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.
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>>
William “Weilyum” Chapman
As I got older and went to college I was introduced to the art of filmmaking. I had no idea that this was something you could go to school for. Growing up I had my favorite movies and shows but I didn’t really understand that I could actually go to school for this or study it. Starting as an accounting major strictly for hopes to make a lot of money but that wasn’t my purpose. Circumstances happened where I had to change majors; this was my blessing. I switched to TV/Film Production at University of Memphis and began to study and play catchup on the greats. I was now given the opportunity to write out my imagination and get people to see things the way I saw them. I was exposed to so much during this time of my life at University of Memphis and built a solid foundation on the art of storytelling. I had a new love! Read more>>
Rih Haley
Not a smooth road at all! People would sometimes have me doubting myself on whether I was good at makeup (even though I knew I was), they would say…. “I don’t really like wearing makeup” before I began, or when I was finished “Are you sure this isn’t too much?” It was very hard to continue but again, what pulled me through was me remembering God told me to do this, and that’s just what I did and relied on as faith. Read more>>
Terri Scott
Definitely not! I spent the majority of my life with undiagnosed depression/anxiety/ADHD/C-PTSD…you name it! Yet, that didn’t stop me from being stubborn and not giving up. Quitting was never an option for me. I was always an over-achiever. Valedictorian in high school, Salutatorian in under-grad, Golden Child, goodie-two-shoes type of person. I still am, but now I know WHY I am and how it’s not always a good thing. Read more>>
Jon Reece
R.E.C. was born out of frustration and ambition. It started with me and a few friends who felt trapped in the same small-town cycle, stuck playing shows in the same bars with the same faces. Music was our only escape, the one thing that felt real. We poured all that frustration and longing into our songs, creating something that spoke to anyone who felt the same way. Read more>>
Megan Keller
Through Vakelvion’s pain, we uncovered deep-rooted corruption in Clayton County, particularly within the District Attorney’s office led by Tasha Mosley. When Eric’s case came back with a no bill, it was as if the floodgates of truth opened. The Lord began exposing the layers of corruption—from Mosley turning a blind eye to police brutality to her shocking role as board chair of the Rainbow House, an organization allegedly involved in covering up child sexual abuse. Read more>>
Izzy
I am a self-employed nail artist who specializes in nail art. I would say I am most known for my nail art and my creativity when it comes to executing nail designs. What sets me apart from others is my creativity and versatility; I am able to do almost anything anyone puts in front of me. I can literally sculpt a 3D spider from gel, paint characters, or give my client a cute and simple nail set. Read more>>
Jeshaun “Ace Gahd” Powell
During my academic journey, I mastered a diverse array of digital tools – from Studio One for music production to Adobe’s creative suite for visual content. I became adept at many skills in animaton, video and photo editing, sound design, graphic design, production,mix engineering ( the list goes on and on). This technological versatility, combined with my artistic background, naturally evolved into Ace GAHD Productions LLC, a multimedia art business where I serve as “The Renaissance Man,” creating immersive experiences that engage both sight and sound. Read more>>
Lamonte Cunningham
After doing my annual new year’s eve event in jackson, tennessee, I decided to do a podcast. But the time that was allowed for the podcast was on a Saturday, and I didn’t want to do a 7 soul podcast on Saturday. Knowing that other big radio stations play southern soul on saturdays. So I said to myself, I need my own radio station. Months went by and I got the call. Met with the owners and Power 104.1 The Source was born. June 1 2024. Read more>>
Dominique Savage
It was my mother who originally instilled in me about being an entrepreneur. Around 8th grade is when she started teaching me photography and brought me along with her to gigs. She also used me as a model which allowed me to become more comfortable being in front of a camera because I hated taking pictures (due to insecurity). Years of shadowing her with this as well as her other ventures eventually influenced me to start my own business in 2015 as a freelance photographer. This is what I did throughout college in addition to multiple other jobs/hustles like serving at Hooters, tutoring kids, working at warehouses, etc. Read more>>
Joanna Lipman
