Entrepreneurship became personal to me the first time I helped a small business owner who had a vision but didn’t know how to share it with the world. I watched how limited resources and lack of exposure can hold people back—not because they lack talent, but because they lack access. From that moment, I understood that entrepreneurship is not just about profit for me; it is about purpose and giving back to my community. I plan to give back through entrepreneurship by creating opportunities for small businesses and individuals who are often overlooked. Through my brand, Graceful KreationZ, I provide creative services such as social media content, branding, and website design to help businesses establish a strong online presence. Many small business owners do not have the time, knowledge, or financial means to market themselves effectively. By offering affordable and accessible services, I help them grow, reach new audiences, and build sustainability. My goal is to use my skills to remove barriers and empower others to succeed. I have already begun giving back to my community through my entrepreneurial work. I have supported small businesses by creating designs that elevate their brands and allow them to compete in digital spaces. In addition, I serve my community through volunteering at my church’s teen center, where I encourage young people to get involved and believe in their potential. These experiences have shown me that leadership and service go hand in hand. Whether I am helping a business owner grow or mentoring youth, I strive to leave people better than I found them. Academically, I plan to major in business to strengthen my understanding of entrepreneurship, marketing, and financial strategy. I want to gain the knowledge needed to scale my business responsibly and create long-term impact. My career goal is to expand Graceful KreationZ into a full-service creative agency that not only supports businesses but also offers mentorship, internships, and resources to young entrepreneurs. I hope to create pathways for students who are creative, driven, and passionate but unsure how to turn their ideas into reality. As an entrepreneur, I want my success to be measured by how many people I help along the way. I believe giving back means investing time, skills, and opportunities into others. By combining education, entrepreneurship, and service, I plan to continue building a business rooted in community impact, integrity, and growth. Through entrepreneurship, I am not only creating a career for myself—I am creating change.

Be the change you want to see in the world” is more than a quote to me—it is how I try to live every day. I have learned that real change does not begin with correcting others, but with correcting myself first. Instead of forcing growth on the people around me, I focus on becoming the example I wish I had seen. Through that mindset, I have found meaningful ways to impact my family, my community, and those who see my life from a distance. One of the most important ways I strive to change the world around me is through positivity and intentional influence. In a generation where negativity spreads quickly, especially on social media, I make a conscious effort to be a light. Whether it is encouraging words, sharing my faith, or promoting confidence and self-worth, I use my platforms to uplift rather than tear down. I understand that someone scrolling may be struggling silently, and if my words can make them feel seen, motivated, or hopeful, then I have already created change. My impact begins even closer to home with my two younger sisters. As the oldest, I recognize that they are constantly watching how I handle challenges, responsibilities, and setbacks. I try to model patience, discipline, and kindness so they can see what growth looks like in real time. Instead of just telling them what is right, I show them through my actions—by helping around the house, staying committed to my education, and maintaining integrity in how I treat others. Being a positive role model to them has taught me that leadership is quiet, consistent, and rooted in example. Beyond my family, I work to impact my community through service and involvement. Volunteering with my church’s teen center has allowed me to encourage other youth to feel confident in who they are and engaged in something bigger than themselves. I lead by listening, supporting, and making space for others to grow—because I remember how powerful it was when someone did that for me. These experiences have reinforced my belief that change is relational; it happens when people feel valued and inspired. Looking ahead, I want to expand my impact by continuing to lead with authenticity and service. I plan to use my education and future career to empower others, particularly young people who may not yet see their potential. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or creative platforms, I want to be someone who reminds others that growth is possible and that they are capable of more than they believe. Change does not always come from grand gestures. Sometimes, it begins with one person choosing to live differently. By striving to become the change I want to see, I hope to continue influencing the world around me—one example, one conversation, and one life at a time.

For most of my life, school was something I simply endured. I showed up, completed what I had to, and moved on. My goal was never excellence—it was survival. I wanted to get through the day, the semester, the year, without falling too far behind. I didn’t see school as a place where I could grow or discover my potential. That mindset followed me until eighth grade, when I met a teacher who completely shifted the way I approached not only school, but my life. Her name was Mrs. Diauto, and she taught history. At first, I didn’t think much would be different about her class. But it didn’t take long for me to realize she was unlike any teacher I had before. Mrs. Diauto didn’t just teach dates, events, and facts—she taught belief. She believed that every student in her classroom was capable of more, even when they didn’t believe it themselves. For the first time, I felt seen not as just another student trying to get by, but as someone with real potential. Mrs. Diauto challenged me to apply myself in ways I never had before. She pushed me to ask questions, to think critically, and to take pride in my work. When I doubted myself, she didn’t lower her expectations—she raised my confidence. She took the time to encourage me individually, reminding me that effort and consistency could open doors I hadn’t even considered. Through her guidance, I began to understand that school wasn’t something happening to me; it was something I could use to build my future. One of the most impactful moments came when Mrs. Diauto encouraged me to take honors courses in high school. At the time, I didn’t think I was “honors material.” I was afraid of failing and proving my doubts right. But she saw something in me that I hadn’t yet learned to see in myself. Because of her belief, I took the leap—and I succeeded. That decision changed the trajectory of my academic journey and showed me that growth often begins on the other side of fear. Looking back now, I am incredibly grateful for Mrs. Diauto. Her influence extended far beyond her classroom. She taught me the value of applying myself, of striving for more than the bare minimum, and of trusting that hard work can lead to meaningful outcomes. The confidence she helped build still guides me today, reminding me that I am capable of more than I once believed. Mrs. Diauto didn’t just teach me history—she helped me rewrite my own. And for that, her impact on my life will always be significant.

