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.
Lauri González
Eight years ago, I came to this country in search of better opportunities, with the dream of building a successful future. It was here that I discovered my true calling: balloon decorations. Five years ago, I decided to start my own business, offering decoration services for parties and events. I knew I could bring something different to the industry, so I dedicated myself to learning and training with different instructors, exploring new techniques and trends in the world of balloons. Read more>>
Amy Goode
I began my publishing career in advertising sales for a couple of local Memphis publications. I was discussing my career path with my father as I was looking for guidance as to what my next move might be. He and I were both active in the health and fitness community in the mid-south and as we talked, realized there was a need we could fill with a niche publication and Memphis Health & Fitness Magazine was born! Read more>>
Elizabeth Bardos
Soon after their arrival to the states, my mother got pregnant and stopped her formal studies to take care of her growing family. While my father continued his education to obtain his doctorate, my mom stayed home with the children. Along with my father, she lovingly welcomed, nurtured, and raised ten of us!. She taught me and my nine siblings so much, just through the way she lived her life with complete trust in God’s will. It was a remarkable example of bravery, love, resilience, sacrifice, faith, and hard work. My mother was such a beautiful soul! It was evident in everything she did. Read more>>
Caleb Mcdaniel
I started off my professional music career early 2023. Since then I’ve had many accomplishments including, but not limited too, a song with 15,000 all time streams, multiple successful concerts, and many successful collaborations online and in person. The impact I have made on Memphis underground music has been something to lookout for, because I’m making a name for myself here. There’s a lot more to unfold in my story and hope to be able to express it one day. Read more>>
Marcus Martinez
GYMGUYZ is a unique business model focused on health and fitness by bringing workouts directly to clients. We cater to their busy lifestyles, addressing a common challenge many people face. Some want to exercise and improve their fitness but lack the time or desire to be in a gym or class environment. Life often gets in the way, but GYMGUYZ is designed to help overcome that obstacle. This model is highly flexible, allowing us to meet clients wherever they are, regardless of age or fitness level, and create personalized fitness programs that help them achieve their goals. Read more>>
After The Rain
After The Rain is an Alt-Rock band based out of Memphis, TN. Since February 2024, we have been playing around Memphis and working on a full-length record set for release in 2025. Through many producers, local venues, and many other local artists, we’ve had a lot of help in this process, and we intend on pushing hard to show as many people as possible this music that we believe in. We have gotten to meet and work with some great people, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us! Read more>>
M. Isaac Ripple
Thousands and thousands of people experienced hardships and life-changing events that they never foresaw and are still coming to grips with loss be that of friends and family, or of simply how things used to be. Personally, the pandemic forced me to reassess my priorities in life, gave me a chance and space to develop other necessary and useful skills, meet my current fiance, and fall back in love with music. I recognize that I was fortunate beyond belief to be able to have meaningful, albeit alternative, employment for the duration of the pandemic and that my family and friends made it through with their health intact. Read more>>
Liz Jostes
Eli Rose recently celebrated its 14th anniversary and continues to serve small businesses and solopreneurs by offering both done-for-you social media and online marketing services including SEO, business blogging and social advertising, as well as strategy and training on those same marketing tasks so those small business owners who want or need to keep tasks in-house can effectively do so. Read more>>
Ashley Koehler
Music was a huge part of my life from the start. My dad played in a local hair metal band, so I grew up on Metallica, AC/DC, and Van Halen (my first concert was KISS when I was 5!). At the same time, I spent hours in the dance studio, inspired by Britney Spears, Whitney Houston, and any pop star who could command a stage with movement and presence. I loved both worlds, but I quickly realized that one was treated with more respect than the other. Read more>>
Ke’yia Burnett
