Shatoria Whiteside, a native of Winston-Salem, is the owner of a literacy firm, The Learning Advantage, LLC, and the executive director of the non-profit Read, Empower and Distinguish (READ). She is a proud graduate of North Carolina A&T State University and holds a master’s degree in education. She is an educator who has a heart for literacy and understands the vehicle that literacy is for accessing different things in life. She taught her now six-year-old son to read at the age of two. In those moments, she realized the power in parents having the knowledge and capacity to educate their own children, so she launched her business and non-profit with her passion and heart leading her to empower students and families through education and literacy. In her free time, Shatoria is traveling the world with her husband and kids. She currently teaches children in Ghana and hopes to visit in 2022.

Corie Doss is the owner of Wine Nox and recently celebrated her one-year anniversary as a business owner. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina Charlotte where she double majored in sociology and criminal justice. “I have a creative soul and enjoy anything with art and design,” said Corie. “My love for creativity expands from creating meaningful gifts to now creating meaningful experiences through curated decorations for celebrations at my business for others.” She is very thankful for her husband’s belief in her abilities and encouragement to dream big, as well as her parents for supporting her and her dreams.

Katelyn Poplin is the owner of KHP Photography. She attended Appalachian State University and loves the mountains as much as anyone! She is originally from a very small, rural town in the Triad, so this area is home. She started photography in 2018 which is also when she married her high school sweetheart, Keenan. “I am not only a photographer, but a nurse, as well,” said Katelyn. “I love this community and actually grew up in the NC Triad. My passion for connecting with others and getting to know their stories actually inspired my business. I love that photos are a visual representation of memories. I want people to be able to look at a photo and go right back to that moment in time – how it felt. That’s why it’s important to me!” In her free time, she enjoys spending time outdoors doing pretty much anything as well as being with her family, friends and her golden retriever, Maggie. She also loves to cook and working on the décor and design of her own home.

Sheridan C. Watkins is the founder of Shairpins, an interchangeable pin that can be worn as a hair clip, necklace, brooch, or pair of earrings. She has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Winston-Salem State University. “I began realizing a calling in my life to create happiness and spread it to others,” said Sheridan. “Once I left school and tried to find secure jobs in my field with no real success, I decided I would create the life I wanted. My ‘job’ is running my business along with other independent positions that fulfill my passion for writing and helping my community. No day looks the same, and I enjoy the people I interact with on a daily basis. It helps me to better understand the purpose of human life and the role I play to make the world better for us to live in.” Sheridan was a designer in Winston-Salem Fashion Week, and now, Shairpins is carried in five stores around Winston-Salem. In her spare time, Sheridan loves to spend time in nature, walking and soaking in the weather which brings her peace and energy. “I also love to craft and write, and I’m so grateful that I get to do this full-time as I build my business,” said Sheridan. She also enjoys swimming and taking care of her dog and plants.

Mishon Shore is the owner and a hair stylist at Salon Mishon. She has a cosmetology license from Leon’s Beauty School and is a certified hair colorist and hair extension artist. She has owned her own salon suite for eight years and has been doing hair for 16 years. She is also a certified lash lift and tint artist. “I have wanted to do hair since I was a little girl,” said Mishon. “Making people feel better about themselves is so rewarding in this profession. I have built great friendships and connections over my 16 years behind the chair. I value my time with my clients, and I strive to make them feel beautiful and listened to. I love continuing education and stay up to date on all the newest trends and techniques. I always want to deliver the best when you’re sitting in my chair.” In her spare time, Mishon loves to spend time with her family which includes two beautiful children, Charleston, age 5, and Memphis who is eight weeks old.

Brittany Duncan is a Realtor and broker for Re/Max Preferred Properties who sold 60+ homes this year! She was born and raised in the Triad and currently resides with her husband and two daughters in Kernersville. “I have a deep connection with my community which has helped guide me to build my career with passion to serve people and their families,” said Brittany. “I look at the relationships with my clients as a partnership. To fully understand the unique needs of each valued client by taking the time to ask questions and dig deep into what their individual goals are. Having a strong background in building personal relationships with clients, my enthusiastic personality, determination, and interpersonal skills give me the drive to help my clients conquer their goals. My keen eye for interior design and style is crucial for the homebuying process, when envisioning the future layout of homes. I always strive to make my clients feel comfortable and informed. When I am not working in real estate, you can find me spending time with my two little girls, in my closet planning out my outfits for the week, skiing down a mountain or decorating my house.”