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.
Anasha Chavez- Asforis
I explored the concept of “whatever you think, you can create”, and when you offer space for youth to do, create… essential BE, they can accomplish anything. I have been holding these two principles as the foundation of my work ever since. This is the foundation of my leadership as the Executive Director of Carpenter Art Garden. I have the great honor of carrying out our mission; growing young creatives through art, education and vocation in the Binghampton community. Read more>>
Jay Macklin
I was dumbfounded by the quickness and the intention of each line. That taught me a lot, and I’m still using them till this day, but a more matured version of my younger work. However, if you ask me when I started becoming “good”, I’ll say 3 years ago. I didn’t start pursuing digital art until 2020, being stuck in the house with Adobe Photoshop and tons of ideas. In the beginning, there was a slight learning curve with it. To me, I find it more comfortable looking at what I’m drawing. Once I broke that barrier, there was nothing stopping me from drawing whatever came to mind. Read more>>
Doll McCoy
As a student at Ridgeway Junior and Senior High School, I studied classical and jazz music and learned to sight-read under the incredible Dr. Jeffrey Brewer. It was during this time I met my lifelong sisters: Joy Okoth Freeman, Sequoia Gray, and Britne’ Brown Lauderdale. In 2004, we formed our a cappella group, ADAJYO. With my mom, Valarie McCoy, as our manager, we performed throughout Memphis and surrounding areas, building a loyal fan base. Read more>>
Laurie Wood
I’ve always wanted to learn more about photography. Once I had my first child, I knew I had to learn how to take amazing pictures because I wanted to photograph my own children. I met Becky Mitchell through a mutual friend and she encouraged me and taught me how to use my camera. With lots of practice as a “momtog,” I knew I wanted to share this gift with others; thus, Laurie Wood Photography came to fruition. Read more>>
R.J.
That’s the origin, now fast forward to current. We’ve rebranded in 2023 to R.M. Junior & Co. Marketing Consultants, and we’ve experienced tremendous growth (We still remain small in number of personnel. The less people working for you, the less problems.) and have met so many people and been so many places that It’s unbelievable to me. I give all credit to God. There have been times where we were supposed to go under and everything was predicted to fall apart, but God has his hand in my business, and We let our clients know that we are faith based. Read more>>
Wander In Ink Tattoo & Piercings
They both crossed paths and shared an unfortunate faith of being scammed at a local Memphis shop which has prompted them to help other local artists with their own journeys. With the help of the shop owner of Wander In Ink, Stone, they have become more than confident in their art, skill and overall outlook on the tattoo community. Kat, a current apprentice at Wander In Ink, met Stone in her timeline of being an artist and was brought in to learn the craft as well. The women of the shop are now proud to be apart of the Wander In Ink family! Read more>>
Anthony Jackson
My name is Anthony Jackson and I am the owner of Prolific Hands a custom apparel and crafting company that has its own brands geared towards anime and gaming. I provide a variety of products and services from brand creation, logo design, branded merch products from decorated apparel to metal photo panels, Mousepads and more! All the while still taking extra care of the single individual who’s not quite sure but by the end of our process I’ve helped bring their imagination to life. Read more>>
Alexander Jones
This road called life has been full of speed bumps, roadblocks, stop signs, dangers, and pitfalls. I can honestly say, I have persevered through it all. You can’t allow anyone or anything to stop you. I had to put my eyes on the prize and re-evaluate what was truly important to me in life. I have come to learn that many situations that I found myself in were mostly a direct result of my decisions. I had to start making good decisions in order to get better outcomes. You only get one life and at the end of the day, it’s all up to you how that life will be. Read more>>
Chris Hill
Today, I serve as a Multimedia Producer & Editor at Spotlight Productions—an award-winning production house—working under CEO and Founder Fabian Matthews. My work spans video production, editing, and campaign development, and I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with leading brands and organizations including Nike, Adidas, MLB Youth Foundation, National Soccer Hall of Fame, She Got Game League, FC Dallas, the City of Memphis, Memphis International Airport, the National Civil Rights Museum, Champions for Literacy, and Trust Marketing. Read more>>
