Raleigh’s Most Inspiring Stories

Culture Mill

Community collaborations and engagements and cross-sector research fuel the creation of artworks. Such artworks amplify stories and create spaces for communal embodied imagination, unify individuals amidst deeply isolating issues, and cultivate shared humanity. At the intersection of a range of projects is sustained communal practices that center the body and claim the transformational power of art and storytelling. Read More>>

Bill Holmes

Although cleaning trash cans may not sound like that big of a way to give back to our community, we have found through our research that clean garbage cans have a tremendous positive effect on the health of our community. We have been in business for 4 months now, and we continue to grow, perhaps not as fast as we’d like, but the growth is steady. Read More>>

Sunny Bhathela

I quickly received rave reviews of my “Frankensteined” Hindi Numeral timepeice, and was surprised at how many people were interested in buying the prototype off of my wrist. A Hindi Numeral timepiece resonated not only with the South Asian community, but people interested in the fascinating origin stories of the numeral system we use today. Read More>>

A Ruth Proctor

Fashion, Art, and Music have always been her passion, stirred by her natural parents infinite appetite for the arts. Proctor says, “I remember my father would take me from store to store while he sang songs like Otis Redding’s, “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” and crowds would gather. My mom is a gifted fashion illustrator, singer, and songwriter. She was always placing me in talent shows where I would sing, model, and act. One of my fondest memories of my mother is watching her sketch design after design. I began signing before I could read and write.” Read More>>

Rebecca Manitsas

In 2017, I expanded my sole practice into The Medical Massage Clinic of Durham, LLC. My vision is to create a space for clients to find highly educated and effective therapists to care for our community. Each therapist that comes on board brings a broader reach by offering advanced massage techniques wrapped up in their own artistic and intuitive approach to the client’s body. This allows The Medical Massage Clinic of Durham, LLC, a depth of service not found at other clinics. Read More>>

Brian Quick

In 2022, just as the business was starting to gain traction, life took an unexpected turn. Diagnosed with vasculitis, a rare autoimmune disease, Brian was admitted to Duke Hospital. What was supposed to be a season of growth in business turned into months of uncertainty and pain. For two long months, the hospital became home. Then came five more months of grueling rehabilitation to relearn the basics of living: how to eat, walk, and talk. Each day was a battle, but giving up was never an option. Read More>>

Eric Woodruff

Growing up, I may as well have been on a HGTV remodeling show as that was both of my parent’s passion – being pro DIY’ers. A few years after graduating from East Carolina University, I was fortunate enough to purchase my own home in 2020. I spent the next 3 years remodeling every single square inch of my home, seriously every single square inch has been touched… Needless to say this little hobby quickly turned into a passion which then even expanded into building the majority of my own furniture. Read More>>

Joe Copple

I was unable to talk for an entire month and could not perform for nearly two months. I stayed in my apartment alone for weeks at a time. Financially it was devastating. It was only my faith in God that got me through that period. Since the injury I’ve been back to performing and although I still struggle to maintain my vocal health I’ve gotten a lot better at knowing when to take it easy. This year I will probably end up doing well over 150 gigs with some really cool opportunities coming up. I know that was a lot but it has truly been a winding road Read More>>

Amy Zhang

Finding that the service took a big cut of my revenue, I decided that I would bring it all in house. I started learning how to make stickers using my Cricut machine and that quickly grew to making other products as well. It was all so fascinating to me and the hands-on aspect of it was exactly what I was missing in my full time job as a UX designer. I decided that I would start my own Etsy shop and expand my business to a bigger audience. Read More>>

Rahmat Sarlis

Amid my struggles, I found solace and purpose in street basketball. It wasn’t just a game; it was an escape, a way to channel all your energy and emotions. I rose in the ranks through dedication and passion, becoming a pro athlete in the street basketball scene. My talent and hard work caught the attention of celebrities, leading to exciting collaborations on YouTube channels. It was a thrilling time, filled with opportunities I had once only dreamed of. Read More>>

Destiny Musick

I typically have a lot of doctors appointments which take up a lot of time and are exhausting, sometimes I have debilitating symptoms, and I have to pace myself so I minimize flare ups.. So part of my journey has also been advocating for those with chronic illness/invisible illness. Putting my work out for all to see can feel incredibly vulnerable, but I firmly believe we all have chances we can take to do things we used to dream of. Getting over the hurdle of doing what makes us anxious ends up feeling like one of the greatest rewards ever and I live for all of it. Read More>>

