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.
Arielle Borges
My confidence in filmmaking didn’t begin at SCAD. In high school, where most students pursued STEM, I carved out my own space in storytelling, creating three award-winning documentaries (one a PSA). Without formal resources or a dedicated film program, I took on every role, writing, directing, editing, and producing, to bring these projects to life. These films won nationwide festivals and, more importantly, solidified my belief that I could make a career in film. The experience of executing these projects independently prepared me to step into college with the drive to take initiative and build productions from the ground up. Read more>>
Ahmad Williams
I would say its been pretty smooth for the most part. Of course there has been bumps along the way, but mostly having to do with the business side of it. I try to take a break on taking too many gigs from time to time because going out and shooting just because allows me to be more creative and reminds me of why I even picked up the camera in the first place. As usual capitalism puts a bit of a damper on doing something you love. Read more>>
Isak Dove
I showed my work in London and Zurich while living in Europe. I didn’t settle in one place until coming to Savannah in 2009. I became involved in the local art scene and joined an artist’s collective, participated in group exhibitions, and curated an occasional pop-up event. I had a few solo shows around the Starland District over the years. But it wasn’t until 2021 that I took the big leap and quit my job in childcare to become a full time artist. I began painting in Forsyth Park alongside what was then just a few other local creatives. This is where you will find me most weekends and on an occasional weekday, now just one of many artists and crafters who set up there. Supporting myself off my art has been a dream come true. I truly love what I do. Read more>>
Lisa, Lane, And Mark McRae
Lisa and Lane are a mother/daughter team. Lisa started her retail career working in high school in a clothing boutique. She went on to major in Marketing at Clemson University and continued in retail for many years. Lane, a recent College of Charleston graduate, interned in a small retail shop in Charleston and gained further retail experience in Savannah. She will bring a youthful and fresh approach to the business. Read more>>
Melvin Leland Jr
I wanted to bet on myself and build something that reflected my skills and vision. That’s when I decided to take the leap and start my own business. The past three years of running my home-based baking business full-time have been both challenging and rewarding. In just a year and a half, I have been honored to win multiple awards, including Best of Savannah 2024 and 2025. These recognitions reaffirm that the risks I took and the hard work I put in were worth it. Though the journey has been anything but easy, I wouldn’t trade it for anything, as it has allowed me to do what I love while sharing my passion with others. Read more>>
Jacob Kojder
I think the most complicated part of my journey has been to know when to stop. You can very easily dive too deep into your work and take on more projects that can create an unhealthy work-to-life balance. The work is a ton of fun and I’m super fortunate to get the chance to work on all of my projects, but I am more grateful for my friends and family that have provided me with all of these experiences I have in life. You are always going to make enemies in this field, not everyone is going to get along, so I have had to learn not to try to force friendships and to focus on the people that actually care about me and want to see me succeed as much as I want to see them succeed. Read more>>
Caitlin Mathias
I started in real estate over six years ago as a part-time admin and quickly worked my way up to become Director of Operations. That role gave me a behind-the-scenes look at what makes a property not just functional, but unforgettable—from seamless project coordination to curating stand-out client experiences. Alongside my work in real estate, I was investing locally and discovering how much I loved the process of transforming a house into a home. Read more>>
Caroline Crosby
Despite my success, it definitely has not been a smooth road. Opening a salon right before a nationwide shutdown due to the pandemic was not what I had in mind. The initial closure and uncertain reopening times tested my business from the start. Despite the setbacks, I was able to bounce back. However, rebuilding and regaining trust from clients was not an overnight process, requiring extra effort to prove my commitment to their safety, satisfaction, and overall salon experience. Read more>>
Kelly Latham
I create illustrated stationery and gifts that are both cute and functional—things like stickers, bookmarks, and notepads designed to bring a little happiness to everyday tasks. A lot of my work leans into bookish themes and cozy vibes, and I think that’s what I’ve become known for—designs that feel personal and warm, but still useful. Read more>>
Sydney Endicott
In my junior year of high school, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. If the social distancing and isolation that came with the pandemic weren’t hard enough, the constant hospital visits certainly made things feel even more lonely. Despite everything, art was there for me. It was one of the few things I had the energy to do and gave a sense of comfort and connection when I felt most alone. Read more>>
Jonathan Tsoi
Our journey started with a completely different vision. YATAI first opened its doors as a rolled ice cream shop — a fun and creative way to bring something new to our community. While the ice cream concept was exciting, we quickly realized our space wasn’t being used to its full potential. That’s when we decided to rethink everything. Read more>>
