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.
Rice Drewry
I served in the Army for 5 years before separating and finishing a family medicine residency in Jackson, TN. My wife, Theresa and our 3 children (Lauren, Rachel and Daniel) moved back to the Memphis area in 1993. During those training years, I continued to play music, including in a band while in the Army, but I did not find time to start writing songs again until the move back. I joined Memphis Songwriter’s Association in 1994 and have been a member ever since, continuing to stay active. Make no mistake, my vocation is in medicine and making a positive impact on the health and lives of many patients, but I also have a passion for music and have worked hard to balance that relationship. Read more>>
Candice Washington
There, I saw not only the business potential, but also the deep lack of representation—only about 20 out of 600 attendees looked like me. That moment fueled my mission: to build a thriving jewelry business while paving the way for others in my community. I returned home and launched workshops to teach youth the art of precision welding—not just as a craft, but as a career path. For me, jewelry is more than adornment; it’s about legacy, memory, and meaningful moments. I believe jewelry is the next big wave, and I’m not here to make a splash—I’m here to stir the whole pot and make space for others to rise with me. Read more>>
Duncan Trout
Everyone always asks about COVID. That was definitely a challenging time, but a lot of people dont realize that food trucks were already set up for “to-go” service. Im definitely glad that epidemic has passed, but it was fruitful in that it opened some new business doors for us that would have otherwise remained closed. Read more>>
McKrell Baier
oh no. Not even close! The struggles were acceptance within my community for the high expectations I had of others & of course scaling the incredible cost of participataion in the horse world at all, just enough to stay in the mix where the ecosystem would have to tak enotice of what I was doing. The financial requirements were crippling at times! Read more>>
Elisha Williams
My elementary team got a girls basketball team and I immediately knew that’s where I wanted to be. I made the team and that’s where it all began for me. I played in community centers like Ed Rice, Raleigh & North Frayser all the time. Then in middle school, competitive school ball was where it was at! I played all throughout middle and high school, receiving honors such an All Team Defensive player, Top Student Scholar Athlete, representing my school at true district sports banquet, and Miss Basketball my Senior year. Read more>>
Jade And Janae Rice
Definitely no where near a smooth road.Being twin female DJs in a male-dominated industry, we’ve often had to prove ourselves beyond the ‘twin’ or ‘female’ label. In Memphis, the music scene is rooted in blues, soul, and rap, so breaking into DJ culture meant creating our own lane. Early on, some people booked us more for the novelty than the skill, so we made it a point to show our technical ability and artistry. We’ve also had to fight for equal pay, set boundaries in nightlife environments, and wear every hat—from performer to business manager—to build our brand. Those challenges pushed us to work harder, stay professional, and stand out for our talent. Read more>>
Minyuiet Jones
It definitely hasn’t been smooth. Like many small business owners, I wore every hat in the beginning — service provider, receptionist, cleaning crew, marketer — all while trying to stay grounded and deliver an excellent experience. There were seasons of financial strain, staffing challenges, and personal sacrifice. But every obstacle taught me something valuable. I’ve learned how to pivot, stay faithful to my faith, and keep growing even when it’s uncomfortable. Read more>>
Sophie Croft
I offer facials, waxing, spray tans, and lash lifts and tints. I am a certified Face Reality Acne Expert and I specialize in acne prone clients. I love seeing skin transform and people becoming confident again. I think what sets me apart is that I know what it’s like to not feel confident in your skin on a personal level. This makes me have empathy and so much compassion for each and every client that comes into my treatment room. I also have extensive training through the spa I work at. Read more>>
Bleu Levees
Along the way, I’ve had the chance to perform for some incredible platforms and venues — from Memphis Slim House, to the Hi Tone, and most recently at the FedEx Forum for the Memphis Grizzlies halftime show with Unapologetic. For me, music is just one piece of the bigger picture. I see my journey expanding into fashion, creative direction, and cultural storytelling. Everything I do, whether in music or beyond, is rooted in authenticity and in telling my truth. Read more>>
Nadia Tippitt
Today, Captured by Lynell Photography reflects the influence of all those who have shaped my journey. I am building a versatile brand that captures everything from portraits to real estate, with the goal of creating more than just photographs. My vision is to build a lasting legacy that blends art, entrepreneurship, and the values instilled in me by the people who have always stood behind me. Read more>>
Adria Gaines
The houses I grew up in shape my design story. My father, who was the youngest of eleven, maintained his father, John Calvin Miller’s (JC Miller)’s farm in Roberta, Georgia. Meanwhile, my mother thrived in the city of Atlanta, Georgia. From my great-grandmother’s early 1900s bungalow in Atlanta’s Reynoldstown neighborhood, the old-school farmhouse perched on cinder blocks in Roberta, and the mid-century ranch home surrounded by dogwoods and Japanese maples in Atlanta, each house style instilled in a deep appreciation for the art of building homes that tell stories. Read more>>
Ceo Gutta
I’m an artist (rap/hiphop) I specialize in just giving genuine music my real life stories and experiences. I’m known for music and I’ve played a role in a movie that brought me a lot of exposure as well (Hurt Ppl Hurt Ppl) it’s been streaming on tubi and doing very good from ACrimFilmProuductions. I’m most proud of just never giving up and continuing to push myself forward even when things seem to feel like they’re falling apart or no results. What sets me apart is…I’m not a facade! I don’t pretend to be something I’m not! I’m not just rapping for a hobby this is real passion I’m all original I don’t sound like other artists and I give it my all! Read more>>
Faith Sipe
So I kept going. I took my camera everywhere. I was obsessed. Photography felt like the one thing I needed to get better at. And as I grew, so did my understanding of light, timing, and storytelling. That passion eventually led me to study photography at the University of Memphis, where I fell in love with film. In a digital, fast-paced culture, film slows you down. It makes you think. It asks you to do the photography math, to trust your instincts, and to be okay with imperfection. I learned to love the full process—from shooting to developing to printing. Read more>>
