Amanda Jelks is the owner of Jelks Law where she and her team of seven women help protect what matters most – your family, your dignity, and your business. Using tools like wills, trusts, and business entities, Amanda has spent 15 years helping countless families in Tennessee and Georgia protect their assets, secure their legacy and pass down wealth to the next generation.

Angelica Hairston is a Chattanooga and Atlanta-based harpist, educator, and sound practitioner who uses music for community healing and liberation. She is certified in Music Therapy and Sound Healing and is an internationally celebrated harp sound healing artist. Her performances have spanned from Palm Heights Resort in Grand Cayman to New York’s Carnegie Hall and the Brooklyn Museum. A frequent collaborator with leading Black voices for community care including Chelsea Jackson Roberts of Peloton, Octavia Raheem of Devoted to Rest™, and Tricia Hersey of The Nap Ministry, Angelica brings restorative harp sounds to retreats, yoga and meditation spaces, community rest gatherings, and healing justice events worldwide. For more on her work, visit her website at angelicahairston.com or follow her on Instagram @angelharpist.

Antionette Rollins is a professional tarot reader, facilitator, and event producer committed to spiritual and mental wellness. Through her company, Alchemy by Ant, Antionette provides healing-centered readings, events, and services that promote self-care and community well-being.

Briah Gober is an artist born and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, whose creative journey spans a wide range of dynamic media, styles, and themes. While primarily known for works on canvas, Briah also explores the potential of everyday objects as canvases, constantly challenging traditional boundaries. Though abstract art is her preferred style, Briah has a deep appreciation for the detailed richness of oil realism. Since 2015, Briah has participated in over 50 art shows and pop-up exhibitions, many of which included live painting demonstrations. Her work has been featured in prestigious venues such as the AVA Gallery, Hart Gallery, Chattanooga Theatre Centre, Chattanooga City Hall, The Chattanooga Public Library, and the Chattanooga Airport.

Brianna Jones is a Chattanooga Native and a dedicated advocate for the arts. Growing up she attended Barger Academy of Fine Arts and Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts. Her arts education continued at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga where she received two degrees: B.A Theatre and B.S Public Administration and Nonprofit Management. She currently works as the Programs and Grants Coordinator for ArtsBuild. Brianna is passionate about upholding ArtsBuild's mission to build stronger communities through the arts and to connect local creatives to the resources they need to see their ideas through to fruition. 

Cassandra Tucker is the founder and creative force behind Divine Purity Aurapothecary, a plant-based home, body, and wellness brand rooted in intention and care. For over twelve years, she has grown her business through mindful creation, a commitment to craftsmanship, and an approach that values connection over speed. Her work has reached well beyond her local roots, finding its way into both intimate boutique spaces and large-scale corporate gifting programs. Cassandra believes growth should be guided by alignment, not pressure, and measures success in the trust and relationships built along the way. She brings her full self to every part of her work, creating space for truth, care, and community to flourish.

Chery Jordan is a seasoned fashion professional with over 30 years of experience working with luxury brands under the Louis Vuitton umbrella and renowned designers such as Donna Karan, Anna Sui, and Dennis Basso. Her global fashion journey has taken her to Brazil, Italy, and beyond, influencing her work as a boutique buyer, stylist, and trend forecaster. Chery has styled celebrities including Yoko Ono, Rashida Jones, and Steven Tyler, and has taught at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York. Since relocating to Chattanooga, she has produced runway shows, taught modeling bootcamps, and curated events for institutions like The Hunter Museum. Known for her signature edgy-yet-timeless style, Chery continues to inspire confidence through fashion, education, and community engagement.

Courtney Smith is the founder of Functional Patterns Chattanooga, a biomechanics-based training facility helping people resolve pain and restore functional movement. After struggling for years with fatigue, depression, and chronic discomfort, she found relief through Functional Patterns and became a certified Human Biomechanics Specialist in 2020. Her work now focuses on training the body according to its evolutionary design to address root causes rather than symptoms. Since opening her East Chattanooga facility in 2023, she has helped hundreds of clients reclaim strength, confidence, and ease of movement. Through her practice, Courtney is helping shift the conversation around health and wellness in the Southeast.

Darlene Freeman Payne is a Chattanooga native and retired foster care social worker who served her community for over 30 years. Now the proud owner of Tea Thyme and Dainties, she offers specialty teas and promotes wellness through herbal, unsweetened, and decaffeinated options—all while running a debt-free business. A passionate advocate for financial freedom, Darlene facilitates Crown Financial Ministry classes at her church and inspires others to live debt-free. Her garden—fondly known as her “Tea Shed”—is her sanctuary, where she hosts tea gatherings, grows fresh herbs, and dreams of creating a future bed and breakfast. She is also a proud mother and firm believer that life gets better and greater with faith and purpose.

Dominique is a 48 year old, Chattanooga, TN based wife, homeschooling mom of four, and an entrepreneur to the green beauty brand Natty Naturals, a plant based brand with handcrafted products for the whole body.

