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.
Velvet Eidson
I grew up singing in her family’s touring gospel group Velvet and the Evangels. I went on to study voice at Jacksonville University before moving to Nashville to pursue a career as a professional singer. As a member of the 3-person vocal group Dave & Sugar, I would tour & record all over the US before eventually returning home to Florida and opening my voice coaching studio. Read more>>
Gus Budayana
We’ve came from third world country Indonesia, being here in USA is a privilege, and we are trying to make the best out of it for the opportunities to grow. Owning a restaurant it’s been a long term goal for me and my wife. Read more>>
Randolph Love III
.- [ ] I was a corporate after hours agent and first line underwriter for a huge insurance company called State Farm. I did that for over seven years, and was a top salesman. I retired, but that retirement only lasted for a few months. Read more>>
Vimaris Arroyo
Originally from the stunning Caribbean island of Puerto Rico, and after having spent almost twenty long winters in scenic Massachusetts state, my husband and I decided that Florida was our next destination. We moved to Ponte Vedra Beach few years ago. I was delighted to replace shoveling snow with lots of sunshine. I fell in love with this area the first time I visited. Read more>>
Bridget May
From a young age, I was always the “go-to girl” for décor, parties, and travel in my family — the one who could take any space or occasion and turn it into something beautiful. Read more>>
Juan Romero
About 10 years ago I decided to invest some money my parents gave me in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy. Jiu-Jitsu had given me so much direction and discipline that had resulted in a healthy and simple lifestyle that I committed to bring these same benefits to others; irrelevant of age. Read more>>
Caitlin Gallagher
My path to entrepreneurship began with a love of travel and a desire to help others experience the world with ease and confidence. After a successful career in project management and franchise ownership, I founded Ambren Travel in 2012, initially focusing on family vacations and gradually expanding into luxury cruises, tours and custom curated travel experiences. Read more>>
Matthew Davis
My Story My journey started when I was about 15 years old. I began working for a close friend and mentor, Mike Hill, who owned a large catering company in Gainesville, Florida. Mike was more than a boss — he was like family to me. He gave me my first real opportunity, working weekends catering events and cooking barbecue. Read more>>
Brooke Williams
Owned and operated by women! Our Founder Lisa Dallaire opened in our first location in the historic district of St.Augustine in 2018, prior was her establishment The Chocolate Turtle! Our new location is in Hastings, Florida. This location is operated by Brooke Williams & Sarah Boger, together they have over 2 decades of experience in baking and pastry! Read more>>
Raashad Wilkes
One night when my grandmother was cooking thanksgiving, she accidentally fell asleep. I was actually still up watching tv and smelled something burning so I rushed to the kitchen did what I needed to do to save the turkey and of course thanksgiving. Read more>>
Joshua Day
Joshua Day – Culinary Professional & Founder of Homeboy Goods Born in Houston, Texas, Joshua Day began his journey in the hospitality industry at just fourteen years old. With a family deeply rooted in the culinary world, his passion for food developed naturally. Read more>>
Anna Moo
I started playing guitar in Chile, at the age of ten. My first gig was at the age of twelve! I played in coffee houses and nightclubs in high school and in college. Moving to New York City at the age of twenty; I was the first woman salesperson selling guitars on 48th street. Read more>>
Addison Niday
I’m a traditional sign painter and artist based here in Flagler Beach, where I’ve been bringing stories and brands to life through handmade signs. My work focuses on creating authentic, hand-painted antique signs that capture a timeless aesthetic. I’m passionate about preserving the art of traditional craftsmanship while adding a modern twist that resonates with the sign writing community. Read more>>
Courtney Lester
I was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida, where I spent my childhood surrounded by family, friends, and the vibrant culture of the city. I graduated from Edward H. White High School in 2015, and then pursued my higher education at Livingstone College in Salisbury, North Carolina, proudly graduating in 2019. Read more>>
Lynn Adams
I began working for local CPA offices in Jacksonville in 1971 and did so until 1990. At that time I decided I could make more money working for myself so I gave notice and formed my own company. I developed and sold 2 accounting practices and now I have my final tax practice. I serve about 300 clients and do everything myself. Read more>>
James Higbee
When I finished high school, I was already in the grip of a devastating addiction—one that turned my world upside down. I stumbled into college, hoping for a fresh start, but instead, it amplified the chaos, pulling me deeper into the abyss. Read more>>
Francine Juhlin
I started my journey as an aircraft electrician in the military. I spent years working on complex systems, where precision and responsibility were non-negotiable. Those years taught me discipline, problem-solving, and how to stay calm under pressure. I joined Toastmasters to sharpen my communication and leadership skills, which opened doors to speaking, event hosting, and collaborating with community leaders. Read more>>
Mustafa Corbaci
I was born and raised in Turkey, where my passion for art began long before I ever touched a tattoo machine. I started tattooing as a teenager in the early 2000s and later studied sculpture and graphic design, which gave me a deep understanding of form and anatomy. Read more>>
Monica Craig
I started out my medical profession as a CNA in 1996. My CNA job was in a home health position, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I left the medical field for a few years to pursue various secretarial roles, during this time I got married and had my first child. Read more>>
Bryce Ocepek
I got my real estate license at 19 because I was obsessed with the game of Monopoly—and the idea that you could play it in real life. I cut my teeth at Berkshire Hathaway as a licensed assistant learning how to create marketing campaigns. From there, I went solo at Pineywoods Realty and began to actually produce on my own,. Read more>>
Aida Mechetti
I am originally from Brazil and came to the United States over 40 years ago. What was meant to be just a few years of study at our dream school turned into a lifelong journey and a new home. I began playing the piano at the age of six and received a rigorous musical education from the start. Read more>>
Lisa Sapp
I have always loved vintage items and grown up around it my whole life. I started selling vintage in an antique mall as a side hustle while working fulltime and then covid came and I took to selling on Instagram and gained a large following. Read more>>
