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.
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>>
Jayne Mattingly
Jayne’s passion for helping others recover from eating disorders and body image issues was ignited by her own struggles with an eating disorder as a young woman. This led to her gaining a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, specializing in eating disorder recovery and body image struggles and forming what she now calls Body Grief. Read more>>
SequoiaCAT – Stephanie and Daniel Herman
Daniel had always worked in construction, but his journey into trailer building started when he got into tiny house construction in Washington. That eventually led to a small side project with a friend—building a tiny camper in a teardrop shape. What started as a fun idea quickly turned into something bigger when his TikTok account (@everyday.dan) gained attention, bringing in requests for custom builds. Read more>>
Aminat Oupara
I was born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand, where food and drinks are a big part of our culture. My husband and I took over a Thai restaurant in Long Island, New York. We had no prior experience running a business, and it was a real challenge—but we made it work. Read more>>
Alexander Sims
Moved to Charleston during Covid when the entire workforce was in flux. Saw an opportunity to launch a remote sales consulting firm for tech start-ups, taking advantage of the rise in tech companies in Charleston. Now 2.5 years into the business with over 10 clients served, we are primed to help this city get demand for their software products! Read more>>
Donny Grover
Donny holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University, where he also completed coursework for a Computer Engineering degree and earned a Minor in Business Administration. Before founding Grover Web Design, Donny played professional ice hockey across the U.S., Australia, Germany, and Denmark. Read more>>
Janne Smith
The Sweet Evolution of Buds & Roses Couture Cakes The story of Buds & Roses Couture Cakes is one rooted in passion, creativity, and steady growth. What began as a teenage hobby has evolved into a thriving couture cake business known for its artistry and elegance. Read more>>
Nicole Parmelee
I’ve always had a deep love for travel – not just for the destinations, but for the experiences that come with them. I became a travel advisor because I have such a passion for helping others create those same kinds of memories. Honestly, it brings me so much joy to live vicariously through my clients. Read more>>
Ebony Mitchell
Amillion&1 Photography & Video Imaging: A Journey of Purpose and Passion Since 2014, The married couple duo, Nick & Ebony Mitchell of Amillion&1 Photography & Video Imaging have been dedicated to capturing special moments that tell unique stories. Read more>>
Mike Holland
I started my architectural practice, Holland Architects in 1981 in a hallway to an abandoned theater in downtown Aiken for $50 per month. I had just been laid of from my job as head of design at another architects firm in Aiken during a recession and decided to raise my family here instead of seeking employment in another city or state. Read more>>
T. J. Erisman
Where do I begin? So many stories, so little space. I’ll start with the story that shaped me into who I am and why I do what I do. It’s a story of tragedy and grief that ultimately ended with my mess being my message. I’ve kept a journal for a good bit of my adult life. Read more>>
Casey & Trent Madden
(I put together a blurb about us, and didn’t realize there were several questions following this question! Read more>>
Virginia Connolly
My primary business is boudoir photography. I have a passion for empowering women to live unapologetically confident lives through accepting their bodies. Through my business, I have gained years of experience in marketing, and I decided to create Newberry Rising, a marketing collective for the businesses of Newberry. Read more>>
Caleb Talton
My journey into the pool industry began in Charleston, South Carolina, where I spent three years building high-end, luxury pools. During that time, I gained hands-on experience in every phase of construction and developed a passion for designing and delivering exceptional outdoor spaces. That experience inspired me to bring my expertise home to Lexington, where Blue Ember Pools & Spas was born. Read more>>
Kelly Travers
I spent years working for a social sports company managing their logistics and large scale national events. Eventually I realized that I wanted to focus on smaller boutique style concierge, event and wedding planning services in my home town of Folly Beach, SC. Read more>>
Nicole Harvick
journey began in October of 2013, during one of the most painful chapters of my life. After nineteen years of marriage, I discovered my husband had been unfaithful. The revelation came in an unexpected and heartbreaking way—through my daughter, who was in the sixth grade at the time. Her iPod had synced to her father’s phone, and she began receiving his messages. Read more>>
Sydney Strother
I’ve always been fascinated by what makes us human—our inner worlds, beliefs, and the ways we make sense of life. My path into therapy began with an interest in psychology, philosophy, and religion. I began conducting research at Winthrop University on religious trauma, an area that remains meaningful to me personally and professionally. Read more>>
Nichoel James
I started my career in a traditional 9-to-5 role, working on projects that didn’t inspire me or align with my values. I often felt like just another number in a corporate system, helping the company grow, but not growing myself. Read more>>
Stacy Clendenin
I began my professional journey with obtaining my RN in 2013. I was a single mother to two children working a full time job to go to school. My passion for the health field led me to asthetics and wellness at a med spa. Read more>>
Tracey Miller
I have been in the medical for over twenty years. I started as a respiratory therapist, became a nurse, educator, nurse practitioner, then an entrepreneur. Read more>>
Amanda Tomczyk
