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.
McLaine Craig
With my husbands support, in 2016 we finally found what would be Halo Salon today on the historic town square in Rossville, Tennessee! I had eleven years of experience by this point and an unbelievably supportive clientele. Throughout the process of the salon build out, to finding stylists to join in, and all the blood, sweat, and tears that goes into creating this salon I knew this was all in God’s timing and this was it! There were so many incredible things that God put into place at the exact moment for us when we needed it or introduced the right person to help us when we needed something very specific. He had a plan for this salon! Read more>>
Courtney Lemmons
It definitely has not been a smooth road, I have learned along the way that having the correct business tools in place to make myself and my client feel at ease about a contract is the key to any big project. I’ve also learned that my art is not for everyone and not to shape my art to someone else’s complete vision. Of course I want to make the client happy but I also have to stick with what I know and what I am good at. Overall, if I did not have the struggles, I wouldn’t learn from them and do better next time Read more>>
Detrich Parrish
Struggles are essential tools for any business to survive, as long as you are taking notes of the downfalls, shortcomings, mistakes and imperfections of the journey. There’s going to always be a battle to face, BUT because you have learned to weather the storm makes each obstacle more and more bearable to overcome. I think on our biggest challenges is not getting the local support of family and friends from those you expect to get it from the most. It’s always a great gesture for most supports to just show their face from time to time and give nothing more than encouraging words. That’s something that will carry a lot of entrepreneurs a long way mentally. However GOD has truly equipped me with tough skin to endure it all! Read more>>
KeepingIt Tron
A lot of them were based on my mom, sisters and other amazing women I admired, and I had no idea things would take off the way they did. I wasn’t sure if anyone would even respond well to the characters I was creating but it’s amazing to see how people, men and women, laugh and engage with my content. When the pandemic hit in 2020, I decided to invest in my own equipment and home studio and fast forward to 2025, my skits, parodies and content have generated millions of views! Read more>>
Paige
Harm reduction incorporates a spectrum of strategies that includes safer use, managed use, abstinence, meeting people who use drugs “where they’re at,” and addressing conditions of use along with the use itself. Because harm reduction demands that interventions and policies designed to serve people who use drugs reflect specific individual and community needs, there is no universal definition of or formula for implementing harm reduction. Read more>>
Savannah Brister
Now, I’m a proud vocal coach of 13 amazing students, work as the Worship Coordinator at Harvest Church, have released a handful of more projects and just wrapped recording on my first full-length album. (I also still occasionally make lattes for fun! haha!) I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without God, and trust He’s with me through the mountain-top moments like “The Voice,” and the valley lows like having my shows canceled during a pandemic I couldn’t control. At the end of the day, the reason I’m here is to glorify Him in anything I’m doing, whether I’m playing for 10,000 people or teaching one of my students. Read more>>
Emily Sinh
Sinhfuleats started as a small, personal food blog where I could share recipes, food finds, and travel-inspired culinary experiences. I focused on dishes that brought together flavors from different cultures, as well as indulgent comfort foods that made people feel good. As my audience grew, so did the opportunities to collaborate with brands, fellow creators, and share more of my journey, both in the kitchen and on the road. Read more>>
Luzbell Wood
Through collaborations with other nonprofit organizations, we went beyond providing essential items—we extended medical services and began empowering local small businesses, including hairdressers, barbershops, and bakeries. These initiatives not only addressed immediate needs but also laid the foundation for economic sustainability, giving individuals the opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their communities. Read more>>
Jairus/Nekeshia Ivy
Over time, our skills and dedication led us to take a leap of faith—launching Ivy Collins Events. What started as private dinner services soon expanded into catering, where we mastered the art of bringing people together over beautifully curated meals. But we didn’t stop there. With a dream of reaching even more people, we ventured into the food truck business, making gourmet flavors accessible on the go. Read more>>
