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.
Grae Williams
That instinct never left me. It carried me from Concept Artist to Brand Designer to World-Building Storyteller. Each step, another chapter. Now, I lead a storytelling consultancy that’s revolutionizing the way nonprofits tell their stories. And a story studio that’s building a new mythology—one where Black American culture stands in its own pantheon of fables and gods. Looking back, it feels like I’ve been sitting at the right hand of Anansi all along. Read More>>
Georgenia Stewart
I began my journey into the beauty industry at a very young age. I took cosmetology in High school and graduated with my cosmetology license in 2003. I embarked on entrepreneurship at 19 by being an independent contractor in a few salons. It wasn’t until 2019 I opened my own salon G’Spot Beauty Bistro. I have embarked on several avenues since my entrance into the industry such as teaching classes, film/tv, and theater work. Read More>>
Stephanie & Justin Goodman
While birthday and portrait photography are key services, a big focus is on branding. With a background in marketing and years of experience working with major companies in packaging, branding, and training, I have a passion for helping local businesses enhance their brand identity. A strong website and professional photos can make all the difference. Read More>>
Tamia West
However, there are moments when the journey feels slower. Certain seasons can lead to quieter days, sometimes shaking my confidence. Yet, I remind myself that this flow is a natural part of the process, and I trust that things will pick up again in time. Embracing these highs and lows is all part of what makes this journey worthwhile. Read More>>
Justice Sims
At 20, I took a significant step in my career by working in my first salon in Germantown, TN, in 2016. Within a short time, I established a strong, professional clientele, and by September 2017, I opened my own salon—Hair Justice Salon in Cordova, TN. I successfully operated my salon for over five years before making the decision to close it in January 2023 to relocate to Atlanta, GA, where I obtained my real estate license. Read More>>
Alexus Wiggins
Throughout the journey, I had some moments where I would doubt myself or ask myself if I can actually make a career out of modeling. Starting out, it is hard not to have those thoughts, but I knew that if I did not believe in myself, I would achieve nothing. Now I am very confident in my craft and am extremely proud of myself for never giving up. Read More>>
Chayla Ward
As a young adult-in my undergrad years and early 20’s, my friends and I were always big on celebrating birthdays, holidays and other moments “just because.” We were in the journey of building our careers so I’ll say we’re were the fancy frugal type lol, but we loved a good time. To be as cost efficient as possible while getting what we wanted out of the celebrations, we all sort of had a task or something that was ours to “own.” We all loved food and desserts didn’t take a back seat so at some point I was given the cake or party treats for the event. Social media was growing back then and the Strawberry Crunch cake was becoming a thing, so they pressured me to make it lol. I resisted for a very long time but I eventually gave in lol. Read More>>
Erica Nathan
This early exposure ignited my interest in cosmetology. At just 10 years old, I began practicing on my friends’ hair in our kitchen—experimenting with Kool-Aid to achieve vibrant colors and cutting their bangs with kitchen scissors. By 16, I had built an entire clientele at Mama’s house, though she often fussed about the hair left everywhere—forgetting she had once done the same. I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to refine my skills further. I pursued cosmetology at Melrose High School, where I completed most of my state board requirements. I then attended Pazzaz Beauty School, where I graduated and obtained my license. Soon after, I became a full-time hairstylist at Ebony and Ivory under Chery Muhammad, where I received intensive training and was honored as “Hairstylist of the Year.” Read More>>
Renee Prudhomme
WANDERLVST 901 began as a vision under a different name before officially launching as a global style haven pop-up in Downtown Memphis in 2018. Founded by Renee Prudhomme, the retail concept debuted through Downtown Memphis Commission’s Pop-Up on Main initiative, bringing curated fashion and gift items from around world to the local community. Following the pandemic, WANDERLVST 901 has continued to thrive, operating both online and at select vendor events and tradeshows, maintaining its commitment to unique and globally inspired style. Read More>>
Reggie Williams Jr.
