TheBiscuitNov232024
Charlotte is home to a remarkable community of creatives, leaders and connectors. In this batch of The Biscuit, we’re sharing three people we think you should know. Each of them is very different. But what they all have in common is that we chose to waste their very valuable time by asking them five ridiculous questions. Follow them. Meet them. Support them and those they choose to support. You won’t regret it. Enjoy. Your Friends at Charlotte Is Creative
Publishers of The Biscuit 
PHOTO CREDIT: Matt Chandler
Kristen Miranda Starts a New StoryKristen Miranda is a storyteller, but she’s usually engaged in telling the tales of others. Now, she’s opened a new chapter in her own story. A familiar face to Charlotte viewers as a newscaster and the host and producer of QC Life on WBTV, Miranda has stepped behind the scenes to amplify the work of Blumenthal Arts as its first-ever Director of Community Impact and Partnerships. While this may seem like an unusual career move to some, it’s not for those who have watched Miranda champion arts coverage in Charlotte during her nearly 17-year career at North Carolina’s oldest television station. This isn’t a left turn for her. It’s an evolution and an opportunity to help Blumenthal Arts make news at a critical time in its history, including a recent name change from Blumenthal Performing Arts Center and the opening of Blume Studios on Morehead Street. Building Connections Through StoriesEven before graduating from the State University of New York at Fredonia, Miranda dedicated herself to connecting with people by magnifying their stories. She’s drawing on that experience in her new position. “I love talking to people, learning their stories, and what interests them,” she said. “If I can connect people in our community to Blumenthal Arts programs that light their fire and encourage them to support them in any way they can, I’ll have done my job.” The Past … and the FutureMiranda is passionate about supporting Blumenthal’s hands-on arts education programs—programs similar to those she credits with transforming her own life as a shy child. “We must continue to support those experiences for young people today. You don’t know where the arts can take them,” she said. She also sees incredible potential in her new role, particularly in immersive experiences at Blume Studios like The Infinite, a virtual reality experience filmed on the International Space Station and available through Jan. 5. “Blume Studios is SO exciting! That intersection of the arts and technology is where it’s at, and I can’t wait to be a part of the future,” she said. Want to know Miranda a little better?
Here are her answers to “Five Ridiculous Questions.”Would you rather have a permanent VIP pass to every Charlotte sporting event or a lifetime free pass to park anywhere you wanted in South End?
“Give me all of the sports!!! I think I have jerseys/kits/sweaters to support all of our local pro teams, and I love the excitement of live sports! The VIP part would be a nice bonus!” If you could have any celebrity as your assistant for a week, who would you pick and why?
“I think Lin-Manuel Miranda. He’s frenetic but gets a lot done. Who are we kidding, though? I’d pay to be HIS assistant.” You proudly hail from Buffalo, NY, which, like Charlotte, goes by the nickname “The Queen City.” Did you intentionally move from one “Queen City” to another?
“Yes. In fact, I will now only live in Queen Cities. Watch out, Cincinnati!” If your favorite local restaurant had to name a dish after you, what kind of food would it be?
“I would like the ‘Boeuf Bourguignon’ at La Belle Helene in Charlotte to be named after me because I honestly can’t order anything else there no matter how hard I try.” If you could install one ridiculous feature in your new office (like a slide or a bouncy castle), what would it be?
“A small roller-skating rink, to take it back to the 80s.” MORE ON MIRANDA
WEB | IG | LINKEDIN 
Two Charlotteans Struck by Bolts of InspirationAt two recent gatherings of CreativeMornings/Charlotte, local creatives José Alvarez of Prospera and Pam Fernandez were awarded the Bolt of Inspiration by Charlotte Is Creative, UNC Charlotte, and The Savage Way. This monthly honor recognizes individuals whose creativity, dedication, and leadership make Charlotte’s community stronger and more connected. Both recipients exemplify these qualities through their work and commitment to fostering positive change. Let’s get to know them … and their answers to five ridiculous questions. 
José Alvarez
Vice President, Prospera USA
WEB | IG | LINKEDINWhen Prospera USA, a nonprofit devoted to assisting Hispanic entrepreneurs build their businesses through culturally focused, bilingual assistance, expanded outside Florida, José Alvarez didn’t hesitate to lead the charge. He moved to the Queen City to establish the nonprofit’s North Carolina base … and he hasn’t looked back since. Charlotte’s unique balance, along with its resident pride and vibrant community, confirmed for Alvarez that he’d come to the right place. “It’s big and small, conservative and liberal, concrete and green.” Alvarez was quick to recognize Latinx creatives as small business owners and has opened pathways for them to learn about Prospera’s services. Five Ridiculous QuestionsWhat’s a perfect Saturday in Charlotte look like for you?
