Cohort 7 Entrepreneurs

Jahquette Davis
The Lotus Path Mental Wellness & Coaching
Born from her own journey of healing from homelessness, heartbreak, and loss, Jahquette Davis founded The Lotus Path: Mental Wellness & Coaching to guide others toward wholeness and purpose. As a single mother determined to break generational cycles, Jahquette turned her pain into passion—creating a faith-based, trauma-informed coaching practice that helps women, young adults, and teens heal, grow, and thrive. Through personalized coaching programs, youth workshops, and digital wellness tools, The Lotus Path empowers individuals to bloom beyond their barriers and embrace their potential. Through the Rock It! Lab program, Jahquette is learning to strengthen her business infrastructure, expand her marketing reach, and build financial sustainability. Her vision of success includes serving more clients, developing scalable wellness programs, and forming partnerships that extend her mission’s impact—helping people find peace, confidence, and lasting transformation.

Leroi Emerson
Emerson Grown Co.
With roots in horticulture and a deep respect for the environment, LeRoi Emerson founded Emerson Grown Co to turn everyday waste into opportunity. Drawing on his experience with the University of Arkansas Agricultural Department, the U.S. Forest Service, and AmeriCorps’ Full Circle FarmCorps, LeRoi developed a vision for a business that tackles food insecurity and climate change through sustainable composting. Emerson Grown Co provides accessible composting solutions for homes and businesses—transforming yard waste, kitchen scraps, and organic materials into nutrient-rich soil and animal feed. His mission is to create a closed-loop system that feeds people, ecosystems, and communities alike. Through the Rock It! Lab program, LeRoi aims to strengthen his financial planning, build a better inventory system, and scale his operation sustainably. His long-term goal is to expand his reach across Arkansas, acquire land, and inspire.

Kristie Hua
Kristie’s Artistry of Semi-Permanent Cosmetics
Blending her passion for art, beauty, and empowerment, Kristie Hua founded Kristie’s Artistry of Semi-Permanent Cosmetics to help individuals feel confident and radiant in their own skin. What began as a love for transforming lives through beauty evolved into a mission to educate and empower others. Her studio and soon-to-launch Pravina Institute combine high-quality permanent makeup services with professional training for aspiring artists, creating a modern, inclusive space for growth. Kristie’s work addresses the lack of standardized permanent makeup education and safe, confidence-building beauty services in Arkansas—offering both clients and students a pathway to confidence and independence. Through the Rock It! Lab program, she’s focused on strengthening her business systems, refining her marketing, and scaling sustainably. Her vision for the coming year includes expanding her client base, graduating her first class of certified PMU artists, and establishing a self-sustaining beauty education hub where creativity, confidence, and community converge.

Keneisia Jefferson
EmpowerHER Academy
After nearly a decade in education, Keneishia Jefferson recognized a vital gap in how young girls are supported—academically, emotionally, and socially. Her experience leading the school-based group I Am Beautifully Made inspired her to create EmpowerHER Academy, a space designed to nurture the whole scholar. Focused on girls in grades K–8, the academy’s mission is to empower young girls in underserved communities by building self-esteem, confidence, and leadership skills alongside rigorous academics. EmpowerHER Academy blends education with mentorship, helping girls recognize that they are not just enough—but more than enough. Through the Rock It! Lab program, Keneishia is gaining the business knowledge, marketing strategy, and financial tools to bring her vision to life. Her goal is to establish a fully operational academy that helps girls grow into strong, confident leaders who return to uplift their communities, redefining what it means to learn, lead, and thrive.

Talesha Little
A Little Bartending
Born from a love of celebration and connection, A Little Bartending is Talesha Little’s way of bringing people together through exceptional service, curated drinks, and unforgettable experiences. After years in the bartending and events industry, Talesha saw a gap in the market for professional, personable, and inclusive mobile bartending services that could match the energy and elegance of any event. Serving Central Arkansas, A Little Bartending offers luxe cocktails, custom mocktails, and warm, guest-centered hospitality for weddings, birthdays, corporate events, and more. Talesha’s mission is simple yet powerful: to make every guest feel seen and celebrated while helping hosts relax and enjoy their events. Through the Rock It! Lab program, she’s focused on refining her pricing strategy, strengthening marketing and branding, and building systems that support sustainable growth. Her vision for the future includes hiring and training a small team, forming venue partnerships, and mentoring other women in hospitality—all while continuing to craft experiences that prove a little bartending goes a long way.

Shandrea Murphy-Washington
The People’s Bookstore
Inspired by a lifelong love of reading and a family tradition of service, Shandrea Murphy-Washington created The People’s Bookstore to connect readers to stories that reflect the strength, struggle, and triumph of BIPOC communities. This new and used bookseller centers literature that fosters solidarity and sparks dialogue around resistance and liberation. At a time when book bans threaten cultural memory, Shandrea’s mission is clear: to preserve access to the stories that shape our shared humanity. Through her journey in the Rock It! Lab program, she’s focused on growing her marketing and technical skills to expand visibility and move from pop-ups to a full storefront—creating a vibrant community space where people can learn, strategize, and grow together.

