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. Check out our favorite stories from across Alabama below.
Emily Maples
My story is fairly common! I graduated with my undergrad degree in Strategic Communications and later with my MBA from the University of South Alabama in Mobile, AL. Go Jags! During my studies, I interned with Distinguished Young Women, South’s Office of Marketing and Communications, and served as a graduate assistant for South’s Mitchell College of Business. Read more>>
LeTonya Moore
My story is a story of reinvention, resilience, and turning experience into impact. I have never followed a conventional path. I became a mother as a teenager and was the first person in my family to graduate from college and earn a professional degree. Read more>>
Bridgette Washington
My journey in the beauty industry began more than 30 years ago, but entrepreneurship became deeply personal for me in 2010. That year, I experienced three devastating losses within three consecutive months—my grandmother Rosella in May, my brother Adrian in June, and my mother Annie in July. Somehow, in the midst of tremendous grief, I gave birth to something new. Read more>>
Monique Timmons
My journey with Prestige On Course really began the first time I picked up a golf club. I thought I was simply learning a new sport, but I quickly realized I was being introduced to an entirely different world—one filled with opportunity, connection, personal growth, and conversations that often extend far beyond the game itself. Read more>>
Katie Chatham
Aside from early childhood scribbles, I started drawing around 10. I was obsessed with drawing faces of characters and actors that I admired. That remained through high school and I quickly found that art was the only thing I had interest in when I went to college. I studied art first at Auburn University, later transferring to Savannah College of Art and Design. Read more>>
Mel Blackwell
It all started right out of high school in a smoke-filled trailer park collection office, working the phones and learning firsthand what real pressure feels like when execution is the only thing that keeps the lights on. Read more>>
Tamia Howard
My journey into photography began with a simple passion for capturing life’s most meaningful moments. What started as a creative hobby quickly grew into something much bigger as I realized the joy and emotion that photographs can preserve. Over the years, I dedicated myself to learning, growing, and perfecting my craft, turning that passion into Memories By Mia Photography. Read more>>
Jordan Williams
I’ve always had a deep love for video games. Especially back in the era of NBA Street Vol. 2, Tony Hawk Pro Skaters, GTA San Andreas , etc. I also grew a deep love for making content back in 2009 doing dance videos. Read more>>
Christopher Pettway
Hey. My name is Christopher Pettway. I am owner/operator of Pettway Arctic Flame Heating & Air. My business was formed in May of 26. I have over six years of HVAC experience. This all started for me as me trying to figure out what it was, I wanted to do for a career. Read more>>
Heather Oliver
I graduated from the University of Georgia in 2019 with a B.B.A. in Marketing with a Digital Marketing emphasis. Read more>>
Lamon Johnson
First, I’d like to define what 1462 Entertainment is. We are a nightlife brand promotions company that seeks out emerging and existing events, as well as products in the bar, nightclub, and wine & spirits industries, to educate and promote them to a broader, more diverse, and inclusive consumer base. Read more>>
Alex Whitman-Kelsey
I’m Alex Kelsey, a licensed cosmetologist and professional makeup artist with over 13 years of experience in the beauty industry. I specialize in creating timeless, elevated beauty for bridal, editorial, commercial, and on-set clients, with experience working during New York Fashion Week. As an entrepreneur, wife, and mother, I’m passionate about helping people feel confident while building brands that celebrate beauty, wellness, and intentional living. Read more>>
Ashley Robinson-King, MSW
I established my nonprofit in 2024 with the vision of creating the supportive environment I wished I had during my own upbringing. My aim is to empower individuals to reach their personal goals while building confidence and offering guidance in various areas of need. This includes academic resources, donations, tutoring, and volunteer support. Read more>>
Shamek’o Barren
Yes. I attended a vision board workshop in 2017 and it sparked something in me. I had a vision of having my own mentorship program and for the first time after attending this event, I saw that it was possible. I would call the facilitator of the event often and ask questions and she would provide me feedback. Read more>>
