Occupation:

Marketing & Business Development Associate

Organization:

Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. CPAs

Hometown:

Tallahassee, Florida

Tell us a little about your Tallahassee Story. What brought you to Tallahassee?

Tallahassee has and will always be my home, no matter where I go! My parents both came to Tallahassee to attend one of the top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) in the world, Florida A&M University (FAMU). It was because of this that they both settled here at that time and started their family with me and my older sister. We both were raised here and graduated from FAMU as Third-Generation Rattlers.

Tell us more about how you’re involved in Tallahassee.

My involvement in Tallahassee includes New Leaders Council of Tallahassee, TCC Take Stock in Children, Knight Creative Communities Institute of Tallahassee (KCCI), Florida Politics Rising Stars 30 Under 30 Honoree, The Florida A&M University National Alumni Association, The Florida State University Black Alumni Association, and the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce- Access Tallahassee.

What is your favorite thing about Tallahassee?

I enjoy that Tallahassee is a mid-size city. In a way, we are large enough to have an international airport for travel and trade, but also, we are small enough to make others feel welcome when they first come or return home for events.

What is your dream for Tallahassee?

My dream for Tallahassee is that everyone regardless of their zip codes can receive opportunities to advance and achieve all that they desire. As a resident growing up within the Tallahassee-East area, I felt that there was limitlessness to my opportunities for growth. It is my hope that residents who live in other parts such as the Frenchtown and Southwest Tallahassee area, receive greater access to opportunities to advance in leisure, education, and economic development.

I envision Tallahassee to not only be an area known for our world-renowned universities and college, but also a place people consider raising their families, starting their businesses or even deciding to relocate to.

Above all, I dream of Tallahassee being a city that is unique compared to other cities within our state. Regardless of our size, we are a city where everyone should feel welcomed, seen, and grow.

How are young professionals like yourself shaping Tallahassee?

Young professionals in Tallahassee are finding ways to enhance the culture and lure of this city, while remaining true to its authenticity. We intend to take care of those things that people have always valued about Tallahassee, such as our environment, and finding ways to improve and maintain it.

What would you say to someone considering a move to Tallahassee?

We are not South Florida, nor our we Central Florida. We are also not Georgia. We are a collaboration between all these areas and other places in between. If there is something that you would like to see within our city, create it. Understand that Tallahassee is an area not only for collegiates, but also seasoned citizens, families, and even immigrants seeking greater opportunities. Tallahassee is a city that will create space for you.

What is your Tallahassee favorite?
Place to eat

For desserts: TC Bakery, Gurlie’s Lemonade and Sweets, and JMo’s Sneauxballs. For meals: Smoothie Time, Table 23, and G&G Caribbean American Restaurant.

Place to be outside

Cascades Park

Place to hang out

Bar 1903

Place to capture the perfect Instagram pic

Chain of Parks, on Gaines Street, and of course, on Calhoun Street.

Place to people watch

Charlie Park and on Adams Street

Way to give back

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Big Bend, The Alzheimer’s Association, Project Annie Inc., and supporting the Florida State Primitive Baptist Convention Inc.

Event

FAMU Homecoming, FAMU Harambee Festival, FSU Black Alumni Brunch, and Florida Legislative Session

How do you spend your free time?

I spend my free time visiting family and friends.

Something most people don’t know about you?

I’m left-handed and have studied abroad in Cuba.

Favorite quote?

“When my faith is greater than my fear, then I know that I am ready!” – Tiffany Greene

Favorite app?

Zelle

Best way to start the day?

Prayer and Podcasts

Ideal vacation?

International Travel

What kind of music do you listen to?

R&B, Hip Hop, Rap, Gospel, and Jazz

Favorite movie?

Black Panther

Biggest pet peeve?

Nose Picking in Public

Favorite show?

Abbott Elementary

Best way to spend a Saturday?

Not doing anything that needed planning.

Hometown

Tallahassee

Tell us a little about your Tallahassee Story. What brought you to Tallahassee?

I was born over at TMH! I grew up in Tallahassee and went away for college to SEU in Lakeland. Found myself back in Tallahassee when I graduated and started working at the wonderful Lucky Goat Coffee Co and from there got more involved with small business creation and operation.

Tell us more about how you’re involved in Tallahassee.

I spend most of my time working to increase accessible healthcare availability through our company Aquarian Clinic, along with partnering with like-minded health and wellness organizations in our community + the greater Florida network. I’m very passionate about our music and arts scene and run a small music studio in my spare time. I also work a lot with churches including my own home church Engage Tallahassee! I’m trying to learn a lot about our local city/county political figures to further Tallahassee’s small business opportunities to make this city more attractive to young professionals. If I’m not working at Aquarian Clinic or making music you can probably find me at one of our local bars/restaurants. I’m a huge fan of local F&B.

What is your favorite thing about Tallahassee?