Wendolyn Robinson
Refilled Glasses LLC
Driven by a passion for human-centered leadership, Wendolyn Robinson founded Refilled Glasses LLC to reshape how organizations develop and sustain their people. After observing a disconnect between technical excellence and emotional intelligence in the workplace, Wendolyn recognized the need for leadership training that restores empathy, agility, and communication to professional development. Refilled Glasses helps individuals—from entry-level employees to executives—refill their own “glasses” by rediscovering purpose, confidence, and self-awareness while strengthening organizational culture. Through tailored workshops and leadership programs, Wendolyn empowers professionals to lead with authenticity and emotional intelligence, reducing burnout and promoting resilience. Through the Rock It! Lab program, she’s expanding her network, refining her marketing strategy, and gaining opportunities for visibility through speaking engagements and partnerships. Her mission is clear: to help people and organizations pour from a cup that’s full, creating stronger leaders and thriving communities.

Ashley Sanders
Deneika Rose L.L.C.
What started as designing flyers and programs for her church has blossomed into a thriving stationery and design brand. Deneika Rose L.L.C. was founded by Ashley Sanders, whose passion for organization and creativity grew as she transitioned into motherhood. Wanting to bring more balance and structure into her life, she began creating her own notebooks and planners—sparking a business dedicated to helping others do the same. Today, Deneika Rose offers a range of stationery, office supplies, and custom paper products—from business cards and flyers to journals and workout notebooks—all designed to support organization, productivity, and self-expression. Through the Rock It! Lab program, Ashley is focused on refining her marketing, strengthening her financial systems, and exploring ways to scale sustainably. Her vision of success includes consistent income, solid financial foundations, and becoming a recognized name in her community—a reminder to women everywhere that with a little planning and creativity, anything is possible.

Isaac Traylor
3-i Pressure Washing and Detail LLC
From homelessness and addiction to entrepreneurship and advocacy, Isaac Traylor’s story is one of powerful transformation. After overcoming 26 years of substance abuse, Isaac founded 3-i Pressure Washing and Detail LLC to bring that same spirit of renewal to his work—transforming cars, homes, decks, and driveways with care and excellence. His business delivers professional, on-site cleaning services with a commitment to quality and a positive attitude, serving clients who value convenience and craftsmanship. A portion of profits supports his nonprofit, I Care Outreach, which provides meals and hygiene essentials to those in need. Isaac is also the author of Resurrection Power: A True Story, chronicling his journey from addiction to business ownership. Through the Rock It! Lab program, he’s focused on improving financial planning, marketing, and networking to grow his business sustainably. His vision of success is simple yet profound: to show the world that transformation is possible, and to leave a legacy of hope, opportunity, and excellence for his grandchildren.

Bree Vanley
Heart Matters Therapy, PLLC
Rooted in compassion and authenticity, Heart Matters Therapy, PLLC was born from Bree Vanley’s desire to provide mental health care free from unrealistic demands and systemic burnout. After years of serving under heavy caseloads in community agencies, Bree envisioned a practice that focused on what truly matters—the heart. Today, her private counseling practice serves clients in Arkansas, Texas, and Tennessee, helping children, adults, and families heal from trauma, anxiety, and grief through a down-to-earth approach that blends empathy, humor, and education. Heart Matters Therapy removes barriers to care by offering telehealth counseling that reaches even the most underserved areas. Through the Rock It! Lab program, Bree is learning how to grow sustainably—strengthening her marketing, financial planning, and business systems. Her goal for the year ahead is to expand visibility, build a stronger foundation, and continue normalizing conversations around mental health, reminding every client that their heart truly matters.

Lynn Walls
Heaven Sent Adult Daycare Center
Guided by compassion and advocacy, Lynn Walls founded Heaven Sent Adult Daycare Center to give the aging community the voice and care they deserve. After witnessing her own mother’s struggles navigating healthcare systems and insurance barriers, Lynn made it her mission to educate families about Medicare, Medicaid, and other vital resources while providing a safe, nurturing space for older adults. For over a decade, Heaven Sent has combined care of the mind, body, and spirit because true care requires not just skill, but love and compassion. The center helps families understand and access services that improve quality of life while promoting dignity and independence. Through the Rock It! Lab program, Lynn is focused on strengthening marketing, financial management, and operational systems to support sustainable growth. Her vision for the future includes expanding facilities, launching a respite home, and relaunching transportation and homecare services—all with one goal: to change how the community sees and supports its aging adults.