I think everything in life has its challenges and obstacles. It’s how we deal with them is the true challenge. But one of the biggest struggles I face is not having enough time to focus on the art side. You tend to get wrapped up in the business side of things and it takes away from the time you could be creating. Read More>>
Danisha Hill
I’ve learned to embrace the constructive criticism, using it to refine my products and processes, which has ultimately made the business stronger. Managing the business hasn’t always been easy either, especially with the ebb and flow of slow weeks followed by extremely busy ones. Juggling the demands of business, work, being a first time mom, and personal life has been a balancing act. Despite the saturation in the beauty and skincare market, I stay motivated by knowing there is always room for authenticity, quality, and passion. I believe in the uniqueness of my products and my story, and that drives me to keep pushing forward. Read More>>
Raven Tucker
He also became one of my mentors. I would go to everyone’s photo shoot not only to assist, but to pick up on any tips from photographer to model view points, then from creative director to photographer .In 2024, I shot with Kevin for the first time. I made the front cover, the first 6 pages, and also the back cover of Selin’s magazine out of Canada, granting me “Internationally Published” credential. I am proud to say that I am now a 3 time, internationally published, plus sized fashion model. Read More>>
Emilyjae Thompson
In addition to her real estate endeavors, EmilyJae is deeply committed to the local community. Serving on the local MLS membership committees and as the Corresponding Secretary for the Women Council of NAREB Memphis, She work tirelessly to advocate for her peers and elevate industry standards. Her leadership shines through in every initiative she undertake, creating a positive impact on both the brokerage and the broader real estate landscape. Read More>>
Warnett Nixon
After spending over 15 years in the medical field, I decided to pursue my passion for real estate in 2015. My background in healthcare instilled in me a deep sense of compassion, attention to detail, and a commitment to helping others—qualities that seamlessly transferred into my real estate career. Through dedication and continuous education, I earned my Real Estate Broker license in 2020, allowing me to expand my expertise and better serve my clients. Read More>>
Jamesha Coleman
At the same time, I launched HNO MANOR, my own e-commerce fashion brand, which I’ve been building for the past five years. My goal has always been to bring back the essence of the 2000s—McBling, Y2K, punk aesthetics—and make them accessible today. Over the years, I’ve grown my brand, refining designs and perfecting my tracksuits, which feature unique details like heart, lip, and bow pockets. Recently, HNO MANOR has been gaining major traction, hitting 1.9 million views in just 90 days, and being worn by artists like Sexyy Red, Rubi Rose, and Cuban Doll. Read More>>
Emily Harris
I participated in a club called, Italian Family Club, through the university. With this, I would meet with a local Italian family once a week and have dinner with them. I got to learn about their way of life, see what it was like to live as a local and hear their amazing stories. I am forever grateful for that experience I had and I still am in contact with my Italian family today. Now every time I am in Florence, I get to see them! I took Italian while I was abroad and fell in love with the language. I ended up switching my language to Italian when I returned home and also added an Italian Studies minor to my degree. Read More>>
Lisa Stephens
I always kept my faith because I always knew it was my calling and purpose, and passion . It’s been especially difficult the last almost 10 yrs 2015 losing my Daddy, then 5yrs later 2020 losing Momma and my beautiful little Maltese girl doggie “Glory Grace”, she was my little girl. I loss her just 6 months after losing Momma., And my youngest brother and I loss our family rescue Allapso mix Doggie “Destiny” that we shared as a family a yr after in 2021. It’s all been hard and sad, Momma is the hardest. But very thankful for our cute black and white Shitzu “Happy” that my brother and I love and share . I’m especially thankful for my relationship with Jesus and my faith to get me through every day. Read More>>
Delia Sevilla
Delilah’s boutique started as an idea at the dinner table, I introduced the idea to my mom and dad over dinner one night. they agreed they would support me with this idea if I wanted a store. I began to do my research and got in contact with many vendors. it all began at my mom’s house in one of the rooms I set up many racks and sold them only to people I knew or online. then, about 3 months later I found my current storefront and began my journey with a storefront, opening the doors to the Memphis community. Read More>>
Carleica
However, I realized that when you have a distinct vision in mind, it can be challenging to articulate it to others. Initially, I began taking my own photographs, simply as a hobby, until I refined my skills. As I progressed, I started offering complimentary photo shoots to hone my craft. Subsequently, I pondered what would differentiate me from other photographers. This introspection led to a moment of inspiration when I conducted a photo shoot in Jamaica featuring flying dresses. I envisioned bringing this unique experience to the United States. Pursuing this idea has led me to where I am today. Read More>>
Brandē Pa’trice