Tallahassee is made by the people. For being the capital, it has a small-town feel with plenty of opportunities that seem to be growing fast!

What is your dream for Tallahassee?

I want to see Tallahassee become more invested in small business incubation and have retail/F&B offerings more akin to a Charlotte/Raleigh-type city. More local businesses could be propped up with access to prime real estate that serves the city more than non-retail businesses that occupy a majority of our walkable downtown. I want to see Tallahassee continue to incentivize new businesses, job creation, and young professional retention.

How are young professionals like yourself shaping Tallahassee?

Our young folks who stay are really passionate about building a ladder for the next generation and adding value to this town. I see people like Patrick O’Bryant, Christian Caban, and other young leaders trying to invite young professionals into the networking fold, getting involved in local politics, and de-mystifying the chamber/local politics. Then folks like Matt Sweezy (Head Chef/Co-Owner of Black Radish) and his team are creating a dining experience that orients Tallahassee in an exciting culinary direction for the future. Instead of moving, they’re taking everything they loved from experiencing other markets to elevate our own!

What would you say to someone considering a move to Tallahassee?

You get out what you invest in Tallahassee. Don’t expect to just show up and be pulled into every group, find all the perfect fits, etc. If you’re willing to get out there and find the right fit for you, you’ll find Tallahassee to be a fun, diverse, scene where you can find more to do than you’d expect!

What is your Tallahassee favorite?

• Place to eat: Black Radish/Il Lusso
• Place to be outside: Tom Brown Disk Golf Course
• Place to hang out: Poco Vino/Ology Coffee Midtown
• Place to capture the perfect Instagram pic: J.R. Alford Greenway
• Place to people watch: Costco
• Way to give back: Engage Tallahassee, Trinity UMC
• Event: TSO Concerts

How do you spend your free time?

I love going to the gym, recording bands, and working on my car

Something most people don’t know about you?

I’m technically half-French Canadian! My mom naturalized and moved to Tallahassee by the time I was born.

Favorite quote?

Money Isn’t Everything, But Lack Of It Is

Favorite app?

Instagram

Best way to start the day?

Shot of Espresso and the Gym!

What brings you peace?

God, Good Wine, and Fast Cars

Ideal vacation?

Touring French Wine Country

What kind of music do you listen to?

Mostly RnB, Jazz, Indie Rock, 70’s/80’s

Favorite movie?

Tombstone

Biggest pet peeve?

People who are short with servers/cashiers

Favorite show?

What We Do In The Shadows

Tell us a little about your Tallahassee Story. What brought you to Tallahassee?

I was born and raised in Tallahassee but went to North Carolina for college where I ran Cross Country and Track at UNC Pembroke. Going into my senior year of college I had a summer internship at Ajax and at the end of the summer, they offered me a job once I graduated. So, I moved back to Tallahassee very happily after college graduation.

Tell us more about how you’re involved in Tallahassee.

I am the Community Engagement Chair for the Emerging Leaders of the Big Bend which is a branch of the United Way of the Big Bend. Through the Chamber’s Classroom Connection program, Ajax sponsors a classroom that I organize between Ajax and our first-grade classroom. I go in and read to our students / deliver school supplies that the teacher might need.

What is your favorite thing about Tallahassee?

My favorite thing about Tallahassee is how it has such a strong sense of community and everywhere you go it’s a family feel.

What is your dream for Tallahassee?

My dream for Tallahassee is that it continues to grow but keeps the family feel that it has now and continues to produce successful individuals that make a difference in the world.

How are young professionals like yourself shaping Tallahassee?

I think it’s important for young professionals to get involved, we are the next generation of leaders for our community and the companies we work for. If we start trying to make a difference in our 20’s and 30’s we are setting Tallahassee, our companies, and our peers up to lead and grow, and that is where we will see a difference being made in Tallahassee.

What would you say to someone considering a move to Tallahassee?

I would say don’t think twice. We have beautiful parks, canopy trees, and some of the kindest people you will meet. It has a great family aspect to it and of course, FSU football.

What is your Tallahassee favorite?

• Place to eat – Hopkins Eatery
• Place to be outside – I love the greenway, it’s beautiful and has wonderful running trails.
• Place to hang out – I love going to Brass Tap on Trivia night with my family.
• Place to capture the perfect Instagram pic – Down at Bradley’s with the canopy trees and open land
• Place to people watch – Cascades Park
• Way to give back – Get involved with the United Way or Animal Shelters or participate with Meals on Wheels.
• Event – Springtime Tallahassee Race or the decorations at Christmas time for the Elf Fun Run

Something most people don’t know about you?

I have a twin brother that teaches at Maclay in the Upper School and I have three ducks

Favorite quote?

“There’s power in looking silly and not caring that you do” – Amy Poehler

Favorite app?

Spotify

Best way to start the day?

