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.
Chrissy Benjamin Molly Berry
Chrissy & Molly have been partners in crime for almost two decades! Fixtures in each other’s greatest adventures, from themed parties to theme parks and from roughing it in the wilderness for days to sipping Champagne at Michelin destination, they’ve done it all together. But none of these experiences have been without their bestie, booze! Read more>>
Carolennys Ouellette
My name is Carolennys Ouellette, and together with my husband, Nicholas, we built Carolennys Studios and Studio 1807 from the ground up. Photography has been a passion of mine since I majored in Painting & Photography at Douglas Anderson, but for a while, it remained more of a hobby. After college, I didn’t dive into photography full-time immediately. Read more>>
Rod Valdes
I initially looked into sharpening as a hobby. The more I learned about it, the more I wanted to try and learn as much as I could. Once I felt I had learned well enough to start sharpening, I started to offer my services to friends and family and eventually started our small business offering my services in Jacksonville. Read more>>
Candis Smith
For many years, I thrived in the corporate world, climbing the ladder and achieving what many would consider success. I embraced the hustle, relished the challenges, and celebrated my accomplishments. Yet, beneath the accolades lay a profound void—a longing for something deeper and more meaningful. My spiritual transformation began during one of the lowest points in my life. Read more>>
904 (Goo-Gong-Sa)
DAVII) (who is a rapper) -I have loved writing since I was young and even dreamed of becoming a writer or working at broadcast industry. I also admired music that could blend lyrics and melodies to move people emotionally. When I was young, I wasn’t much of a singer, so I didn’t initially aspire to do music. But discovering hip-hop changed that. Read more>>
Shaunna Fusinato
I have always had a passion for the beauty industry since a little girl. Fashion, makeup, and hair. Growing up in a smaller town in IL. The thought of moving to Chicago to pursue my passion was always a dream. I graduated cosmetology school in 2001 traveled a few years and ended up here in Florida, and worked at a few salons around Jacksonville. Read more>>
Jodi Tomlinson
Have you heard the phrase: “When it rains, it pours?” Well, this is a story about just that. About the deluges of life. It’s a story about a girl and a boy who fell in love and lived happily ever after … until they didn’t … and then did again. Read more>>
Pete Koerner
I was a Firefighter/EMT in Atlanta and an Instructor for the State Fire Academy when I met Jennifer — who was also a Firefighter/EMT in Camden County, GA and a student in the class I was teaching. This was in the fall of 1996. By July 1997, I had left my public safety jobs in Atlanta and moved down here to be with Jennifer. Read more>>
Jane Pollack
The Florida Trail began in 1966, when hiker and conservationist Jim Kern envisioned a long-distance footpath stretching the length of Florida. What started as a grassroots effort grew into one of only eleven National Scenic Trails, officially designated in 1983. Read more>>
Jennifer Wheeler
After using tallow on my skin for years and seeing the incredible beneifts, I began making products at home using the extra tallow from our beef farm shares where we source our food from. In 2023 I began gifting tallow based skin care products to friends and family. Their response was overwhelmingly supportive and encouraged me to begin selling my products locally. Read more>>
Michelle Taveras
I am the oldest of four siblings, the only girl, and I like it that way! My family and I are originally from Queens, New York.The doctors told my parents that I would never walk, I was born with cerebral palsy, a neurological condition that affected my balance. As a result, I walk with a loft strand crutch. Read more>>
Jimmie Major
Music has been in my world for as long as I can remember. As a young boy, I often retreated into my bedroom, immersing myself in rhythms and melodies that would lay the foundation for my future. Over the years, I collected hundreds of cassette tapes and CDs, playing them every weekend. Read more>>
Torrence Johnson
Church Folks was established in August, 2023 by Torrence Johnson and wife, Queen Sylvester-Johnson. The Johnson’s are noted for their cooking and preparing various American, Caribbean, business specialty created dishes, and Oriental Cuisine dishes as well as preparing foods for one hundred or less groups of individuals. Read more>>
Shanelle Oliver
I’ve had eczema my whole life, but in adulthood it really reared its ugly head. I was told I needed to be on an immunomodulator injection every two weeks to keep my eczema under control, but I did not want to subject myself or my unborn kids to the side effects of these medications. Read more>>
Mike Matthews
Amy and I both have always had a passion for travel. We love going new places and learning the history and culture of each place. Even places where we have been many times, we still seem to learn something different every time we visit. Read more>>
Allison Marshall
Music has always been part of who I am. The violin became my voice long before I could express myself with words. Back then, I didn’t realize this instrument would connect me to people during some of the most meaningful moments in their lives. I started String Theory Music with a simple dream: to create more than beautiful background music. Read more>>
Emma Laine
My name is Emma Laine! I am from Jacksonville, FL born and raised. I grew up very close with my family. I am very family oriented and love being with them any chance I get! I’m so thankful for all the memories that we’ve made and will continue to make! Read more>>
Sarah Abercrombie
My Story About 25 years ago, after a wonderful career as a family systems counselor and having earned my Master of Science in Education, I was the single mother of an amazing son and a full time classroom teacher. My son had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder and, despite his exceptionally high IQ, was failing third grade. Read more>>
Lauren Rager
I started creating this company about a year ago when I was in Greece with my family. I loved looking at all the different makeup brands and products, and it made me start thinking about what I could offer consumers that you don’t typically see on store shelves-inspiration, words of affirmation, and the holy word of God. Read more>>
Stephanie Latiff
In 2019, my life shifted dramatically when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. That moment pulled me into a deep search for healing that went beyond medication and into understanding the stress, tension, and emotional weight my body was carrying. I was looking for a way to truly soothe my nervous system and reclaim my peace. That’s when Reiki found me. Read more>>