Ella is the founder of Cocoa Asante, a premium chocolate company that ethically sources cocoa beans from her home country of Ghana and crafts chocolates almost too beautiful to eat. Her creations earned an impressive 9.5 rating from renowned food critic and TikTok influencer Keith Lee, and have been featured on CNN, Business Insider, a Super Bowl commercial, and more. Ella’s deep connection to her roots drives her vision: to one day source cacao directly from her family’s farms in Ghana and build manufacturing operations in the country. Through this, she aims to address systemic inequities in the cocoa industry and create a more sustainable and just future for cocoa-producing communities.

Lifelong Chattanooga resident Felicia Jackson is the inventor, founder, and CEO of CPR Wrap. Her son’s near-death experience inspired her to become the entrepreneur she is today. After receiving her M.D. in Physical Therapy in 2013, she continued to pursue education but in a different realm. She graduated from Launch of Chattanooga Entrepreneurial Academy in 2015 and from the Colab Accelerator Program in 2016. In 2017, she was Chattanooga State College’s Alumni of the Year. Her and her husband now have three children and have recently become grandparents to a beautiful baby boy. Felicia hopes to pass on her entrepreneurial spirit to her children so they may one day start businesses of their own.

Jenna Wright is a passionate entrepreneur, master Pilates instructor, and founder of Southern Soul Yoga and FACE, a modern beauty studio. With over a decade of experience, she’s known for blending wellness, leadership, and community in everything she creates. Jenna built her businesses from the ground up, turning her story of resilience into inspiration for others. Her teaching style is equal parts disciplined, heartfelt, and empowering. She is committed to helping people feel seen, strong, and confident—both on and off the mat.

Jequise is a 200 hr RYT certified yoga teacher. Jequise's mission in becoming a yoga teacher, is to craft a safe space for black women while honoring the sacred practice of yoga. Jequise 's goal is to teach black women to calm their nervous systems through movement and intentional breath.

Jordan Gustus is the founder and creative director of TJA Agency, where her team transforms and elevates brands and lives through design and strategic visual storytelling. With over a decade of experience, Jordan has crafted over 200 brand transformations, helping high-achieving women create cohesive visual identities that attract dream clients and command premium pricing. Her award-winning work has been recognized as Best Branding Company and Best Marketing Company, and her signature approach empowers female entrepreneurs to own their expertise, showcase their passion and personality, and create brands that make both them and their ideal clients fall in love.

Joyre Montgomery, MSSW, LCSW, is the powerhouse behind Intentional Healing Empowerment Center (private group practice) and Intentional Healing Foundation (nonprofit), delivering transformative mental health therapy for youth and adults. A highly skilled and sought-after clinician, she’s known for blending clinical expertise with genuine warmth and authenticity. Joyre creates spaces where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to navigate life’s toughest moments. A wife, girl mom, and unapologetic joy-bringer, she makes mental health bold, approachable, and full of possibility. Her mission is simple yet life-changing: to help people heal, grow, and bloom with intention.

Karen Collins is the Founder and Creative Musical Star of the Velvet Chair Experience, a celebrated Jazz and Uptown Soul concert series now in its third season at The Bessie Smith Cultural Center. Her musical heritage traces back to her great-grandmother, a shape note singer from Rome, Georgia, this style helped shape African American spirituals and hymns. Karen’s upcoming projects include an exciting collaboration with the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, bringing The Velvet Chair Experience to the historic Memorial Auditorium’s Walker Theatre in March 2026.

Dr. Kia Ruffin is a mental health clinician, educator, empowerment coach, and transformational leader with over a decade of experience in community advocacy and wellness. A proud Chattanooga native, she is passionate about advancing mental health, equity, and holistic well-being in the communities she serves. She earned her Master’s in Social Work from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and her Doctorate in Education from Trevecca Nazarene University, combining clinical insight with systems-level leadership. Dr. Ruffin is the founder and CEO of The Wellspace Collective, where she cultivates spaces for individuals and organizations to lead with clarity, confidence, and compassion. Her work includes coaching, consulting, and designing community initiatives that embed mental wellness into leadership and everyday life. She also facilitates healing-centered programs that empower people to align purpose with impact. Through every role, Dr. Ruffin remains committed to creating transformative change rooted in connection, wellness, and equity.

Kratina Baker is a community strategist, storyteller, and wellness advocate deeply committed to Black Southern liberation and legacy. As the founder of The Radical Southern Belle, she curates spaces that blend cultural memory, civic clarity, and collective care. Kratina currently serves as the East Tennessee Organizer for Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi, where she supports grassroots leadership and policy engagement. She is known for grounding her work in lived experience, ancestral wisdom, and radical compassion. Whether moderating conversations or organizing from the ground up, Kratina brings a voice rooted in authenticity, strategy, and soul.