Jasmine
From that point on I got on interviews, started growing my fanbase with other Memphis rappers such as “Lil Scooter Tha Best”, and even some that’s on the radio now. Just doing what ever I can with putting my name out there. I aimed everyday to network with those like minded or in the field already. I been on GO since and as of 2025 have not let up. I just released my new EP in Jan. 2025 called “No Emotions”. Music is my genuine passion & I often feel like my dad gifted me with his talent to finish what he started. He passed back in 2003 when I was only 8. Read more>>
Ashley McKenzie Smith
Through countless interviews, public speeches, and community events, I have become a pillar of strength, resilience, and power in the fight for accountability. I try to light up any room with my love, strength and presence, leading with determination and refusing to be silenced. My journey is far from over, and as I continue to push forward, I ensure that Jaylin’s legacy and the other lives taken from systemic injustices —and the fight for justice—lives on. Read more>>
Robert Gardner
Out of that grew a desire to write stories for my own characters. I kept with it, taking creative writing classes as well as continuing my artistic pursuit. The ultimate goal was to have my own animation. but the technology wasn’t there at that time. A graphic design major in college introduced me to the world of Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. While also introducing me to the disdain and learning curve of the dreaded pen tool. I’d say all of these experiences had led me to where I am today, on a creative level as well as a professional one. Read more>>
Cindy Ann Ward
HEDGE Remedies and Delights offers re-imagined products for healing and self-care using herbs and botanicals, natural products, and wisdom from yesteryear. We seek to provide useful and luxurious products for your pantry, body, and dwelling. Every ingredient is sourced by me and is the finest, organic, and cleanest ingredients. I personally create each product in micro-batches to ensure quality. And I don’t simply hand make the products, I put a lot of good energy and speak blessings into every bottle and every jar. Read more>>
Lewis LaGrant
Once I got into college I struggled with finding a manufacture that could be consistent, this ended up with me wasting so much time and money, but eventually I had found one that hit the mark every time. I had scheduled out when I wanted to drop my first archive and when I wanted to do photoshoots and everything. With how much money I had used I had to start off with a smaller design ,and that’s where the Separated by Differences Archive shirts come in. I showed them off to some friends had them model for me and finished creating my website. It was super fun and the best part was once I had released we immediately sold out of a lot of sizes. It felt like I was dreaming when I opened the sales panel. Read more>>
Job Comfort Dog
Job and other LCC K9 Comfort Dogs from across the country are called on to gather at scenes in times of crisis, such as the school shootings in Uvalde, TX (Robb Elementary, 2022), Nashville, TN (Covenant, 2023), and Winder, Georgia (Apalachee High, 2024). As studies have shown, the act of simply petting a dog can reduce stress and anxiety, lower one’s blood pressure and produce “feel-good” hormones that improve one’s mood. In addition, Job’s presence, especially with children affected by trauma, can help victims open up and share their experiences which aids in the healing process. Read more>>
Rose Moore
Determined to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship, I invested in myself. Despite the hurdles, my passion never wavered. This business is truly my heart and soul. I love what I do, and that passion is reflected in every piece I curate. B’Fierce & Chic isn’t just a boutique; it’s a statement. My signature style? Timeless Glamour with a Modern Edge. Because confidence never goes out of fashion Read more>>
Curtis Hines
Today, my journey is about paying forward the blessings and lessons I’ve received. Each day, I strive to break generational cycles of poverty, absentee fatherhood, and emotional isolation. At Better Men Better Families, we aren’t just creating programs—we’re building a community where men feel seen, supported, and inspired to live better lives, not only for themselves but for their families and future generations. Read more>>
DeArtae Comanche
I’m a cameraman.I love what I do.I get to meet people,offer my services,see them smile afterwards.Thats joy,knowing that on 98% of my encounters with people is positive.People vent to me,I listen,I don’t judge or give to much advice,I just listen.Im a single father of 3 children,two whom live with me.I feel like fatherhood is one of the greatest gifts that a man can be given.To make a long story even shorter.Im you,because we all are one no matter how we look at it. Read more>>
Frankiettia Godwin,Ed.S.
