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.
Andre Martins
If any single band member got sick or got hurt, they were not easily replacable, and therefore, the show would not occur. That would mean a lost paycheck for me and this reoccuring issue made my finances unpredictable. Once COVID hit in 2020 and band/musician shows tanked altogether, I had to come up with another plan to sustain myself and pay my bills. That’s when I looked into DJing and the rest is history. Not only did I pursue DJing for the next 5 years, but I also combined my piano playing with DJing to create my unique “Hybrid Sets” that I play at festivals and such. I am so blessed to be able to do this as my career! Read more>>
Katie Vidan
I was exploring every nook and cranny of the theater while she conducted the fittings; and if I wasn’t at either of THOSE places- I was at home in my leopard print-themed bedroom, working on some kind of art project and soaking up every bit of far-too-advanced pop culture I could get my hands on from my cool older sister. So, with that being my origin story– it should probably come as no surprise that I eventually ended up going to art school and then moving to New York City for nearly a decade. Read more>>
Nicholas Reimer
My journey with coffee began in 2016 at a local coffee shop in Orange Park, Florida. I started out working in the deli area, but that changed when I watched a friend and coworker create incredible latte art. It immediately caught my attention. I had never seen anything like it in person, and I knew I had to try it for myself. My first attempt was a mess—but I kept practicing until I started creating something I could be proud of. Around that same time, I brewed my first pour-over, and the flavor notes I experienced completely changed how I viewed coffee. Read more>>
Geysha Tomassone
My love for the hair industry started early—at just 12 years old, I began working in a small salon in my hometown in New Jersey. From that moment, I knew exactly what I wanted to do after high school. I pursued cosmetology school right away and committed myself to continuous education, working relentlessly to grow in my craft. Read more>>
Cle Wilkerson
I grew with my 2 brothers in a single parent home. My mother inspired me and taught us to care for others no matter what you have you give to those in need. Growing up I watched my mom work in her community with her church serving those in need with food, clothes, words of encouragement and hugs. A lot of our friends throughout the years would stay with us. and my mom always opened her doors. Throughout my adulthood I have coached a little league basketball team, mentored at risk youth through an alternative to suspension program, and worked 1 on 1 with individuals providing coaching and life management skills. Read more>>
Daria Apostolova
What followed were multiple contracts, with different ensemble configurations and experiences, and eventually, in 2015, my family and I moved to the United States. We spent our first year in Miami, where I started performing at weddings and playing with local symphony orchestras. Later, we moved to Jacksonville — a city I absolutely love for its beautiful weather, greenery, and overall atmosphere. Read more>>
Rachel Kamps-Huffman
I survived my mostly happy childhood by disappearing when I could into the world of sound and music, artistic things, black berry picking, long walks in the woods, cleaning house, riding horses, babysitting, canning vegetables and taking care of my siblings, helping my Mother keep, working in the summer on onion and celery farms while developing a happy-tan-smile across the exposed skin on my low back, and scarring my hands for life with cuts from the onion clippers. My siblings provided constant company. They remain the best part of my childhood and to this day, my adulthood. Read more>>
Dawn Schull
Jacksonville, FL — For more than two decades, Dawn has called Jacksonville home, raising six children on her own while working as a web designer for Clay County. But it wasn’t until she stepped onto a field at a Scottish Highland Games event more than 20 years ago that her life would take an unexpected turn toward the world of heavy lifting, throwing, and flipping trees—all while wearing a kilt. Read more>>
Jason Sobol
But now with social media and the size of exhibition halls I am no longer competing against 100 people in a room, but I’m competing against up to 1000 in the online space it is even greater of a competition. Additionally, bouncing a growing family and maintaining a teaching job Makes it very difficult to be as up-to-date with the trends in the markets as one would need to be in order to be a successful artist. Also, no one ever told me that I would need to be in charge of an actual business and not just be a creative. Read more>>
Barry Olsavsky
Barry Olsavsky -arranger, composer, and lead panist, performs on Invader Lead, Double Seconds, vocals. Barry began his musical training at the age of 9 studying with Frank G. Forgione, founder of the US Navy Show Band known as the Goodwill Ambassadors and a former student of Frank Holt, percussionist with the John Phillips Sousa Band. In 1985 Barry obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Percussion from the University of North Florida where he studied with Charlotte Mabrey, former Principal Percussionist with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Barry worked with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra for 20 years as a section percussionist which included performances in Carnegie Hall, as well as touring performances around the US. Read more>>
