Member Profiles

Caroline Chelette, Moonstruck Florals

In honor of Entrepreneurship Month, we’re highlighting young professionals in our community who made their dreams a reality.

When Caroline Chelette started to plan her own wedding, she realized she had a passion for floral design and wanted to dive deeper into the biz. She free-lanced for a few local florists while holding down her day job, until she decided to venture out on her own and founded Moonstruck Florals.

What was your “I made it” or “this is going to work” moment?

Going through my finances and realizing I could quit my part time job and dedicate all of my energy to Moonstruck

What has been your proudest moment?

Every time I present the bridal bouquet to my brides and their face lights up and they are so excited about their flowers that I created for them.

Describe entrepreneurship in one word.

Creativity

Biggest career achievement?

Having my work published in Style Me Pretty

Biggest career fail?

Having a floral installation be blown away minutes before a photoshoot was to begin. Lesson learned, always take into consideration unexpected winds at the beach

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Flowering for beautiful weddings

Why Tallahassee?

I wanted to offer a modern design approach to flowers that couldn’t be found here and show the beauty of flowers in unique ways.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone starting out?

Freelance! Work for multiple floral designers to find your creative style and learn what really goes into being a florist. It’s much more than just playing with flowers ;)

« Back to Member Profiles

Member Profiles

Chirag Shah, The Current Agency

In honor of Entrepreneurship Month, we’re highlighting young professionals in our community who made their dreams a reality.

Just a few short years ago, Chirag Shah was an FSU grad with a dream of creating something of his own. Now, his marketing firm The Current Agency is rapidly growing in both size and client base.

What was your “I made it” or “this is going to work” moment? 

It was a day over the summer of 2018 when I looked out of my office into the rest of the space and saw my team working together and smiling, where I decided to go back to school to get my master’s degree. Because of my team’s full support, I achieved this personal milestone of graduating from the Savannah College of Art & Design with an M.A. in Creative Business Leadership.

What has been your proudest moment?

On April 20, 2018, we hosted a grand opening event for our new office while celebrating four years in business. Before this event, my family wanted me to take over the family business, where income was more guaranteed. However, I kindly declined because I wanted to create my legacy rather than have one passed on to me based on someone else’s merits. At this event, I had my entire family together to see what I did for the first time in-person. Shortly after, they finally understood and gave me full support without any more doubt.

Describe entrepreneurship in one word.

Grind.

Biggest career achievement?

To open up a satellite office in Savannah, GA, back on February 20, 2020, and continue growing it remotely in this Covid world.

Biggest career fail?

Rushing into getting a storefront and not considering a co-working space/community in the beginning days.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

To be known as one of the best hospitality and tourism marketing agencies locally, statewide, and throughout the nation.

Why Tallahassee?

Tallahassee is opportunity.
Opportunity to get a great degree at FSU.
Opportunity to step outside my comfort zone and become an entrepreneur.
Opportunity to be a part of the next generation to keep Tallahassee moving forward.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone starting out?

Get a mentor. Mentors fine-tune and transform your vision. They provide ideas, thoughts, and insights that challenge and enable you to see beyond your sphere of influence.

« Back to Member Profiles

Member Profiles

Kate Clark, Cypress Capital

In honor of Entrepreneurship Month, we’re highlighting young professionals in our community who made their dreams a reality.

After working in the local financial industry post graduation, Kate Clark decided to venture out on her own and form her own firm. In just a few years Kate has built Cypress Capital from a one-woman operation to an ever-growing team of experts.

What was your “I made it” or “this is going to work” moment?

When my clients starting asking me why it had taken me this long to open my own firm. That’s when I knew I was making the right decision and everything was going to be okay.

What has been your proudest moment?

The first day I stepped into my new office, with my name listed as Managing Partner. It was a proud personal moment. Then, the day I held my open house and over 100 people came through the doors to support me.

Describe entrepreneurship in one word.

Failing-forward. That’s as close to one word as I can get!

Biggest career achievement?

Transitioning from hiring my first employee to employing a team.

Biggest career fail?

Saying yes to everything and everyone. My growth accelerated when I started saying no to things that did not align with my goals and my priorities. Perfectionism is the enemy of progress and so is the feeling of “needing to please” everyone.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

At the helm of a slightly larger Cypress Capital. One that has gained recognition from both clients and peers and one that is championed by those who are employed by it.

Why Tallahassee?

In 30 minutes, I can be home, in the Country. In less than an hour, I can be at the Coast and this city’s version of “Downtown” just happens to be a peaceful, walkable Metro with Oak canopies. To me, it’s a trifecta.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone starting out?

Fail because you took a chance, not because you were too afraid to try.

« Back to Member Profiles

Member Profiles

Jason Frimmel, World of Beer

In honor of Entrepreneurship Month, we’re highlighting young professionals in our community who made their dreams a reality.

Jason Frimmel is a Tallahassee native who has grown up in the hospitality industry. Jason’s love for a good craft beer led to the opening of Tallahassee’s newest craft beer bar.

What was your “I think this is going to work” moment?

