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.
Steven Smalls
That’s when I met the trademark owner of the Orange Crush Festival. He was facing legal battles and financial hardship, trying to host an event in Jacksonville. What started as a simple opportunity to get my artists on stage turned into something bigger: through a contractual agreement, I became the Owner and CEO of Orange Crush Florida. Read more>>
Flora
I used that time to intern with a stylist and independent digital magazine in New York while I figured out my next move. While I was there, my roommate was working for a designer who has a long established relationship with SCAD, and she floated the idea to me to transfer there. I had applied in high school to the now nonexistent Hong Kong campus and had never really considered Savannah or the South in general but the more I looked into the school, the more it felt like the right place for me. I ultimately moved down here in September 2022 and to this day consider that the best decision I have ever made. Read more>>
Lylie Mae
I spent eight years working at a bar and venue called The Loft. I started as a host, then became a cocktail server, bartender, and eventually, the sound tech. Upstairs was a recording studio. Downstairs was the stage. One block away was the Schwob School of Music, where I worked and was immersed in classical training I’m forever grateful for—especially because it was free. My boss at The Loft held a doctorate in sound and is also the head of the sound engineering and design department at the college. That overlap became a bridge. I didn’t just learn how to listen—I learned how to translate what I was hearing. Read more>>
Kristian Ellison
I embraced the challenge, staying after school to practice designing flowers, learning the history of floral design, and identifying all types of cut flowers and greenery. This was the turning point that led to my full immersion in the world of floral design. My passion for floral design was all-consuming. I even secured a job as a floral designer for a local flower shop. I continued to work there until the spring of 2016, all the while harboring plans of opening my own business. The timing was uncertain, but fate intervened. In April of 2016, at the age of 19, I took the leap and opened my business, Kristian Designs. Read more>>
Skye Sienkiewicz
Returning to Savannah became a turning point after leaving the fashion and corporate world. I immersed myself in the wedding industry, assisting with coordination, floral design, and photography—anything I could get my hands on. I even worked as a writer and stylist for Savannah Magazine, further expanding my creative horizons. This experience launched my freelance career in business consulting and management as I found a love for research and problem solving, building my repertoire to help others in their endeavors. Read more>>
Jennifer Christy
My biggest obstacle was not writing the story; it was navigating the entire process of self publishing the book, creating a plush to match the unique characters, and then start selling the product. I had to learn countless details along the way, such as getting the plush materials tested and applying for registration numbers to sell in multiple states. Additionally, I needed to design the packaging, manage shipping logistics, develop a website/ marketing strategy among many other things. It was a challenge but a very rewarding experience to see my vison come to life. Read more>>
Megan Alyse
Since earning my BA in English in 2018, I’ve balanced a life between editing, writing, and working in higher education, carving out spaces at writing residencies whenever I could. Hungry to deepen my craft, I pursued an MFA in Poetry at the prestigious Warren Wilson College Program for Writers — a rigorous experience that challenged and transformed me. During those three years, I published over 20 poems, earned a Pushcart Prize nomination, and wrote my first book, *BONE | FISH | GIRL*, released by Game Over Books in September 2024. Read more>>
Casey Weredyk
As I began thinking about college, I wanted a business I could manage while attending school. Around that time, I had an uncle who bred dogs, and after spending time at his home, I became fascinated with the breeding process. In 11th grade, I purchased my first adult Yorkie for breeding and had my very first litter of puppies—I was hooked. I dove into research, and by 12th grade, I decided to officially launch my own business. Since the original name was taken, I rebranded as CNR Farms in 2012. It was at that point that I introduced Labradoodles into my program and decided the Yorkie would be my one and only in that breed. Read more>>
Erin Edwards
I came from an entrepreneurial family. My parents have always had their own business and they instilled the passion and work ethic that comes with that into me. I always knew that I wanted to have a business of my own one day, so when I got engaged to my now husband and we started planning our wedding, there were items that we needed that we knew we could purchase ourselves and start a rental business of our own. Those items that we bought and the love I have for helping others with their special occasions has grown into Southeastern Tents and Events. Read more>>
Britta Strevig
Animated films have always been apart of my life for as long as I can remember. These films had such unique styles, worlds, and characters. I yearned to have a character look like me. I remember when I was 9 years old, I declared I wanted to work for Disney as an animator. My dream stayed consistent through the years. I took Advanced Placement art classes in high school. During these classes I had to create a series of pieces under one portfolio theme. I ventured into the themes of identity and disabilities during these classes classes as a way to find myself and also as a way to cope from self-hatred. Read more>>
Danielle Grout
About 9 years ago I realized that the Pharmeceutical corporate life wasn’t for me, but I had no idea what I would do to replace the income it provides. I decided to get certified as a Health Coach since all my life I’ve known I’m here to help others heal. I never completely finished the certification because the last thing to do was take 2 practice clients through the 90 Day Total Transformation Program. At the time I was struggling with imposter syndrome, self doubt, and lack of confidence. I also didn’t like the idea of having to market myself, and reach out to collect clients. Read more>>
Hillary Jeffers
I was born and raised in the greater Savannah area. I graduated from Georgia Southern University in May 2017 with a B.S. in Fashion Merchandising and Apparel Design with an emphasis in design. After graduation, I completed a costume design internship with Hope Summer Repertory Theatre in Holland, MI. I instantly fell in love with costume design and worked in the industry for the next 6 years. After COVID and a stent in NYC, I was burnt out and needed a change. I have always been an entrepreneur at heart and decided to start Midnight Menagerie in the fall of 2022. 3 years later and I’m still at it. Read more>>
Mike Vidan
Following graduation, Mike immediately launched into his professional career with J & J Industries, a commercial flooring company, working as an outside sales representative. There, he honed the sales skills that would carry him throughout his career. His journey continued with a move to Georgia-Pacific in Atlanta, where he quickly rose through the ranks, holding roles such as Inside Sales Manager, before relocating to Savannah to dive deeper into the operational side of the business. Mike thrived in leadership positions including Continuous Improvement Manager, Quality Control Manager, and Production Shift Manager, overseeing large teams and driving operational excellence. He eventually transitioned back into sales, taking on the role of Regional Sales Manager, rounding out a 12-year career at Georgia-Pacific. Read more>>
Nicki Mitcham
I started my business Nicki M Travel after we took our kids to Disney World for the first time. Our two boys at the time were two years old and almost 1 year old. I grew up going to Disneyland every year with my family, but there was something really special about watching our kids experience meeting Mickey for the first time and seeing the theme parks through their eyes that clicked something in me. I learned more about how to plan Disney World vacations so I could help other families make memories and now we’ve been going to the parks three times a year as well as adding some Universal resort trips too. Read more>>
Andi Rothfeld
In the early days, we shared our pieces solely through Instagram, connecting with customers one-on-one. About two years in, we launched our website to keep up with growing demand. During the pandemic, we found our community—other small businesses, loyal customers, and new friends—who supported and championed us through it all. Our business has been built entirely through word of mouth, and we’re so proud of the genuine connections we’ve made along the way. Read more>>