The Story of Verbena Salon For more than twenty years, opening a salon was my dream. I started my journey as a single mother, working two jobs while putting myself through cosmetology school. Read more>>
Sarah Adebule
I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart, but I didn’t know it! I started several little ‘businesses’ as a kid and teen such as: selling lemonade, jewelry, bath bombs, pet sitting, babysitting, and even art! But as I made my way through college, I had to come up with creative ways of supporting myself since I had a double full-time class load! Read more>>
Christopher Turner
My journey in men’s clothing began in 1990 when I embarked on my career at Lourie’s, a well-respected men’s clothier in Columbia, SC. At just eighteen, I found my passion for this craft ignited, setting the stage for a fulfilling career. In 1995, I made the move to Los Angeles, where I had the privilege of working with the renowned design house Hugo Boss. Read more>>
Brandy Singleton
I started my career with a deep desire to make an impact in local communities. Over time, that passion evolved into a calling to build programs, partnerships, and platforms that promote safety, leadership, and growth. When I first began with PlaySafe USA, the goal was simple, to ensure athletes had access to quality athletic training and safer sports environments. Over time, that vision grew. Read more>>
Ali Jahanaray
I grew up in a working-class district of Mashhad, Iran, as the fifth child out of six, my twin brother being the youngest. My parents separated when I was six, and from that moment on, my mother became the center of our world. She didn’t have much, but she always reminded us that education was the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Read more>>
Ryan Bogdewic
My story really started long before I ever held a buffer or a polisher in my hand. I grew up in the automotive world — my family owned a Chevrolet dealership that my grandfather took over in 1958 from none other than Donald Yenko, the same Yenko who became famous for his high-performance Camaros, Corvettes, and other legendary muscle cars. Read more>>
Jim D’Andrea
I was always a writer. I remember writing my first horror story in the seventh grade–it was called ‘Pumpason Man’. I have friends to this day that still talk about it. He was a monster that I created, Pumpason Man, like a Jason Vorhees or Freddy Kruegger. Read more>>
Andrew Thielen
Andrew Thielen band leader of the Andrew Thielen Big Band was born in South Dakota and started playing drums at age seven. Mother and dad were both musicians and teachers. Went to college as an English major in Minnesota but entered the USMC officer course and became a 2d lieutenant upon graduation. Read more>>
Dr. Asha Givens
Dr. Asha C. Givens, affectionately known as Asha or Dr. G, a Licensed Independent Social Worker, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and holistic birth doula. My work is grounded in both clinical expertise and heartfelt compassion, reflecting my lifelong commitment to serving others with authenticity and purpose. Born and raised in Walterboro, South Carolina, my journey has been one of resilience, faith, and intentional growth. Read more>>
Glenis Redmond
I am the fourth of five children born to Johnny and Jeanette. We were an Air Force family for twenty-one years. Of my parents’ offspring, I was the only one born in South Carolina—Sumter, at Shaw Air Force Base. For a long time, I resented that my brother before me was born in Évreux, France. Read more>>
Iesha Schreiner
Hi! My name is Iesha Schreiner. I am married to an amazing husband and have 2 beautiful children. I started my career as a Social Media Influencer and Content Creator in 2022. I initially did not plan to do this for a living, nor was I strongly familiar with the terms Content Creator and Influencer. Read more>>
Kathie Watson
After successful 20-year entrepreneurial career in the veterinary industry, my passions shifted from pets to people. In my early 40’s, I was diagnosed with ADHD, and that moment became a turning point. For years, I had faced challenges in work, relationships, staying organized, and maintaining focus , yet I never fully understood the root cause. Read more>>
Jose Romero
I live in Greenville (Taylors) SC and have been painting since 1999 when I was studying architecture in New York City and had the opportunity to study abroad in Rome, Italy. There I studied art and architecture, and was drawn to the paintings of the masters such as Michelangelo and Caravaggio. I began painting the Fall I got back to school in Brooklyn. Read more>>
Jenny Faith Stephenson
Once upon a time, if someone had asked me, “What’s your story?” I would have panicked. Not because I didn’t have one, but because I didn’t know how to tell it. Honestly, I still don’t have all the answers—but I’ve learned to be okay with that. Life isn’t meant to be a perfectly written script. Read more>>
Maya Arigo
Growing up, I loved flipping through old family photos, reliving the memories captured in each image. That appreciation for preserving moments came from my parents, who always had a camera around. Thanks to them, I can look back at childhood memories I might have otherwise forgotten. In high school, I took a photography class using my grandfather’s camera, and it sparked something in me. Read more>>
GIGI COLAIACOVO
We lost our beloved Boston, Lola, suddenly to Congestive Heart Failure in January 2018 and the house just wasn’t the same without her. Our background for 10 years at that time has been in dog rescue so we sought out various Boston rescues to adopt another Boston. Read more>>
Mary Hoffman
My journey begins with my parents each of whom has that natural ‘gift’ of drawing and painting. It would seem that the Artistic ‘Gift’ is genetic and they passed it along to me. My parents were always emersed in the Arts one way or another and when my they discovered my ‘bent’ toward drawing at the age of 3 they encouraged my development. Read more>>
Alexandria Watson
I grew up between TN and GA in the 80’s with a family stacked with kids. I have 7 siblings and as the second last, I was always working my angles. I was a terrible student because I always questioned the rules. I pushed myself when it came to things I loved like soccer and art but American Government or Algebra? Absolutely not. Read more>>