“Touring the local comic stores. That’s my ‘me time’ while my wife does her own thing. I use that time to think about new ideas, solve work issues, and support local businesses.” What are three go-to comfort movies on a rainy day?
“Batman Begins (2005), Superman (1978), and The Shawshank Redemption (1994). Each main character faces challenges, especially mentally, and ends up helping others.” Where’s the best place to get tres leches in Charlotte? Any runners-up?
“Best place: Viva Chicken (Tim Miner knows this; it’s even on social media). Runner-up: Manolo’s Bakery.” If you could dump a bucket of ice water on one historical (DEAD) figure, who would it be?
“Ernest Hemingway.” Are you a hugger, high-fiver, or ‘bro-nodder’?
“I’m an extrovert, so all three apply, depending on the other person I’m with.” 
Pam Fernandez
Graphic DesignerPam Fernandez is a doer. She puts her passion into action, shows up to creative events across the city, and brings people with her. Attend a creative gathering in Charlotte, and it’s likely Fernandez—a graphic designer and presentation specialist—will be there waiting to meet you. Her five years of service on the AIGA Charlotte Board of Directors reflect her dedication to elevating the design community. Outside of her professional work, she volunteers at the Humane Society of Charlotte, helping cats and dogs find their forever homes. With her love for learning and connecting, Fernandez often networks at art workshops and CreativeMornings/Charlotte, where she inspires others with her passion and creativity. Five Ridiculous QuestionsWhat’s a perfect Saturday in Charlotte look like for you?
“Bagel and coffee for breakfast. Then spending the day taking photos of nature and textures.” What song always makes you sing out loud? How about what gets you up and dancing?
“‘Sunroof’ by Nicky Youre and dazy and ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling’ by Justin Timberlake.” If Uptown were a theme park, what would your favorite ride or attraction be?
“A railed race car track that makes you stop at random restaurants for food samples.” Would you rather have a coffee machine that always made the perfect cup or an office pet that could answer emails?
“I love a well-brewed coffee, but I’d choose the pet for email assistance.” Where do you like to go to indulge your love of photography in Charlotte?
“I love nature, so the Greenway or Wing Haven. I also visit Wise Acres Organic Farm every year.” 
On Monday night, we celebrated the graduation of our sixth cohort of the Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative (CEI), a program developed and managed by the team at Charlotte Is Creative. Fifteen cohort members are paid to attend 10 business classes taught by local subject matter experts and designed to help creatives build their entrepreneurial endeavors. While the 2024 cohorts have wrapped, both 2025 cohorts (spring and fall) have been selected and will be announced soon. CEI is possible with support from Wells Fargo, Mecklenburg County (via the American Rescue Plan Act), Interact Studio and the DoGreater Foundation. 
Meet the 2024 Fall CohortPictured here:Alexander Lieberman
Collaborative Artist & Designer
Instagram: @awl.video and @awl.implements Brenton Bent
Narrative Film Producer/Director
Instagram: @bsinima Jamil Steele (a.k.a. Dyair)
Muralist, Painter & Freelance Illustrator
Instagram: @dyairart Kenya Templeton
Music & Fiber Art
Instagram: @kenya_templeton_does, @griot.designs, @kenyatempletonperforms Krishanni Smith
Filmmaker, Producer & Photographer
Instagram: @thingsunsaid Malachai Elliott
Multidisciplinary Visual Artist
Instagram: @mac_of_all_trades Marquia Humphries
Mixed Media & Visual Note-Taking
Instagram: @leaving.my.marq Pam Imhof
Public and Fiber Artist & Educator
Instagram: @theleftbrainedartist Sophia Ege
Sewing & Fiber Art
Instagram: @sew_social_clt Toni Lovejoy
Fine Art, Architectural & Interior Photographer
Instagram: @mynameis.lovejoy Travis Barnes
Experience Curator & Communications Specialist
Instagram: @thet_ Victoria Call
Interdisciplinary Artist & Designer
Instagram: @vcballah Not Pictured:Carolina Quintana Ocampo
Storyboarding & Illustration
Instagram: @katrinakalos Gabriel Mejia
Music Production & Audio Engineering
Instagram: @gabriel.mejia.estrella Chef Reyana Radcliff
Executive Chef & Culinary Consultant
Instagram: @your_braisen_chef | The Biscuit is proudly sponsored by: |
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