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.
Gabriel (Gabe) Rye
If you had told me years ago that my career would take me from the disciplined halls of an Air Force ROTC program to leading celebrity-driven brand campaigns in Los Angeles and New York, I might have laughed. Back then, I was focused on early morning drills, earning my degree, and figuring out where I belonged. But looking back, it’s clear that every step—from military training to waiting tables to marketing high-profile national campaigns—was part of building the grit and grind that define my career today. Read more>>
Michael Scruggs
I left radio after two years and worked as a Project manager for a hospitality leading the fundraising projects. After 3 years, one of my close friends Ramone felt like I would be good as a teacher and he helped to open that door for me. I transitioned into education, started mentoring my former students and I’ve been mentoring them since. If it were not for them, I wouldn’t be who I am today. My former students saved my life! Read more>>
Alexandra Fresquez
Since then, I’ve released music that’s gained millions of views on YouTube, earned placements on shows like MTV’s Ex On The Beach, Ghosted, and Skymed, and brought me recognition such as being named Female Vocalist of the Year by the New Mexico Hip Hop Awards and receiving two Hollywood Music in Media Award nominations. Read more>>
Gianna Castillo
My platform is about spreading a message of hope and resilience. I believe that everyone has a story to tell, and that by sharing our experiences, we can inspire and uplift one another. Whether it’s through my work with Queens Nation, my life coaching services, or my advocacy for mental health, I’m committed to making a positive impact in the world. Read more>>
Layne Provine
Initially, I focused on local campaigns as most of my contacts were in the Memphis and Shelby County area. I offered general political consulting services to conservative candidates: strategy, messaging, and advertising. Later, I developed relationships throughout Tennessee and Mississippi. I began working with more clients across a wider area, particularly state legislative candidates. Eventually, I expanded into Arkansas. Read more>>
Carey Bringle
It has not been a smooth road. We have had growing pains. We were shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to top it off, our Mayor gave us a 34% property tax increase. Through it all, I had a great team, and most of them are still with me today. Running a restaurant is not easy, but having a great team is key. Read more>>
Khloe Jones
At the same time, baking became another outlet. I grew up watching my mother and grandmother in the kitchen, and then began experimenting with recipe cards on my own. By middle school, I was baking cupcakes to share with classmates, and by high school, I was selling Valentine’s Day treats. For a long time, I didn’t see myself as a business owner, but that changed when I joined the summer McLean Entrepreneurial Leadership Program at Ole Miss during my sophomore year of high school. That program gave me the confidence to see my talents as something more than just a hobby. Read more>>
Ranieka Johnson
Well, I do a lot, however, I am a great big ball of art and hospitality. They go hand and hand. I do believe you can’t have one without the other. So not only am I a spoken word artist, I am also a promoter. A promoter that has been afforded to be able to mesh the two together through artistic events. What I am most proud is being able to build an entire artistic event planning company with the love of me life, my husband. Read more>>
Donald Parris
The Von Schrader Company encouraged us to promote auto interior shampooing as a way to maximize our investment. It was then that our business soared to new heights, and in June 2012, we established a physical location at 4509 Stage Road. After thorough research in the auto detailing industry, we decided to include exterior detailing as well as upgrades to our interior detailing services, thus New Genesis Auto Detailing. We developed a committed passion for our customers and the services offered, and during our 13 years of business, we have become a hiring agent and a positive influence in the community. Read more>>
Relly Rale
I am also a seasoned videographer with a passion for shooting music videos. I picked up a camera in 2011 to be a part of my friends journey’s of being musicians which then turned into a hobby and not to far after a passion. Ive worked with artist from all over the region and even on the east coast and have been involved with over 200 productions over the past 14 years. My cameras are my paint brush and I bring artist visions for their music to life to create art. Read more>>
Few&FarBetween
Gem: “One major challenge I faced through life and especially being an artist is in the idea of the Self. I’m someone who consistently sheds skin; I am always learning or ready to learn, and happily will forever be a student no matter what. Because of that, there’s almost always a silent grief that I carry because as I grow and develop, it’s both sad and absolutely beautiful to see parts and aspects of myself transform and evolve in front of my own eyes. Learning to accept, hold, but not firmly limit myself as just one thing has been a great gift that I’ve only recently begun to realize.” Read more>>
Louis McKay III
I began my career with Mega Jam Records as a music producer and A&R representative, where I quickly established myself by charting on Billboard Magazine five times as a producer. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with legendary artists including Al Green, Isaac Hayes, B.B. King, John Legend, and Charley Pride, contributing to live recordings, live engineering, and music production. Over time, my path evolved from music production into live audio engineering, where I’ve continued to thrive. Most recently, I served as the audio engineer for Stephanie Mills on The Queen’s Tour alongside Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, and Patti LaBelle. Read more>>
Jessica Hobson
A smooth road? I wish I could say yes, but the truth is, it’s been a journey of peaks and valleys. In the early days, there were times when business was slow, and I questioned everything. I’d have a week with very few orders and a mountain of self-doubt. It was in those moments that I had to remind myself of the dream and the purpose behind it all. I never gave up, because I knew this was what I was meant to do. Read more>>
Jason Clark
The Tennessee Mass Choir was founded in 1990 by my mother, the late Fannie Clark. When she passed away in September of 2013, the choir was preparing for her homegoing celebration. The legacy members, those who sang with her then and remain with us now , called me into a room and said, “You’re going to lead us.” At first, I thought it was a question. I responded that I needed to pray about it, especially since I was considering moving to Nashville. But they weren’t asking, they were declaring. And in that moment, God’s assignment became clear. Read more>>
Cori Smith
In 2014, Cori Smith founded Sweet Cheeks Diaper Ministry in Memphis, TN, inspired by her own experience as a mother facing diaper need. After losing her job due to illness and bedrest during pregnancy, she struggled financially but was fortunate to have a support system. The one item she constantly needed? Diapers. Read more>>
Oakley Weddle
By 2024, I recognized a need in the Mid-South for theatre that was accessible, family-friendly, and fun. Something that could meet people right where they are. At Firefly, my goal is bigger than creating future actors. I want to help students grow into kind, capable humans with skills they’ll carry into whatever stage of life they choose. Pursuing a professional career in theatre is wonderful, and résumés, years of dance training, and agents all have their place, but that’s not who we are. We’re here for the kids who simply love telling stories. If you have the heart to create and the curiosity to try, you already belong here. Read more>>
Randell Richmond
I have also encountered deals where my client’s garage railings collapsed as soon as they finished closing and they arrived to their new home, brand new hvac unit decided not to work for another client after she closed, sellers failed to mention to me that they have over $10K in a second lien on their home, etc, but by the grace of God, I was able to provide resolutions to these issues and my clients were extremely grateful. Read more>>
BerryThaGoat
But I thank the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit for keeping me through it all. Those struggles shaped me. They gave me the voice I have in my music and the grind I have in business. Every obstacle taught me patience, resilience, and how to find a way when there didn’t seem to be one. I wouldn’t say I enjoyed the hard times, but without them, I wouldn’t be the artist or the man I am today.” One of the struggles has been getting people to really see the vision. But the blessing is, once they do, and I watch that vision come to life, it makes every fight worth it. Read more>>
Maya Snipe
Another thing that is very important is learning how to outsource. While I am someone who tries to take on more than necessary, I had to learn not to overwork myself. I’m in this industry because it is simply something I enjoy doing! But I also enjoy so many other things as well. I need creative freedom, space to release. If it’s easier for me to pay someone to do it, then that is what I’ll do. whatever obstacle is, big or small, I always remind myself that the same God that got me here will get me through! Read more>>
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>>