Lakweshia Ewing is a transformative leader, consultant, and faith-based strategist committed to empowering people, organizations, and ministries to live and lead with purpose. As the founder of Unlearn Everything and Live, she helps clients dismantle limiting beliefs and build strategies rooted in vision, justice, and impact. Lakweshia serves as the National Director of Biblical Justice Education for the Church of God in Christ’s International Sunday School Department, leading a global movement to restore God’s truth in the world. Her reach spans continents—serving clients and ministries across Africa, Brazil, Europe, and other international locations. Bold, prophetic, and purpose-driven, Lakweshia is a trusted voice for leaders who are ready to build with faith, courage, and clarity.

Dr. Lar’Mara Henderson, LCSW, is a dedicated clinical social worker, entrepreneur, and community leader with a passion for mental health equity and public service. Originally from Cleveland, OH, she earned her Doctor of Social Work & Leadership (DSW) from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2022, building on a strong academic foundation in psychology and social administration. With over two decades of experience spanning the federal, state, public, and private sectors including roles with the Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, U.S. Department of Education, and Capitol Hill. Dr. Lar’Mara has developed deep expertise in trauma-informed care, particularly in supporting first responders including active-duty service members, veterans, and their families living with PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Now based in Chattanooga, TN, she is the founder and owner of Scenic City Counseling, an award-winning growing mental health practice rooted in culturally responsive and trauma-informed care. A proud mother of three young adults, Dr. Lar’Mara continues to serve her community through volunteer work and advocacy. When she’s not working, she enjoys nature walks, reading, and movie nights with her family.

Marckita’s Munchies is owned by Marckita Wilkes, a wife, mother of three, and passionate baker. She specializes in custom cakes and cupcakes that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Marckita also teaches cake decorating through group classes and one-on-one sessions, helping others sharpen their skills. Her goal is to create sweet treats and memorable experiences for every occasion. With Marckita’s Munchies, every bite is made with love and creativity.

Dr. Michelle Little, an honors graduate from Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Spartanburg, SC (2016), later completed her Residence at Floyd Family Medicine in Rome, GA serving as Chief Resident (2019). After two years practicing in Calhoun, GA, she co-founded Dalton's first direct primary care practice. Outside of her medical endeavors, she finds joy in reading, travel and non-running exercises. While she appreciates all aspects of primary care, Dr. Little has a keen interest in diabetes management, weight management, and holistic wellness. Fluent in Spanish, she aspires to introduce a new healthcare approach to Dalton and NW GA. Dr. Little resides in Rocky Face, GA with her husband, son and daughter.

Onteaya Evelina is a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Herbalist, and Biophilic Designer with over a decade of experience in whole-person wellness. She brings a rare blend of creative strategy and deep healing knowledge to every project she touches and is known for transforming bold ideas into functional, impactful realities that nourish people, environments, and businesses from the inside out. She is the Founder and Creative Director of The Plant Candy Collective, and Co-Founder of the fun and innovative concept CHA CHA Chai, where she merges science-backed wellness practices with sensory storytelling and functional design.

Osha Thomas is a candle enthusiast/owner of Escential Things, a handmade candle company based in Chattanooga, TN. She started Escential Things in 2020 after searching for a hobby to influence her creativity. Her love candles and different scents lead her on journey of candle-making. After 9 months of testing different wax, wicks, and fragrances she developed an amazing candle that she has been selling consistently to several customers across America via her online website: escentialthings.com and locally at several Chattanooga markets. You can find her on her social media handles where she shows some behind the scenes videos of her business.

Renita A. Johnson, affectionately known as Lady J, is a self-taught baker who began her culinary journey at just 9 years old. A retired restaurateur and lifelong food enthusiast, she co-owned Café LeMont and LeMont’s Southern Cuisine, where she served as both baker and wedding coordinator. During the pandemic, Renita reignited her passion by creating individually sized versions of her beloved “monster cakes,” sparking the idea for a new bakery. She is also the founder of SKIRTS Ministry, a nonprofit dedicated to healing and purpose, and co-leads a summer baking enrichment program for children with her husband of over 40 years, Chef Lemont Johnson. An author, community leader, and devoted mother and grandmother, Renita continues to inspire through faith, food, and service.

Shadrina Booker is the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga and an Afro-Latina of Dominican descent, originally from Miami, FL. A proud UCF alum with a Master’s in Education, she’s called Chattanooga home for 16 years and has poured her heart into helping the city’s nonprofits and public institutions thrive. She’s also the co-founder of Vityl Media, a creative agency that blends storytelling with community impact. Shadrina is a graduate of several regional leadership programs and lends her voice to local boards that align with her passion for equity and the arts. She and her husband, Justin, are raising their 10-year-old son, Jonah, to love this city as much as they do.

Sharika Wilson is a dynamic entrepreneur and creative visionary behind multiple successful ventures including Scoop Around Ice Cream Bar, a self-funded thriving dessert brick-and-mortar. With a passion for turning bold ideas into real income, she's also the founder of Candy Dreams, an online brand that helps aspiring business owners launch and grow with confidence. She's not just a business owner—she's an author, a builder, mentor and a motivator on a mission to help others reach success.