The “I made it moment” was as soon as we received the loan approval. At that point, I knew the business would be in operation soon. It was very exciting to open the doors to the public for the first time on October 5th.

What has been your proudest moment?

Seeing my team get through the crazy first week made me very proud. It was such a busy week and the team really pulled together to work as one unit.

Entrepreneurship in one word? 

Drive

Biggest achievement so far?

My biggest career achievement is definitely opening World of Beer.

Biggest career fail?

Attempting to purchase two failing Subway locations. Subway is just a tough brand.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I envision being a multi-unit franchisee with World of Beer in five years.

Why Tallahassee?

I have lived here my entire life. I love it here and enjoy reflecting on how much the city has grown since I was a kid.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone starting out?

Never give up. Push through the challenges and get it done.

« Back to Member Profiles

Member Profiles

Summer Griffith, Drip Drop Fitness

In honor of Entrepreneurship Month, we’re highlighting young professionals in our community who made their dreams a reality.

Summer Griffith opened Drip Drop Fitness in May 2017 after seeing a need a place where women could enjoy fun, high energy group workouts in Tallahassee. Three years and one pandemic later and she’s still going strong. 

What was your “I think this is going to work” moment?

This is going to work when we started to have waitlists on our classes! More people wanting to come than spots available means I’ve created something people want!! It allowed us to offer more class times and hire more people for our team!

What has been your proudest moment?

When I read personal testimonies of our members. Sometimes when I need encouragement I just scroll through our Google reviews, ha!

Entrepreneurship in one word? 

Endurance

Biggest achievement so far?

Being recognized as one of FSU’s 2020 7 under 30, recognized as an official lululemon ambassador, and hitting (surviving the first) 3 years in business!!

Biggest career fail?

Not necessarily a “fail”, but COVID has taken a major toll on our business. Something I never could have predicted. February was our strongest month in history and in a 2 week span we were closed. We are still recovering.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Traveling with my husband (and possibly future kids!) – and dancing at a Drip Drop Fitness in different cities!

Why Tallahassee?

It is a welcoming, genuine, comfortable, community driven place to start a business. I felt I could make an impact here. It wasn’t too big of a city that I would feel overpowered or brushed under the rug. People in Tallahassee are itching for new and different offerings in town and I believed I would bring variety and excitement to the community through Drip Drop Fitness.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone starting out?

Be brave and believe in yourself. It’s so easy to doubt every move when you’re the one in charge. But- If you believe you can do it, you can do it.

« Back to Member Profiles

Holiday Angels Bring Christmas to Local Children in Need

Tallahassee, FL— Big Bend Cares would like to introduce you to three children: 8-year-old BJ just wants a pair of shoes without holes and a basketball of his very own for Christmas.1-year-old Kamay loves to play with dolls and desperately needs size 4 diapers. And 9-year-old Stephon is tired of being cold and has asked for only a coat for Christmas.

BJ, Kamay and Stephon are just 3 out of 280 children currently registered for Holiday Angels.
Children do not have to be infected with HIV or have AIDS to be affected by the disease. Each year, some children of parents living with HIV/AIDS do not experience the joy of receiving presents or new clothes that fit due to the financial burden that often goes with their family member’s struggle to survive.

We know the pandemic has impacted us all. But for families living below the Federal Poverty level – and ALL Holiday Angel families do – it has been even more difficult. For these parents, getting Christmas gifts for their children can be an impossible burden.

These children need your help! Become a Holiday Angel and provide 1 gift and 1 clothing outfit for a child. It will mean the world to these children on Christmas! Sign up today to become a Holiday Angel by emailing Matt King at mking@bigbendcares.org or by calling (850) 656-2437 extension 224. You can also visit www.bigbendcares.org/holiday-angels for more information. Please note: Gifts must be delivered to Big Bend Cares or dropped off at one of the five Centennial Bank branches in Tallahassee by Friday, December 4th 2020.

Since 1987, Big Bend Cares has served clients throughout the 8 counties in the Big Bend. Our mission is to advance community wellness for all by providing comprehensive care and promoting sexual health. Working to end HIV in a world where everyone has access to quality care, Big Bend Cares provides assistance to people living with HIV and routinely conducts free HIV prevention and educational programs in our community.

For more information, please email mking@bigbendcares.org

Licensing Specialist/Recruiter: Foster Care – Boys Town

Job Summary:

In a career as a Foster Family Services Recruiter, you are part of the commitment to improve a child’s life. Often, foster children have been abused or neglected, ​​​and they can no longer live safely at home—at least for a while, and sometimes permanently. The Foster Family Services team comes in by providing the guidance and compassion these children need whether it is creating healthy relationships, finding success at school or working on their overall well-being.

