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Savannah’s Most Inspiring Stories

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.

Abigail Wornock

I found out about the school’s fashion magazine SCAD Manor (or just The Manor) and began attending their weekly meetings. The collaborative atmosphere drew me in and I pitched my first editorial. Spots opened on the staff as the group of seniors graduated and I applied for the Photography Editor position. After a brief application process and an interview, the job was mine. Through Manor I have learned so much about the fashion photography and the ins and outs of pre-production. I graduate in a couple of months and I am so immensely thankful for everything I have learned, and I am so ready for the next chapter. Read more>>

Jasmine Griffin

I am a highly trained and licensed makeup artist and hairstylist. Specializing in natural makeup, and elegant hairstyles. By accentuating and tailoring to your natural features, I encapsulates the essence of you into your finished look. Trusted by brides across the nation to unveil their natural allure, I aim to make sure you look and feel like yourself on your wedding day — just a bit elevated. My client experience is designed to protect your energy and anticipate your needs so that you can be present and relaxed on the morning of your wedding. Read more>>

Jake Menendez

born and raised in New Jersey. always loved singing and rapping, guitar came at the end of highschool once i had enough attention span. decided to pursue music instead of going to college , began in rhode island living with my brother and working part time as a barista – and then a fellow musician from NJ was moving to savannah and i tagged along and fell in love with the city and scene here. Read more>>

Kiranraj Siva Kumar

My journey into design started with architecture, where I spent four years shaping spaces that blended aesthetics with functionality. However, I always had a passion for product design and how objects interact with people on a more personal level. This led me to pursue a Master’s in Industrial Design at SCAD, where I refined my skills in user-centered design, prototyping, and innovation. Read more>>

Olivia Cristadoro

I’ve always known I wanted to pursue art. Only recently I narrowed it down to visual development. I had worked on my skills on my own until I narrowed down a possible school. After touring SCAD I knew it would be a perfect fit. I’ve been utilizing both school resources and my own research to look for opportunities. So far I’m on a few projects and those experiences really helped me know that this is exactly what I hope to do as a career. Read more>>

Hillary Schmidt

I’ve learned that grief – the word – and this work, can be challenging for people. Some people run towards it and others run away from it. Some people embrace their grief and their struggles and others push it away. It’s been challenging to find the balance of marketing and sharing what I do in a way that’s not such a downer. Grief isn’t just about being sad, it’s also about embracing the love that was shared and how deeply people care for one another. My practice is more than just grief work, it’s also about transformation and working through tough life moments. So I’ve struggled with how to appeal this work to both people in loss and people in times of deep change. Read more>>

Angela Roe

Angela Roe is a visionary artist with origins that can only be described as modest and humble.  All throughout her upbringing, fashion played a large role and motivated her to seek inspiration and to pursue creative endeavors in some of the most dynamic cities in the country.  Living in Chicago, LA, and New York has dramatically influenced her artistic approach and her pursuit of creative projects.  Read more>>

Matt And Nicole Gibson

Even more exciting is that in May 2025 we will be opening a 3,000+ sq foot studio in Richmond Hill! It will serve not only our video clients but will also be available for rent for other videographers and photographers. We will also have a podcast studio and a conference room available to the community for rent as well. Read more>>

Jessica Ambadipudi

In addition to that I’ve always been a storyteller. As a kid, I learned that I could get away with just about anything if I told a good enough story. I’d spin entire worlds, characters, and reasons why things happened the way they did. It wasn’t about lying—it was about creating. That instinct stayed with me, and eventually turned into drawing, animating, and bringing those imagined moments to life. Read more>>

Audrey Singletary

Getting started was difficult, I felt like I had a lot to prove but struggled to take flight. I received more rejection letters from markets in my first three months than I ever have. Being the new person to the scene is not easy, and I lived in three different cities within my first year, essentially “starting over” each time. Read more>>

Bob Klausmeier

I worked for companies who manufactured LED displays to billboard companies. This is what really sparked my interest in the various technologies being created for the purpose of reaching advertisers in more innovative and personal ways. So when I noticed that ads followed me from website to website, it wasn’t an ick reaction. It was “Wow! I have to find out how they’re doing that.” Read more>>