Romon Walker
I grew up in Mobile, Alabama, where basketball was my first passion. My dream was to play in the NBA or become a coach. My family taught me that everything is mental, to never give up, and that successful people fail more times than most people ever try. That mindset still drives me today. Read more>>
Kaiesha D. Ford
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved writing, technology, and community service. While they may seem like completely different worlds, they have all shaped who I am today. Professionally, I built a successful career in technology. Read more>>
Marissa Burkhead
I never imagined that saying yes to cosmetology school back in 2010 would eventually take me from cutting men’s hair in a small hometown barbershop to co-owning the salon I once only dreamed about. Along the way, my passion evolved from simply doing hair to mentoring stylists, building leaders, and creating a business centered around education, growth, and genuine connection. Read more>>
Kiona Ruffin
If you had asked me as a little girl what I wanted to be, my answer would have always been something that involved helping people. I was born and raised in Franklin, Louisiana, and from an early age I knew I wanted a career where I could make a difference in someone’s life. Read more>>
Madison Goodgame
I started off going to UAB for a bachelor’s degree. Right before graduation, I got pregnant with my daughter. I had her and got my degree. 2 years ago, I moved back to Alabama and started over as a single mom of 2 kids. Now, I am the marketing manager for a music venue, workout every day, and raise my babies. Read more>>
Pastor LaToya Reece
My story is multifaceted, as a little girl I was written off because I exposed violations done by family. I was then sent to live with someone I thought was my father, only to find that he wasn’t. this individual violated me for 6 years, till finally I ran away to live on the streets. Read more>>
Mary Ball
I’ve been painting for as long as I can remember. As a child, instead of staying up late reading under the covers, I’d be sketching. It always felt less like something I chose and more like something I was called to do. Read more>>
Brandon Williams
I started from a childhood dream and a leap of faith. When i was a child my parents put me on to anime and video games. However through my own interest i learned about anime/gaming conventions. All of a sudden I got older and remembered that dream i had and I was finally able to afford my first out of state trip without my family. Read more>>
Ranesha White
My journey into the world of design began unexpectedly when I was a young teen playing The Sims computer game, which first sparked my fascination with the beauty and potential of space planning and home decor. Read more>>
Prudence Chinedum
I would say I’m a creative musician. A majority of what I create is rooted in music. I’ve always had a natural ear for it. My mom said even as a baby I would sing the music before I even knew how to pronounce the words. I don’t think it’s something my parents thought I would stick with, though. Read more>>
Juliana Piper
The idea for PiperMache actually came out of my own frustration. I’ve run two other businesses, and both times I hit a wall trying to figure out how to build a website for them. I just couldn’t crack it at the time, but I didn’t give up. Read more>>
Aaron Daughtry
Hey so my name is Aaron, i go by AJ im a music producer and recording engineer from tuscaloosa,al. ive always had a passion for art and music growing up. throughout the years i’ve produced and engineered for countless artists from all over i first started in 2009 making beats while in high school and began to take it seriously. Read more>>
Vickey P White
A woman who didn’t wait for a spotlight — she became one. Born in the small town of Lincolnton, Georgia, Vickey Partlow known to the world as Vickey P — learned early what resilience, faith, and determination truly meant. Small towns produce big spirits, and Vickey’s was one of them. Her roots gave her humility, faith gave me strength, and creativity gave me wings. Read more>>
Kaionna Hooks
My entrepreneurial journey actually started in college. As part of my senior capstone project for my Business Administration degree with a concentration in Marketing, I created a mock marketing consulting company called Magnetic Transformation. Read more>>
Tracey King
My journey has been driven by faith, perseverance, and a passion for helping others. I started with a dream of making a difference through music, entertainment, and community service. Along the way, I realized that success isn’t just about personal achievements—it’s about creating opportunities for others. Read more>>
