After receiving degrees in both home furnishings marketing and interior design and traveling the world with renowned companies, including Natuzzi, Cassandra Brunson launched an immersive design experience that offers more than most studios. As President and Principal Designer of Design+ by CassandraMichelle, she makes dreams of safe, functional, and beautiful spaces a reality. Located in the heart of downtown Winston-Salem and a short drive from the furniture capital of the world, Design+ by CassandraMichelle offers a hi-tech digital studio for an HGTV experience featuring 3D renderings and animation. With access to hundreds of vendors, the design team works from start to finish on commercial and residential projects – from furnishings and interiors to architecture.

After years of dealing with plantar fascitis and expensive foam orthotics that just didn't work, Mike Schmid, founder and CEO of inStryde, had an idea. Leveraging his experience in aerospace engineering, AI, and advanced 3D printing, he created his first custom foot orthotic. Working together with aerospace engineers, podiatrists, software developers, and athletes, inStryde is "super powering human movement" by making medical-grade foot orthotics more affordable, accessible, and better fitting for everyone.

No junk, just juice. That's the guiding principle and motto of The Jugo Bar. William Fulton, the owner of the Winston-Salem-based company, spent years traveling the world – from Marrakesh, Casablanca, and along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea to the South of France and Italy. Those experiences intensified his interest in flavor profiles and using fruits and veggies without preservatives to create nutritious juice. Starting with one flavor when the company launched, The Jugo Bar currently offers 43 varieties in markets from Winston-Salem to Charlotte – including the menu of the luxurious Ballantyne Hotel.

Nitika Wallace's flare for fashion began at an early age. From creating looks for her dolls and watching fashion shows on television to being mesmerized by her aunts, grandmothers, and church members in their flamboyant hats and how they carried themselves. She later gained experience in the fashion industry in New York City by styling for many designers, actors, and celebrities. After returning to Winston-Salem, Nikita created Winston-Salem Fashion Week in 2015 to allow aspiring local artists to share their creativity, expand their brands, and live their dreams without leaving the city.

Moving to a new city is always an adventure. Navigating all of the go-to places makes the journey even better. When Christy Bellis and her husband moved to Winston-Salem, she knew little about the city and began exploring – sharing her discoveries on social media. From the best places to eat and things to do for kids and families to wedding venues and where to get the best margarita, Christy fell in love with the area. Two years and tens of thousands of loyal followers later, The Go-To Winston Salem is a popular resource for locals, newcomers, and visitors.

Dr. Anna Nichols had a dream job working in her chosen field at a large hospital. After 10 years, she decided to continue doing what she loves by opening a private practice. Within 30 days of making that decision, she made it official and opened Nichols Hearing & Audiology in Winston-Salem. "Hear well, live well" is the guiding principle of the practice. Their approach is to offer personalized care to those having trouble communicating and to help keep them independent using the latest technology and advances in audiology.

When Victoria Manginas took a semester off from law school, traveling from Canada to Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to help with the family business, she soon realized that being a restauranteur was in her blood. After her father passed away in 2018, Victoria traded in law school for 15- to 20-hour days at Zito! Pizzeria & Grill in Winston-Salem. At the time, this 20-year-old continued her father's legacy by taking the reins of the business and reimagining what it could be. Sourcing organic flour and ingredients for its dough and recipes, the restaurant offers a dedicated vegan menu and traditional Greek cuisine.

"All the stars aligned" for BEAM Dynamics Co-Founder and CEO David Kaszycki when deciding to bring the startup to Winston-Salem during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The award-winning company has received numerous accolades, including the PILOT Innovation Award from the National Association of Broadcasters and funding from NC Idea and the WSPR Fund. BEAM helps film and broadcast productions manage, maintain, and grow their technology infrastructure with access to a rich set of critical data to keep projects on air, on time, and on budget.

At the age of 16, with 8-track tapes of James Brown, BB King, and Aretha Franklin in hand, Bill McClain fell in love with the idea of becoming a deejay. Spinning tracks on the ones and twos at events throughout high school and college, his passion for the industry grew. Fast forward, Mr. Bill's Productions has been in business in Winston-Salem for over 30 years, providing entertainment for events from small backyard BBQs and family reunions to weddings, corporate events, and stadium concerts.

After handing over the day-to-day operations of a thriving business to take a much-needed break, Shanna Howard discovered that balance, for herself and others, would be the next step of her entrepreneurial journey. In the heart of Buena Vista in Winston-Salem, Shanna launched The Boho Depot – a Bohemian-lifestyle and home goods store that provides curated items for an inspired and adventure-filled life and home.