Elisa Gibson

I run Happy Hounds Dog Training, where I help pet dogs and their owners build strong, trusting relationships through positive, balanced, and effective training. I focus on real-world skills that make life with a dog easier and more enjoyable, whether it’s basic manners, leash walking, or behavior challenges. Read more>>

Ramon Gross

It’s definitely not a smooth road. The first challenge is believing that you can achieve what you set out to do and overcoming your own doubts. I’ve faced a lot of rejections from my music but all it does is help me get better at my craft. And competition is another big challenge so you have to be willing to out work others and stand out.. Read more>>

Lizzie Eaton

I have always had a deep passion for food, growing up always eager to try new dishes with very few aversions. In high school, one of my favorite teachers frequently shared stories about her garden, showcasing the vegetables and fruits she grew, along with the dishes she created. Inspired by her, I collaborated with classmates to create an Instagram account, “Websters Dishes,” to showcase her culinary creations. While the garden content eventually slowed down, I continued to use it as a platform to share photos of the food I encountered during my travels and at home. Read more>>

Samantha Duncan

I’m someone who unfortunately loves to learn by experience. I’ve made so many mistakes in my career to get to the point I’m at. I think many hairstylists have this innate trait of having to mess things up to get better. Thankfully, these mistakes have been stepping stones in my story and have made me a better stylist, mentor, and team player. I have learned to make my failures become my strengths by guiding other baby stylists to become more confident in their craft (and hopefully not screw up like I have). Read more>>

Ray Ragland

Growing up, music always had a strong influence in my life. I began writing my own lyrics around the age of 14. Bad influences and indulging in the “rapper lifestyle” led to a life of alcoholism, drugs, gang affiliation, and more. Drunk, I totaled my car on New Year’s Eve of 2013. After that situation I decided it was time to make a change for the better. I submitted my life to Christ, got involved in church and from there…”Grayce N Mercy” the gospel rapper was born. I have released 3 albums, that are available online along with several features. My experience in the entertainment industry as a Christian Hip Hop Artist has allowed me to explore other avenues such a as acting, podcasting and I own a 360 Photo Booth. I recently became a licensed life and health agent as well. Read more>>

Christian Dearman

Every summer since then I returned to play for the Savannah Bananas and play baseball like it’s never been played before. We won championships, sold out historic stadiums, beat MLB veterans and even entered the National Baseball Hall Of Fame. This game of banana ball has gotten so huge that we now have expanded teams and I have the honor of leading one of our newest ones The Firefighters! I live to inspire others and spread the joy of life through everyday engagement with people. Embrace your electricity! Read more>>

Alanna Suttle

I struggled with a disability called auto processing and many people bullied me for it through elementary and middle school, so I had to learn to overcome it and adapt. Back in 2017 I started homeschool online and it allowed me to have more time to focus on my photography. I have competed in many local level competitions back in my home town and won 1st place three years in a row. As well as state and national level in the beta club. I was able to graduate a year early and I was also doing dual enrollment with Greenville Technical College while still in high school. I graduated from high school in May 2024 and now I am here in Savannah Georgia as a SCAD student majoring in photography to get my BA. Read more>>

Axis Delara

It has not been a smooth road! Sometimes I will take so much time to edit a video and it will completely flop and other times – the videos I put the least amount of effort into end up going viral. I would say the biggest issue so far has been getting followers in order to start monetizing my videos. I have made money from affiliate partnerships and also received a lot of gifting but I am looking to expand my following going into this year so that I can have it be another income stream. Read more>>

Taylor Szymoniak

Shortly after my newfound love was created, we moved to Arizona, making Los Angeles my neighbor; and soon-to-be favorite place. I was grateful enough to book a role that worked for a month and a half, out in Hollywood Hills, on Amazon Prime’s “Candy Cane Lane,” as a Recurring Featured Background Actor. Being able to surround myself with all of these creative artists, for over a month opened my eyes to the idea that I could do this as a career. So, I started training weekly with my acting coaches at Dearing Acting Studio in Phoenix and researching the potential colleges I could go to. This lead me to where I am today, a freshman at the Savannah College of Art and Design studying Acting with a minor in Film/Television. Read more>>

