Raleigh’s Most Inspiring Stories

Tanajah

Unfortunately, covid happened, the project was never released and the festival as cancelled. Fortunately, I made connections with a lot of bookers in the country and I was invited back in 2021. In 2021 I met with Rune Lak, CEO of BlikFlak, an indie label in based in Aarhus. I signed with them in 2022 and released my EP, “What if Dreams Came True?” through the label. With the help of bookers and the label, I’ve had three successful International Tours! Read More>>

Amy Bonis

I grew up in a strict, lower-middle-class household. My mom would go from store to store to find the best deals on essentials like cheese ends and other groceries. Dinner often meant spam or canned tuna with rice and mayo. Life was challenging; my birth father struggled with alcohol and was abusive, so my mom made the difficult choice to leave for our safety, even though her parents disapproved. We were on our own. Read More>>

Rob Wolf

I started making clothes back in high school, around 2011-2012, at Hillside High School in Durham, NC. Fashion was a huge part of our culture, and being well-dressed was almost like a silent language that everyone understood. At our school, it wasn’t just about looking good—it was about making a statement, showing you had style, and that you were in tune with what was current. Everyone was a sneakerhead, chasing the latest drops, and the culture revolved around having the freshest gear. But in a place where looking good was expected, trying to stand out wasn’t always easy. Read More>>

Tanika Barber

I started in Buffalo, New York, working in the field of social work after earning my masters. But there came a point when I felt a call for something deeper—not only for myself but also in how I showed up for my clients. In 2017, I decided to take a bold step, leaving behind the familiar to move to Charlotte, North Carolina, where I could create space to focus on my own dreams and well-being. I realized that to truly help others, I needed to first create stillness and healing within myself. Read More>>

Tracey Morrison

I made a sound decision in 2021 to be consistent with my writing by enrolling in some writing courses. It wasn’t until 2022 that a friend of mine, who I knew in the community, spearheaded an initiative with Greater Diversity News (GDN), a black-owned newspaper, to encourage HBCU students to join the NAACP. It wasn’t until I sent him an email that he accurately recognized my writing talent. He saw that special gift in me and pushed me to bigger platforms, which led me to write for Greater Diversity News every month and serve as a guest columnist with the Fayetteville Observer.  Read More>>

Keiro Branch, MSW, LCSWA

As I gained experience, I envisioned starting my own practice. This ambition stemmed from a desire to create a space where I could truly show up for my clients, offering them the support and understanding they need. Mindfully At Peace, PLLC came to me in a dream where God showed me I was destined to create something “great.” In the dream, I saw two nurses who revealed the name “Jeremiah,” which means “appointed by God.” In less than three months, I successfully brought Mindfully At Peace, PLLC to life which launched November 4th, 2024! Read More>>

Frank Dormani

During college, I connected with aspiring filmmakers, collaborating with them on and scoring their films. This led to my first feature film, a significant milestone in my career. As I honed in on my craft, I found opportunities to work within the indie horror genre, eager to establish my name in this industry. After continuously building my portfolio, I was given the opportunity to begin working as an additional music writer for composer David Bateman, which has been a highly rewarding experience for me. Read More>>

Bridget Bennett

During my journey, I immersed myself in understanding high-conflict personalities and mastering communication with individuals whose disordered behavior seemed aimed at tearing my life apart. I had a strong support system—a co-parenting communication coach, a domestic violence advocate, a skilled therapist, and a network of people who, to this day, I credit with helping save my life and the lives of my children. Read More>>

Sauce

I basically got on FL not knowing any of the “producer rules” so I kind of chalk that up to how I got my own sound. I didn’t know about where to start the hook or the verse I just did whatever I felt sounded good. A few months in I started just sending beats to whatever locals I knew or found on instagram and a few of them had buzz so with their buzz and the combination of my own style from just trying things it made me stand out I guess. I’m not really sure yet lol I’m still in the process of making it to where I want to be with all of this. Read More>>

