# Meet the 2025 Fall CEI Cohort - Charlotte is Creative

> Source: https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/meet-the-2025-fall-cei-cohort/
> Updated: 2025-09-10T12:38:47+00:00
> Type: Post
> Categories: CLT Creatives, Creative News | Contributors: The Biscuit Staff

The Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative (CEI) is back this fall, supporting Mecklenburg County creatives with a combination of training, fellowship and

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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⁣

## **Introducing the CEI 2025 Fall Cohort**

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.
 ![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/5.jpg)

## **Allison Graham**

**Discipline:** Theater Arts
  **IG:**[@allisonbgraham](https://www.instagram.com/allibgram/)

Allison creates performance art that responds to the times and speaks to contemporary audiences.

**What can people hire you to do?**

- Acting (theater and film)
- Coaching actors for audition tapes and scene work
- Screenwriting/playwriting
- Directing
- Creative direction

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/15.jpg)

## **Danoshia Blake**

**Discipline:** Textile & Visual Artist
  **IG:** [@tuft.shxt](https://www.instagram.com/tuft.shxt/)

Danoshia focuses on consistency and evolution in her creative process, pushing through blocks to keep growing.

**What can people hire you to do?**

- Custom rugs
- Commissions
- Murals
- Workshops/classes
- Social media content
- Pop-up shops
- Collaborations

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/1.jpg)<

## **Derra Moise**

**Discipline:** Visual Artist
  **IG:**[@derra.joy](https://www.instagram.com/derra.joy/)

Derra’s work is inspired by emotion, nature, and simplicity, aiming to uplift and connect with others.

**What can people hire you to do?**

- Prints
- Events
- Custom pieces
- Murals or small projects

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/8.png)

## **Destiny “Menia” Reeves**

**Discipline:** Fashion Designer/Instructor
  **Web:**[meniapaige.com](http://www.meniapaige.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com) **IG:**[@meniapaige](https://www.instagram.com/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 to do?**

- Custom Design
- Sewing Clubs
- Wardrobe Consulting
- Creative Experiences

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/4.png)

## **Devaun “Dev” Clyburn**

**Discipline:** Photography/Videography/Filmmaking/Music **IG:** [@devography.raw](https://www.instagram.com/devography.raw/)

Devaun creates professional editorial and event photography and videography with strong street style influences.

**What can people hire you to do?**

- Freelance photography
- Freelance videography
- Music/streaming projects

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/7.png)

## **Ella Stafford**

**Discipline:** Ceramics and Education
  **Web:**[vsgnc.com](http://www.vsgnc.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com) **IG:**[@villagestudionc](https://www.instagram.com/villagestudionc/)

Ella is a ceramic artist who shares her craft through community education.

**What can people hire you to do?**

- Teaching
- Hosting events
- Selling artwork

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/2.jpg)

## **Hannah Permenter**

**Discipline:** Illustration
  **IG:**[@hannah\_permenter01](https://www.instagram.com/hannah_permenter01/)

Hannah creates illustrations inspired by the joy found in everyday life and the natural world.

**What can people hire you to do?**

- Book Illustration
- Pet Portraits
- Concept Art Illustration
- Teaching

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/13.png)

## **Johari Huggins**

**Discipline:** Muralist and Illustrator
  **Web:**[joharihuggs.com](https://www.joharihuggs.com/)
  **IG:** [@joharihuggs](https://www.instagram.com/joharihuggs/)

Johari celebrates playfulness and whimsy through her word-based visual art.

**What can people hire you to do?**

- Mural painting
- Illustration
- Graphic design
- Identity design

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/9.jpg)

### **Kristin Hope**

**Discipline:** Florist
  **Web:**[everythingprettycollective.com](http://www.everythingprettycollective.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com) **IG:**[@everythingprettycollective](https://www.instagram.com/everythingprettycollective/)

Kristin designs luxury event florals with an emphasis on sustainability and creativity.

**What can people hire you to do?**

- Wedding florals
- Specialty tabletop rentals
- Dinner/party florals
- Stage design

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/14.jpg)

## **Molly Partyka**

**Discipline:** Expressionistic Mixed Media Artist
  **Web:**[mollypartyka.com](http://www.mollypartyka.com?utm_source=chatgpt.com) **IG:**[@mollypartyka](https://www.instagram.com/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)

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/10.png)

## **Nick Williamson**

**Discipline:** Documentary Filmmaker, Director and Video Editor
  **Web:**[mislabeledproductions.com](https://www.mislabeledproductions.com)
  **IG:**[@mislabeled.productions](https://www.instagram.com/mislabeled.productions/)

Nicholas is a visual storyteller with a passion for original and impactful documentary filmmaking.

**What can people hire you to do?**

- Public Events
- Video Production
- Video Editing
- Sound Design

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/3.jpg)

## **Norma Zuniga**

**Discipline:** Mexican Baking
  **Web:**[dulcedreamscafe.com](https://www.dulcedreamscafe.com/)
  **IG:**[@dulcedreamscafe](https://www.instagram.com/dulcedreamscafe/)

Norma experiments with flavors to create unique pastries and baked goods.

**What can people hire you to do?**

- Pop-ups/markets selling pastries

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/12.jpg)

## **Susan Cherin**

**Discipline:** Theatre
  **Web:**[thelotusprojectnc.com](https://www.thelotusprojectnc.com/)
  **IG:**[@thelotusprojectnc](https://www.instagram.com/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

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/6.jpg)

## **Tasia Brown**

**Discipline:** Visual Creative Director
  **IG:**[@the.esm\_\_](https://www.instagram.com/the.esm__/)

Tasia fuses dance, music, poetry, and fashion into visual stories that celebrate art and elevate creative voices.

**What can people hire you to do?**

- 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

![](https://www.charlotteiscreative.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/11.png)

## **Whitney Galasso**

**Discipline:** Ceramic Artist
  **Web:**[whitsko.com](https://whitsko.com/)
  **IG:**[@whitsko](https://www.instagram.com/whitsko/)

Whitney makes one-of-a-kind ceramic sculptures and colorful functional pottery.

**What can people hire you to do?**

- Vendor markets (e.g., Carolina Clay Matters Guild pottery festival)
- Studio artist sales at Clayworks seasonal markets