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.
Tk Turner
After graduating in 2014, I relocated to North Carolina. It was a difficult adjustment since I no longer had family or my closest friends around. I began to work, and every job became a stage. My humor brought some good people into my life and helped create bonds that felt like family. I eventually began my comedy journey in late 2020 at the legendary Goodnights Comedy Club in Raleigh. After honing my craft across the state—performing in clubs, bars, and pubs—I built a reputation for delivering honest, hectic life stories and lessons through relatable, engaging, and hilarious performances. Read more>>
Vanessa
Determined to turn this dream into reality, I decided to leave the traditional career path behind and embark on a new adventure. Now, as I work toward becoming a licensed esthetician and building my own business, I am fueled by the desire to make others feel beautiful and confident in their own skin, all while honoring my mom’s memory and the lessons she taught me about following my heart. Read more>>
Sir William Alexander
The journey has been anything but smooth. Navigating the industry meant encountering people who prioritized profit over integrity—promoters, managers, and club owners who saw EyE WiLL as nothing more than a financial opportunity rather than an artist with vision and purpose. Betrayal and broken promises became recurring challenges, but instead of allowing them to be setbacks, EyE WiLL turned them into lessons. Read more>>
Andrew Durham
I started eating a more vegan and vegetarian diet when I became lactose intolerant as an adult as well as developed a condition called IBS. I learned that when I ate this way, I didn’t have as many bad side effects. Actually I felt good. When I open my vegan food truck there are no vegan options. Some nice me and my wife would just ride around and we just wanted a burger and fries but nobody sold vegan burger fries so that’s what I stepped in and said I’m gonna open up a Vegan joint. Birth of Vegan gator. I never knew it would become so successful and so liked by people I just wanted to give people a good burger and fries. Read more>>
Klarissa Young
Now, I create with that same spirit—still emotional, still tender, but with more trust. My art is an offering, and I’m proud of the community it continues to reach. The more I realized there were others who felt seen by it. That’s when everything shifted. Now, I create with more intention, more trust, and a deeper understanding of why I do what I do. My art is an offering—and somehow, that offering keeps circling back with love. Read more>>
Rebeca Sobrado
Fast forward five years ago to Thanksgiving. I invited some friends over, and like any good host, I wanted to impress. I whipped up a charcuterie board that wowed the room. And just like that, the spark was lit. Let’s Cheese was born—a little dream inspired by a big love for bringing people together, just like my mom always did. She was the “hostess with the mostest,” and I guess that gene runs strong! Read more>>
Melissa Settle
My family farm has been a working cattle farm since 1919; and partnering with local farmers and businesses to source fresh produce for Grazing Parlor is a full-circle moment for me. And who doesn’t LOVE charcuterie?! From the youngest to the oldest, pickiest to adventurous, charcuterie is a crowd pleaser to all. Since our launch 6 months ago, we have been embraced by all of Jacksonville and really encouraged about our concept of bringing build-your-own boards and boxes to the 904. Our motto is To Feast. To Share. To Enjoy. So gather your friends and family, let us make y’all some boxes, and delight in the blessings of food and fellowship! Read more>>
James Bain
James Bain, originally from Morecambe, England, embarked on a journey that would illuminate his path to success in the world of holiday light shows. His story is one of dedication, creativity, and a drive to captivate audiences with lighted sculptures. James fondly remembers his childhood in England, where he, his Mum, and siblings experienced the wonder and excitement of traveling to the Blackpool Illuminations. These cherished memories inspired him to create magical light displays that bring families together and create lasting memories. Read more>>
Terrell Johnson
After I graduated high school during my first semester at Edward Waters I received an opportunity to to perform in Beijing china for 6 months. I backed out of college and left Jax and went to china to grow not just musically but spiritually as well. today I can say that move was the best at the time!. Today I am currently apart of multiple projects working with multiple artists and Writing my own music. 2025 will be my breakout Year! Read more>>
Zion Tucker
I started with working a 9-5, I did that for some time until one particular shift, I was having a very hard time. I thought to myself; I shouldn’t stay here, the world has more to offer and I shouldn’t be content with remaining just a worker. I also was focused on making my parents proud; I enrolled in college and planned on using my 9-5 as a stepping stone to escape it. Before I reached branding Soie Extensions, I tried four different business niches that didn’t make sense to me until I started to look at what I enjoyed spending my money on–hair! and that’s how Soie Extensions came about. Read more>>
Brandon Rivera
Not all of us make it or get into better situations, I will say thoe I am very happy to have been in my circumstances and situations due to never giving up. From lost files on my phones and computers that contain my audio files. Occurrences that placed me in jail being around some of the wrong people. Failed relationships with friends and woman! Losing relations with my family members! It’s been a work of art the things I’ve been through! This is why I used my music to speak about it just like so many others! Read more>>
