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.
Aminata Traore-Morris
I was born in Boston, Massachusetts, but my roots stretch deeply to Savannah, Georgia, and Senegal, West Africa—places that shaped my love for culture, history, and storytelling. My journey has always centered on connecting people through culture, whether as a journalist, author, community organizer, or now, as the founder of ATM Artisan. Read more>>
Rohit Pant
I’ve been obsessed with games and animation for as long as I can remember. Even before I could read, I’d sit next to my brother watching him play computer games and somehow teach myself how to play, mostly because I was weirdly invested in those little pixelated characters. Growing up, I must’ve played thousands of games and watched just as many animated films. Read more>>
Dennis Stokely
After 25+ years working in top salons in NYC, Miami and Los Angeles, I have returned to my Southern roots. I have a private salon suite in Bluffton, by appointment only. I dropped out of the University of Georgia, moved to NYC. I began my career as a receptionist at Kenneth Salon inside the Waldorf-Astoria hotel. Read more>>
Tresena Bowe
Brown Butter Shoppe began as more than just a business idea—it was a calling. I wanted to create a place where community and creativity could meet, where dreams had room to grow, and where culture could be celebrated in everyday life. What started as a simple vision for a boutique became a retail incubator and cultural hub. Read more>>
Taiwan Scott
In around 2015 I had an idea to open an openair food court with an area for local small business owners can set-up and sell their products. After receiving all necessary permits and licenses, I encountered resistance from the Town of Hilton Head Island. Issues included moving permitted buildings, changing stain color, and can countless other ways to stop my business from opening. Read more>>
Erin Jones
Chelsea (my sister) and I both have extensive experience in the medical field—her in women’s health and me in aesthetic medicine. As nurse practitioners, we decided to follow our dream and open our own practice. As busy professional businesswomen and moms, we wanted to take charge of our lives and not work for someone else’s dream! Read more>>
Kayla Benton
After graduating from cosmetology school, I originally planned to focus on hair, but once I started working in salons, I realized it wasn’t truly where my passion was. During school, I always enjoyed waxing even though we didn’t dive deeply into full-body waxing at the time. Read more>>
Cale Robert Hall
I was born in Alma, Georgia, in 1970. My biological parents met at Central State Hospital—often called the world’s largest mental hospital at the time—married, and settled near his family in Alma. After I was born, he left. She had a breakdown. Read more>>
Vanessa Vivas Lovera
I was born in Venezuela, and ever since I was a child, I was an excellent student who loved learning. I first studied journalism, but later switched to dentistry, where I discovered my true passion for medicine and aesthetics. I fell in love with the idea of helping people look and feel their best, not only through physical transformation but by boosting their confidence. Read more>>
Billie Halaburt
Happy Art Studio was founded to make art accessible to the Beaufort, SC community. When I moved to St. Helena Island from Atlanta I was surprised how expensive art and craft activities were in the area. Read more>>
Crystal Wilkins Robinson
So yess Ive struggled a lot and still do at times. I suffer from a very rare kidney disease that keeps me from getting things done fast like I use to but I’ve chosen to keep my company growing so my daughter’s have the knowledge of running a small business. All my helps comes from God whom strengthen me Read more>>
Ari Young Sang
I’m originally from Jamaica. Born and Raised. I came to Savannah College of Art and Design for Graphic Design – switched a to Business of Beauty and Fragrance and Fashion Marketing and Management- now I’m in Art Direction for Advertising and Branding. I’m aiming to become an art director/designer and currently work at the school’s fashion publication, SCAD Manor, for the past four years. Read more>>