There was a stark disparity in program offerings between our more affluent public, independent and private schools AND our schools located in economically disadvantaged areas. Consequently, we focused our efforts on developing relationships with our Title 1 schools whose administration and families were seeking programming that would address social and emotional development concurrently with physical health. And so, we launched our first season of Girls on the Run with 40 girls at 3 program sites – and have now served over 1500 girls at 21 different sites across Shelby and Fayette county. Read more>>
Coriano Harris
That drive led me to a seven-month intensive UX/UI technical program. Learning design thinking, user research, and interface design was eye-opening. But then, I saw developers typing what looked like magical symbols in a text editor, turning ideas into reality. And I thought, I want to do that too. I wasn’t satisfied with just handing off designs—I wanted to bring them to life myself. Read more>>
Carlton Green
I started off 8 years ago with with group me and my friends created called “Demfolks”. I was making music as a past time and outlet for all the these I was going through in life. I began to take it seriously when our group was asked to perform with a local rock band called Negro Terror. After the response I received performing live i knew I was supposed to be on stage. I’ve performed around the US and been stamped by prominent artists in Memphis. I consider myself a Negro spiritualist. The music i make can raise your energy and spirit but also make you wanna stop a hater or evil entity out lol. Read more>>
Larry Itson
After high school, unsure of my next step, I joined the military in April 2006 and was deployed to Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom 09-10) for 11 months. During that time, I reconnected with my first love—art. Once I returned stateside, I committed to creating every day, and it was then that I discovered artist Miya Bailey. Seeing his work and the documentary Color Outside The Lines changed my perspective, showing me that I could be successful as a Black artist in my own lane. That moment led me to pursue tattooing, training at Royal Flush Tattoos for over a year. Read more>>
Robin Ransom
I always had a love and passion for fashion, nails and hair! As a little girl I would always want my nails done and wanted to experiment with different hairstyles. My mom made sure I knew how to care for my hair and as I got older she let me try different styles. My family members always let me practice on their hair as well, my love for the industry grew even more! Read more>>
Sara Beth Hall
I got so much publicity from this, and I truly owe so much to this job and the owner who helped me get my name out! Because Starkville is a small town, my name got around fast, and I found myself photographing lots of graduating seniors, families, etc. I graduated, moved back to Memphis, got married, and started a new job all in 2020 and I thought that meant photography would take a back seat. I was wrong – an old family friend trusted me to photograph their daughter’s wedding as my first wedding to ever photograph in 2021, and the rest is history! I quit my other job to go as full time as possible with photos, and now I am proudly full time stay at home mom *and* photographer – and I love it! Read more>>
Natasha Fountain
Having the desire to turn my vision into a reality required resources that I didn’t always have, but I stayed persistent by applying for grants, looking for opportunities, and trusting that everything would align in perfect time…and it did! Lastly, the challenge of finding the perfect location for my café. I wanted a local space that aligned with my vision to serve the community and the world, which took patience, determination, and a lot of faith. Read more>>
Elly Weisenborn
As I got older, I worked various jobs, many of them in the restaurant industry as a server and bartender. After taking a year-long hiatus in 2020 due to COVID, I swore I’d never go back—haha. But when a friend needed help opening a restaurant she was managing, I took a job as a host. Since they were a new restaurant, they needed photography and a social media manager. One day, the photographer they had scheduled didn’t show up, so I jumped in to photograph their food. That moment led to me managing their social media and doing all their photography and content creation. Read more>>
Artra Johnson
Artra Johnson has been a licensed teacher in Georgia , and a certified junior varsity volleyball coach all while still pursuing dreams as an independent artist and songwriter which is almost un heard of ! Artra Johnson never gave up of her dreams of being someone Memphis Tennessee could be proud to call their own even through trials and tribulations. Artra Johnson still remained steadfast throughout her journey by faith which was learned at an early age with the help of strong parents Gloria &Arthur Johnson, prayer warriors , and church home Morning View Baptist Church (1626 Carnegie st. Memphis,TN 38106). With a strong support system gave her the dedication and motivation to continue on throughout her journey of success! Read more>>
Joe (Big Hustle) Thompson
