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.
Bruce Blauer
Following my five-year enlistment in the Navy as a Rescue Swimmer and Aircrewman Crew Chief, I set my sights on Los Angeles and earned a BA from UCLA in the School of Theater, Film, and Television. It was here that I began learning vocal warm-ups—an unexpected gateway to developing my breathwork practice. For over 10 years, I taught acting and my “Vocal Warm-Up Method,” experiencing unusual sensations in my body and an expanded mind. Read more>>
Kamran Raqs
My aunt is a cabaret singer, folk singer, and actress with an addiction to adventure- she and my uncle sailed the Nile, canoed the Yukon, trekked bike camping across the midwest, and scuba-dove most of the Caribbean and Hawaiian Islands together. Meanwhile, in my early life, my mother worked in architecture and design, but boasted degrees in language and history. She set the standard in my home that my younger brother and I learn a second language- I chose Spanish, my brother German, and she replied to us in Italian and French. Read more>>
Greg DiFranza
I teach people instinctual training, which mirrors what happens in a dog pack. I specialize in helping all dogs/breeds/ages/issues with creating a better human for them. I am most proud of the humans who agree, commit, and follow through because these clients will be the happiest, and it also makes their dogs happy! Using dog psychology sets me apart from anyone in this immediate area. Although there are similar trainers in Florida, I travel to clients all over Florida and the southeast US. Read more>>
Annora Lemieux
After graduating high school in 2023, I dove headfirst into the art world, painting in public places and selling my original oil paintings. My creative journey quickly grew as I started crafting custom pieces—capturing the essence of people’s pets, anniversary portraits, and even bringing their dreams to life on canvas. The excitement reached new heights in 2024 when I was accepted into the 48-hour mural competition at the Phoenix Arts and Innovation District here in Jax FL. There, I discovered the thrill of spray painting and the art of creating breathtaking large-scale murals. Read more>>
Madison Van Zile
I never really underwent a dry spell of bookings ever since I started charging for sessions and I have always felt surrounded by a wonderful photography community happy to help with any questions I ran into! My biggest obstacle to date as a photographer has been moving to a new state where I don’t really have the name recognition or word of mouth aspect to grow my business here like I did in Kentucky. Which I expected! I’m excited to get started with growing my business in Florida! Read more>>
Felix Diaz
Felix Diaz is a seasoned professional with a strong background in technology and customer success. Having honed his technical expertise as an Apple Genius at the Apple Bar, he later took on a leadership role as a Supervisor at the tech startup Zen Business, where he played a key role in scaling operations. Now, Felix is the founder and owner of Charged Up Jax, a fully electric lawn care company dedicated to providing an eco-friendly approach to landscaping while delivering world-class service across Northeast Florida. His commitment to innovation, sustainability, and excellence continues to drive his success in both the tech and green industries. Read more>>
Tesh Webb
It hasn’t always been a smooth road, like any business there have been challenges along the way. Starting during the pandemic came with its own set of obstacles, from navigating supply shortages to building a client base in uncertain times. But each challenge pushed me to adapt, grow, and stay resilient. Read more>>
David Layne
When I opened I didn’t Think at one point we’d start creating games, I didn’t realize 3D Development would be one of the most important skills in staying ahead but when Covid came I was Forced to evolve, challenged with the question how can I keep artists connected? So I started making small VR experiences like this: https://davidl341.sg-host.com/ and as i was developing more projects it hit me ” Its time to virtually connect the city, create a space where businesses artists and entrepreneurs can all be highlighted`and promoted in a much more subtle way that doesn’t interrupt user experience but instead becomes a part of it. This is what sparked our Jacksonville Fortnite project and ultimately our goal to bring this city to a virtual map! Read more>>
Courtney Bentley
My interest in training began when I was working in a veterinary hospital in 2012. I was originally pursuing a career as a veterinary technician, but was led to training by my new, unruly puppy- Rusko, a cattledog mix and the “why” behind the work that I do! I enrolled in a few big box pet store classes, none of which helped me reach my goals or address my dog’s growing behavioral issues (intense reactivity, aggression towards strange dogs, running away, you name it), and in researching additional training, I came across several trade schools for dog trainers. Within 3 weeks, I was moving to Texas to begin my first formal program, and have never looked back! Read more>>
Kanada Akira
