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.
Angie Stryker
Creating hospitable spaces, indoors or out, where people are seen and known and loved has been the common thread of my whole life. When I was little, our home was chaotic for various reasons. It wasn’t a safe space for little girls. I felt a call from the outdoors. Read more>>
Molly Johnson
In 2018, from a college apartment, I started painting goodies for sorority big-little baskets. That small creative outlet grew alongside me, through family Christmas gifts, housewarming presents, and now, live wedding paintings. This is one of the biggest ‘blessings in disguise’ of my life. Read more>>
Kipp Waldrop
My journey into photography started as a creative passion that gradually became something much bigger. What began with simply wanting to capture the places, people, and moments around me turned into a genuine love for storytelling through images. Over time, I’ve continued to develop my skills through experience, self-teaching, and working professionally as a field photographer. Read more>>
Mashonda Taylor
I was born in Birmingham, Alabama, but I wasn’t raised here. When I was four, my mom met my stepdad, who was in the Navy, and our family began moving around quite a bit. We spent time in Montgomery, Cincinnati, Newport, Rhode Island, and Birmingham before eventually settling in Cincinnati after he left the military. Read more>>
Elizabeth Adams
I’m a physician by training, and my path into aesthetics wasn’t something I originally planned. I began my career in internal/emergency medicine, but I was introduced to aesthetic medicine early in my training and became fascinated by the combination of medicine, precision, artistry, and the confidence that can come from helping someone feel more like themselves. Read more>>
Rocquelle McKeithen
ROCKI — Rocquelle McKeithen Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Rocquelle McKeithen—better known as Rocki—is a singer, songwriter, recording artist, and storyteller whose music is rooted in soul, R&B, authenticity, and lived experience. Rocki’s journey as an artist has been shaped by a deep love for music and a desire to create songs that feel honest, relatable, and timeless. Read more>>
Byron Ford
Yeah I always knew what I wanted to do basically. It was always music & business, and as I got older, investing and playing the market game. I grew up in Hidden Creek, we all had Good imaginations and creativity, and I always knew I could do anything I want. Music and business are natural for me. Read more>>
Brie Ever
My story really started about 10 years ago, when I was around 21 and had this idea for a Black girl wellness shop called House of Melanin. I wanted to create a space that combined wellness, self-care, creativity, and community—selling things like body butters, scrubs, mugs, T-shirts, and other lifestyle products. Read more>>
Kenneth Powell
Let me be the first to say I am humbled and grateful to do this interview and I want anyone listening to know: you are your own inspiration. Anything you believe, with real conviction, you can achieve. Even if you don’t have a solid plan. Read more>>
Sarah Mills-Bailey
My story has definitely not followed a straight line, and I think I’ve finally reached a place where I’m grateful for that. I grew up in New Orleans and originally chose a very traditional, science-based path. I earned a degree in microbiology from LSU and later a master’s degree in Microbiology and Immunology from Tulane University. Read more>>
Sarah Otts
I have been a career artist for decades, but I have expanded my creative work from doing mostly just painting to writing, product creating, podcasting and speaking. I have displayed and sold artwork throughout the United States, owned my own gallery, and written two books. Read more>>
Carolina Garcia
First of all, I’d like to introduce myself. My name is María Carolina García, better known as Carolina García. I’m from Caracas, Venezuela, and I studied Business Administration. Since high school, I participated in theater, music, and Venezuelan folk dance. Over the years, I learned by doing, working and taking part in real projects, alongside my career. Read more>>
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>>
