy in a room. What started as me experimenting and trying to figure things out eventually turned into something I took seriously. Read more>>
Dr. La’Dea Wright-Jones 
My journey has always been rooted in service, leadership, and a genuine desire to help people and communities thrive. I began my professional path in recreation and community-based programming, where I quickly discovered that recreation is about much more than activities. It is about creating opportunities for people to connect, feel supported, improve their well-being, and know that they matter. Read more>>
Jennifer Middleton 
As a massage therapist, it became clear to me that people need a way to actively, physically release stress. Smashing things is a good way to symbolically destroy the stressful emotions, event, or memory while also letting go of the energy held in the body. Read more>>
Elizabeth McDaniel 
LaRue Fine Chocolate was started by Elizabeth Anne Logan McDaniel in 2015. Making hand rolled truffles with her niece as a Christmas tradition became the inspiration for her company. Jessica’s father, Elizabeth’s brother, died in 1998 when Jessica was 7 years old. Elizabeth was looking for ways in which she could be active in her niece’s life. Read more>>
Melissa Rain
I spent a few years practicing and experimenting with balloon design before I decided to turn something I loved into a business. I enjoyed discovering how balloons could transform a space and create something people remembered. Once I felt confident in my skills, I officially launched Balloons With A Twist SC in January 2026. Read more>>
Courtney Davis
I started HelioSkintrix Skin & Beauty Studio in 2020 with a passion for helping people feel more confident through self-care. What began with me providing waxing and sugaring services has grown into a full beauty business serving clients in both Marion and Florence, South Carolina. Building my business has required me to learn far more than esthetics. Read more>>
Zack Bradley
I started in 2014, and like a lot of photographers, I didn’t begin with some perfectly mapped-out plan for what the business would eventually become. I was drawn to photography because I liked the combination of creativity, people, and storytelling, and over time weddings became the place where all of those things clicked for me. Read more>>