Jessica Akel
After years in the beauty industry, I decided to create a space of my own—one where luxury meets comfort, and clients feel genuinely seen and cared for. From the moment Luna Shears opened its doors, it’s been more than just a salon. It’s a reflection of everything I’ve learned: to lead with passion, to serve with purpose, and to create beauty that empowers. Read more>>
India Bryant
What began as making natural skin care products in my kitchen evolved into a full-blown business rooted in self-love, ritual, and community. As I grew, I realized that what I was building was more than just a product line—it was a sanctuary. That’s when Ruth’s Garden was born, in honor of my grandmother Ruth, who was my safe space. She taught me what love, nourishment, and healing looked like, and I wanted to create that same feeling for others. Read more>>
Kate Strickland
Growing Wander Media Company has not been without its challenges. First, the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically reduced our viewership due to travel shutdowns, and it severely impacted advertising revenue amid all the market uncertainty. We responded by expanding our reach through digital streaming platforms and by white labeling our technology and marketing models to serve other markets and industries. Second, a series of hurricanes in recent years slowed our expansion into affected areas, as resources and emergency funds were redirected. Third, transitioning from a traditional advertising-based revenue model to a white-label service model required a lengthy and complex operational shift. Read more>>
Irina Kuznetsova
When my first daughter was borm , I wanted to capture every moment of her first steps. My husband gifted me a camera, but my photos still did not turn out as I hoped. I wanted to learn all about those buttons and settings , so I enrolled in a photography course. Three years ago we moved to Cyprus because my husbands job . Leaving my office job made me cosider phorography as a career. I was thrilled when people started to booking my shoots – I found new friends and like -minded people . A year ago , we reloceted from Cyprus to Florida . I hope to succeed here , endlessly inspired by new locations and the multicultural vibe. Read more>>
Evan Orth
My desire was just to share my experience and football knowledge with the next generation and it was my way to stay around the game. I started with just a few quarterbacks and it quickly grew over the years. Now we have worked with hundreds in of QBs in Jacksonville and all the surrounding areas and are constantly growing. We are proud to help develop quarterbacks and see how quickly they progress in their skills. QB1 Athletics now has 4 other locations and consistently adding more in the Southeast. Read more>>
Jose Ortega
Outside of the music, I’ve pursued a barbering career that I started since high school and at the same time followed in my parents footsteps and entered the logistics industry. I can say that what I am most proud of is the fact that I’ve been able to juggle all of those important factors and still have been able to stay true to myself. Read more>>
Mary Medley
I have been interested in books since I was a small child I self-published my first book in my early twenties and several more since then. I am currently working on my first full length novel to be completed soon. I’ve always wanted to be a business owner as well so opening a bookstore was a natural progression of where my interests lie. With the current economy and the way it is, making it a mobile store instead of paying rent at a brick and mortar location will hopefully be able to keep my overhead low so I can offer many books to the community at great prices. Read more>>
Astin Hunt
Astin Hunt started Hunt Wildlife Services in 2015 because he truly loves people and loves animals. He wanted to start a company to serve people by solving any problems that wildlife cause the Jacksonville community through humane and effective approaches. The goal from day one has to be the most humane, thorough and comprehensive wildlife service company to serve North Florida. We’ve quadrupled in size/production since then, but remain an intimate team of four. Read more>>
Lauren Charlton
Beyond working directly with clients, I’m passionate about creating social media content on my Instagram @lauren.charltonn that makes sports nutrition more accessible. I love sharing both the highs and the challenges of the athlete lifestyle, combining relatable experiences with practical, evidence-based advice. My goal is to build a community where athletes — whether recreational or competitive — feel supported, informed, and inspired. Read more>>
Lisa Keller
It has not! We have had many set backs. The first was my husbands declining health and then he did pass away May of 2024. I was not able to secure the hard to come by store fronts that were being developed during this time as I needed to be home to take care of my family. I went through a few potential spaces that did not work out due to construction timelines and long delays. It was a huge struggle to find a space that was affordable with rent and build out costs. It’s exciting to be able to build your own store how you want to design it but also challenging because of cost and completion timing in our very fast growing area. Read more>>
Sarah Cebulski
