Raleigh’s Most Inspiring Stories

Clarence Garner

Growing up in a community that faced significant economic and social challenges, Clarence’s early years were far from easy. His home was filled with struggles, from living in conditions plagued by pests to witnessing gun violence firsthand, all while pursuing his passion for basketball. The sport became more than just a pastime for Clarence; it was a way of life that taught him invaluable lessons in teamwork, hard work, and perseverance. Basketball wasn’t just about winning games; it was about survival and pushing through adversity, both on and off the court. Read More>>

Mandy Miller

A decade ago, I found myself in Wilmington, NC, drawn to the coast like a compass pointing home. The ocean here has a different heartbeat—gentler, warmer, but just as infinite. It’s a place that embraced me and introduced me to a vibrant, fearless community of dreamers and doers. Somewhere along the way, I realized that art could be my anchor and my way of connecting to others, to myself, and to something bigger than us all. Read More>>

Nicholas And Karissa Mierzejewski

As an avid foodie, Nicholas wanted Karissa to experience the same joy he did. From that point on, Nicholas was determined to make gluten-free desserts that tasted like their gluten-full counterparts. Nicholas tested and tried countless flour alternatives and baking substitutes in the hopes of developing desserts that wowed not only Karissa but the whole family. After graduating high school, they went off to college, and Nicholas dedicated his studies to Food Science and Human Nutrition to better understand and solve this problem in the industry. After many years of testing, he finally cracked the code to make unrecognizably delicious gluten-free sweets and treats. Read More>>

Nina Wheeler

I have taken dance all of my life, since age 3. I was asked in 1972, at 16 years old, to teach dance for my local studio in another nearby city, Roxboro, N.C…. I took the invitation and went every Thursday night to teach ages 3-18 years old. I was actually teaching children older than myself. The one-day-per-week studio was thriving and reached 60 students. I made $1.00 per child per week. $60.00 in one night, in 1972, I was considered rich with this part-time job. I continued with the job, and the next year, the studio had grown to 100 students.  Read More>>

Stephanie Garrett

My career as a florist began at a young age playing in the dirt with my Mother. She was a avid gardener and had a love especially for Bearded Iris. As a child I followed her in the garden and watched how it brought her joy and peace. At the age of 10 my Mom took me along to a floral designing class. The instructor allowed me to participate just like the adults! I was hooked. It was a fun and creative outlet for me and I seemed to have a knack for it. so, my first after school job was at a florist!  Read More>>

Travis Elias

Eventually, I shifted into private chef work, catering for special events such as weddings, pig pickings, birthdays, and Louisiana boils for gatherings as large as 500 people. This exposure allowed me to form connections within the industry including meeting, David Foye, the owner of Kitchen Archives and Flavor District. My career flourished under their guidance, and I developed a strong working relationship with David and his team. Read More>>

Zada Somers

Growing up as the second youngest of seven children, being raised in Colorado Springs, CO, I learned early on the importance of family and the values that shape our lives. My father, a single parent, was the most significant influence on my life. He taught me to always strive for what was best for me and my family, to approach life with compassion in my heart and strength in my mind. These lessons have guided me throughout my life and continue to inspire me as I navigate the challenges of motherhood and entrepreneurship. Read More>>

La’krish Mayes

But the reality was different. Being a bonus mom came with challenges I wasn’t prepared for. Sometimes, bonus moms and stepmoms are ostracized or disliked, not for who we are, but simply because of our presence. I experienced lonely Mother’s Days and mom events where I wasn’t invited because I hadn’t given birth to a child yet. It was heartbreaking to see others receive gifts and recognition with “mom” on them while feeling invisible in my role. Read More>>

Steph Stanglin

After I left the classroom I worked for a nonprofit planning conferences, and volunteered for social organizations where I planned events for community members. These experiences led me to realize that planning events is where my passion lies, and while interning for a luxury wedding planner in Charlotte, I discovered that weddings is the niche I wanted to focus on. I started my own wedding planning and coordination business in January 2024 and have thoroughly enjoyed helping couples plan their special day. I am looking forward to helping even more couples in 2025! Read More>>

Madison Mundy

I went to UNC Chapel Hill with a dream of being a future restauranteur, which led to confusion in my young 18 year old brain! For as long as I could remember, I wanted to own a restaurant. I spent my college years touring culinary schools and trying to decide what kind of degree would interest me (beyond French which I always loved). I ended up getting a degree in Advertising and Public Relations and minored in French and entrepreneurship. I studied abroad in France during my junior year where I finished my French minor and had some life changing experiences. Read More>>

Candace Marek

I started running my own business when I was 24 years old. I opened up a Franchise in 2004 with one location and then eventually opened up 3 more locations and became an Area Developer of that Franchise. In that role I sold new licenses and trained the new Franchisees as they opened with ongoing support and training. After being a part of that Franchise for over 15 years I decided I needed change and I ventured into real estate investment properties for long term and short term rentals. This was very much behind the scenes and I realized how much I missed being in the public working with people everyday. Read More>>