I will never forget watching him on Facebook pour a huge bucket of ice on his head to bring awareness to ASL. He participated in every awareness challenge on social media, not because it was trendy, but because he believed in using his voice for good. He was a relatable guy with a friendly smile and got along with everyone. He mentored young men, invested in future leaders, and lived his faith out loud, sharing God’s word with anyone willing to listen and even those who weren’t. These are the moments that defined him. And these are the moments that made me realize his legacy couldn’t end with his passing. Read more>>
Haley Writt
For me, it was pretty smooth because I had made friends in the auction community that supported me and helped me get started. The first couple of auctions were a little difficult but I quickly found my groove. I have a decent following now and continue to branch out. Running auctions completely online through Facebook can be difficult in gaining traction, but being able to ship anywhere makes it more accessible to more people. Everyone is also very supportive which helps each small business grow. Read more>>
Jazzlynn Hickman
Without the clients I’ve gained over the years, I don’t think I would’ve experienced this much exposure nor gained such loving support behind my vision and dreams. Social media and word of mouth helped me gain alot of support and wisdom over the years. I relocated to Memphis and was very impressed of how fast I gained clientele. I wasn’t expecting to get any business when I decided to move from my hometown, but it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Read more>>
Barbara Earle
The Charmettes Incorporated, a 501c3 organization, begin in Palm Beach County, FL in June 1951. Friends Frankie Drayton (Thomas) and Gwendolyn Baker (Rodgers) decided to call together young women of similar ideas, philosophies, and backgrounds to join in a united effort to have more organized, diversified social and civic activities. Over the next years, several women in the area expressed interest and were added. In 1955, The Charmettes were incorporated, and the organization began to expand. Read more>>
Tyneshia Dees
Hi, my name is Tyneshia Dees. I’m originally from Selma, Alabama, born and raised, but reside in Montgomery, Alabama. My business is an online business (CEOSMOOTHTAROT) where I show case my work on three major platforms, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. I am a Spiritual Advisor, Psychic tarot reader and reiki healer, Spiritual coach. I started building my online business in 2023 after discovering my purpose and the spiritual gifts God blessed me with that has been laying dormant in my DNA. Read more>>
Chris Freeman
What I’m most proud of is the transformation I see in my clients—not just physically but mentally. Seeing someone go from doubting themselves to lifting weights with confidence or hitting goals they never thought possible is what drives me. It’s not just about losing weight; it’s about becoming stronger inside and out. Read more>>
Laura Mason
Laura’s Kids Spa Parties started 2014 with an ideal for Laura Mason 19 nieces and nephews. I needed to contribute something as an auntie. How I got to where I am today because I still have that same passion however every child is my nieces now. It started as a side hustle and now a fully operated business 10 years later. Read more>>
Elo Asè
It all started with Elo Asè in a place of deep self-loathing. Lost and searching, he turned to the streets, drawn into the gang life. This path led him down a dark road of dealing drugs and theft, ultimately landing him behind bars. It was there, facing the harsh reality of incarceration and a diagnosis of high blood pressure, that something shifted. Elo began to read, immersing himself in books and embarking on a journey of self-discovery and healing. He transformed himself from the inside out, finding peace and wellness within the confines of his cell. Read more>>
Javi¥a
My name is Javiya Minor. I’m known professionally as JAVI¥A, an American singer, producer and songwriter. I was born to Cherez Herrera-Hudson, in East Paloalto, CA and raised in Memphis, TN. I began singing in pulpits at age two and have been writing songs since age nine. My music is characterized by a dense palette of musical styles. Having studied and performed classical, jazz, gospel, soul, rock, r&b, and pop music over the course of my middle, high school, and college careers at performing arts schools including Colonial Middle School, Overton High School of the Creative and Performing Arts, and later graduating from the prestigious Berklee College of Music with a bachelor’s degree in songwriting Read More>>
Mario Holmes
I was born and raised here in Memphis. I excelled at a suburban school in the area.. Hernando. After my first year in Hernando schools, I was placed in gifted classes. I’d regularly win spelling bees, science fairs, and problem solving competitions. I was part of a team that made history at Hernando Middle School at “Odyssey of the Mind”(an international problem solving completion). While performing well academically and athletically at a very competitive school, I was raised in a drug/gang infested neighborhood. I embrace it all. It makes me who I am. My online presence is all of that. I’m not a character, I’m just a regular guy. Read more>>
