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A Night of Dreams, Determination, and Community Spirit: Spark Tank 2024 Lights Up Thomasville!

Updated: Nov 15, 2024


Nyhema Hicks
Nyhema Hicks shares her vision for Early Learning Academy with Dr. Thelma Johnson of Albany Community Together CDFI.

Tuesday night, at Southern Regional Technical College, was magical.


The Thomasville community came together to witness the journey of seven hardworking entrepreneurs:

  • Jennifer Dyson, Owner of Unlimited Catering and Beyond

  • Diangela Ellis, Founder of SUBconscious Educational Placement Agency

  • Lisa Gardner, Owner of Fire N Ice

  • Nyhema Hicks, Founder of Early Learning Academy

  • Vivian Moore, Founder of Vegan Divine

  • Angela Murphy, Founder of Engaged Connections

  • Ordette Thomas, Owner of Turquoise Sparkle

They all dared to dream big at Spark Thomasville's Annual Spark Tank Pitch Competition.


Picture this: The friendly faces of our community members fill the room, the gentle melodies of Mr. James Banks' keyboard create an atmosphere of joy and unity, and the delicious aromas from our local entrepreneurs' culinary creations set the perfect stage for an unforgettable evening of celebration and transformation.

Esther Marie Lawrence, Thomas County Chamber of Commerce, first place winner Angela Murphy, Patricia Powell, TNB banking partner Melvin Hugins, and DeShay Williams.
Esther Marie Lawrence, Thomasville, Thomas County Chamber of Commerce; First place winner Angela Murphy; Patricia Powell, Business Coach; TNB banking partner Melvin Hugins, and DeShay Williams, Spark Thomasville Executive Director.

Our seven entrepreneurs, each one a graduate of Spark's intensive 12-week Program, stood tall and proud as they shared their visions for a better Thomasville. From Jennifer Dyson's mouth-watering culinary delights from Unlimited Catering and Beyond to Angela Murphy's innovative Engaged Connections, each pitch represented not just a business plan, but a step toward job creation and building lasting legacies.


The competition winners exemplified the spirit of determination that defines our community:

  • First Place: Angela Murphy's Engaged Connections, helping faith-based organizations embrace digital transformation

  • Second Place: Nyhema Hicks' Early Learning Academy, nurturing young minds through innovative education

  • Third Place: Ordette Thomas' Turquoise Sparkle, creating "ornaments of grace" that celebrate personal expression

Esther Marie Lawrence, Thomas County Chamber of Commerce, Blanding Beaty, Spark Coach, third place winner, Ordette Thomas, Owner Turquiose Sparkle, Melvin Hugins, TNB Banking Partner, and DeShay Williams.
Esther Marie Lawrence, Thomas County Chamber of Commerce, Blanding Beaty, Spark Coach, second place winner, Ordette Thomas, Owner Turquiose Sparkle, Melvin Hugins, TNB Banking Partner, and DeShay Williams.

But here's the beautiful truth about Spark Tank: There were no losers last night. Every entrepreneur who stepped onto that stage demonstrated the power of education, coaching, and community support. They showed us what happens when we provide underestimated entrepreneurs with the resources, guidance, and opportunities they deserve.


Our panel of judges, including Dr. Thelma Johnson, Tequesta Diggs, and other community leaders, provided thoughtful feedback that will help these businesses grow and thrive. Their presence reminded us that success isn't just about winning prizes – it's about building a supportive ecosystem where every entrepreneur can flourish.


Esther Marie Lawrence, Thomas County Chamber of Commerce, Andria Marria, Nyhema Hicks, third place winner, Melvin Hugins, TNB Banking partner, and Earl Williams.
Esther Marie Lawrence, Thomas County Chamber of Commerce; Andria Marria, Nyhema Hicks, third place winner; Melvin Hugins, TNB Banking partner; and Earl Williams, financial coach.

The evening was made even more special by the contributions of our Spark Tank graduates themselves. Vegan Divine's flavorful creations, Fire N Ice's refreshing beverages, and Unlimited and Beyond Catering's artistic displays showed exactly what happens when we invest in local talent and provide access to resources and affordable capital.


William Mitchell, TC Federal Bank, gives direction as a Spark Tank judge to a Spark Tank contestant.

As we reflect on this evening, we're reminded of why Spark Thomasville exists: to love our neighbors through meaningful action, to foster economic viability, and to create opportunities for job creation and wealth building. Every pitch, every smile, and every moment of support demonstrated our community's commitment to collaboration and engagement.


To our honest and hardworking entrepreneurs: You've shown us what courage looks like. Your determination inspires us, and your success will create ripples of positive change throughout Thomasville for generations to come.


To our generous community: Your presence and support make everything we do possible. You're not just watching from the sidelines – you're actively participating in building a more inclusive and prosperous Thomasville.


Want to be part of this transformative journey? Join us as a speaker, coach, committee member, or supporter. Together, we can continue to spark positive change in Thomasville, one entrepreneur at a time.


Contact DeShay Williams at deshaywilliams@sparkthomasville.com to learn more about how you can get involved with Spark Thomasville's mission to educate, train, encourage, and support underestimated entrepreneurs.


Remember: Every dream supported, every business launched, and every legacy built makes our community stronger. That's the true spirit of Spark Tank, and that's the power of Spark Thomasville.

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