Davinder Singh Ahluwalia

We saw an opportunity to introduce something truly unique – an Indian restaurant that could offer not just exceptional food, but a complete dining experience that would justify the customer’s spending. Raleigh, with its growing population and lack of high-end Indian dining options, seemed like the perfect location for our vision. Read More>>

Wyatt Bare

One of my earliest jobs was learning how to make pizza. I felt like my life wasn’t going anywhere, and was stuck working an hourly job making pizza. I was, however, the best at it. My entire life I wanted to work for myself, and finally decided to go into massive debt to buy an old and used pizza food truck. The rest is history! Read More>>

Rachel Takas

I just kept thinking “what if I take my shot at working for myself full time?” It is extremely hard and challenges me in ways I never thought it would, but it also brings me so much joy. I love sharing the beauty of creating slow-made products. The connections I’ve made within the creative community has introduced me to different opportunities – one being workshops! I did my first workshop teaching flower hammering at Atlantic Gardening this year. I absolutely fell in love with sharing this process with the community and plan to do a lot more this coming year. Read More>>

Hannah Elliott

I’m Hannah, a personal wardrobe stylist with a passion for fashion that began in Allentown, Pennsylvania. From a young age, I was captivated by fashion design and couture, which led me to sketch and dream of pursuing a career in the industry. I graduated from The Art Institute of Philadelphia with a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Marketing, and soon after, I moved to New York City to further pursue a career in fashion styling. Read More>>

Megan Martineau

I always loved fitness and grew up an athlete. This led me to become a certified personal trainer with the desire to help others fall in love with fitness and taking care of their bodies. But once I became pregnant, I realized how much the fitness industry neglected its pregnant and postpartum populations. Read More>>

Rebecca Price

I now have a team of about 15 part-time workers. I recently expanded to a retail shop in Brentwood Shopping Center in Wilson. The shop offers gifts and decor items as well as unique plants, handmade crafts, etc. We also provide everyday arrangements, flower deliveries, and love creating beautiful floral designs for birthdays, anniversaries, gender reveals, etc.! We are currently gearing up for Valentine’s Day! You can find me at brushedbybec.com or on Instagram! Read More>>

Kaitlan Farrior

Writing has been my anchor for as long as I can remember—a way to make sense of the world and my place in it. Growing up in North Carolina, I was surrounded by stories: the ones told in family circles, the quiet poetry of everyday life, and the powerful words of authors like Ernest J. Gaines, James Baldwin, and Henry Dumas. Their work taught me how stories can challenge, heal, and connect us, and they’ve been a constant source of inspiration as I’ve found my own voice as a writer. Read More>>

Mary Angelini

I’m Mary, and together with my daughter, Gabi Angelini, we are the proud Co-Founders of Gabi’s: Powered by Special Abilities. Our journey began with a simple yet powerful realization—despite Gabi’s passion for service, dedication, and vibrant personality, traditional employment opportunities were often out of reach due to widespread discrimination against adults with special abilities. This challenge sparked our mission to drive change. Read More>>

Denard Simmons

From veteran to visionary, I transformed my personal health struggles into a mission. As CEO of Superior Greenyard, I lead the charge in vegan skin health, offering natural solutions for pain relief and skincare with our body butters, scrubs, soaps, and washes. Read More>>

Patricia Jennings

I was just throwing it out there, but was surprised at how enthusiastic and encouraging the entire family was about the idea. We talked for hours and before the end of the weekend, we had a name, a reference bible verse (Psalm 119:105 – “Your Word is a lamp to my feet, a light unto my path.”) and a general business plan. We ordered our first candle making supplies the very next day, and proceeded to create fragrances, test market them to friends and family, and we were selling the very first QuintesScential candles at the local farmer’s market the next month. Read More>>

Christina Kadija

Understanding the trends and what buyers are looking for is super important, and knowing your stuff when it comes to guiding homeowners on getting their homes ready for a quick sale and a great return on investment! Selling a home can be one of the most stressful experiences for many people. It’s not always under the best circumstances, so my goal is to make the process as seamless and straightforward as possible. I love to approach each situation with patience and understanding! It feels great to help people navigate through that tough time. Read More>>

Kimberly Mitchell

I knew public assistance wasn’t the life I wanted for myself or my children. Determined to change my circumstances, I discovered a program partnered with DSS, which offered grants for single mothers to further their education. I enrolled, earning a Certificate in Computer Science, then an Associate’s degree in Information Technology. Read More>>

Chef Ac

The journey wasn’t easy—in fact, it was just getting started. After graduating from Clemson University with a B.A. in Biological Sciences amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I sought new opportunities that bridged my academic background with my lifelong passion for cooking. Drawing on the Southern culinary traditions taught by my grandmothers and combining them with my scientific expertise, I founded The Soul of American Cuisines, LLC in March 2021. Read More>>

Kellie Taylor

I’m a candid storyteller that sometimes uses prompts to get authentic moments. I LOVE weddings. From the engagement to the wedding day, I’m there for the magic of it all. The approach is mostly journalistic, with prompted posing for a real storybook vibe in the finished album. I want my couples to feel like they are still there, and not just see posed after posed moment. Read More>>