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.
Ashli Hankerson
You’re More Than Enough® wasn’t born from a business plan—it was born during one of the hardest seasons of my life. During the early days of the pandemic, I was coming out of a difficult breakup and, like so many people, questioning my worth. Read more>>
Jessica McIntee
Stella Dreamz & Visionz began with a passion for helping others succeed. I started by tutoring grade school students in math and language arts, helping them build confidence and improve academically. As I worked with families and members of my community, I realized that many adults also needed guidance—not just in education, but in reaching their personal and professional goals. Read more>>
Jax Wine Crew
Jax Wine Crew started in 2017 with three friends—Nicole, Natalie, and Sandy—who loved wine, loved exploring new places, and loved finding fun experiences wherever we went. We realized there wasn’t really one place in Jacksonville where people could easily find wine events, wine specials, and wine-friendly spots, so we decided to create the resource we wished we had. Read more>>
Tammy Luangraj
I got into golf in 2023, and what started as something I simply wanted to try quickly turned into a passion I never expected. My grandpa has been a huge inspiration in my golf journey, and one of the things I love most about this sport is that it’s something we can share and bond over. Read more>>
Carman Ress-Walker
I’m Carman Ress-Walker, owner of 1 Answer Away Bail Bonds in Jacksonville, Florida. For more than a decade, I’ve had the privilege of helping individuals and families navigate some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Growing up on Jacksonville’s east side and becoming a teen mom at a young age taught me resilience, perseverance, and the importance of faith. Read more>>
DJ WildChild
My journey into music started with a deep passion for rhythm, high energy, and connecting people through sound. Over the years, that passion evolved into a full-scale career as a DJ, music producer, radio personality, and entertainer. Although I’m originally from elsewhere, relocating to Daytona Beach marked a pivotal chapter in my artist journey. Read more>>
Lali Salcedo
I’m Lali from @Lalitries, a Venezuelan mixed media artist based in Jacksonville, FL. All of my art is handmade: prints, stationery, books, original art, and wearable art. I’m currently preparing my debut collection, centered on identity and culture, set to premiere on November 8, 2026 (details will be posted on my social media) Read more>>
Karehn Katz
I have always had a fascination with history each era has a story to tell and learn about, but the one that really spoke to me was the 1920’s, when famous gangsters and bootlegging alcohol was at its highest. One of the many times in history where citizens rebelled against the laws of having fun by having that sip of alcohol. Read more>>
Ramon Bruin
Ramon Bruin is my name and I am born in 1981 in Alkmaar, the Netherlands. I am mainly known for my 3d drawings. In 2012 I gained worldwide recognition for my own unique style called ‘Optical Illusionism’. Since then my artwork has been shown in over 70 countries. Besides the optical illusions, I masters a massive palette of contemporary art styles. Read more>>
Kim Hunter
From the time I was a little girl, I loved movement. Like many children growing up, I spent hours outside dancing, doing gymnastics in the front yard, and participating in sports throughout my school years. I discovered early on that I enjoyed being active, and that passion has remained with me throughout my life. Read more>>
Bina Banks
My journey has been anything but traditional. I’m a U.S. Air Force veteran, entrepreneur, author, publisher, web and graphic designer, and resilience coach, but none of those titles came easily. Every chapter of my life has required me to reinvent myself. After my military service, I faced a series of personal and health challenges that completely changed the direction of my life. Read more>>
Alexis Hayes
When I was young I had always been drawn to being creative at school. I love arts and crafts and doing the project boards when it came time, my favorite part was decorating. I always liked making things so it felt just like something natural, I didn’t actually do anything with it or focus on it until college. Read more>>
Elizabeth Pampalone
I started in marketing almost 30 years ago, back when a website was a luxury and email marketing meant typing addresses one at a time. For years I ran my business the way everyone said to. I sold 30-day website projects. And every single client would get me their content on day 29 of 30. Read more>>
Wanda Acosta
My love for art and painting started at a young age. My mother was a soprano singer as well as a very creative individual. She would refinish furniture, decoupage, sew and design our home furnishings and our clothes growing up. Partly because of economics, but also because she really enjoyed the process. Read more>>
Eric Goldstein
I’ve been obsessed with music since I was a child and got my first guitar when I was 14. After retiring from the day job world in 2019, I became a full time performer and a host of open mic/music showcases. My first hosting job in Jacksonville was at American Legion Post 129 in Jax Beach. Read more>>
Erika Boger
At Boger’s Shoes, our mission has always been simple: help people move more comfortably and live more active lives. What began as a family-owned shoe store has grown into a trusted retail shoe store and full-service pedorthic facility, built on personalized service, expert shoe fitting, and a genuine commitment to every customer. Read more>>
Andrew Willis
I feel like I’ve always been a cameraman at heart. I’ve always had a camera nearby, looking for stories worth capturing. A few years ago, I had the idea to record my grandpa’s stories on camera. He was getting older and living at my mom’s house, so the timing felt right. Read more>>
Seidah Durante
My story begins in a small town outside of Philadelphia nearly a half century ago. Norristown, PA – my birthplace, my family, my education, my values, my many life lessons – the place that groomed me, and the place I bid farewell over 12 years ago. Read more>>
Kia Cooper
Well, in 2020, the world shifted so much due to Covid. My job had us working remotely and the days seemed so long and by 5pm I was drained. Like many people, being home day in and day out was so bleak, and I needed to find something new and fulfilling to maximize my time at home. Read more>>
Niya Simone
I started doing photography in high school, actually. There weren’t many electives for me to choose from, and it was either photography or gym. So I just chose photography, and I actually ended up doing really well. Read more>>
Hanna Jarsocrak
My story starts with failing. Over and over again. I tried everything the fitness industry sells – every program, every fad diet promising extreme results, every shake and supplement that claimed to curb my cravings. Nothing worked. So I did what you’re supposed to do: I hired a personal trainer to hold me accountable, showed up, put in the work. I graduated to group training. Read more>>
Lakerria Davis
The Early Spark & The First Opportunity My journey into mixology started about ten years ago purely as a personal hobby. I loved experimenting with flavors, crafting drinks for friends and family, and sharing my creative recipes on social media just for fun. Things really started shifting when I played bartender for a girls’ weekend and it was an absolute hit! Read more>>
Kate Normal
I’ve been singing since infancy in the form of melodic cooing. I was born in Ohio and lived there until I was 11. I would beg my parents to record me singing karaoke on our home karaoke machine, but then be too shy to perform in public. My family moved to Jacksonville in 2014, and I continued to sing only in private. Read more>>
Luci Long
In October of 2018, I decided to create my food Instagram featuring mostly pictures of meals I had eaten in or around the area of Jacksonville. I had always enjoyed taking pictures growing up and I later found a particular passion for highlighting some of my favorite eats and treats. Read more>>
Mike Buresh
I’ve long had an infatuation with the weather while growing up in Iowa. My first t.v. meteorologist job out of college (Iowa State University) was in Des Moines, Iowa for a few years then 11 years in Cincinnati, Ohio & the last 24 years in Jacksonville. Read more>>
Marti Caro
Nearly 30 years ago, I began pursuing my dream of becoming a licensed professional counselor by enrolling in the master’s program at Liberty University. Read more>>
