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.
Hayley Davis
Along the way, I’ve leanred so many lessons about what works,what doesn’t work and everything in between. Every project teaches something new – I know I’m always learning! I’ve also learned the importance for advocating for thoughtful design details and creative vision that brings a client’s project to life. Read more>>
Ra’id
Tbh, it could have been smoother. There have been a few times when there could’ve been greater sucess and greater achievment, but for reasons beyond my control they didn’t pan out. My only real regret is not starting my “writer phase” earlier in life. Also, I just had to grow and learn a little bit more. It’s always good to look back at past work and say “My how Ive grown and I can do better now”… Read more>>
Robert Anthony
I started in my room on a school laptop I didn’t even own. I was 17 and had just gotten into a wreck. Lost my truck. And with it, my lawn care business. Summer was ending anyway and I didn’t have a way to haul equipment anymore. I remember sitting there thinking, alright, what now? I’d been the entrepreneur type since I was 13. Read more>>
Ikeysha Hall
Before opening It Takes A Village Daycare & Parent Resource Center, I spent twenty years serving children and families as an educator in public, charter, and private schools. During my time in education, I worked as a Classroom Teacher, a Peer Assistance Review Consultant (PARCT), an Instructional Advisor, and a Manager. Read more>>
Teneia “Ten” Mitchell
My story begins with both loss and light when I was six years old my dad passed away, and though I was still a child that mommy made me grow quiet and introspective well before my time. Read more>>
Marshall Boswell
I came from a middle class family just south of Chicago. My father worked for General Motors in South Chicago and was a UAW member his whole career. My dad was a strong believer in the union and taught us kids to be also. Read more>>
Jim Schlinsog
My name is Jim and I own True North Counseling in Bartlett, Tennessee. I specialize in working with anxiety and panic disorders and in treating depression. I also work quite a lot with issues related to addiction and substance use and how it affects the individual and their relationships. Read more>>
Trey Stafford
I didn’t start Cool Roofs, but my path into the company is a big part of the story. Back in 2017, I quit my job on a whim with no real plan other than wanting to learn business the hard way. I spent the next few years as a solo entrepreneur—consulting on marketing, operations, and helping a friend sell web and mobile app projects. Read more>>
Kimmie Fay
Growing up, I was obsessed with science. I wrote a paper in the 8th grade about wanting to study physiology because I was mesmerized by the body’s ability to adapt and evolve. I didn’t know it yet, but that curiosity would shape who I am and what I have created today. I grew up moving…a lot! Read more>>
Bart Wilbanks
I grew up about 90 east of Memphis in North Mississippi. After graduating from Ole Miss, life took me all over the country — Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Alabama, North Carolina — but in 2012 I finally found my way back home to the Mid-South. Today, my wife Amanda and I raise our blended family here and attend The Life Church. Read more>>
Boba Society
Boba Society was created as a safe space for our community to come in and try something new without the pressure of feeling judged. It’s the kind of place where everyone will want to come and enjoy. Read more>>
Nikita Thomson
My journey into wellness didn’t start with a business plan, it started when life happened. I’ve always been someone that people came to to listen, show support and cared. I didn’t realize that those were gifts and they were pointing me towards my purpose. Read more>>
Darrell Anthony
My Journey Into Real Estate — By Darrell C. Anthony My journey began back in 2005–2006, sitting in my cubicle at Accredo Pharmacy in Memphis, TN. I remember the day clearly — dealing with a micromanaging supervisor, feeling boxed in, and quietly saying to myself, “Lord, I can’t do this for the rest of my life. Read more>>
Claire Lopez
My story really begins long before Bella Poggio Events existed—back when I was a little girl watching my grandmother host the most beautiful family gatherings. She had a gift for making people feel welcomed, cared for, and celebrated, and I didn’t realize it then, but she was planting the first seeds of what would one day become my career. Read more>>
Ashley Neal, Brittany Thomas, La’Keithia Caldwell N/A
Wyn2It Business Solutions was founded by three ladies who first met while attending the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Read more>>
Marcos Sierra
I was born in a small town in Mexico, raised by a hardworking family that taught me two things early: discipline and faith. At eight years old, I crossed into the United States with nothing but hope and the belief that a better life was possible. I grew up working tough jobs most people don’t see—fields, factories, kitchens—anything that put food on the table. Read more>>
Carlissa Shaw
My story will always start in North Memphis. I grew up between my grandparents’ house in Hollywood, my parents’ home in Frayser, and our church in Douglass. Those three neighborhoods were my whole world, and the closeness of those communities shaped everything about who I am. Read more>>
Andrea Toney
I’m a U.S. Army combat veteran, mother, and lifelong community advocate whose journey has always been rooted in service. I spent 15 years in the military, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and those experiences shaped my understanding of leadership, resilience, and the unique challenges women veterans face when transitioning home. After retiring, I felt called to use my voice and lived experience to continue serving in a new way. Read more>>
Ali & Wesley Lightfoot
Our story really just started with a simple dream, to live a little slower, raise our kids around animals, and know where our food comes from. I’m Ali, and with my husband,Wesley, run Lightfoot Farmstead. What began with a few backyard chickens has slowly grown into something so much bigger than we ever imagined. Read more>>
Robin Dabney
I was born in Memphis and raised in Marked Tree, AR. My dad was very involved in county and state level political roles and my mom was an elementary educator, so from a very young age I developed creative and social skills. I loved planning events for college socials and always enjoyed doing the floral pieces for my friends’ bridal and baby showers. Read more>>
