CEI82026
15 Creatives You Should Know
Introducing the CEI 2025 Fall Cohort
The Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative (CEI) is back this fall, supporting Mecklenburg County creatives with a combination of training, fellowship and funding to help them embrace their roles as artists and small business owners.
Over the next 10 weeks, the 15 members of the Fall 2025 CEI Cohort will get:
- 10 classes on topics like relationship building, project management, bookkeeping, marketing and contracts
- A $50 stipend for every class they attend
- Access to 1-on-1 business consultations & creative mentors
- Promotion through Charlotte Is Creative’s media channels
- Connection to a supportive alumni network
- A $1,500 grant at the end to invest in their creative business
The individuals in the Fall cohort represent the 7th group of CEI creatives and are engaged in a wide array of artistic disciplines ranging from photography, filmmaking and fashion to performing arts, illustration and ceramics.
We invite you to meet them below and encourage you to follow them throughout their journey and consider applying to join their ranks as a member of the 2026 Spring Cohort (details below).
Allison Graham
Discipline: Theater Arts
IG: @allisonbgraham
Allison creates performance art that responds to the times and speaks to contemporary audiences.
What can people hire you/support you?
- Acting (theater and film)
- Coaching actors for audition tapes and scene work
- Screenwriting/playwriting
- Directing
- Creative direction
Danoshia Blake
Discipline: Textile & Visual Artist
IG: @tuft.shxt
Danoshia focuses on consistency and evolution in her creative process, pushing through blocks to keep growing.
What can people hire you/support you?
- Custom rugs
- Commissions
- Murals
- Workshops/classes
- Social media content
- Pop-up shops
- Collaborations
Derra Moise
Discipline: Visual Artist
IG: @derra.joy
Derra’s work is inspired by emotion, nature, and simplicity, aiming to uplift and connect with others.
What can people hire you/support you?
- Prints
- Events
- Custom pieces
- Murals or small projects
Destiny “Menia” Reeves
Discipline: Fashion Designer/Instructor
Web: meniapaige.com
IG: @meniapaige
Destiny blends fashion and education, working to inspire the next generation of designers while growing her luxury retail brand.
What can people hire you/support you?
- Custom Design
- Sewing Clubs
- Wardrobe Consulting
- Creative Experiences
Devaun “Dev” Clyburn
Discipline: Photography/Videography/Filmmaking/Music
IG: @devography.raw
Devaun creates professional editorial and event photography and videography with strong street style influences.
What can people hire you/support you?
- Freelance photography
- Freelance videography
- Music/streaming projects
Ella Stafford
Discipline: Ceramics and Education
Web: vsgnc.com
IG: @villagestudionc
Ella is a ceramic artist who shares her craft through community education.
What can people hire you/support you?
- Teaching
- Hosting events
- Buy her artwork
Hannah Permenter
Discipline: Illustration
IG: @hannah_permenter01
Hannah creates illustrations inspired by the joy found in everyday life and the natural world.
What can people hire you/support you?
- Book Illustration
- Pet Portraits
- Concept Art Illustration
- Teaching
Johari Huggins
Discipline: Muralist and Illustrator
Web: joharihuggs.com
IG: @joharihuggs
Johari celebrates playfulness and whimsy through her word-based visual art.
What can people hire you/support you?
- Mural painting
- Illustration
- Graphic design
- Identity design
Kristin Hope
Discipline: Florist
Web: everythingprettycollective.com
IG: @everythingprettycollective
Kristin designs luxury event florals with an emphasis on sustainability and creativity.
What can people hire you/support you?
- Wedding florals
- Specialty tabletop rentals
- Dinner/party florals
- Stage design
Molly Partyka
Discipline: Expressionistic Mixed Media Artist
Web: mollypartyka.com
IG: @mollypartyka
Molly connects human experiences with color, shape, and texture to inspire tranquility, travel, and exploration.
What can people hire you/support you?
- Original artwork for sale through Art House Charlotte
- Selling original artwork, custom textile designs, and prints through pop-up markets, VAPA and her website
- Art Workshops & Art Classes for all ages (Kindergarten to Adults)
- Private Art Lessons for all ages (Kindergarten to Adults)
Nick Williamson
Discipline: Documentary Filmmaker, Director and Video Editor
Web: mislabeledproductions.com
IG: @mislabeled.productions
Nicholas is a visual storyteller with a passion for original and impactful documentary filmmaking.
What can people hire you/support you?
- Public Events
- Video Production
- Video Editing
- Sound Design
Norma Zuniga
Discipline: Mexican Baking
Web: dulcedreamscafe.com
IG: @dulcedreamscafe
Norma experiments with flavors to create unique pastries and baked goods.
What can people hire you/support you?
- Pop-ups/markets selling pastries
Susan Cherin
Discipline: Theatre
Web: thelotusprojectnc.com
IG: @thelotusprojectnc
Susan develops inclusive and affirming theatre experiences that explore both the hardships and the beauty of life.
What does your nonprofit, The Lotus Project, create?
- Community productions for, and with, all ages, backgrounds and abilities
- Interactive touring show for ages 2 – 10 in English and Spanish
- Custom workshops for businesses and organizations focusing on team building, communication, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging
- In School residencies in performing/visual arts, integrating arts with academic curriculum, cultural sensitivity, and social/emotional learning
- Summer Intensives and theatre education training programs
Tasia Brown
Discipline: Visual Creative Director
IG: @the.esm__
Tasia fuses dance, music, poetry, and fashion into visual stories that celebrate art and elevate creative voices.
What can people hire you/support you?
- Run a modeling agency to uplift talent and showcase creative direction
- Curate fashion shows highlighting style, diversity, and storytelling
- Produce and curate corporate photography pop-up events
- Host confidence-building workshops
- Direct short films
- Direct music videos, fashion campaigns, marketing promos, and dance shorts
Whitney Galasso
Discipline: Ceramic Artist
Web: whitsko.com
IG: @whitsko
Whitney makes one-of-a-kind ceramic sculptures and colorful functional pottery.
What can people hire you/support you?
- Vendor markets (e.g., Carolina Clay Matters Guild pottery festival)
- Studio artist sales at Clayworks seasonal markets
Applications for the Spring 2026 Cohort open next week. We’ve got 15 spots — and one of them could be yours. Whether you’re part-time or full-time, CEI gives you the confidence and knowledge to chart a sustainable path forward. Applications open HERE on Sept. 15.
Want to test-drive the program? You are welcome to attend of this fall’s CEI classes for FREE:
- 9/15 – Project Management & Budget
- 9/22 – Budgeting & Business Finance (taught by ASPIRE Community Capital)
- 9/29 – Contracting for Creatives
- 10/6 – Overcoming Fear & Imposter Syndrome
- 10/13 – Relationship Building & Communication
- 10/20 – Marketing & Promotion
Register to attend any or all of the classes below HERE.
The CEI Program was founded and is managed by Charlotte Is Creative with funding from Wells Fargo, Mecklenburg County ARPA and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), with support from Aspire Community Capital, Interact Studio and Do Greater Foundation.