Joe Rossi
We started a band to give people the music they wanted to hear. We wanted to still be ourselves and wanted to share the love through music. Read more>>
Monica Prince
I grew up in the insurance industry. My parents owned an Allstate Insurance Agency, but I initially had no plans to follow in their footsteps. My career began in marketing partnerships, first with Disney Sports for 10 years and then with an NBA team. After that, I transitioned into the investment industry, spending seven years at The Vanguard Group, where I earned my CFP® certification. Read more>>
Kelly Nguyen
My journey in the nail and beauty industry began over a decade ago. I’ve always loved creating beautiful things and making people feel cared for. After earning my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration in 2008, I decided to combine my love for creativity and customer service by opening my first nail salon in 2012. Read more>>
Pearl Irigoyen
I became interested in skincare as a teen when my mom and I would make our own concoctions in the kitchen. She taught me some recipes that have been in our family for generations. It wasn’t until I was 30 that I decided to study esthetics and further my careern in the skincare industry. Read more>>
Nicole Edwards
My journey began in the classroom, where I spent nearly a decade as an educator dedicated to helping students realize their full potential. During those years, I discovered a growing passion for individualized instruction and the difference it can make in a child’s academic confidence and long-term growth. Read more>>
Teresa Tidwell-Smith
My journey began long before I became a business owner — it started with a deep love for travel and people. I was born in Washington, D.C., raised in Columbia, South Carolina, and spent over 21 years as a Flight Attendant, traveling the world and immersing myself in cultures that forever changed how I see life. Read more>>
Trevor Barton
When I was a little boy growing up in Taylors, SC, in the quiet moments in my days, I thought I heard Jesus calling me and saying to me, ‘Follow me.’ ‘I want you to be a missionary,’ I still here him say. Read more>>
Jackie Ennis
Music became a very important part of my life at an early age an impacted my life in a huge way. It has been a friend and a support throughout my life. As a teenager I gained experience as a church pianist, enjoyed talent competitions, recitals, concerts, theatre, and so much more! Read more>>
John Steadman
I began my journey in photography purely as a hobby, capturing moments that inspired me. Over time, this passion evolved into a full-fledged creative pursuit, leading me to produce videos for businesses on YouTube. That experience naturally progressed into film production, where I’ve had the opportunity to create feature films now available on platforms such as Amazon Prime, Tubi, and other major streaming services. Read more>>
Angela Owens
Obtained my insurance producers license in October of 2022. Began working for an independent agency. After 6 months working for someone else I decided I could open my own agency and make it the best agency in South Carolina. In three short years with hard work and dertermination we have grown to be the top rated insurance agency on Google in our area. Read more>>
Jerry Sawyer
We are growing slowly but steady in our field. Read more>>
Lontay Greene
Lontay Greene grew up in a single parent household in a small town in Anderson county. My mother worked hard to care for me and created as safe of an upbringing as possible for me. My community of love was lead by my grandparents, my cousins and lots and lots family and mentors to mold me. Read more>>
Nicole Walker
When I first started in the mental health field, I had my sights set on becoming a psychiatrist. I was fascinated by behavior, but I noticed myself leaning more toward the physical responses and the science behind why people do what they do. Somewhere along the way, ABA found me, or maybe I found it; and it completely changed my trajectory. Read more>>
Curt Stock
I started Martial Arts over 30 years ago. It was one of the few things I felt connected to as a child. It gave me confidence and a sense of belonging. The Martial Arts helped to put me on a good path in life and I want to see the same thing happen for others. I started Whitecrest Martial Arts for this reason. Read more>>
Latia Dorsett
Let’s see, my story: A Native New Yorker with Southern Roots by way of The Great Migration, who returned to her lineage. I always had an entrepreneurial spirit, but simply never had the time living in the Big Apple. Read more>>
Amy Buxbaum
FIREPIT Nights started in 2022 as a firepit rental service for events in the Upstate. We were bringing our firepits out to venues in the area to help celebrate corporate events, weddings, private parties, music events, and just about anything else where a warm fire would enhance the vibe. Read more>>
Jennifer Watson
My first experience in the travel/hospitality industry was working the front desk of a large hotel while in college at Middle Tennessee State University. After about 1 year I was promoted to night manager and oversaw the entire hotel from guest check-ins to large multi-event functions on a regular basis. Read more>>
David HIpp
Generally, there were minor bumps in the road, but every time something came up…..we said a little prayer and it always just seemed to work out! We knew it would not be an easy journey, but we knew in our hearts that we were doing the right thing for us. You can never count on the smoothest roads in life, but Tara and I are determined to do our best strive to give our customers an amazing experience every time they are in our store. Read more>>
Brittany Carolina
I originally started doing taxes for family and friends to supplement my income in 2014. I didn’t like living paycheck to paycheck. Once I began doing taxes, I realized that it was a real interest of mine. I have a real passion for what I do. I embraced the new journey and launched my research into opening my own practice. Read more>>