Tomiko Harvey
Fast forward to today, I’ve been a content creator for 11 years, and as a 53-year-old in this space, I’ve had to navigate both ageism and the lack of diversity in the creator industry. Brands continue to prioritize younger influencers, often overlooking the spending power and influence of older creators, particularly Black women. The travel industry alone sees Black travelers spending $109.4 billion annually in the U.S., yet many brands fail to tap into this market properly or collaborate with Black content creators in meaningful ways and I have made it my mission to educate brands on the power of Black creators. Read more>>
Clarissa Dries
Then, in 2020, life called them to a new chapter. It was time to pass the torch, or rather, the spatula. Enter us, Clarissa and Jacob Dries. No strangers to the food truck scene ourselves, having run our own truck (El Mero Taco) since 2014, we recognized the magic of Say Cheese. We saw the love poured into every sandwich, the loyalty of the customers, and the potential to carry on the Larues’ legacy. With a shared passion for good food and a deep respect for what Allison and Terry had built, we stepped in. Now, we proudly serve the Memphis community, continuing the dream one delicious grilled cheese at a time, honoring the foundation laid by the Larues while adding our own touch to the Say Cheese story. Read more>>
Tiara Jasper
As I continued working with clients and perfecting my craft, I realized there was a major gap in the market for high-quality styling products tailored specifically for braiders. I wanted to create a line that would make the braiding process smoother, ensuring clean parts, strong hold, hydration, and a polished finish—all while prioritizing hair health. That vision led to the birth of Tiara’s Crown Collection (TCC). Read more>>
Lolly Peterson
Fashion started when I was 14, everyone would come to me as their stylist. But my career path was focused on being a psychologist. As I got older I attend southwest for psychology, school just wasn’t worth anymore, for I was only learning the history of psychology. A waste of time for me. So I decided why not be a designer, I love fashion as much as people love me styling them. Years went by and I finally started to pursue the fashion world by teaching myself at the age of 24. I loved sewing just wish I would’ve took classes and had more resources. Read more>>
Aj Ca$h
I grew up in a music loving household. My dad was a DJ and my mom had a passion for music too. When I was younger I would carry my dad’s record crates around whenever we moved and I use to be amazed by all the different records. Naturally after being around it my whole life I turned to music and decided to write music. First song I ever wrote was with my cousin, Carlos, and let’s just say it wasn’t that great lol. I continued to write until I was around 17 years old when I took a friend trip to Atlanta and recorded my very first song in a basement studio. I fell in love with it and have been making music since. Read more>>
Mac Schaaf
So, while my business is centered around professional photography, the main reason I fell in love with photography is Landscapes. Growing up surrounded by mom’s Ansel Adams prints, it was kind of hard not to. I think the part of my work I am most proud of is the urge to be uncomfortable in a way. I spent a month practically living out of my car out in the Western States a couple years ago while going from national park to national park creating a collection of photos of places I had always wanted to see. Read more>>
Cam Special
During the summer months he kept the lines cool by giving his customers Vior Water, which is yet another successful business which established in 2016, Vior Alkaline Water now ships worldwide to quinch the thirst of all Americans. In 2022 he joined forces with Memphis platinum selling artist Moneybagg Yo & Nless Entertainment to further the brand Globally . Last but not least his newest restaurant, Bandos, opened the summer of 2023. Bandos is located across the street from Straight Drop Seafood. He is a firm believer in building the community . He wants to create jobs for those in the community and empower future generations to do the same. Read more>>
A’Nyia Houston
When I was 13, I started sneaking to wear lash strips while in 9th grade. For Christmas that year, my mom gave me her credit card, and I ordered a lash kit. I began practicing diligently. In 10th grade, I took a class from my big cousin, who was a popular lash technician, and I called my brand “Lashedbythebrat.” My skills and business grew magnificently as I learned more about what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Read more>>