Shannon Miller
When I was in law school, my grandfather suffered from dementia – which, looking back, was most likely Lewy body dementia. He endured tremendous suffering at the end of his life. During a time when my mother was unavailable, I became his healthcare decision-maker. Read more>>
Lauren Jaussi
I started formal dance classes when I was 4 years old, and from then on, I knew I wanted to own a dance studio when I grew up. Throughout my childhood, I continued dancing, was an assistant teacher, and in leadership on my high school’s dance team. I landed my first teaching job at 17, in the city where I would be attending college. Read more>>
E’Lonn Taylor
Music has been a big part of my life since as early as I can remember. A lot of my love for music comes from my mother. I can still remember every Saturday morning waking up to some good music playing while my mom cleaned the house. From Prince to Sade, Luther Vandross, Gerald Levert, the list goes on. Read more>>
Courtney White
NYAP (National Youth Advocate Program has been in business for 47 years and has program locations all throughout the U.S. Here in Fl., we have 10 program locations where we provide enhanced foster care to children who are struggling with physical, developmental, mental health, or behavioral challenges. Read more>>
Bill Kastelz
Raised in Middleburg, Florida, I joined the military as a Navy Corpsman shortly after 9/11 and was assigned to the US Marines as an infantry corpsman (medic) from 2002-2007, serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan before honorably discharging in late 2007. Read more>>
Andrew Avery
I grew up in Jacksonville. Graduated from UNF 2012 with my accounting degree. Worked as the budget manager for the city of Jacksonville for a few years. Started my own accounting/tax firm. Now I’m a full time entrepreneur doing accounting and real estate investing. Read more>>
Michael Brooks
We have a blue collar background, those are our people…. A lot of baby steps and loyal customers have gotten us to where we are today and we are forever grateful to our supporters. I was born in Houston TX in 1981 and spent my childhood being raised in Lockhart TX. Father was a mechanic, Mother a school teacher and Brother of a Sheriff Deputy. Read more>>
Pamela Owens
I was working as a career coach informally long before it became a real job for me. In college, my friends used to always have me edit their resumes and term papers, and they’d often come to me for advice before internship and graduate school interviews. Read more>>
Ronnie Burton
It all began when I was a child going with my family to fish stores, and I developed a deep passion for fish from that moment on. I started by selling fish at a flea market, then moved on to selling them from my small old barn. From there, my business grew steadily. Read more>>
Theresa McAfee
I started my business in 2013. Slowly adding fellow trusted, responsible pet sitters to my team. We proudly offer an all-inclusive private, in-home boarding experience for your dog, as an alternative to a traditional kenneled environment. We also have sitters that offer the service of staying in your home, with your pet. Read more>>
Patricia Bean
I’ve often heard people say that Saint Augustine finds you — you don’t find it. And I believe that’s true. This town has a certain magic, a pull that seems to know when you need it most. Before moving here, I was living in San Diego caring for my mother, who had Alzheimer’s. When she passed away I found myself at a crossroads. Read more>>
Alexis Wagner
I’ve always aspired to become a business owner, fully aware that the path wouldn’t be easy. I’ve also had a strong appreciation for education, which motivated me to pursue my masters degree. At the same time, I’ve long been drawn to the healthcare field and ultimately discovered a true passion for occupational therapy. Read more>>
Luke Wooten
Our story goes back to 1978 when my grandfather bought Monte’s Marina here in Mayport. He was a shrimper himself and also ran a charter boat, so the business really grew out of his firsthand experience on the water. Over time, he started our wholesale seafood distribution, selling directly from the docks to restaurants and markets across the area. Read more>>
Pineland Lodge No. 86
Pineland Lodge No. 86 was chartered in 1878 and is part of a proud history of 300+ years of Freemasonry. Read more>>
kielan gary
I started off in 2013 moving to Jacksonville. Read more>>
Mikayla Müller
I started a fashion line at 20 years old. I was always interested in fashion and grew up around it. My great-grandmother designed and sold custom couture pieces, as did my grandmother, so design and craftsmanship were always a part of my life. At 20, I decided to start my own line, and since then we have continued to grow. Read more>>
Debra Mixon
I never would have guessed just a few years ago that I would be fortunate enough to wear multiple creative hats working as a visual artist and also as a native plant landscape designer. I’m fortunate that both roles intertwine, feed, and inform each other. Read more>>
Jennifer Paulston
I am the founder and principal of Paulston Agency LLC, dedicated to helping families protect their future, build generational wealth, and achieve financial confidence through education-driven planning. I specialize in life insurance, annuities, tax-advantaged wealth strategies, debt-free life planning, and private family banking concepts, empowering families to take control of their financial lives with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Read more>>
Griffin Helm
I started Helm Outdoor Solutions 3 years ago in my early 20s with just a mower, a trailer, and a drive to build something of my own. What began as simple lawn maintenance quickly grew into a passion for creating outdoor spaces that completely transform how people enjoy their homes. Read more>>
Dustin Bryant
My wife and I are both retired Navy with a love for the outdoors. When we retired after 24 years of service in the Navy, we wanted to do something that encompassed what we love with the freedom to enjoy the very lifestyle that we started our business to serve others in. Read more>>
lisa felegy
I started my cookie business more as a hobby than anything. I needed something to calm my mind and soul after a breast cancer diagnosis. Soon after , I was getting requests for custom cookies, for birthdays and baby showers. Thankfully my customers kept me busy because in 2022 I received a heart transplant. Read more>>
LaToya Calhoun
Autumn Faith Company was born out of both hope and hardship. In 2021, my husband and I started this company in Jacksonville, Florida, as a way to raise funds for IVF after leaving a toxic work environment. What began as a small dream soon grew into something far greater — a mission to inspire others to grow through life’s most uncomfortable seasons. Read more>>
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>>