that was the visuals to go with the music..did my research on videography cinematography and photography went and enrolled in school learned how to use tools and cameras to shoot and Edit music videos and short Films.. where I am today im really blessed and honored to be..I’m not where I would like to be yet but I’m consistently working,growing and getting better. I’m also proud to say I’m JoeViddyFilms I’m 4yrs in still going and growing ,still offering full studio services and beat production.. Read more>>
Sharicka Eddings-thomas
I was lead to help others keep their love ones safe. The pandemic had a negative impact for the holistic spa due to the Shutdowns. Testing the Midsouth for Covid allowed opportunities for other lab collection services such as DOT/Non DOT drug testing, DNA testing, fingerprinting , I9 and background checks to offer my community. Evolve Screening strives for excellence and service. We are now committed to immigration DNA and consultation. Excellent customer service faith and dedication has kept our doors opened. We enjoy hearing from each client we serve by goggle review. Which is the best way to ensure others find our company from the voices of our customers. Read more>>
Megan Hooker
Accessing the right information was another challenge. Healthcare staffing involves strict compliance, contracts, and regulations, but this knowledge isn’t always easy to find. I had to seek mentors, attend industry events, and invest time into understanding every piece to ensure NexCare was built on a solid foundation. Read more>>
Nathan Jolly
I fell into Xanax and exctacy due to the life, my dealer got me on fentanyl telling me it was the same as Xanax. I’ve lost most of my friends to overdoses. Even my best friend. I’ll never give up for him. I was 18 facing at least 10 years in prison the week of my 18th birthday. The drugs took me over my old best friend got my ex pregnant at the time. I never gave up and I never will. From sexual abuse to drug addiction I was binded by chains my whole life until now. Now I have a child on the way and am about to be married. Lots of praying. Read more>>
Levada Musé
I’ve been a church girl my entire life—since birth. Naturally, that meant I started singing in the church, and from there, I found myself performing at school programs and community events. My love for the stage didn’t stop at music. I said my first speech when I was just four years old, and I remember being upset that they only gave me three lines. My mom told me, “You go and say those three lines with all your might.” So I did—and I got a standing ovation. That moment ignited something in me. From then on, I dove into public speaking, winning competitions and reciting powerful works from legends like Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou. Read more>>
Martique Trice
And what sets me apart is or from other browse Studios is that we are a total solution eyebrow studio meaning that we specialize in every phase of eyebrows. We don’t let a customer leave without a solution, No matter what state or condition your eyebrows are in. Read more>>
Chris Ruffin, Jr.
I have Sickle Cell Disease and in 2023 I had a lot of complications leading to several hospital visits and trips to the emergency room. At the beginning of 2024, my wife and I decided we would try to take on new habits, which included not drinking alcohol, doing away with eating beef, chicken and pork and cutting down on sugar and processed foods. In order to support those new habits my brother bought me a juicer for my birthday and I started making my own juice for my family. Read more>>
Chelsey Burton
Doulas fight everyday to be apart of the “important professions in the medical field.” It is a newer career compared to others but its “heart work.” We are on a very sentimental journey with mothers that require us to be helpers, informative, therapist, case workers, attentive, and whatever else is needed to keep mom/newborn healthy and provided for. Starting out, I didn’t have a hard time getting clients because word of mouth on social media took me far! I’ve had a great support system! As a brown doula in Memphis and surrounding areas, I always do what’s necessary to stand up for myself and the profession! Read more>>
Misty Koopman
There are tvs, kids table, blocks & books for them to be entertained. It’s a fun space that is designed to hit all the senses from sparkling lights, hanging cotton candy to smelling a candy scent. A place kids want to call their own, where they want to be and where they want to shop. But, also a place parents can actually get them to pick out what they like. We have a wide range of styles and price points. Our party space hosts an array of birthday parties where kids pick a crafting activity and all their friends leave with something tangible whether it’s a hat or shirt, etc. We also host sip & shop events for moms, cookie decorating classes, kids yoga, parents night out & more! Read more>>
Donatello Gray
