Genesis Block Entrepreneurs Moving and Shaking in the Wilmington Area

Tiffany Machler, owner of Art by Nugget, was selected was commissioned by Lowe’s to commemorate their 100th anniversary.

The entrepreneurs and companies at Genesis Block continue to make great strides in achieving their business goals and promoting community prosperity. Here are some of the superlatives in our entrepreneurial community.

Lowe’s 100th Anniversary mural by Tiffany Machler, owner of Art by Nugget.

Tiffany Machler, Owner of Art by Nugget

Tiffany Machler, owner of Art by Nugget, a boutique art gallery located in Wilmington, NC is having a wonderful summer. In July she was selected as a finalist for the Wilma Women to Watch Awards, which highlights business women in the Cape Fear region doing great work. Tiffany was also commissioned by Lowe’s to paint a mural that commemorates the 100th anniversary of Lowe’s.

Honey Head Films dynamic duo Erika Edwards and Kristi Ray featured in a centerfold spread in the August issue of Wrightsville Beach Magazine.

Erika Edwards and Kristi Ray, Owners of Honey Head Films

Erika Edwards and Kristi Ray are becoming the Wilmington area maestros of curated content for small business owners, social impact projects and entrepreneurs. The full service, female production company was selected as a finalist for the Wilma Women to Watch Awards. They were featured in the August issue of Wrightsville Beach Magazine showcasing the buzz they are creating in the community. Not to be outdone. A Song For Imogene, the company’s feature film, was one of eleven recipients of the 2021 grant for the Filmed in NC Fund in conjunction with the Cucalorus Film Foundation.

Michelle Bethea setting up a luxury picnic experience for her client at Swag LLC Elaborate Outings.

Michelle Bethea, Owner of Serving With A Gift LLC

Michelle Bethea has just launched Elaborate Outings, a full service luxury picnic experience company that creates upscale outdoor outings for private events, ceremonies and team building exercises. Michelle is a graduate of the Genesis Block Jumpstart Academy and has attracted a significant following in the region. Michelle was featured in the Star News for her trendy business and traction in the area.

Social media-worthy, full-service picnics a new niche for Wilmington area businesses

Jay and Shemeka Stokes, co-owners of Jay Ski’s Rub-A-Dub Spice Co have been growing their brand since 2019.

William and Shemeka Stokes, Owners of Jayski’s Rub a Dub LLC

Jay and Shemeka Stokes, Co-owners of Jay Ski’s Rub-A-Dub LLC, have developed a strong spice brand in southeastern North Carolina. The couple were members of Team Tsunami in the first minority accelerator cohort at Genesis Block. The company recently was selected for a grant from Live Oak Resource Center to expand their operation. Jayski’s has also partnered with Cameron Art Museum’s CAM Café to share recipes in the fall.

MeMa’s Chick N Ribs was the 2021 Coastal Entrepreneur Award Winner in the Minority Owned Business category.

James and Myra McDuffie, Owners of MeMa’s Chick N Ribs

James and Myra McDuffie are the talk of Pender County. MeMa’s Chick N Ribs, located in Burgaw, North Carolina, is one of the areas favorite restaurants. The company was awarded the 2021 Coastal Entrepreneur Awards winner in the Minority Owned Business category. Up next for the company is a major expansion that will include a larger restaurant, event space and manufacturing center in Burgaw.

Albert Steed is one of the most dynamic entrepreneurs in the Cape Fear region. The UNCW graduate is an Advisory Board member and corporate partner at Genesis Block.

Albert Steed, Cofounder and CEO of Hybrid AF

Hybrid AF connect gyms and athletes into one solid, supportive network of 24 hour, 7 day a week gyms that encourages athletes to take accountability and pride in their own fitness. Cofounder and CEO Albert Steed, leads the company and they service over 250 gyms around the world. Hybrid AF was awarded the 2020 Coastal Entrepreneur Award in the Internet Related Business category.

Tiffany Hansley-Jones and the team at Jones Sunset Sauce LLC are witnessing explosive growth.

Tiffany Hansley-Jones, Co-owner of Jones Sunset Sauce, LLC

Jones Sunset Sauce is becoming well known in the Cape Fear region for its versatility and great pairing with cookouts and family gatherings. CEO Tiffany Hansley Jones, is driving a strategy that focuses on distribution with local restaurants, grocery stores and farmers market. They are having great success with distribution in 6 locations in the Cape Fear region.

Stay tuned for our second part featuring the movers and shakers in the Genesis Block community.