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.
Anna Tucker
My journey into design and creative work began through event planning, but what I was really drawn to was the ability to create meaningful, intentional experiences. I initially built a business rooted in weddings and celebrations, and while it was successful in many ways, I eventually realized I had outgrown that version of myself and my work. Read more>>
Katlyn Zirkelbach
I’ve always been curious about health and the human body, even before I knew it would become my career. I grew up playing sports and was very driven academically and athletically. I was captain of my soccer team and was constantly training or competing. Even back then, I noticed how different foods affected my energy and performance. Read more>>
Elsie Mae
Music bad always been a big part of my life. I was homeschooled as a kid with five siblings, and my parents made it mandatory that we all learn an instrument. My dad has always been passionate about songs built on feeling. He used to have me watch live performances of artists singing emotionally for hours. Read more>>
Pia Jo Reynolds
I didn’t grow up in a stable or predictable environment, so from a young age I became very aware of people, what they were carrying, what was missing, and how deeply we all need to be seen and cared for. In hindsight, I understand that shaped me more than anything. Read more>>
Marlinda Shorter
Marlinda Shorter is a Memphis-based professional photographer, entrepreneur, and the founder of Unspeakable Joy Photography. With over two decades of experience in the photo industry—ranging from the analog chemistry of Kodak wet labs to modern digital portraiture—Marlinda has dedicated her career to preserving the ‘unspeakable’ essence of the human spirit. Read more>>
Vincent Jones
As a US Army veteran, I transitioned into a career focused on people and networking. Following my military service, I spent time in automotive sales. After being in automotive sales for some time I learned that the business was not for me. I wanted to help people and in that industry sometime you do more hurt than help. Read more>>
Jacquelin DeAngelo
As a youngster I was always interested in animal care. While growing up in New York City there was not a lot of opportunities to explore my curiosity. However, where there is a will, there is a way. being driven by my heart, at 14 years old, I found a riding stable that would allow me to learn about horses in NYC. Read more>>
Yolanda Crump
My journey into building YJCRUMP Solutions is rooted in both professional experience and personal transformation. I spent over 20 years working for the IRS, where I gained an in-depth understanding of tax law, compliance, audits, and collections. During that time, I saw firsthand how many taxpayers were overwhelmed, misinformed, and often afraid of the system. Read more>>
Olga Dickard
I began my nonprofit journey a year after college graduation when I joined ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN in their grassroots, field office. I managed a territory and led all events and programs in that assigned region. Over the years I grew and moved into different roles, compounding my fundraising knowledge and experience. Read more>>
Stacey Duncan
My name is Stacey, and if you asked my community to tell you a few things about me, I am guessing they would tell you one or more of the following: I am married with three kids, my faith is important to me, I work at Rhodes College, I have a Girl Scout troop, and I love volunteering with Spreading Sunshine. My story is this. Read more>>
Terrence Pulliam
My story really starts with curiosity and imagination. I was the kid who was into sci-fi TV shows and movies — and I was definitely the typical boy who was obsessed with superheroes. I loved those stories and always had a vivid imagination. Unbeknownst to me, they were always surrounded by STEM in some way. Read more>>
Pamela Prude
My journey really began with a heart to serve and a deep understanding of what it feels like to need an opportunity. I have always been passionate about helping others, but over time I realized that true change happens when you give people not just support, but a pathway. Read more>>
Ibou Blade
My journey in the security industry began in 2008, working as a bouncer at several clubs in Memphis. Through those early experiences, I developed a strong foundation in safety, awareness, and conflict resolution. In 2010, I advanced my career by becoming a corrections officer, a role I held for four years. Read more>>
Eric Wright
I grew up in South Memphis, zip code 38109. Poverty, drugs, all of it surrounding us, But I had both my parents, and that made the difference, I walked to school every day through neighborhoods most people avoided. As a kid, I was the one rescuing stray dogs and cats off the street, feeding the homeless with whatever I had. Read more>>
Monika Hicks