A smooth ride sure! As well as riding through the back country roads on all flats with no spare in sight. The only real struggle I faced was literally myself. You’d think that being the writer you’d have no problem with the writing process. Well that’s a flat out story. The biggest issue is making sure that you’re writing something that your readers will enjoy and still have the world blasting impact on them and the community abroad. Now they’re more minuscule obstacles that one must face and overcome. Such as deadlines,editors,content controllers. Their all important tasks that ensure that you are in alignment with what your editing team and publishers want. Read more>>
Bianca Woods
I grew up with 5 siblings, four of whom were older brothers who introduced me to video games and anime. I remember the first video game I ever played, Smash Brothers Melee on Gamecube, which is still a favorite of mine to this day. I played that game everyday that they weren’t hogging the controllers and fell in love with the ability to customize the characters, even if it was primarily as simple as changing the color of the same uniform. I also became fond of JRPGs and fighting games because of the ability to build and modify your character’s attire completely before going out and conquering your mission. It made it feel more personal, which in turn, made it more fun for me. Read more>>
Victoria “Tori” Anito
Whether I’m guiding a student through their first breath-work session, creating a space that allows one to simply witness, observe, and seek restoration in a sound bath, or sharing movement as a form of devotion, my work is rooted in integral service. My mission is to create spaces for one to truly receive soul level nourishment, encouraging others to come home to themselves, just as I did. Read more>>
Jasmine McGraw
I love my mother for her resilience despite the circumstances she faced. As I watched her style my sisters hair, we both noticed that the style was just not measuring up to previous hair styles that we had grown accustomed to receiving. While the style was cute, I was sure it would not be a compliment magnet at school like our other styles. In efforts to avoid going back to our days of being bullied about our hair, I knew I had to speak up. When I sat down to get my hair done. I began to tell my mom “Chanda did it this way” or “I need mine curled like this or that”. It was at that moment that I learned two valuable lessons: 1) Moms are tired individuals and get overstimulated too, and 2) always be ready to help form a solution if you’re going to throw out demands. Read more>>
Elizabeth Reid
My first job at the Rainbow Clothing Store on Frayser Blvd was more than just employment; it was an education. As a sales associate, I witnessed the raw beauty and tenacity of Memphians and their grit and grind spirit. At just 15, I walked daily to work, school, and practice, saving every penny I could for college. Leaving Memphis to commission as an Army officer was bittersweet, as it meant saying goodbye to the familiar while embracing a call to service. Read more>>
Sam Bélanger-Leduc
I am born to the field of art as a photographer. Funny enough, I first hated photography in school and on my own I found not only a way to express my creativity but a way to see the world as a fundamentally creative individual. I create, because I need to, it is my vocation. Art is my way to feel alive. Now that I am a full-time student at the University, I started to explore more medias, like 3d modelling and digital arts in general, and a bit of performance here and there through the lens of hermeticism and esotericism. Read more>>
Annabel Perez
My strong work ethic comes from my mother, who owns a Mexican bakery and taqueria. Watching her dedication and passion for her business inspired me to pursue my own dreams with the same fervor. This year, I’m excited to continue my makeup journey while also contributing to the family business. Balancing my passions and family has been a rewarding challenge, and I look forward to what the future holds. Read more>>
Renne Elayne
Who I am today really depicts on what happened in the past. As a young entrepreneur who is trying to make living for myself, it’s very difficult to put alot of things in the past and continue to move forward. I started rapping at the age of fourteen years old, due to me wanting a way to express myself without having to always go back and forth about my feelings, or even to truly express what’s on my mind. That’s the partial story of Raising Elayne. Read More>>
Lisa Stephens
I’m a Christian and a Memphis Independent R&B Gospel Artist and Songwriter. I went to a Performing Arts School. Overton High School in Memphis and was mentored by Music Director Lulah Hedgeman who won numerous awards and led us to win numerous awards and Trophies as well. She taught me professionalism and excellence! She prepared me for my Career in Music as a Gospel Artist. I started out professionally doing R&B/Pop/Gospel Cover Songs by Deniece Williams, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carrey, Taylor Dayne and CeCe Winans to name a few. Read More>>
