Our community is comprised of some absolutely brilliant entrepreneurs and so we asked a few of them to tell us the story of how they came up with the ideas for their business.

Justin Meckes | Writer & Filmmaker

Just weeks after the birth of my first child, I began referring to her as my Sweet Pea. After quite a few more nicknames, I happened to refer to her as a bean. It was on that day that the idea for a book series about a group (or pod) of legumes was born. Read more>>

Kari Warning | Cross-Stitch Artist

I have cross-stitched since I was 8 years old. I had fallen out of the hobby in college, but several years later when I was getting married, I decided to cross-stitch thank you presents for all our bridal party. My husband was streaming on Twitch at the time and I would go into his stream room and show him and his viewers what I was working on. His viewers encouraged me that I should start a shop and even stream stitching on Twitch, which I did for 5 years. Read more>>

Silvia Gallo | Wine Bar owner; Community Hostess

Third places is a term coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg: Third places are local spots where people spend time between home (‘first’ place) and work (‘second’ place). A Third place or as I like to think of Killer Queen … “A social living room” Is a safe place where we exchange ideas, have a good time, build relationships, hop on our computer, network, have a first date, have a friends night out… connect … Read more>>

Kevin Carbone | Health-Focused Food Innovator | Founder of Sauce Bae

When I was 21 (I’m currently 33) I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, an autoimmune disease that made me experience rock bottom several times. Being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis was devastating, but it became the unlikely catalyst for my entrepreneurial journey which ultimately led me to create Sauce Bae. Read more>>

Jessica Rivera | Executive Director

I was a mother desperately seeking a program like Wake Harvest. Middle school was a very challenging time for my oldest child, and our family as a whole. I searched for youth mentorship programs that my son would be interested in and came up empty-handed. When I reached out to his middle school they did not have any resources either. I knew I was not the only parent seeking a support system for my child. I wanted a community that could rally behind us, mentor my child, and teach him important life skills, work ethic, etc. Since I didn’t find a program like that, I decided to create one. Read more>>

Katie Riordan | Crafter & Teacher

I’ve always wanted to share my jewelry and paintings with other people. I’ve loved making them for gifts for people and sharing them with other people. The name of my business came pretty easily to me as well. My parents always called me Katiebug Ladybug when I was little and I have a collection of little ladybugs. Making my business named Ladybug Designs was immediately my first thought when I decided I wanted to start my business. I also have made earrings with ladybug beads so it all came full circle when I decided to make my business Ladybug Designs Co. Read more>>

Jequetta Zeigler | Passionate TV/Film Writer, Producer, & Director | Crafting Compelling Stories for the Screen

This year, Above New Medians launched Scriptcraft Academy. Scriptcraft Academy was born out of a deep-seated passion for storytelling and a profound belief in the untapped potential of aspiring creatives. My journey in the entertainment industry exposed me to a multitude of talented individuals who, despite their remarkable skills and creativity, often struggled to find a clear path towards success. This realization was the catalyst for Scriptcraft Academy. Read more>>