My interest in the field of mental health began early in my childhood. When I was in elementary school, my late uncle was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Watching him navigate the world in a way that felt so different from everyone else in our family sparked a deep curiosity in me. Read more>>
Marcus J Taylor
I started Sports Sanitizers LLC to give the scholars athletes of the Memphis Shelby County Schools district an opportunity to play football for the 2020-2021 school year. The question was ‘ How can we keep the scholars safe for sports?’, and I tried to answer the call. Read more>>
Tierra Malone
It started in high school, around my 10th grade year, when I learned how to sew in class. I came home excited, telling my grandmother all about it,and without hesitation, she bought me my very first sewing machine. I still have that same machine today, and it means everything to me because that’s where it all began. What started as curiosity quickly turned into passion. Read more>>
Aaron Smith
I started my handyman repair business 3 years ago. Before that God had given me a vision for a youth center skatepark with a coffee shop inside. On the way to the gym one morning I saw a vision of the coffee shop in Abandoned Antiques. I began to inquire about the area and if it was available for rent. Read more>>
Kandie Reynolds
My journey into candle making started long before I ever thought I’d own a business. I’ve always loved fragrance, but my relationship with scent became deeply personal after the loss of my sister, who was also my best friend. In the midst of grief, I searched for peace and something that felt grounding and candle making slowly became that sanctuary. Read more>>
Tom Schmidt
My story. Starts with my dad. I remember the first Christmas present i really liked. I think i was three or four. It was a big see-through turtle, a wind up turtle. you could see gears and springs spinning and things. it was fascinating. I HAD to figure out how it worked. I Had it a million pieces in like an hour. Read more>>
Kaleisha Walker
My name is Kaleisha Walker. I am a humble and an unapologetic Christian who is originally from Cape Girardeau, MO, but I moved to the Nashville, TV area Oct. 16, 2021. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in public relations & fashion merchandising from Southeast Missouri State University May 14, 2011. Read more>>
Sherry Sanders
For years I’ve done amateur photography. Starting out with pageant pictures, scenery, family portraits, weddings and have now moved on into dirt track racing and drag racing. I am new to the drag racing scene . I will be doing senior pictures, maternity pictures, gender reveals , car shows and many other different things. Read more>>
Jada Reynolds
Hello, my name is Jada! I’m originally from Youngstown, Ohio, and I moved to Memphis, Tennessee on July 4, 2020. When I first got here, I immediately started applying for jobs and ended up working at Amazon and Chick-fil-A. Fast forward to 2022, I knew I wanted to get into lashes. Read more>>
Teshia Parker-Williamson
My journey into event and floral design started with a natural love for creating beautiful spaces for people to celebrate life’s special moments. What began with small events quickly grew into a passion for designing experiences through florals and décor. Over time, I built my brand, H&S Designs, specializing in floral and event design. Read more>>
Mario woods
For me, security wasn’t just a paycheck—it was a responsibility. A calling. A lifestyle. I showed up sharp, disciplined, and professional every single day. While others clocked in, I stood on post like lives depended on me—because they did. But not everybody respected that. While working for Walden Security, I gave everything I had. Corporate locations, high-visibility posts, responsibilities that demanded excellence—I handled them all. Read more>>
Artie Hamlett
“I started from the ground up with a vision to create something of my own. It wasn’t perfect in the beginning — a lot of trial and error, long days, and figuring things out as I went. But I stayed consistent, built relationships, and focused on delivering real value. Read more>>
Suqueta Vaxter
A few years ago, I didn’t make time to take care of myself until I was forced to, due to a decline in my health. From that moment I told myself I had many reasons to live and I quickly shifted my mindset, implemented a self-care regimen, and remained consistent as I successfully achieved my well being goals. Read more>>
Christi Davidson
I earned my bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Crichton College. I later pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Union University, followed by a second graduate degree in Education (Ed.S.) with a specialization in Community College Teaching from Arkansas State University. With a continued desire to grow academically and professionally, I also completed doctoral coursework in educational leadership. Read more>>