Lesley
I started swimming competitively at the age of 7. I lettered in Cross Country and Track in Jr. High and High School and received a swim scholarship from Ball State University (BSU) where I was a High Point Swimmer and MVP all 4 years and the team captain my Jr. and Sr. years. I qualified for Sr. Nationals and was named NCAA Woman Athlete of the Year for BSU. I have managed and worked at multiple health clubs in Illinois, Kansas, Texas and Tennessee. Read more>>
Adam Shaw
I grew up in Memphis and went to Central High school in Midtown to study with Bill Hicks. He helped me get a scholarship to art school in Cleveland, Ohio and Edinburgh College of Art. After graduating, I returned to Memphis and set up a studio on Broad Ave. I sold my paintings and drawings at a gallery in Birmingham, Alabama and in Memphis. Read more>>
Kim Thomas
I am a lifestyle blogger and photographer based in Memphis, TN. Launched in September 2010, my blog KP Fusion provides fashion, style and beauty tips with a little Memphis flavor thrown in. The goal with my blog is to keep people in the know about the cool happenings in the city and beyond, and I’ve been able to partner with brands like Ulta Beauty, IKEA, Macy’s Shea Moisture and Maison Margiela Fragrances to help inspire others to be creative and take on beauty and fashion on their own terms. Read more>>
Cody Steele
We are most proud of our versatility as our shop doesn’t specialize in any one style of artwork. If you come in you’ll be greeted with a smile and no matter what styled your looking for be it photorealism or simple line art we can do it and give you a tattoo that is magazine quality. Read more>>
Larry Marshall, Jr.
I’ve had some bumps along the way. My toughest battle that I had to fight and currently fighting is the passing of my three month of old son, Landon Prince Marshall, just last year on August 19, 2024. My wife and I enjoy the time we had with him. We miss him every day. When Landon passed it felt as though a part of me died with him and I lost all interest in the things I enjoyed indulging in. I am slowly getting back to what enjoy. Grief is real and has no time limit. Though you can never rid of it I do my best to manage if means talking to someone. Read more>>
Carlee McIntosh
Hello everyone, my name is Carlee McIntosh & I am the owner of Perfectly Plated. For as long as I can remember, I’ve enjoyed working with food in a way that’s not only delicious but visually stunning. About eight years ago, I started making charcuterie boards for family gatherings, holidays, and small get-togethers. What began as a fun hobby quickly turned into a true passion. I loved the challenge of balancing flavors, textures, and colors—turning simple ingredients into edible art. Read more>>
Theryn C. Bond
The reality of having a media-related job became more heightened as more time when by and I acquired more experience. Classes at the TCC on Union which is now home to Cable 19 News and 88.5 FM radio. I did that. Reading and Operating a teleprompter and learning all other television studio positions. I did that. Majoring in what I love in college. I did that. In college, is also where the advocacy and politics began to rise up again with the Jena 6 story. I guess you could say over the course of my life, I’ve navigated several spaces independently and as I get older I find them regularly intersectional Read more>>
Todai Malone
Hmm where did it all start?… well to be honest , last year I went through a massive depression around my birthday , i lost my jobs , i lost my home , i lost my friends, honestly it felt like i lost everything . I remember I was struggling so bad I barely could eat , sleep , or even bathe. One day I remembered a old friend of mine had this really cool camera and I was interested in capturing pictures as well . So I took a risk and spent my last $60 on that camera. I dropped my first solo shoot in August I believe. I’ve always wanted to show the world what I see . I haven’t stopped since. Read more>>
Carol Moody
Hospitality, making people feel comfortable and welcome, is an intrinsic quality of mine that I first noticed when I was in high school. Before my mother would arrive home from work each evening, I made it a point to have the house clean, smelling good, with vacuum-lines and all ! It made for a relaxed evening for her and I enjoyed doing it. Read more>>
