Our city is home to so many incredible businesses and so we asked the founders how they came up with the ideas for their businesses and have shared their responses below.

Jacqueline Murphy | Award-winning Actress and Filmmaker

For me my career has been like a constellation of stars points that connect. I always wanted to be an actress since 4 years of age when I imitated Mae West after watching her on TV with my grandfather. The house was busy UNTIL I walked out with high heels, a fake fur stole and red lipstick and said loudly to grandpa: “Well, hello big boy, why don’t you come up and see me sometime”. Everyone listened then laugh and I knew then: This is what I’m meant to do: Act! Fast forward: growing up in a hardworking family my mom, suggested since I liked helping people I become a nurse, then I’d have a profession and could afford to do my acting. Read more>>

Scott Cvetkovski | Reiki and Martial Arts Master

The idea for One Heart Way came shortly after my initiations in receiving the ability to channel the Reiki energy. I had many immediate scenarios that called for my use of the Reiki energy and I couldn’t believe how fast I was able to help someone with their mental, emotional or physical body healing. I remember thinking to myself after these wonderful healing sessions, “how can I not make this my focus and help as many people as I can live a beautiful life.” Read more>>

BG & Kris Greer | Podcast Hosts

BG: Well, you know, the idea for the ChopShop podcast actually came from a casual conversation Kris and I were having. I told him, “Aye, we have some serious conversations people don’t talk about on a regular basis. Why not record those conversations?” It was one of those lightbulb moments where we realized, “Why not share our discussions with others?” Kris Greer: Absolutely! We’ve always had these dynamic, diverse conversations covering a wide range of topics. So, we thought, why not turn that into a podcast? Now, as for the name, coming up with ‘ChopShop’ was a collaborative effort. We wanted a name that reflected the essence of our show – cutting through various subjects, chopping it up in a conversational way. It just clicked. Read more>>

Zakiya Ellick | Owner / CEO

I’ve been making cookie dip since I was a little girl. I would gather my ingredients and mix them in a bowl, while watching soaps with my grandma. No one ever questioned what I was making, & I never shared. Fast forward to 2017. My friends and I are very competitive cooks. We all prepared appetizers for the Playboy Jazz Festival. After gathering all the food, I suddenly realize that I didn’t have anything sweet to offer. I put together my ingredients in a bowl and proceeded to make Vanilla Bean and Lemon cookie dips. I shared with friends while at the festival, and they raved about the bold, decadent flavors. I then began sharing with our neighboring concert goers, and received the same response. It was that moment I realized my cookie dips should be shared with the world. Read more>>

Chynna Jenkins | Artist & Designer

The Psychic Friends Club was created in 2020 while the world was dealing with the pandemic. I became furloughed from work and had to opportunity to focus on something positive while also dealing with uncertainty. The brand name is from a song by Harvey Danger called “Wooly Muffler” ( “… or maybe even psychic friends and we could share a secret language.”) I have a background in apparel graphics and I have always wanted to dive into making graphics for the kids market. We have a logo with two heads that share a wavy rainbow and started with tie dye t-shirts. We have since evolved and are also creating stuffed toys and working on tufted rugs of our characters. Read more>>