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.
Christina Ralko 
I started Your Way Pediatrics because I wanted families to have care that felt personal, accessible, and centered on their needs. Specializing in pediatrics and psychiatric mental health, I’ve seen how closely physical health, mental health, and family life are connected. My training in functional medicine has also shaped the way I listen, ask questions, and look for the factors contributing to a patient’s symptoms. Read more>>
Trachele Shields 
Real estate has been a part of my professional life for almost two decades. I became licensed in Florida in 2008, and what started with traditional real estate eventually grew into experience across mortgage lending, underwriting, foreclosure, condo project review, property preservation, loss control, and other areas of the real estate and financial services industries. Read more>>
Kim Reteguiz 
I started singing in church when I was three years old. I was THAT kid…running around and disrupting the priest…so my mom started bringing me into the choir with her to keep me in check. I started singing right alongside her. Read more>>
Lauren Klose 
With over 20 years of experience, Artistic Aire has grown to become a trusted name in the mural industry. Owner and artist, Lauren Klose, is dedicated to crafting exquisite hand-painted residential and commercial murals on any surface at any scale. Read more>>
Roma Oxford 
My story began in 2019, when my husband opened Oxford Ink Tattoo. I was there from the beginning, watching an idea turn into a real, living space, and that’s when I fell in love with creative branding. I quickly realized that a tattoo studio is so much more than a place to get inked. It’s a feeling. Read more>>
Julien Gasca 
My name is Julien Gasca, and I am a local entrepreneur and REALTOR here in Jacksonville, Florida. My entrepreneurial journey began when I was 16 years old, during the height of the pandemic and quarantine. Read more>>
Mattia ( NATSU ) Bragaglia 
I’m Natsu ( pseudonym of Mattia Bragaglia ) artist and producer of my songs. I’ve been making music since I was a child an innate passion or rather a beautiful gift that life has given me Read more>>
Letroi Miller
I’m originally from Chicago, and my journey into real estate began in 2015. What initially started as an interest in the industry grew into a career that has now spanned more than a decade. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to help buyers, sellers, investors, relocating families and first-time homebuyers navigate some of the biggest financial and personal decisions of their lives. Read more>>
Justin Reynolds 
My journey into media and music really started before I even realized it could become a career. Growing up, I was introduced to radio through my mother, who worked in radio. Being around that environment early gave me a firsthand look at the personalities, music, energy, and influence that came with being on the air. Read more>>
Tashia Hollenback 
My path to this work was anything but linear. Before Earth School Advisor, I spent nearly 15 years working as a certified trial paralegal. I actually loved many parts of that career — the writing, the problem-solving, and especially the thought of helping turn injustice into justice. From the outside, I had built a successful, stable life. But internally, something was beginning to change. Read more>>
Temia Gardner 
My journey started in childhood, when I experienced hair loss at a young age. That experience made hair care personal for me and became part of the foundation for the work I do today. I wanted to understand how to care for hair and help other women feel confident in theirs. I pursued cosmetology, attended Riverside Hairstyling Academy, and became a licensed hairstylist in 2011. Read more>>
Rose Shotz 
My journey really started with a genuine love for creating and capturing people in a way that felt intentional. I am originally from Jacksonville, Florida, and over time photography became more than just something I enjoyed, it became a way for me to tell stories, build confidence in others, and create images that people could hold onto for years. Read more>>
Meagan Welch 
I fell in love with gardening about 10 years ago, and little did I know at the time that it would eventually grow into one of my greatest passions—and ultimately, my business. It all started when I found myself wanting to preserve the flowers I grew because, quite simply, their life expectancy was far too short for my liking! Read more>>
China Thompson 
My journey into real estate started with a genuine desire to help people accomplish one of the biggest goals of their lives,homeownership. I’ve always enjoyed helping others, and real estate gave me the opportunity to turn that passion into a career. As I grew in the industry, I quickly learned that being a Realtor is about so much more than showing homes. Read more>>
Angel Mae Glutz 