These experiments expanded quickly as we wanted to explore homesteading and how our company could benefit off of all the new knowledge and experience we were gaining. Our backyard garden grew from a few pots to a totally diy renovated oasis. As an already homeschooling mom I provided the knowledge free of charge to those in my immediate community and happily encouraged all who would listen to start growing food because if I can do it, anyone truly can. Now we officially offer classes, workshops and events encouraging community, sustainability practices and growing what you eat, Read more>>
Xaviera Bell
I had dilated 1 centimeter and was sent to the hospital to get a stitch put in my cervix to keep it closed. Unfortunately, by the time I made it to the hospital I had dilated to 2 centimeters and the membrane was down in the vaginal canal. I remember the look on the doctor’s face as she advised me that she could not put in the stitch. She said in a shaky voice, “I’m so sorry. You are going to have to have the baby. At this gestational age he will not survive. I am so sorry for your loss.” I couldn’t understand. His heart was still beating strong. He was still alive. Why are they giving me condolences and Xan is healthy and strong? Read more>>
Monya Sharp
Last year, I successfully planned and executed over 25 events including two weddings with just myself and my friends who have supported my journey in such a major way. I have expanded into rentals and balloons since just last year as well. What gives me the most joy is seeing a client in awe that something that was once a vision comes together in real life. My signature is to provide customized surprise elements to show a client that I am in tune with the parts that they did not think of and my goal is for the entire process to be seamless from beginning to end. What’s next for Super Sharp Events? Only time will tell. I can only pray that this business continues to grow and expand while keeping hold to my vision to ensure every event is done the SHARP way- Read more>>
Kate Godfrey
Definitely not a smooth road. I thought I knew a good deal about training and that there was only one way to train until my Rottweiler, Heidi, came into my life and led me to balanced training. What a rocky road that was but I would do it all over again. That experience definitely made me a better trainer. Dogs are not created the same and what works with one training wise may not work with another. We’ve got to keep an open mind about dog training. Read more>>
Kelsey Sparks
With this agency, my primary goal is to help businesses big and small with their digital marketing, social media presence, digital campaigns and overall social media strategy, so they can effectively reach their ideal clients. In college, my passion for social media marketing and digital strategy was sparked. Today, I am embarking on the journey of starting my own social media agency, Socially Sparked, to help businesses and other professionals to effectively promote their products and services on social media, to their target audiences. The future is bright for social media marketing, and Socially Sparked Agency is here to help businesses capitalize on the exponential growth digital marketing can bring to their businesses. Read more>>
Sean Watkins
This little kid from a small town in West Virginia had been all over the world by the time I had graduated from high school. My martial arts training gave me confidence and made me acutely aware of my body. This lended me a particular skill set that transitioned my life toward the performing arts. I attended Marshall University and got my BFA in acting/directing, then moved to New York City. I spent my twenties performing on stages small and large both in NYC and around the country. However, I knew that something was missing in my life. Read more>>
Keith McStoots
During the 2009 recession, I started working for a large national roofing company. I started out as a commercial superintendent overseeing large jobs such as Orlando Magic’s home Amway Arena and Nemours Children’s Hospital in Lake Nona. During my 11 years with this company I held many positions, general superintendent, division manager, VP of Florida and eventually East Coast division Manager. In 2020, I resigned from this company and started my current company BKM Roofing Inc. This company is managed by my wife and myself. Read more>>
Pearl Harris
After surfing, I noticed that my skin was dry despite moisturizing before heading outside for the day. I realized I needed a moisturizer that could keep up with my active lifestyle. That’s when I decided to create my own moisturizer, designed to be effective regardless of the activity. A coworker, a surf sister, and even strangers would tell me they loved the fragrance I was wearing and asked for its name. At the time, it was a body butter with no name that I had created. The next question was always, “Do you sell it?” or there was a statement, “You should sell that.” Read more>>
Jessie Drew Hawkins
When I moved back to Jacksonville, I started managing social media for businesses, realizing how many struggled to maintain a strong online presence. That’s when I founded Gwei Media, a social media marketing and strategy company dedicated to helping businesses not only grow their audience but also build meaningful engagement with their communities. Over time, I’ve expanded my team and refined my approach, always staying focused on my clients’ unique voices and goals. Read more>>