Amir Myles

Over the course of a year, I had the incredible opportunity to change lives and foster athletic potential. As my business grew, I moved into a larger space, allowing me to expand my impact. During this time, I trained and mentored athletes ranging from youth sports enthusiasts to professional competitors. Many of my trainees achieved remarkable success, including players who advanced to the NFL, received scholarships to Division 1 colleges, and even a young man I mentored who launched a six-figure clothing brand. Read More>>

Sydney Mason

I knew I didn’t want to just take photos of my friends anymore. I wanted to be as professional as I could, taking editorial and portrait photos. Throughout college, you learn a lot about yourself. I learned that I love to be outside and find an adventure anywhere I could. With that, I started getting into landscape photography so I could photograph the places I loved and discovered. I still have a lot to learn, but I have learned so much and know that photography is the thing that brings me the most joy. Read More>>

Andreina Navea

I give demonstrations and teach people what type of skin they have, what products to use and how to use them and at the same time I am a professional makeup artist where I can help and guide many women how to do their makeup and that gives me great satisfaction because through that They can highlight their features, self-esteem and the value of taking care of themselves by looking more beautiful! Read More>>

Johnny Davis

I’m spending all my time at the wall, and hardly studying. How can I tie this passion with my coursework at State? Tate, a longtime neighborhood pal, and I begin researching hangboards after sparking the idea at a TRC climbing sesh. We watch hours of ‘how it’s made’ YouTube videos on CNC’s and wood carving tutorials. Seems easy enough to carve up a block, why not? They want me to learn g-code for some of my automation classes anyway. Let’s try it! Read More>>

Rico Machette

I had always dreamed of opening my own tattoo studio—a space where I could express my vision and foster a welcoming community of ink lovers, a safe space where families feel welcomed. My wife shared this same goal as me. After months of hard work, together after the COVID stay at home order, we opened our first studio, Envision Tattoo in 2020. Envision was build on hard work, sleepless nights, perseverance and passion. Read More>>

Kira Takei

When I was middle school, I was enrolled in competition dance and I became a part of a cover band; from there, I would also join a Pre-Professional dance program, and meet my producer and artistic collaborator Kevin McNoldy. Kevin and I worked together to release my first single ‘Wildfire’ in 2022! Since then, I have released 5 songs before graduating high school. Read More>>

Kaitlin Funkhouser

It gave me the confidence to want to continue. With the support of my sweet husband and my family, I made my services public. For the first two years, I did live paintings part-time on the weekends while I worked my normal job. Two years ago I was able to go full-time and paint for a living. I finally felt free. Now most of my weekends are spent painting couples’ love stories and I hope to continue painting these stories for many years to come. Read More>>

Janaysha Muhammad

I think the smoothest part of the road is the Final & Finished Products other than that the steps it take to get there is never smooth, but I can say if it is smooth than something is not right. My best works comes from being overwhelmed, stressed, and last minute. Some of my struggles along the way would be trail and error, learning while working, time management, professionalism, and more. It’s all apart of the game, I can say anything I’ve been presented or did while branding this brand I learned from it. I find myself saying “I’ll take 40 hours & some overtime vs being an Entrepreneur any day” and still want to get a job so I guess I can say I truly love what I do. Read More>>

Jessica Graham

Over time, they exposed me to various art forms such as dance, drawing, photography, and, musical performance. Given my family’s extensive musical background, I aspired to join the band. Every member of my family either sings or plays an instrument. Consequently, it was effortless for my family to identify my natural talent for learning and performing by ear. This sparked my interest in pursuing a career in the music industry. However, God had other plans for me! Read More>>

Melissa Neptune, Bsc. Mpa, Certified Fertility Doula

This has not necessarily been a smooth road, and often times, neither is the journey to conception (1 in 6 couples experience infertility in their lifetime. I am an empath at heart, so my ability to connect with my clients is what truly makes this work fulfilling. I try to look at every obstacle through the lens of “what is this teaching me?” It resonates more deeply once you have the true knowing and understanding of your God-given purpose in this lifetime. Read More>>