A quiet calm morning

What brings you peace?

Being around the people I love and my family

Ideal vacation?

Any vacation is an ideal vacation, but I’ve always wanted to go to the countryside of Ireland.

What kind of music do you listen to?

Truly everything. Indie, 50’s, Country, Rock

Favorite movie?

500 Days of Summer

Biggest pet peeve?

When cabinet doors or something like that is left open, I always have to shut it

Favorite show?

Parks and Recreation

Tell us a little about your Tallahassee Story. What brought you to Tallahassee?

I moved to Tallahassee at the beginning of 2022 for a job promotion with my management company, Hotel Equities. I’ve worked with this company for several years now and when given the opportunity to relocate to Tallahassee, I jumped at the chance. I wanted to try something new and experience Florida’s Capital.

Tell us more about your involvement in Tallahassee.

Since moving to Tallahassee, I’ve learned that this city has a lot to offer. It is up to you to go out and find out what’s going on. One way I have really been able to tap into the community was by joining the Chamber. Through this, I was able to join Access and meet other like-minded individuals such as myself and learn about Leads Groups and other organizations, such as United Way Emerging Leaders where I sit on the Fundraising Committee. This is just the beginning for me as I am learning more about Tallahassee and meeting new people every day.

What is your favorite thing about Tallahassee?

I love that Tallahassee has a Big Town/Small Town feel. The people are friendly and welcoming, and it makes it easy for newcomers such as myself to get acclimated to the city.

What is your dream for Tallahassee?

I would love to see the young professional population grow and be sustainable here in Tallahassee, thus making this their forever home.

How are young professionals like yourself shaping Tallahassee?

We are bringing new innovative ideas to the city giving it a fresh new perspective. We are motivated individuals that are willing to put in the work to make and see progress and change to our home.

What would you say to someone considering a move to Tallahassee?

Be open and willing to try new things and meet new people. It’s a beautiful simple place to live and life is what you make it!

What is your Tallahassee favorite?

• Place to eat: Tally Taco
• Place to be: Outside
• Place to hang out: One of the various rooftop bars
• Place to capture the perfect Instagram picture: Eve on Adams
• Place to people watch: Governor’s Square Mall
• Event: Downtown Yoga

How do you spend your free time?

Journaling

Favorite quote?

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Favorite app?

Instagram

Best way to start your day?

Listening to music and Self Reflection

What brings you peace?

Yoga

Favorite movie?

Shrek

Biggest pet peeve?

Lack of honesty

Favorite TV show?

The Real Housewives franchise

Name – Jaynie Mitchell
Occupation – Business Banking Portfolio Specialist
Organization – Capital City Bank
Hometown – Tallahassee, Florida

Tell us a little about your Tallahassee Story. What brought you to Tallahassee?

Aside from a short hiatus in South Florida when I was a child, I have called Tallahassee home for my whole life. After graduating from Florida State University, I decided to begin to grow roots of my own in the place I’ve always called home. Tallahassee has so much to offer, and it has been a gift to be able to see the community through the lens of different phases of my life.

Tell us more about how you’re involved in Tallahassee.

For the past few years, I have served on Tallahassee Community College’s Cleaver & Cork planning committee. This has consisted of planning multiple events that take place throughout the week and raising money that goes towards scholarships at Tallahassee Community College. In addition, I am involved with the Tallahassee Margarita Society. This group is the first and only Margarita Society in the United States composed solely of business and professional women. We work together to provide “a happy holiday for all” by hosting a black tie event known as the Margarita Ball. At this event, gifts are collected along with other necessities for children in the Big Bend.

What is your favorite thing about Tallahassee?

Hands down, my favorite thing about Tallahassee is the people. The best description of Tallahassee I’ve heard is that it is a “little big town” – big enough to where you don’t know everyone, but small enough to have a solid circle!

What is your dream for Tallahassee?

On the national level, you could say that society can be a bit volatile. My dream for our Tallahassee community is that we perfect the concept of being “harmonious.” I dream of raising a family in a community that values being kind and putting those around them first. I dream of a community that sees the worth in respecting all opinions, even those that you may not agree with. I dream of a community that upholds strong ethics and morals, not because it has to, but because it is the right thing to do.

How are young professionals like yourself shaping Tallahassee?

I recently spoke with a business leader in town who said something that really impacted me. He said, “How cool is it that your generation is the future of this town.” We are in the unique position to have a real say in where Tallahassee goes from here. Onward and upward!

What would you say to someone considering a move to Tallahassee?

If someone was considering a move to Tallahassee, I would advise them that they will get out what they pour in. Tallahassee is a wonderful community filled with resources galore. There are groups and clubs for just about everything, from those passionate about the outdoors to those who are passionate about giving back. By immersing yourself into what invigorates you, you will be sure to build your own “Board of Directors” (which everyone needs!).