APPLY ONLINE

Responsibilities:

  • Recruits and screens potential Foster Parents.
    • Works directly with Foster Family Services staff and the Marketing Department to develop strategies and advertisements to implement in recruiting Foster Families.
    • Distributes program information and literature regarding the recruitment of Foster Parents.
    • Handles telephone and mail inquiries from potential Foster Parents.
    • Develops reports and tracking mechanisms to track potential families.
    • Participates in speaking engagements and gives information on Foster Care and licensing requirements.
    • Conducts initial interviews and orientations with potential Foster Parents to assess skills and abilities and alignment with Boys Town philosophy.
    • Prepares reports and recommendations concerning selection of Foster Parents.
  • Completes the required licensing paperwork for potential Foster Parents.
  • Conducts in-home visits with Foster Parents.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Social or Behavioral Science fields or equivalent. Additional education and experience may be required by state regulation and laws.
  • 1 year of experience in Foster Care or Social Services is preferred.
  • Must provide own transportation (mileage reimbursed) to complete travel requirements of the job.
  • This position may require flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

About Boys Town North Florida:

Make a difference here at Boys Town North Florida, where our programs and services touch the lives of more than 5,000 people each year. Since our arms opened in 1983, we have been providing hope and healing as a good neighbor in the Tallahassee community by serving our children and families.

The opportunity to shape the future of America’s youth is only one of the many perks here in Tallahassee. The city has the wonderful weather Florida is famous for with the additional charm of a nice southern hospitality atmosphere, and there is nothing we believe in more than community. Boys Town North Florida has faith that our employees are our greatest asset, and we work to build a strong team culture at the site through team building activities such as quarterly potlucks, campus celebration, movie screenings and more. Outside of fostering relationships, our leadership initiative called “Next Gen” gives staff an opportunity to engage in training and development to prepare for their next career move within the organization.

About Boys Town:

Boys Town has been changing the way America cares for children and families since 1917. With over a century of service, our employees have helped us grow from a small boardinghouse in downtown Omaha, Nebraska, into one of the largest national child and family care organizations in the country. With the addition of Boys Town National Research Hospital in 1977, our services branched out into the health care and research fields, offering even more career opportunities to those looking to make a real difference.

Our employees are our #1 supporters when it comes to achieving Boys Town’s mission, which is why we are proud of their commitment to making the world a better place for children, families, patients, and communities. Unique perks to Boys Town employees and their families include free visits to Boys Town physicians and free prescriptions under the Boys Town Medical Plan, tuition assistance, parenting resources from our experts and professional development opportunities within the organization, just to name a few. Working at Boys Town is more than just a job, it is a way of life.

Date Posted: October 27, 2020

This advertisement describes the general nature of work to be performed and does not include an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, or abilities required. Boys Town is an equal employment opportunity employer and participates in the E-Verify program. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.  To request a disability-related accommodation in the application process, contact us at 1-877-639-6003.

In-Home Family Case Manager – Boys Town

Job Summary:

A career as an In-Home Family Services Case Manager, you have the ability to change a family’s life. Every family has its problems, but some families’ problems threaten their very existence. Drug and alcohol addiction. Domestic abuse. Adolescent defiance and behavioral challenges. These are issues that our team works to overcome as they strive to keep struggling families together. Your work here will not only be life-changing but lifesaving.

Learn more about Responsibilites, Qualifications, and How to Apply online here

 

RIBBON CUTTING: KCCI CELEBRATES LEON COUNTY’S 1ST EDUCATION BIKE PARK

Since 2007 KCCI has been improving Leon County’s economic vitality through volunteer-driven projects that help retain and attract talent. The 2020 KCCI Community Catalyst team created Leon County’s first educational bike park at Sabal Palm Elementary, A Community Partnership School (SPECPS). KCCI collaborated with SPECPS to re-purpose underutilized spaces to create interactive spaces that promote bicycle learning experiences for children ages 4-11. The initiative integrates with Sabal Palm’s strategic move to become a community partnership school. The KCCI volunteer Community Catalysts created an educational bike park with three zones: an educational, creative bike space that resembles real life-situations on a basketball court, an off-road experience, and a covered training area for younger students and for use on rainy or hot days.

For more information, visit: https://kccitallahassee.com/project/bicycle-park/ 

WHERE: 2813 Ridgeway Street, Tallahassee, FL 32310

WHEN: October 30th, 2020

  • 10 a.m. – Remarks by: Betsy Couch, KCCI Executive Director, and Rocky Hannah, Leon County School Superintendent
  • 10:15 a.m. – Ribbon Cutting

Access Tallahassee Announces Fall Day of Action

Access Tallahassee is excited to announce it’s Fall 2020 Day of Action! Access invites you to show some love to Downtown Tallahassee through Day of Action, sponsored by Trulieve!

Join us on Saturday, November 14th for a downtown clean up and graffiti canvasing. Working in teams, you’ll be given a map, a garbage bags and gloves. We’ll be painting over graffiti and picking up trash so please dress accordingly.

The teams that report the most graffiti, the most trash, and the most unusual item for both have a chance to win prizes- gift cards to downtown businesses, t-shirts, and more!

We will begin right outside of The Egg’s downtown location, 300 S. Duval Street, at 9am and end promptly at 11am. Parking is available in Kleman Plaza. Afterwards, treat yourself for all of your hard work with brunch! The Egg has great Bloody Mary’s, Andrews has a fabulous brunch menu, and Goodies Deli is a great place for Lucky Goat Coffee!

RSVP to attend here.