Douglas Essig
When I got back home to Florida, I tried a few things opened nail salons, started a campervan company called Fearless, but all of it was leading me somewhere deeper. Around that time, I deepended my relationship with God. I started to realize that my purpose wasn’t just about building businesses…it was about building something bigger than myself. I wasn’t just chasing success. I was being called to serve. Read more>>
Jordan Dzialoski
I continued exploring both worlds: studying photography in school while also earning my phlebotomy certification. I took on various roles throughout the years — EMT, phlebotomist, medical assistant, nursing assistant, pharmacy technician — always learning, always growing. At the same time, I never let go of the creative side. I taught painting classes, sold my artwork at local markets, and worked on and off at LUSH Cosmetics for about six years. I felt like I needed to collect as much life experience as possible before truly finding where I belonged. Read more>>
Taylor Thompson
Since then, I’ve had the absolute honor of capturing some of life’s most beautiful milestones—engaged couples, glowing expectant parents, birthday milestones, treasured family time, and even the final photos someone will ever have with a loved one. Every session is a reminder of why I do what I do—because photos matter. They hold feelings, people, stories, and love. It never ceases to amaze me how one image can tell a story, spark a memory, or hold so much emotion. Read more>>
Ryan Crary
Since I can remember, I’ve always loved the creative process and sharing the creativity with others. Throughout my youth I wrote songs and recorded them as ‘demos’ trying to mimic the sounds of the day (311 and Incubus being my most inspirational groups). It wasn’t until my Junior year in College (UNF) that I discovered like minded individuals who wanted to take their talents and pursue their passions even further (See in my home it was always a ‘fun’ thing to do, but never a career path or a ‘smart choice’). I graduated during a recession and had trouble putting my new college degree to work for me. So I made money playing bar gigs with some friends and serving tables at local restaurants, until my group gained so much popularity that we were gigging full time. Read more>>
Alona Lukianchenko
I’m from Ukraine, I came with my husband almost 3 years ago. I can say that it was a start probably, new leaf in new country. I was thinking about what I could do here, I had good conversational English, but I wanted to improve it and thought that I needed a job where I would talk to people. I went to several interviews and was hired as a receptionist at a medical spa. Read more>>
Tracy Jackson
It was definitely not a smooth road. I had my own thoughts of myself being Inadequate, not educated enough, or not a professional writer, nor journalist; but I persevered and continued my devotion to accomplish writing a book that took me 30 years to finally finish and to publish, but I accomplished it. Read more>>
Kai Neufville
Then Florida came next. Another shift. Palm trees instead of concrete. Sunshine, but not always warmth. It was hard staying grounded when the scenery kept changing. Each time I started to build something—connections, momentum—I had to rebuild it all over again. That’s the part people don’t talk about enough: how moving can make you feel like you’re starting from scratch every time. Read more>>
Alain Hentschel
My career as an artist began like that of many artists, as a child. Indeed, like many children, drawing and painting came naturally to me and was a great way to pass the time. Perhaps even more for me as an only child, since there were no siblings to distract me. By the time I headed for college (California State University at Long Beach) I was trying to find a creative pathway that might also pay the bills. My first idea was architecture. I spent most of my college years working for an architect -doing odd jobs, printing floor plans as well as drafting. That experience cured my ambitions in that direction as I found the business of architecture lacking in aesthetic appeal. Then I tried industrial design (as it was called in the day) and ultimately found I wasn’t suited to the hardcore practicality of that aspect of design thinking. After that I tried illustration. While that was closer to my interests, it still was not something I was particularly good at. Eventually, I settled on painting and drawing which I immediately loved and where I had no problem exercising my imagination, feeling satisfied and fulfilled, but still with no clue as to how I would make a living. Read More>>
Kash Barb
Kash Barb is best described as a successful celebrity makeup artist. Living out my best talents I manipulated every aspect of social media. Starting as a local model in the dmv area I appeared in many commercial modeling gigs, hair shows, runway shows and music videos. Some music videos include Rapper Fabolous “When I Feel Like It”, Rapper Black Cobain “Quiet Time”, and more. Also from my modeling career I found my love and talent in makeup artistry. Read More>>