Balancing high school and photography was tough. My parents have always valued education and really encouraged me to take the traditional college route. Meanwhile, I watched friends go off to art schools and move to NYC to chase their creative dreams. I followed the more traditional route and went to college, but it didn’t feel right. After two years, I dropped out and moved to New York, hoping to make it as a fashion photographer. Read more>>
Tasha Stevens
Yet, by the time I was 23 my health took a turn for the worst. I gained 30lbs in a month, I was struggling with anxiety and panic attacks daily, I was so exhausted I was struggling to hold down my new job post-graduation, I had chronic stomach bloating and pain, my period symptoms were hitting me full force even though I was “on birth control”. I was miserable and uncomfortable in my body. And yet again, I was told that everything was “fine”. My bloodwork was “normal or within range” and that the symptoms that I was experiencing were “normal for women as we age”. Read more>>
Antoya Shuler
I am a first-generation college student, who grew up in a family filled with love and support but stemmed from a generation with less opportunities. My parents stressed the importance of education and pushed my siblings and I to achieve more than their opportunities afforded. Fast forward, I graduated as one of few minority students in the Top 10% of my high school class and earned a full academic scholarship to the University of Florida. Read more>>
Nicole Zornitzer
Since 2007 I have been teaching Children’s Yoga in the private and public school sectors and it has been my passion to bring yoga and mindfulness to the youngest of populations. In 2025 I connected with the Founders of The Creative Kids Movement Network, headquartered in New York. We quickly realized the amazing synergy between us and I decided to become part of their organization and am now the owner of The Creative Kids Movement Network, Jacksonville / Northern Florida. The Creative Kids Movement Network was founded in 1998 and we bring Yoga, Mindfulness, and Dance to preschools, daycare centers, elementary schools, and wellness centers. Read more>>
Angela Soriano
I started my rescue journey a long time ago, before I entered grade school! I think the first animal I rescued was a lizard who lost his leg! I had made a makeshift cast for him and my parents would have said back then that I would grow up to be a veterinarian! While that did not happen as the field is quite saturated, I chose a different path of pet rescue. I rescued my first kitten when I was in the second grade when I found a little kitten on the side on the road on my way to school. While my teacher ended up keeping her, she was the one who told me that I’d do great in pet rescue and thus started my dream to save more pets in need. Finally, in June of 2024, my dream came true and Celestial Pet Rescue inc. was founded! Read more>>
Sabrina Taj-Taj
My journey into acupuncture started when I got diagnosed with HPV in my 20’s after having had awful interactions with my doctor. Luckily, I took my mother with me to an appointment. After the up tenth appointment, that was only painful with no change in my diagnosis, my mother said: “We are done with Western Medicine” and we started looking for alternatives. Through the help of a holistic practitioner, I cleaned up my diet, removed some stress from my life, and started doing the self-care things (massage & yin yoga) and behold! My HPV started to go away! From there came the wish to provide the same help I received from my mother. I want people to know they CAN feel better. There are other routes available. And that is how I enrolled into acupuncture. Read more>>
Allison Alexander
I have now owned the business for a year and a half and have grown the staff from 3 to 10 performers and added over 5 new characters! I plan to make the business my full time job as I have found the place I was meant to be. Providing love and smiles to anyone and everyone. Sometimes all it takes is a little faith in yourself and love for what you do, you never know where life will take you! You truly can do and be anything with the right attitude and LOTS of work and dedication! Read more>>
Bridget Frarer
I feel that we put a lot of pressure on young people to have a degree or path picked out right away, and the truth is for a lot of us who went to college right after high school – it was too soon. While I absolutely see the value in education, I don’t believe a college degree is the only path to success. Having experienced both sides, I’ve come to value real-world experience more than education. What you learn in a college classroom often doesn’t translate to how things operate in the real world. I’ve also learned that just because you are good at a job it doesn’t mean you should stay in it! Read more>>
Micki Woodford
Over the past four years I have worked on and recently completed my master’s in Exercise Science. At the same time I have been homeschooling my daughter, teaching PE to home schoolers and running my small business, MASE Fitness. I recently completed my first book which is a Biblically based Wellness Devotional and Fitness Journal. So keeping my head above water and delivering high quality personal training services has been difficult at times. My long prayer walks each morning help keep me grounded. Read more>>
Lak Vohra
He has been based in Jacksonville FL because a local native visited his booth at the Sag Harbor Oktoberfest and happened to like his story, his personality, his style, his salesmanship, and this crypto philanthropist on the spot ordered 10,000 cigars at full retail price with the hope that Lak would come spend a few years as Jax readies a stadium uplift. This gentleman was and continues to remain behind a scenes and a true visionary. Everytime Lak plans to migrate to another city or return to Sag Harbor, this local Jaxson places another majestic order! Read more>>