Art has always been a passion of mine. When the idea of being a female tattooer was more unlikely than winning the Lotto, I had a notebook of every tiny bit of information I could find on the industry. I started this notebook in 2002 without internet access. Read more>>
Tammy Hodo
I am from Milwaukee, WI and am multicultural (biracial). I left Milwaukee to serve in the US Navy. Upon completing my contract, I attended Albany State University, a Historical Black University, for my undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice. Upon graduating I attended Columbus State University where I obtained my master’s in public administration. Read more>>
Katherine Reay 
I write historical fiction novels and my latest, THE UNDERCOVER BOOKSHOP, published on October 6th. Right now I’d not at my desk, where every writer probably feels most comfortable, but I’m having a wonderful time traveling to book stores and libraries chatting about the story and the inspirations behind it, primarily Cold War spies and British Classic mystery novels. Read more>>
Erin Meyers 
I’m a Jacksonville local, born and raised here, Growing up near the St. Johns River and having the privilege of visiting the ocean my whole life gave me a deep reverence for nature from a really young age. The natural world, flora and fauna, are the central pillar of everything I do, both professionally and creatively. Academically, I went the science route. Read more>>
Dog Town 
Dog Town started a little over a year ago from a pretty simple idea: we wanted to work for ourselves, build something of our own, and have a little fun doing it. Javier has been in the culinary world for more than 20 years and is a professionally trained chef. Read more>>
Jessica Crespo 
I moved to Jacksonville from Miami in 2010, and it was here that I came to know the Lord. As I began growing in my faith, I often searched for Hispanic Christian bookstores where I could find books, Bibles, and resources in Spanish that would help me grow spiritually. Read more>>
Sage Hallwood 
I’ve always had a gravitational pull towards with photography, I started with my iPhone and then eventually received my first camera as gift for my 17th birthday. I initially went to college for Fashion Merchandising and outside of class would have styled photoshoots with my friend, who was also in fashion. Read more>>
Kim Bogart 
In 2014, there were THIRTY-ONE shootings in THIRTY days in my city of Jacksonville, FL, all gang related, and eleven-year-old kids were involved. These headlines inspired me to resign from a job I loved for fifteen years to become a full time executive director of my non-profit. Read more>>
Tiffany Reid 
Born and raised in beautiful British Columbia, I was fortunate to grow up in a loving, supportive family. That foundation of optimism continues to influence my work today, inspiring the vibrant colours, energy, and sense of joy that flow through my paintings. My artistic journey truly began when my husband, Corey, and our daughter, Lyla, encouraged me to pursue painting more seriously. Read more>>
Tim Marley 
I began drawing at a young age, and put down my pencil once I became more serious about sports in grade school. Back in May of 2017 for a Mother’s Day gift. I had some major bills and my art was all I had to give my wife at that moment. That ultimately led me to painting, then fashion design. Read more>>
Marisol Triana 
We started Amelia Island Downtown Tasting Tours in 2016 with the idea that exploring a place should include getting to know its local businesses, its people, and the stories behind it. As a local business owner myself, I knew how much personality these small businesses bring to downtown Fernandina Beach, and I wanted to help guests discover that side of Amelia Island. Read more>>
Lori Hart 
I became a hobbyist beekeeper in 2019. I have always been intrigued by the honeybee and thought it would be a great way to learn about them and as an avid environmentalist, it would provide vital help for our struggling ecosystem. Read more>>
Ashley Noonan 
My story has taken a lot of different turns, but when I look back, there has always been one common thread: I feel called to help people. I’m a Cardiothoracic Nurse Practitioner, photographer, veteran, wife, mom, and Christian. Those roles may seem completely different, but my faith has taught me that our purpose isn’t always confined to one career or one title. Read more>>
Aketa Shine
My story began on the Westside of Jacksonville, Florida. I graduated from Nathan B. Forrest High School, but my journey into adulthood began long before I had everything figured out. During my senior year of high school, I fell in love, became pregnant with my son, and got engaged to his father. Eventually, our relationship ended after he joined the Marine Corps. Read more>>
Tru Wells
My story really started with me wanting to create something that could actually help kids and families, not just something that looked good on paper. I have always been creative, and a lot of that creativity came from my real fluffy Frenchies. Read more>>
