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.
Ken Cope
My previous career was in the senior home care business. I worked for Baptist for years and then went to work for a private company running two offices in Memphis and Oxford MS. When I found an opportunity to start my own business I jumped on it. Read more>>
Brandon Johnson
As an Army veteran that did 3 tours in Iraq. I began tattooing (self taught/ scratching lol)while still in the army. When I was honorably discharged, I was a house tattooed. I began my actual apprenticeship in 2010 and I’ve been tattooing for 16 years. All in the city of Memphis. During the pandemic a lot of things shut down, including tattoo operations.. Read more>>
Cindy Longmire
In 2018, I started my mobile manicure and pedicure business for individuals that are homebound or have difficulty getting about because of a medical condition. I immediately began networking and building relationships with Home Health and Hospice agencies. Also social workers and physical therapist that have home bound clients. I also visit Memory Care facilities to do nails services for those with dementia/Alzheimer’s. Read more>>
Kristen Regenold
I’ve been in the agency world since 2008 – big traditional firms, scrappy digital startups, small boutique shops. I’ve seen how strategy works at scale and how fast great ideas can move when the team is right. But honestly, this started long before that. Read more>>
Neena Elmore
After treating my uncle for dysphagia following a heart attack, I witnessed firsthand the gap in care within our community. He had a feeding tube, and specialized dysphagia therapy simply was not available in our area. Read more>>
Onaedo Ezenwa
I am a freshman now, but the part of my journey that truly shaped me began in eighth grade. Middle school experiences may not carry the same weight as those in high school, yet I made the most of every opportunity I could find. Read more>>
Khara Woods
I’m an artist in large part because I was raised by one. My mother is still a huge inspiration to me, especially her commitment to showing up for her practice every day. That idea of daily work has stayed with me, and one of my goals right now is building a consistent sketching habit so I’m strengthening the foundation behind everything I make. Read more>>
Ariel Williams
My journey in healthcare began with education and a desire to build a meaningful career that could make an impact. In May 2015, I graduated with my Associate Degree in Healthcare Administration of Medical Records, which gave me my first formal foundation in understanding the structure, compliance, and responsibility behind patient information and care. Read more>>
Felicia Knox
My story begins in Memphis, Tennessee, as the only child of Wesley H. Knox, an Army veteran, and Geraldine J. Knox-Staten. Being raised by a father who served in Vietnam and Desert Storm instilled in me a deep respect for service, discipline, and community. From both of my parents, I learned the value of education, resilience, and showing up fully for the people around you. Read more>>
Naser Fazlullah
I was born in Bangladesh, a nation known for resilience, innovation in microfinance, and the strength of its people. Growing up in a culture shaped by perseverance and community values, I learned early the importance of sacrifice, hard work, and service. Those principles became the foundation of my life. Read more>>
D’Angelo Connell
I’m a full-time entrepreneur now, but that wasn’t always the plan. For years, I worked a series of jobs that didn’t feed me any real sense of purpose — and the pay wasn’t satisfying either. The most recent was just under six years at the Post Office. It was stable. It was consistent. But I kept asking myself, Is this it? Read more>>
Neely Draughon
I am a lifelong Memphian and a Rhodes College graduate who took a brief detour to Nashville before finding my way back home to open Off the Square Catering. After Rhodes, I moved to Nashville to work in the music industry as the Finance Director for the Nashville Songwriters Association International. Read more>>
Lauren Coulson
I’ve loved jewelry for as long as I can remember. As a child, I started by stringing plastic beads, and over time that evolved into working with higher-quality materials. A pivotal moment for me was a family road trip out West, where I fell in love with the craftsmanship and detail in Native American jewelry. Read more>>
Charles Cole
I think my journey started in collage at Middle Tennessee State University. I pursued a Bachelors in Fine Art and from then on always had a creative journey. Earlier on I painted and created items for art auctions. Then moved to making props for scenario paintball games. In 2010 I returned to painting and started creating digital images. Read more>>
Kaiana Lewis
I actually didn’t start in the floral industry at all. I was working at Sprouts grocery store, in the pharmacy department. I spent my days helping people find supplements and wellness products. But something interesting kept happening — customers would come up to me asking for eucalyptus and lavender plants. Fresh herbal flowers. Read more>>
Mary Spellings
In 2009, My friend and I felt the Lord leading us to open a cooperative gallery in Jackson Tennessee. Read more>>
Jakeisha Goston
I am originally from Gunnison, Mississippi, a small rural town that shaped my values of faith, hard work, and service. Coming from a close-knit community, I learned early on the importance of compassion and caring for others—principles that continue to guide my life and career. Read more>>
Daniel Fields
Daniel Fields, professionally known as Konsciencebeatz, discovered rhythm before he discovered language. As a child, sound was instinctive — booms and clicks forming a vocabulary long before words could. What began as curiosity quickly became calling. In middle school, searching for an outlet, Fields joined the band. Read more>>
Kier Byrnes
I lost my mom when she was giving birth to me and never knew my dad, so my older brother and I bounced around various adoption agencies. We eventually got taken in by a high functioning meth head couple. There were problems starting day one. Read more>>
Sephryn Cercone
I didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a dog groomer, but I did grow up understanding what it feels like to be overlooked. That perspective shaped me more than I realized at the time. I’ve always had a deep empathy for the misunderstood, whether that’s people or pets. Animals became a safe place for me early on. They respond to patience, consistency, and care. Read more>>
Latesha Austin
I started an organization based off my personal life. To empower, encourage and solve problems. Imputing my skills and experiences. The name “Art of Struggle “ stems from the trials and tribulations I’ve gone through and still fighting! Read more>>