Grey Li

This path hasn’t been the smoothest, mainly because I used to be a “not very good” kid. Growing up in Asia, being anything less than excellent — whether it be in academics, music, or sports — was something not tolerated in the environment around me. So, before high school (when I started art), life felt like hell. Looking back, I’ve realized that if someone grows up in an environment where education is tied to violence and humiliation, it’s hard for them to grow up healthy, mentally or emotionally.  Read more>>

Sarah Brown

There have been so many challenges along the way. I did not go to school for business or have much background in managing/leadership, so I have been learning along the way. Luckily, I was able to take a year long leadership class through the Chamber of Commerce in Hilton Head. Through this, I have met so many other leaders in the community and learned new perspectives on leadership from them. And of course, lots of trial and error! Every day I am continuing to learn new things! Read more>>

Libby Mattmiller

I categorize myself as an interdisciplinary artist, most recently conducting an ongoing exploration of the relationship between contemporary dance and various fibers mediums. Throughout the process of this exploration, I’ve directed a short film entitled, “Break” which is built on the backbone of dance and fibers. In the film these mediums are completely intertwined, one is not possible without the other. I am extremely proud of my ability to combine my two passions, dance and fashion, and learn more about these beautiful mediums throughout my process of creation. I believe this unique approach to understanding contemporary dance concepts is what sets me apart from other artists in the same field. Read more>>

Rebecca Fain

I started my career in 2000 as the personal assistant and production assistant for Mark Seliger, who then was the chief photographer at Rolling Stone Magazine. People ask me how I “got that job.” I can only say that whenever someone tells me I can’t do something, I am more driven to make it happen. I was interning at Time Out Magazine in NYC, so I pulled Mark’s name up in the Rolodex (I’m that old), and I just called and asked to be his intern. He needed a personal assistant and offered me a job. I was off and running. I tell many young adults I work with now to tune out any noise telling them something is impossible and to go after their goals. Read more>>

Sydney Edwards

I can honestly say that my journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In fact, I don’t think any path is ever completely smooth. Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy, but I believe that God guides us down the right path for our own unique journeys. No matter what path we’re on, there will always be ups and downs. It’s all about the shoes we wear and whether we’re ready to face the climb ahead! Read more>>

Daniela Lizarazo

It definitely hasn’t been an easy road. Moving to another country means leaving your comfort zone, facing uncertainties, and learning to start from scratch. Arriving in Miami was exciting, but also challenging: adapting to a new culture, building connections. Plus, being away from my family and not being able to travel right now has been one of the biggest personal challenges. That distance has taught me to be stronger as a woman and to value my independence, finding within myself the drive to keep moving forward. Read more>>

Khylie Wilkerson

Khylie is a gifted young dancer with a talent for diverse genres and impressive acrobatic skills, including back handsprings and aerials. Her captivating performances, enhanced by expressive facials and passionate engagement with the audience, establish her as a true entertainer. This exceptional ability distinguishes her from her peers. Khylie’s considerable strength enables her to execute advanced routines for her age. Read more>>

Holly Hammonds Edwards

I was thrilled to graduate as a Physical Therapist Assistant last spring, and have loved every second of working in healthcare. However, I was missing a creative outlet after a long career in marketing and retail. With the encouragement of my friends and family, I decided to pursue this “content creation” avenue in my free time. What started as a way to share my love of travel and fashion with a few followers has turned into a potential new career with an international move on the horizon. I was blessed to be accepted into the ShopMy affiliate program, and have since started earning enough to supplement my income once in Germany. Read more>>

Constance Calton

Before photography, I was in a career that didn’t truly fulfill me. I went to college and earned a BS in Chemistry. I worked as a quality control scientist for years but always felt something was missing. I wanted to do something that felt more creative and meaningful and make an impact. The more I explored photography, the more I realized how much I loved capturing real, emotional moments. What started as a passion quickly turned into something bigger. Now, I get to help others preserve their own special memories, and I couldn’t be more grateful for where this journey has taken me! Read more>>

Randall Lyvers

The life of the artist is NEVER smooth. It is so cyclical in the way that you have your time of pouring out every bit yourself and your time of hibernation and creative ruts. I have tried to go full freelance before and failed, and I’m going to attempt going freelance yet again this year. I may fail again, but I only have this life to live and my wish is to create my best work in this brief life. Read more>>

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