Kristan Dane
In 1998-1999 I worked for a company in Ft. Myers learning to run commercial embroidery machines and then progressed to learning to digitize deigns. In 2002 I had to leave the area and was faced with raising three young boys by myself so with my paren’t help, we purchased an industrial embroidery machine and I worked out of my home building a small embroidery business. Read more>>
Carlos Conde
Carlos Conde – Entrepreneur, Investor, and Health Innovator I’ve been an entrepreneur for as long as I can remember, with my career rooted in venture capital, marketing, branding, and sales. My business journey began in 1992 when I opened a small coffee shop called Idiot Boy Café. Read more>>
DAVID CORBITT
Well my Real state journey started a little while back. I was like everybody struggling to make ends while watching other people excel. Then I talk to a guy who had a different theory on Real Estate. He has the consumer and mine not the realtor. So he started a company One Percent list. In Louisiana. Read more>>
Brian Box
We were both raised in very small towns in Southeast Missouri. I am from Baderville and Eric is from New Madrid, about a 15-minute drive down the road. I received a scholarship to attend Southeast Missouri State, where I obtained a degree in horticulture. Eric went to trade school to become a lineman and started his career. Read more>>
Hope Crawford
Our studio has been open since 1979, we are currently entering our 47th season! What makes our Studio so special is it’s generational! Read more>>
Robert McVay
I grew up just outside of Boston and went to College at Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina. After college and earning my degrees in business and Professional Golf Management, I became a proud member of the Professional Golfers Association of America and had a successful career in the golf industry, which is what brought me to Ponte Vedra Beach (where I still live today). Read more>>
Christina Smith
I worked in sales management for most of my professional life — a career that I truly enjoyed. However, as time went on, I found myself wanting more flexibility and the opportunity to travel with my husband while still staying engaged professionally. I also reached a point where I knew I wanted to build something of my own, rather than working for someone else. Read more>>
Shayna Pondozzi
I began working in bridal over 10 years ago when I was 19. It was something that I fell into + I started as a stylist. The bridal industry truly saved me. It gave me purpose and it made me feel like I was a part of something important. Read more>>
Laurel Jones
I’m Laurel Jones — Founder and Principal Consultant of Just Right Business Services (JRBS), a firm established to help businesses and healthcare organizations with 10 or more employees move from operational overwhelm to organizational excellence. After two decades in corporate America, I’ve seen firsthand how even the best operations and healthcare teams can struggle under the weight of inefficiency. Read more>>
Adrienne Talbert
I have enjoyed working since 2001 in North Florida assisting individuals, families, and caregivers with home and community base resource options to maintain independence, safety and support. My diverse professional background in the medical, social work, psychiatric, case management and rehabilitation direct care services allows me to plan the best care for individuals as they age in place. Read more>>
Erin Klinger
My husband and I met over 6 years ago and will be married 5 years this November. We have collectively shared the love and passion for overall fitness and well being, not only for ourselves, but for others. Michael lived in LA for 12 years where he was a “personal trainer to the stars” and owned two studios. Read more>>
Ken Remsen
While working as a public school math teacher, I was asked to manage an estate. After the work was over, I asked, “how do regular families handle estate planning without a trusted advisor? ‘ I joined two organizations to learn more. The American Association of Daily Money Managers and the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education. Read more>>
Katie Copeland
I grew up in Nassau County and I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. My journey into the hair industry began when I went to hair school, but what really shaped me was the mix of loss and resilience I faced when I first started my business. Read more>>
Rosalinde Trinnear
I have always loved art and design. In high school I was requisitioned to paint a school mural and spent my days covered to my elbows in paint. I worked my way through college as a hair stylist where I had the opportunity to assist in fashion shows and do hair and makeup for the Atlanta Opera while I studied art and languages in school. Read more>>
Eddie Kellar
I was born at NAS Jacksonville, with my father being retired now from the Navy. My parents divorced when I was young, and my mother and siblings stayed here. I went to Clay County schooIs until I married and had a child at a young age, but it forced me to grow up rather quickly. Read more>>
Alicia Doby
How I got started with my business, let’s just say the first word, “Covid”. At that time I was working as a housekeeper for this cleaning company but then Covid struck and so did my job. Being a single mother of two daughters I had to think of any other hustle I could do until another job came along. Read more>>
Christy Ponder
Art with a Heart in Healthcare began nearly 25 years ago with a simple yet profound belief — that art has the power to heal, uplift, and connect us in life’s most challenging moments. Since then, our professional artists, interns, and volunteers have brought personalized fine art experiences to patients and families across Jacksonville, transforming hospital rooms into spaces of expression, connection, and healing. Read more>>
Carolyn Daniels
My business started with a vision — a desire to create something that represented my city, my culture, and the people who grind every day to make something out of nothing. Growing up in Jacksonville, I’ve always had a creative side and a passion for doing things my own way. I enjoyed DIY projects, helping others, and finding new ways to express myself. Read more>>
Tyrenia Cross
My story is really one of purpose unfolding over time. I didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur let alone a therapist. I set out to be obedient to the call on my life. Read more>>
Josh Marr
I graduated the University of Florida over a decade ago now with a degrees in Business Administration. Directly from college I got a job offer to work with West Marine, Inc, the boating company. They were located near Santa Cruz California so as a Florida boy I immediately took the opportunity to see the West Coast. Read more>>
Rachel Crismond
I’ve owned Kyds children’s boutique (located in Neptune Beach, FL) with my twin sister, Melody Joy Snelen, for the past nine years (since 2016). Read more>>