I’m a Pop/Rap style recording artist, pianist, and songwriter from Memphis, TN. I’ve merge Music/Entertainment with the sport of Baton Twirling and created a lane that no one else can step into. Being a majorette and dancer since the age of 3-4, I have been on a consistent performance and knowledgable journey. Read More>>
Smoov
I started doing music in 2014. I dropped my first mixtape “Smoov Criminal” in that same year. Once I started getting all the feedback from that , I decided to pursue music more heavily. Today, it’s been 11 years of elevating and continuous growth. Read More>>
Barbie Wyre
This is a long story, so I’ll try to make it as brief as possible. Growing up, I was taught to believe that many parts of my identity were shameful, abhorrent, and gross. Queerness was something only spoken of in two contexts: as an example of how not to live (i.e. freaks), or as the butt of a joke. So, you can imagine the fear that gripped me as I entered my adolescence and realized that “I” may be one of “those” people. I came out to my best friend in 7th grade, the first out middle schooler at Snowden, who’s mom then took me to my first Pride festival, where I met Bella DuBalle and felt starstruck. Read More>>
Dj Ceno
Both being a dj and artist has had obstacles. Early in my dj career, it was hard balancing having a job and taking gigs. However, when I moved to Guam, I gained the freedom to solely focus on djing and music. On the other hand, the two biggest struggles of being an independent artist is funding and marketing. Having to pay for everything myself can delay some endeavors. In addition, having a smaller budget than artists with bigger platforms means that marketing and promotion isn’t as strong. Read More>>
Sydney Flaner
I worked the front desk management for 5 years and then moved to the aesthetician role! I was quickly managing the aesthetic department shortly after that dreaming of my own medical spa one day. I was blessed enough with amazing mentors placed in my life, people that believed in me, and God provided invisible strings to some of the most talented providers to join the team! I am blessed enough to be inspired by my mother who owns her own company: Rehab etc and my sister who owns Shelby Dental! You could say we have very independent strong women raised in our household! Read More>>
Chubby Gawd
This road has been rough from when I did my first Memphis voyager interview. I lost my job, had to look for new ones. Lost my best friend Kahlil and that really broke my heart LONG LIVE KAHLIL. To the point where u had to start praying and god answered them to get me through my struggles and pain to even pass over future struggle. Read More>>
Ricardo Bartley
I married my late wife Stephanie (may she rest in peace )in 2015 and arrived in America 2016. She absolutely adored my cooking and said that when we get more financially stable, we are going to build a food truck business. She passed away in a car accident six months after I came to USA. It absolutely devastated my life and shattered my dreams. But as time went on, I realized that I had to pursue them in her honor. Read More>>
Brandon Bocchino
In less than 4 years we’ve worked on over $40 million in new corvettes installing lambo doors. My father Michael runs the office and handles our scheduling. He is located in Indianapolis. We travel worldwide for vertical door installation. I have clients in Midtown Memphis, Marion (Arkansas), and just across the border in Mississippi. We consistently work on luxury cars in Memphis and go to the Autozone Liberty Bowl for networking and of course the awesome football. We’ve been doing business in Memphis for almost 4 years. The company is headquartered in Indianapolis with another office we just opened in New Mexico. Read More>>
Joseph Mazzaro
I was born in Tyumen, Russia and left in an orphanage. My parents adopted me when I was 10 months old. I am so grateful to them for giving me so many opportunities. When I first attended college, I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do with my life. Sophomore year was when i realized i loved making music and making beats. I wanted to share my creations with the world so I decided to pursue a music degree. I created my own brand, Mazz music, and it just took off from there. Read More>>
Jazsmin (Jasmine) Sharell
Nothing in this life comes easy; if anything it comes a bit too fast. In retrospect, my struggles included a decapitating mental health crisis, grieving those who had passed and are still living, Sexual Assault , heartbreak and again, imposter syndrome. Most of these challenges left me in a dark place from the age of nineteen but, within chaos I tend to find the beauty in everything subconsciously. Read More>>
Juan Silvestre
My brothers and I founded Apex Foundation Experts with a shared vision and a lot of determination. Growing up in a hardworking Hispanic family, we learned early on the value of dedication and resilience. Watching our parents work tirelessly to provide for us and raise four brothers taught us not only the importance of hard work but also the deep value of family, integrity, and good virtue. Those lessons became the foundation of everything we do. Read More>>
Spectra
About 15 years ago I sold everything I owned and moved to California for my singing career. I was working on that while doing gig work, promotional gigs for brands and events, stuff like that. While I was looking for new bookings I came across a job for karaoke host and thought, “this would be perfect! I can use my people skills and my singing skills together, I get to do what I love and do what I’m good at!” I started hosting karaoke about 13 years ago, within a year I bought my own equipment and went into business for myself, now I have a team of amazing talent and we do all sorts of events all over the Sacramento area. Read More>>