For over 18 years, I’ve worked in education—as a teacher, instructional coach, curriculum developer, and consultant—helping students and educators achieve success. My passion for ACT Prep stems from my personal experience watching my late friend, Quetin Groves, qualify for Division I football by improving his ACT score. That moment ignited my drive to support students in achieving their academic goals. At the age of 17, I saw firsthand how important this test was for your future because it changed my friend’s life for the better. Read more>>
Mario
I was in the 3rd grade when we came back to southmemphis… growing up in southmemphis in 1992-1994 was fun and dangers. we stayed up the street from the dealers and I used to see the dealers every morning on the way to school…. so my dad saw the south memphis roughest and decide to buy me some dj equipment so I can stay busy learning how to dj so I want be on the corner saleing drugs. and I never stop djing since then . Read more>>
Rene’e Anderson Fisher
African American Chamber of Commerce. The day and time we live in with so much uncertainty seeing people smiling and enjoying their photo session is what makes me happy. My motto is #takeapictureitlastlonger. Lasting Impressions By Lucy Photography is just that, turning your photos in memories that leave a lasting impression. I’m thankful my husband Troy Fisher who is also a professional photographer pushes me and builds me up to do my best to continue to be successful. Read more>>
Kiersi Joli
I still talk to Sandy regularly and he will still give me lessons online at times when I need some pointers. I have a couple other harmonica instructors that I met through SPAH and occasionally get together for teachings. Todd Parrott is in North Carolina. He has helped me with country and gospel and blues skills. Ronnie Shellist has been a great inspiration helping me gain exposure to many of the older blues players and their playing techniques through his Harmonica123.com program. His blues teachings are great as he breaks down songs and licks to help students learn. Read more>>
Carter Beard
That “one space” is an exceptional piece of property belonging to Jeff and Meg Flaherty, who are kind enough to invite the Fair into their side yard twice a year, actually enjoying the crowds it attracts and the street parking all in use. The Flahertys shop through the Fair, speaking with their “guests” and making sure everyone is enjoying their day. Jeff makes sure the grass is cut and the bushes are trimmed before the artists and artisans arrive twice a year, popping up tents and setting up tables in a setting that appears designed just for such a use. Read more>>
Don “De.aR” Robinson
The word “few” stood out to me in that statement. I put Few & Free together and decided that they sounded better the other way around and also made more sense as well. I did all the research I possibly could to see if it existed and realized it was nowhere to be found. I knew then I had something on my hands. Immediately I began drawing up a logo. A few weeks later, I put in a order at a local printing company in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for my first box of t-shirts that I gave out for free on Southern University’s campus where I attended school at the time. Fast forward, the logo has changed several times since then, and I’ve moved my company from Louisiana to Atlanta and am now making a huge impact in the fashion industry here in Los Angeles with many social influencers and celebrities seen wearing Free Few. Read more>>
Victor Abengowe
When I moved to the U.S. and started high school in Germantown, I had a fresh start. A full 180 shift. I went from being “That Kid” to the one with stellar grades, the one teachers loved, the one who seemed to have it all figured out. But even as I excelled, I saw something missing. I saw students who, despite their potential, felt unseen and unheard. Some were academically uninspired but creatively gifted. Others wanted to explore life but needed guidance, a safe space outside of their home, school, or church—somewhere they could grow holistically. I understood them because, in many ways, I had been them. Read more>>
Leah Pinkston
I grew up in a family that valued the importance of helping others and knew I always found value in myself when helping others through difficult times so therapy became a lane that I was interested in early on. As I started learning about psychology and how it helped me not only understand others, but also myself, I knew that becoming a therapist would allow me to find meaning and fulfillment in my career. Read more>>
Desirae Robinson
From a young age, I have had an intrinsic drive to learn and grow. I believe that each season of my life presents an opportunity to be better than the last. Trusting my intuition has been pivotal; it has led me to embrace a mindset of lifelong learning, not just about the world and others, but most importantly, about myself. I thrive on networking and connecting with others, as I find that everyone has unique experiences and perspectives to share. Listening to others has enriched my life in ways I never imagined. Read more>>
Tamira Poplar
I started Paul Mitchell beauty school everything was going good until my car broke down. I took a break and came back in January of 2023. Throughout this journey of car trouble on and off I finally reached my 1,000 hours with only 3 months left. I got kicked out due to them saying I owe when I know I didn’t. They’re currently holding my hours hostage meaning if I want to go to another school I would have to start over and I refuse to do that. So I’m currently pursuing my career my way and it’s working just fine. Read more>>
Kayla Jett
There is something incredibly rewarding about helping others feel good about themselves, whether it’s through a relaxing facial, a rejuvenating treatment, or even just a simple conversation. When people leave my space feeling confident and refreshed, l know I’ve played a part in boosting their self-esteem, which is something truly special. It’s more than just about the services; it’s about creating an environment where people can relax, feel valued, and leave feeling like the best version of themselves. This connection is what keeps me motivated and reminds me of the powerful difference I can make in someone’s day-to-day life. Read more>>
Shane Yarbrough
I have been around the fence industry since I was 5 years old. My dad worked it from a laborer to an Installer, Foreman, and eventually Vice President of Commercial for Memphis Fence Company before venturing out on his own to start Bartlett Fence Company in 1995. I graduated Bartlett High School in 1996 and went into the work force unsure of what I wanted to do. I held many positions for various companies in sales and operations. However, the older and older I got the desire to do my own thing fueled inside me and eventually became a burring passion that would have to be addressed. Read More>>
Keri Lee
Absolutely! So, I was born and raised in North Memphis, and creativity has always been part of my world. Music was my first love. I started singing in church and performing in local arts programs, which led me to Overton High School, the school for creative and performing arts. I’ve always had a love for different forms of creative expression, which led me to study fashion merchandising and marketing at the University of Memphis. That path eventually took me to New York, where I pursued a career in the fashion industry and worked in design development as well as textiles. Read more>>