Caroline Harrison
In 2023, I joined the International Rhino Foundation (IRF), where I currently serve as Development Associate. IRF is committed to ensuring the survival of all five rhino species—black, white, greater one-horned, Sumatran, and Javan—through strategic partnerships, focused protection, and science-based solutions. Founded in 1991 in response to the poaching crisis in Zimbabwe, IRF now supports rhino conservation efforts across Africa and Asia, guided by values like integrity, collaboration, and adaptability. Read more>>
Frances Frias
While an adult inspired my career path, I have always had a passion for working with children. From 2010 to 2015, I worked at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, where I gained extensive experience treating a wide range of communication disorders in a clinical setting. After relocating to the Orlando area, I continued my work by providing home health services to children and families in my community. Read more>>
Jasmine Alfaro
I thought about the cartoons I would watch on my beat-up laptop in middle school. The colorful ponies taught me about friendship in a divorced household that was devoid of love. The exciting battles of mythical creatures, in a strict childhood where fun was a distraction. The video games I would play on my black Nintendo DS were a gateway to late-night joy and giggling under the covers. My young mind would think about how wonderful it would be to make such sources of joy. To make art that would make other kids happy, better than just doodles in lined paper margins. Read more>>
LaKita Gordon
Finally, I gave my twin sister a jar or two of my high quality, silky, smooth and moisturizing body butters to try on my nephew. THE RESULTS were absolutely amazing!!! With consistency, he felt and saw relief within a couple of weeks! And I did realize that if I could help one person then surely I could help somebody else. I haven’t looked back yet and am grateful that I have been able to provide products that feel good, smell good, and heal skin from the most sensitive skin to the more extreme cases. Read more>>
Heather Rowe
I’ve always had a passion for beauty and self-care, but it wasn’t until I truly understood the science behind skin did everything click. I enrolled into the esthetics program at FSCJ spring of 2021, still in the midst of COVID. During that in school, I finally felt like I was finally able to use my talents, knowledge and expertise to my advantage. I managed my duties as a wife, and mother and put my all into passing my course and gaining my license. From there the world was mine and I began my new found career in esthetics. Read more>>
Dustin Barber
I am known for playing electric guitar with famous artists and nylon string guitar, ukulele solo and with my tropical bands. Also known for my recordings and for playing electric guitar and occasionally leading praise and worship at my church The Well at Crystal Springs on Sundays.. I’m most proud of the relationships and music I’ve made along the way and my relationship with God and my family. Read more>>
Barbara Castro
My love for being a public servant began as a Police Officer in Texas. There I was a police sergeant, I served for approximately 16 years. I then trasitioned back into my first choice of nursing and completed my nursing degree. I quickly became bored and longed to be back on the road, talking to people and serving families, which led me into realstate and becoming my own business entrepernour. Being a military spouse I know how stressful moves can be, so I wanted to put to use all my skills and get into realstate, where I am today. Read more>>
Jamar Suber
Hats Off Duval began as a heartfelt campaign to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of students, educators, and community members within Duval County Public Schools. It symbolized appreciation for those who go above and beyond—from students tossing graduation caps, to educators wearing multiple hats in support of their classrooms, to leaders stepping into bold roles for student success. Read more>>
Captain Austin Nikkola
When I was in high school, I realized I had an opportunity to take my baseball career to the next level, but unfortunately I lost focus and turned partying into my number one goal. Bars, house parties, 3 day benders to week long benders and all of that put me hanging out in houses with no electricity or furniture, dark places. Places no one should be. Once I realized that I did not have the grades to play baseball I ended up leaving high school early and that’s where I really fell deeper into a darker hole with partying and drug usage. I was in and out of treatment centers, jails, and institutions and wrecked havoc everywhere I went and broke everything I touched. Read more>>
Marquis Wright
Around that time, 2009, I was living with my grandma and started helping my Uncle Jamie. He was the first person to teach me business. We ran games together like a neighborhood casino, and I was the house. I handled the cash, kept up with the games, and made sure nobody cheated. I didn’t know it then, but that laid the foundation for how I’d understand business, money, and people. If I could keep angry gamblers calm, an old lady with a flooring issue wasn’t going to shake me. Read more>>