Synquis Joiner

I think being in this industry, you definitely go through ups and downs. You have your busy seasons, and you have your slow seasons. If you’re not prepared for the slow times, it can really impact your mental and emotional health. A few struggles, I faced along the way we definitely have to be social media and time management. I found myself trying to do as many clients as I possibly could, and that didn’t work out so well for me. I was becoming burnt out and uninspired. I had to slow down in order to perform better. Give myself some grace. Social media is a beast, and I still haven’t mastered it, but the trick is definitely being consistent even though the algorithm will give you a run for your money sometimes Read More>>

Donovan Barnes

It’s definitely been anything but a smooth road. The journey from being a Marine in high-stakes situations to becoming a photographer, and then a licensed realtor, came with its share of challenges. Initially, adjusting to civilian life itself was a big shift. I went from a structured, intense environment where every day could mean life or death, to learning the ropes of an entirely different industry, where I had to rebuild my identity and approach. Read More>>

Shereá Burnett

Despite feeling like these interests were unrelated, they all converged when I became a Social Worker in Child Welfare. In this role, I encountered families in need of the resources that I was connected with because of my community work, as well as children with parents who struggled with literacy. One particular family that I worked with included a mother at risk of homelessness due to a lease violation, which she could not understand because she could not read her lease. Read More>>

Kola Monroe

I faced a lot of challenges from, People turning on me to come up for themselves. To people stealing my ideas… etc. But I didn’t let that stop me. Life is filled with obstacles. But u can’t let them deter your path! (Keep going)! I told myself I can no longer live in fear. So I went after each goal/Dream with confidence and knowledge knowing I could do it. The key is never give up,no matter what! Read More>>

Keri Carnes

Absolutely not. I am very risk-adverse (which is why I chose a “safe” career originally) and it’s been emotionally very difficult to take a risk. That’s not even touching on how difficult it is to learn a completely new skill and industry after having an established career, and having others depending on you. Read More>>

Kimberly Simon

I was born in Harare, Zimbabwe, into a large extended family where space and resources were often shared. Growing up, privacy was unfamiliar, and utilities like water and electricity were limited, yet this was the life we knew. My first real spark of interest in technology came when my aunt visited from England with a mobile phone—a simple device by today’s standards but revolutionary to me. Holding that phone was like holding a piece of the future in my hands, and it sparked a curiosity that would shape my life. Read More>>

Alisha Browne

I am originally from New Hampshire and attend Bentley University for Business & Marketing, a field in which I worked in for over 10 years. After graduating in 2010, I moved down to Wilmington, NC from Boston. By pure coincidence of subletting her condo, I happened to meet a woman who was also from NH; she was a professional photographer who primarily shot weddings and engagements at the time and was just starting in boudoir. We became friends, and my now-husband and I eventually hired her as our wedding photographer. The turning point for me is when she offered to take boudoir portraits of me as a gift to my fiancé prior to the wedding. Read More>>

Papa Fall

We specialize in Cuisine from about 43 different countries of Africa.The one thing that we are known for is our diversity and ability to execute our dishes to near perfection and make people from different region find a piece of home in our establishment. We are proud to be representing The African Nation and its culture through our Cuisine and make people discover new flavors .We are please of helping our communities by creating jobs here in the US and back in our home country. Read More>>

Travis Mceachern

This journey is all about learning along the way. It’s not supposed to be a walk in the park because that’s where we really grow. It’s all about how you look at things. I don’t see challenges as things happening to me; I see them as opportunities for me. I’ve had my share of lessons, and I’m grateful for them because they elevate me each time I overcome one. As you chase your goals, take a moment to notice the “obstacles” that pop up. They’re there for a purpose. Take the time to observe, understand, learn, and then keep pushing forward. Read More>>

Vladimir Grishin

The path to becoming a photographer wasn’t easy. The constant moves from Azerbaijan to Taiwan, and then to the U.S., each new home brought new challenges. In every country, I encountered new cultures, faces, and photography styles that reshaped my perception and inspiration. My preferences and approaches to photography evolved along with me-from architecture and street photography to more complex portrait and fashion shoots. It was a search for my style that continues to this day. I always strive to balance tradition and innovation, experimenting and blending different genres. Read More>>