Caitlin Lopez
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, universities and gyms were forced to shut down temporarily. Like many others, I faced layoffs and financial uncertainty, all while still attending school. I knew I had to find a way to support myself, so I pivoted quickly. I realized people were still looking for one-on-one training, so I began marketing my services through a third-party platform. That helped me gain a few clients, but I knew I wanted to do more. Read more>>
Sariah Kee
The following year was okay but honestly I slacked off a little I didn’t pr but the very first meet I ran a 15:48 it honestly was the closet I’ve ever ran to my pr. I doubted myself a lot and I couldn’t really see how great I was because I couldn’t run my time or something els. My freshman year in high school I was a little rusty in the beginning I ran 17’s but I told myself I would not stop until I’ve won or became number 1. But towards the end of the season i’ve pr’d to a 14.99 and I haven’t let up and I’m not planning too no time soon. Read more>>
Eric Ogle
My wife Cristina and I started shopping/collecting second hand & thrifting when we were first married in order to furnish our apartment with interesting and unique items we could afford. Over time we our collection grew and our style evolved so we would host the occasional “yard sale” to fund our next home decor reset/upgrade. Both of us grew up with an affinity for “junk” Cristina’s Grandfather who she called Boo-daddy love his old stuff from his days working on the rail yard in Jacksonville and she enjoyed digging through his trinkets and cool stuff. Read more>>
Anne Garrett
I have always been drawn to real estate, even as a young girl I remember cutting out homes from magazines and glueing them into my own notebook to create my idea of a perfect home. Marshall University became home to me as I completed my graduate degree in Education, but real estate was still in my heart. Next came motherhood and all of the demands sweet babies bring, so I put my dreams on the back burner for a while so that I could focus on that time with my children. In 2020 my kids were school age and I decided it was time to pursue something I had been passionate about for so long and took the plunge into real estate. Read more>>
Deshonna
The vision was born from my own lived experience as a black woman and as a single mother with trauma. I had to find confidence and comfort in the face of adversity. What began as an act of survival has become a model for dignity-based care that uplifts and empowers in whatever I do. I channel my struggles and emotions into whatever I create, that way I no longer have to hold on to them and carry their weight. I am free. Read more>>
Inna Kolt
What truly sets my business apart is my signature technique — Natural Powder Brows. It’s a method I developed over the years that focuses on creating soft, natural-looking brows tailored to each client’s features. I’m also proud to be one of the few professionals who specialize in safe removal of old or poorly done permanent makeup, helping clients feel confident again. Read more>>
Emily Conyers
I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but spent most of my life in Oviedo, Florida with my parents and younger brother, Mike. From as early as I can remember, I was drawn to the natural world. I adored animals, was fascinated by geology, and spent hours exploring herbs and their healing properties. At the age of seven, I started a “Nature Club” in our backyard, dedicating myself to caring for the wildlife that visited our half-acre home and curating a small herb garden where I’d learn about plant medicine from books borrowed from the local library. Read more>>
Martha Gorski
I eventually bought all the Playball franchises in Jacksonville and be came the only Playball provider in Jacksonville. I worked as a coach for 10 years. Then made the jump to hire coaches and begin my new phase of managing. My son Jack had just graduated college and he decided he would try it for a while. Jack built our elementary program to a level I couldn’t have done. He is now my invaluable partner and we now have a generational buisness. We have been blessed with phenomenal staff that I consider family 20 years later, Time4playball is now one of the largest and most successful Playball franchises in the entire USA. We are coaching up to 800 kids a week across Jacksonville. Read more>>
Tatiana Henderson
The road hasn’t always been smooth, but it’s been manageable with ups and downs. A lot of my journey involved consistent investments in finding the right equipment, supplies, and techniques. There were struggles with last-minute cancellations, no-shows, and juggling a schedule as a full-time college student while maintaining a fully booked barber schedule. As a high-demand barber, I’ve faced challenges in meeting all the demands. In the beginning, there were days with no clients, but I pushed through by creating a buzz and continuously marketing to a constantly changing audience. Read more>>
Kurt Rogers
I founded Activated Awakening as a way to help others reconnect with themselves through the power of the breath. I currently offer group classes, private sessions, couples sessions, and corporate wellness workshops — all grounded in presence, emotional safety, and deep inner work. I’m also in the process of planning my first immersive breathwork retreat, which will bring together everything I’ve learned and loved about this practice in a powerful, nature-based container. Read more>>