Jason Smith
I started this company almost 20 years ago, the 1st two major artist I worked with were YO GOTTI & PLEASURE P (once he left multi platinum group “pretty Ricky”). Over the years I’ve represented most of the artist Gotti signed to his cmg imprint, that’s mostly what ppl know me from. Currently I handle the touring for MONEYBAGG YO & I handle a lot of bookings for GLORILLA, also for being kind of a liaison to the stars as some would say as I help concert promoters & venue owners bring celebrities to their city. We’ve put together events in just about every major city in America as well as London, Dubai, Jamaica & host of other international countries Read more>>
Brittney Scales
Somewhere along the way, I question myself. A lot. I always put things to the side for later. I always blame work & slave myself into the 9 to 5 world to stay on track. I wasn’t happy but one day, I snapped & said, “This Is Enough! I’m great at what I do & want to better myself, grow my talents, & keep doing it”. The only thing that was stopping me was Me. I had to recognize that & that was Hard. It hasn’t even been a year yet & things are looking so good. All I had to do was believe in myself more. I’ve been doing that ever since & I’m Not Stopping. Read more>>
Audrey Lindsey
Thanks to the trust and support of my amazing clients, my tax practice grew so quickly that I’ve now become the Noble Tax Group. Working along side my business partner Trey Wilson, Owner of Wilson’s Gallery Suites…in just two years, we have built our own tax business, created a strong team, in 3 cities. We are committed to providing professional, personalized tax services. Our goal is to become a global tax expert, helping individuals and businesses navigate tax season with ease and confidence. While still running my first baby Apiphany Candles and even now expanding to in store candle making parties. Read more>>
Amber Stewart
During that week in the hospital, I started administering her Turmeric through her bottle disguised in orange and pineapple juice to hide the taste. Miraculously her wounds starting healing from the inside out. After that incident, I created the rest of my skin care line containing a soap, serum, and mask. I started using Amber glow Bar as a gentle wash for my baby. It doesn’t strip the skin of its nutrients or dries it out. It’s makes the skin less itchy and helps with the discoloration from the eczema patches. Amber Glow Skin Food was created for a baby, the most sensitive skin. Read more>>
Laura Wegner
This perspective shifted profoundly when my grandmother, who was a cornerstone of my life, was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I poured myself into researching and preparing nourishing meals, hoping to support her health in any way I could. Unfortunately, her illness progressed rapidly, and after her passing, I returned to her home to find the refrigerator full of untouched meals—she had been too sick to eat. That moment was a turning point, inspiring me to find a way to care for people on a deeper, more impactful level. Read more>>
Rolando Toyos
Medical school does not train you on the business of running a practice. As a former high school and college basketball coach I had experience in leading people towards a common goal but I had to learn about balancing budgets, price negotiation, payrolls, administration, logistics, and everything else that comes with running a medical practice. Mistakes were made but lessons were learned. One of the biggest challenges was navigating a business through 9/11, 2008 financial crisis, and various government shutdowns that stopped Medicare payments. Read more>>
Markia McMillian
My photography journey began with a search of what I was truly passionate about. I was at a point where I had no clue of what I wanted to do in life or what career field I wanted to pursue. And I prayed, and I asked God to reveal and show me what my passion was because I had so many things that I was good at doing but I wanted to find something that would be fulfilling for my heart. So after I prayed, my sister ended up buying a camera for her hair business to do marketing and things like that. But she stopped using the camera after having it about 3 months and I started just playing around with it to see how it worked and I was very intrigued. Read More>>
Paul Beets
We specialize in. unique self-storage properties where there is a mix of commercial office / flex space as well as self-storage. This creates a unique diversification of income to help weather difficult economic periods. We prioritize the safety and security of our clients belongings. We invest heavily into security systems and make every effort to monitor and prevent theft and break-ins. We are very proud of this and our tenant insurance vendor assures us that we have some of the lowest claim rates of our peers of similar size. Read More>>