Gigi Stephenson

In 2016, I was navigating life as a single mom working for a government contracting company. I loved my career, but it wasn’t enough to create the life I wanted for my daughter. The pressure of balancing work and home life while ensuring our financial security was overwhelming. I knew I had to find a way to earn more and provide us better opportunities. Read More>>

Arvelyn Almeda

“I’ve always enjoyed sketching and painting. As a teenager, I’d compete with my peers in college, and I always won. After graduating from college, I decided to work in Dubai as a marketing executive. I worked there for 8 years and I thought I’d never touch a paintbrush again. But my coworkers nominated me for a painting competition, and I didn’t disappoint them as I won the grand prize. Read More>>

Emily Mcpartland

I’ve always been a very creative person and, while looking for a meaningful outlet, photography became that perfect canvas for my passion. My journey began when I picked up a camera, and received guidance from amazing mentors. I realized how meaningful it is to capture and express the love and stories in other’s families and relationships. My daughters and husband have been my biggest inspirations throughout this journey; the different stages they endure growing up, their unique personalities, and their perspectives have driven me to capture moments that tell our story and my amazing client’s stories I get to meet. Read More>>

Stephanie Hernandez

I’ve always been passionate about capturing moments and memories and sharing them with everyone along the way. I started my business in July, 2019 and have completely fallen in love with the creativity it allows me to share! I specialize in bringing that light and airy feel that’ll give all those dreamy and romantic vibes! I do family minis, engagements, weddings, events, seniors, newborns, & product photography. Read More>>

Janae Mcknight

Around that time, my friend Sara invite me to workout with her with an outdoor workout group called Camp Gladiator I loved it, especially because I wanted a more social life. A couple of months after I started working out with them, April R., a certified personal trainer reached out to see how I was doing and what my plans were in the fitness industry. I mentioned I was considering getting certified, and it was like the opportunity to get certified and start a career fell into my lap. I got my Certified Personal Training Certification and was hired as a Trainer with CG. Read More>>

Aaliyah Drew

You name it. I loved the messages and feelings art could communicate without words. But when it came to me, I couldn’t draw if my life depended on it. It never clicked despite how I hard I tried to better my hand at it. When I got to high school, my school opened the first graphic design class and she recommended I sign up. Immediately it clicked for me. I was able to put my ideas onto paper without errors. Since then, I was obsessed. It’s my job and my outlet and I couldn’t be happier to have found my passion over a decade ago. Read More>>

Marta Praslova

I have been sewing my whole life. My grandmother was a seamstress and she taught me the basics. As I got older I started learning more about sewing myself and realized I wanted to do this craft for living. So I recently started selling on Etsy as well as taking custom orders. Read More>>

Ladarius Moore

I started out singing and playing piano at 9, then started to play trumpet in the school band around 5th or 6th grade, eventually in middle school I picked up the guitar and drums. I’d always been interested in music it’s been my calling all my life, I went to a bunch of different camps and a music school after I’d get out of middle/high school, after school I went on to have a daughter and now I just want her have a dad she can be proud of and one that shows her she doesn’t have to settle for what society says she has to be or what she has to do in life. Read More>>

Tate Mayo

After graduating from NC State in 2016 with a degree in Agricultural Science (Tate Mayo) I stuck around Raleigh for a year managing 42nd Street Oyster Bar until I was ready to move home in April of 2018. With the mill a shell of its former self, there was no job waiting for me at the mill. I designed septic systems with the county, grew hemp transplants and worked on the family farm. Read More>>

Alison Matney

Opening the collective has been an exciting journey, but not without challenges. Managing startup costs was a major hurdle, and we had to make adjustments to the partnership structure as the business evolved. Additionally, slow sales during off-peak times pushed us to rethink our strategies. However, these challenges have helped us adapt and build a stronger, more resilient business and partnership. Read More>>

Kelly Slaughter

Nearing 2018 graduation, I became confused about what I wanted to do afterwards. There were too many paths that I could take. I thought about doing prop work or special effects makeup for horror movies (the school was very theatre/film oriented), and I got accepted into their Wig & Makeup program. I would have attended, but the pandemic happened, so I decided to take a few years to myself. Afterwards, I was stuck working random jobs in greenhouses and coffee shops, as I had since I was 15. I attended UNCG for a brief year somewhere in there, and dropped out. Read More>>