Carrie Bender

Our business took off rather quickly within a month and the demand for vintage quality furniture was incredibly well received keeping us quite busy from the start. Jarred has a background in the trades so he took on the sanding and prep for the furniture we find. I, myself, have a background in graphic design so I mainly focus on the paint colors, finishes, and design which balances out perfectly utilizing both of our skillsets. We have been flipping furniture for a little over 2 years now and have been busier than ever serving the Raleigh area with unique furniture pieces that can also be customized based on a client’s design and style. Read More>>

Mike Otis

His response was always the same, in a gruff voice he’d say, “Your not old enough to handle the recipe, I make the sauce, when I was 21 you can have it.” He would then go make a batch of the sauce for me. For years, it became a running joke between us, but he would never give up the recipe to me. At 18, I joined the U.S. Air Force and when I had turned 21, in my birthday card, written on a 3 x 5 index card was the base recipe of what is now Battle Tested® Craft Barbecue Sauce. (I still have that hand-written 3 x 5 recipe card)! I started playing with the recipe over the years adding different herbs and spices to get it to where it is today. Read More>>

Amy Eure

My leadership skills quickly grew, and I transitioned into leadership as a General Manager, eventually finding my way to a popular home furnishings brand. There, I spent many years running a thriving business, fostering a team-oriented culture that promoted many individuals to leadership roles and designers. One of my proudest achievements was launching an in-home design services program that became a cornerstone of our brand, building customer loyalty and deepening our relationships with homeowners. Read More>>

Reuben Sullins

I even had a shot at the pros after college, but unfortunately got sidelined with an injury during tryouts. The recovery was going to be long, and honestly, I didn’t want to be chasing that dream in my late 20s if it meant missing out on other opportunities. But that whole experience really ignited my passion for training. I loved the feeling of pushing myself and becoming stronger, and I realized I wanted to help others achieve their fitness goals too. My own trainer at the time really helped me see that potential in myself. Read More>>

Bridget Peterson

I was first exposed to yoga at Meredith College in Raleigh, NC while studying in the Dance Department. Following my Bachelor of Arts in Dance Education, I moved to New York City to pursue my professional dance career. In 2009, after several years in NYC, many of which I danced with a small collaborative dance company, I obtained my 200-hour yoga teaching certification through Om Yoga Center, under the direction of Cyndi Lee. I was fortunate to quickly become a full-time yoga teacher, primarily focused in the suburbs of NYC, as well as teaching in New Jersey and Connecticut.  Read More>>

Ebonique Brown

Ebonique Brown, hailing from Prince George’s County, Maryland, has been immersed in the performing arts since childhood. From singing as a toddler to dancing and acting in local productions, her passion for the arts defined her upbringing. After focusing on her studies, she graduated Magna Cum Laude in Broadcast Journalism from Bowie State University. Read More>>

Ginny McCollum

When Covid hit, I was Communications Director at a small Montessori school which had a cherished tradition of tie-dyeing class t-shirts. Normally, other staff were in charge of the project, but there was nothing normal about that spring. Our community desperately needed a little bit of joy amid those early days of lockdowns and remote learning, and I had a newsletter that needed content. So I swallowed my fear and started learning how to tie-dye. Read More>>

Tamette Farrington

I wanted to be a business owner but had no clue what I would sell. I didn’t have a product and I didn’t know what service I would offer because like most entrepreneurs I was good at so many things. At first, I was looking at being an educational consultant since I worked in higher ed for over 10 years and I knew the ends and outs of the higher ed space. I knew I had to start somewhere. Starting the journey led me to find my life purpose in coaching; working with other entrepreneurs to help them stop wasting time and be intentional and strategic while holding them accountable. Read More>>

Ashley Rhone-Williams

I worked in a childcare center throughout my undergrad college career and shortly after I graduated. Shortly after graduating, I began servicing families as a private nanny. Working in the large childcare arena and various experiences ignited a fire in me to step out on faith and open a Family Child Care Home (in-home childcare). Read More>>

Alison Webster

The real turning point came in 2023 when I attended a retreat and spent several days doing inner work. During that time, everything clicked, and it triggered an existential crisis. I realized I could no longer continue living the way I had been. As head of marketing for a global staffing firm, I made the decision to resign and embark on a journey to find a career that felt more meaningful and impactful. Read More>>