2025 ACTIVATORS
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MICHAELA LEUNG
JULY
LOCATION: HARDEN STREET
Michaela Leung is a Columbia-based Pilates instructor, content creator, and wellness advocate dedicated to making mindful movement accessible to all. With a background in media and storytelling, she blends her expertise in communication with a passion for holistic well-being.
All is Well is Michaela’s wellness platform, offering resources that encourage movement, connection, and self-care. Through Pilates pop-ups and thoughtfully curated content, All is Well fosters a community centered on feeling good — inside and out. -
JAMES AGENS
AUGUST
LOCATION: TBD
James Agens is the founder of Terracotta Columbia Nursery, a mobile plant business built on the belief that everything deserves a second chance. What began as a way to restore discounted plants during the pandemic has grown into a thriving local business that specializes in interior plantscapes for offices, restaurants, and community spaces across Columbia.
A proud Columbia native, James is passionate about creating a city where everyone feels they belong and where there’s always something exciting to discover. As a 2025 Experience Columbia Ambassador, he works to highlight the people, places, and events that make the city unique—helping to shape Columbia as a welcoming, vibrant destination for locals and visitors alike.
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JEN CARMIEL
SEPTEMBER
LOCATION: TBD
Jen Carmiel is a watercolor artist and illustrator based in the Columbia, South Carolina area. After receiving her bachelor of fine arts degree from the University of South Florida, Jen Carmiel relocated to Columbia, enamored by the rich art culture offered by the community. She has served hundreds of clients through her art business since 2016, offering fine art prints, original watercolors, as well as working collaboratively with authors to create illustrations for books. Her work centers around florals, inspired by the memory of her grandfather’s rose garden, as well as coffee and tea to celebrate the small joys in life. After all, joy doesn’t have to be big to be impactful.
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JAMIE SABELLA
SEPTEMBER
LOCATION: TBD
Jaime Sabella is a fine artist, graphic designer, and creative entrepreneur with a passion for whimsical design, storytelling, and handcrafted goods. She is the founder of XOXO by Jaime, a stationery and gift brand that blends fun, funky, fresh, and coastal aesthetics with her signature handwriting and illustration style. Since launching in January 2024, XOXO by Jaime has become known for its unique collection of postcards, stickers, small gifts, and art prints, all designed to bring joy and a personal touch to life's everyday moments. With a background in fine art and graphic design, Jaime’s work is inspired by playful typography, nostalgic charm, and the joy of creating. Whether she’s creating custom paper goods, branding projects, or expanding her business with new creative offerings, she brings a heartfelt and artistic approach to everything she does.
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SEPHORA THELISMON
SEPTEMBER
LOCATION: TBD
Originally from Brooklyn, NY, my name is Sephora, the owner and designer of all things Chika Paper Studio. As an entrepreneur, military spouse, and devoted mother, I aim to have a positive impact on people's lives.
Balancing the demands of a military lifestyle and motherhood is not an easy task, but I have found that staying connected with my loved ones through greeting cards has given me and my family the support we need. Each product is thoughtfully designed and created in the USA. Chika Paper Studio's greeting cards empower customers to stay connected with loved ones throughout life's various seasons.
At Chika Paper Studio, our recycled greeting cards are more than just paper; they're getaways to shared experiences. Whether you're jotting down cherished memories, each card promises a journey of connection and creativity. Our greeting cards allow for celebrating milestones, “just because” moments, and storytelling, one heartfelt message at a time.
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STOI GALINDEZ
OCTOBER
LOCATION: TBD
Stoi's Design Co. is a premier luxury design house specializing in Couture Fashion, Luxury Interiors, Event Production, Modeling, and Home Lifestyle Decor. Rooted in high fashion, the brand is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, avant-garde designs, and meticulous attention to detail, creating pieces that exude elegance, innovation, and individuality.
At its core, Maison de Stoi serves as an exclusive hub for its signature brands: Le Coeur d’Ella (couture and ready-to-wear fashion), The Androgynous Soul (genderless apparel), Luxe & Maverick (couture kidswear), and Stoi’s Luxury Living (interior design and home lifestyle decor).
Beyond fashion, Stoi’s Luxury Living seamlessly merges style and function, curating bespoke interiors and decor that reflect the same artistry and sophistication as its couture collections. From runway to residence, Stoi’s Design Co. delivers a high-end, immersive luxury experience, offering custom fashion, curated interiors, and exclusive, invite-only fashion presentations that redefine modern elegance.
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NAILAH DARBY
NOVEMBER
LOCATION: TBD
In 2015, my life took an unexpected turn. As a new USC graduate, newlywed, and expectant mother, I found myself at a crossroads. My career as a Catering Director at Chick-fil-A was fulfilling, but the demands of a 60-hour work week were incompatible with my desire to be present for my newborn. Drawing upon my education and experience in the service industry, I decided to "do what I know" – and what I knew was sweets. My love for desserts, especially those with a lemony twist, inspired me to create the dessert bars that are the foundation of my business today. These treats have not only won awards but also represent a turning point in my life – a moment where I made "lemonade" out of lemons.
Carrie Vine's Homemade Treats is named in honor of my great-grandmother, a respected midwife in North Charleston. She was known for her strength, nurturing spirit, and unwavering dedication to her family. Her legacy of excellence and care inspires everything I do. Each treat I craft carries a piece of her spirit and the same level of attention she gave to her work
Today, Carrie Vine's is an artisan bakery specializing in decadent dessert bars made from scratch. With a passion for regional favorites and rich flavors, I've built a brand that brings joy to every bite. Beyond baking, Carrie Vine's is committed to supporting midwifery initiatives. As a dedicated entrepreneur, wife, and parent, I am continuously expanding the bakery’s reach through local markets, pop-ups, and a growing online presence.