Michael Betzner

I started in my photography journey when I found a camera in my ex husbands closet. He had used it for school but was no longer in need of it.. he pushed me to be a creative photographer and person through the use of this camera. And I started by taking the camera on hikes and when I went out I knew it was something I wanted to do. I wanted to do photography. So I started posting on TikTok and Instagram and just kept being consistent until I became a full time artist.. it was an incredible journey that took about 5 years. I’m so grateful! Read More>>

Simmone Williams

Since then I have dibbled and dabbled into hair, massage therapy, esthetics and finally nails! I found my passion in nails due to the fact that I absolutely love art of all sorts! I current rent my own private suite where I service my clients and create beautiful painting’s, drawing’s and custom clothes in the future! Doing nails has opened up a creative, carefree avenue that also allows me to make a living! God has truly blessed my life and my hands and I look forward to where ever he takes me in life and in this field of work! Read More>>

Stephanie Lee

This urge was solidified once I first saw a 360 video experience in action at a large outdoor charity event. I fell in love with seeing people giggle on these impressive machines and then leave that platform with a digital memory to share. My craving for more adult interaction and conversation, along with this unique way of bringing joy led me to start Triangle Twirl – we are now always at unique events full of adults! You can find residents of North Carolina twirling at grand opening celebrations, weddings, charity galas, and parties of all kinds. Read More>>

Monique Ray

Born in North Carolina, Raised in Stamford, Connecticut. Went to Berkeley College in New York for Fashion Management & Merchandising. As a Delta Epsilon Chi business student accomplished esteemed award as Top 8 in US for problem solving (Human Relations). Graduated 1987 & worked in Manhattan, NY in advertising. Saatchi & Saatchi DFS Compton & Ally & Gargano. My clients were Toyota, Leggs & Dunkin Donuts. Got married at age 22 and my abusive ex-husband exposed me to drugs and hopelessness. Was a victim of verbal and mental abuse for 6 years and suffered heart-attacked and stroke. After rehabilitation, new life began, remarried. my new husband, my king and best friend Leslie “Les” Ray. We’ve been together 30 years, married 28 years. Daughter ,Whitney 33 and grandson Marcus Jr. 12. Ordained a Recovery Pastor & Chaplain, Opened a home for women & children “In His Hands Wholeness Center” in North Carolina and served as Chaplain for Cape Fear Hospital in Elizabethtown, NC. Relocated to West Coast for work. Continued my spiritual journey, Received Double Doctorate 4 yrs apart in Clinical Pastoral Counseling and Christian Ministry. Opened a sober living home for women and worked with Judicial system. Also headed up Spiritual Recovery as a Chaplain and Group facilitator for Veterans and civilians at a Luxury Rehab – Virtue Recovery. Just relocated from West Coast to Clayton, NC. 5 months ago. to care for my mother who has Dementia. Trained and certified in hypnotherapy, energy, sound healing and halotherapy. Over the last 1 year really started to experience awakenings which challenged me at my core and sent me seeking… I found Corey! Read more>>

Dolev Zaharony

We are relocation and short-term rental specialists. We provide an experience that makes the move seamless and headaches-free. What sets us apart is our service- we will go above and beyond for our customers to make sure they can focus on what is important to them- whether it’s finding their dream home or their work. Read More>>

Alley Buscemi

After years as a set designer in New York City, staging stylish interiors for film, tv, and commercials, I entered the sales world and unexpectedly loved it. Within six months, I was managing multi-million dollar international wholesale accounts. I connected buyers from Fortune 100 retail companies with home trends and developed custom-designed collections. Eventually I wanted more meaningful work, and decided to sell the whole house. I’m coming up on 5 years as a Realtor, and in January 2024 I launched my own team at Compass- AlleyCo Homes. Read More>>

Wendy Clark

My journey into dentistry started early – when my little brother was born with a cleft lip and palate requiring complex dental needs throughout his childhood. I was inspired by the team of dental specialists who supported both him and our family. I chose the specialty of prosthodontics (tooth replacement and complex care), and after 11 years of higher education, I was fortunate to practice in Atlanta with some of the same doctors that helped by brother years before. Read More>>