My name is Meikela Hampton, and I am a senior in high school whose life has been shaped by leadership, service, and responsibility both inside and outside of school. I take pride in balancing academics, extracurricular activities, work, and service while staying grounded in my faith and values. These experiences have shaped my sense of responsibility and my desire to positively impact those around me. Academically, I challenge myself through honors and dual enrollment courses while maintaining a strong GPA. I approach my education with purpose because I understand that learning opens doors to opportunity. Outside the classroom, I have been a varsity cheerleader throughout high school. Cheer has taught me discipline and perseverance. It has pushed me to remain committed even during demanding seasons. Service plays a major role in my life. I volunteer at Mount Zion Baptist Church at the Teen Center, where I serve as a team lead. IN this role, I help encourage and involve other youth in church and community activities, creating a welcoming environment where they feel supported and valued. Working with peers has taught me how to lead with empathy, communication, and consistency. In addition to volunteering, I am an intern at GodMadeMerch, where I assist the owner with daily operations and creative responsibilities. This opportunity has allowed me to gain hands-on experience in business while learning how faith and entrepreneurship can intersect. I am also the founder of Graceful KreationZ, a small business where I help brands improve their social media presence and overall image. Managing a business while in high school has strengthened my time-management skills and reinforced my passion for business. At home, I contribute by helping my parents and supporting my two younger sisters, which has taught me responsibility and balance. I assist with daily responsibilities, from helping them with schoolwork to making sure they get their baths. These everyday experiences have shaped how I approach leadership and service beyond my household. After high school, I plan to attend Spelman College and major in business. Following financial changes in my household in 2024, paying for college has become a personal goal, motivating me to actively pursue scholarships and opportunities that will help me continue my education. I am committed to building a future where I can provide for myself, contribute back to my family, and give back to my community in meaningful ways. If I could start my own charity, its mission would be to raise awareness and provide direct support for single homeless mothers and their children. The organization would offer hot meals diapers for infants, and age-appropriate clothing for children. Volunteers would assist with meal preparation, clothing drives, and outreach to connect families with essential resources. Through compassion and consistency, the goal would be to provide dignity, relief, and hope.

My name is Meikela Hampton, and I am a senior at Nashville School of the Arts, where I play the viola as second chair in the orchestra. Music has shaped how I see the world. Being a second chair taught me that you don't have to be first to lead or make an impact—you just must be present, prepared, and willing to support the people around you. That mindset is the foundation of who I am and how I plan to move through my future career. I come from a two-parent household, and for most of my life, stability was something I didn't question. However, in 2024, when the primary income provider in my household lost their job, everything shifted quickly. Watching my family adjust in real time taught how fragile stability can be and how much planning, decision-making, and strategy matter when circumstances change. Since then, I've become more aware of how financial choices affect not just businesses, but families, futures, and opportunities. That experience solidified my interest in business and reinforced my desire to help others navigate uncertainty with clarity and confidence. I want to become a business consultant because I enjoy helping people figure out what they need to do to make things better in their lives. Business consultants help individuals and organizations evaluate challenges, make informed decisions, and create strategies that lead to growth and sustainability. I am drawn to this career because it allows me to serve as a guide. Through my future career, I plan to make a positive impact by supporting entrepreneurs and business owners who may feel overwhelmed, under-resourced, or unsure of their next steps. Many people have the vision and work ethic to succeed but lack access to guidance or strategic support. I want to be the person who helps bridge that gap. By empowering businesses to make better decisions, I can help strengthen communities, create stability, and open doors for others—especially those who come from backgrounds where opportunity is not guaranteed. Everything I do is rooted in the belief that leadership isnt about being the loudest or the first—it's about helping others succeed. Whether in an orchestra or in the business world, I believe real impact comes from listening, understanding, and stepping in where you're needed most. As a business consultant, I plan to use those values to help people build something better, not just for themselves, but for the world around them.

My name is Meikela Hampton, and I am a senior at Nashville School of the Arts. After graduation, I plan to attend Spelman College, where I will major in Business and continue growing my entrepreneurial journey through my brand, Graceful KreationZ. Throughout high school, I’ve balanced being a varsity cheerleader, orchestra musician, small business owner, and leader in multiple student organizations. But while I was focused on staying involved and working hard, I quickly learned that mental health is just as important as every title or accomplishment I earn. During my high school years, there were moments when I felt overwhelmed, trying to juggle school, extracurricular activities, work, and still show up for others with a smile on my face. The pressure to “keep it all together” is something that many students, especially young Black women, experience. We’re often taught to stay strong, push through, and not show when we’re struggling. But I’ve learned that true strength is being able to admit when you need a break and knowing how to take care of your mind, not just your responsibilities. In college, I want to be intentional about raising awareness for mental health, especially in spaces where it’s not talked about enough. One of my main goals at Spelman is to create a safe space where students can have open, honest conversations about the pressures we face. I would love to partner with campus organizations to host peer-led “mental check-in” circles where students can share how they’re really feeling, encourage each other, and discuss coping strategies in a supportive environment. Sometimes, people don’t need a formal workshop; they just need someone to listen and remind them that they’re not alone. Additionally, I plan to get involved in mental health awareness events and volunteer with organizations that promote emotional well-being and stress management. Whether it’s through campus-wide wellness weeks, mindfulness workshops, or collaborating with counselors for outreach, I want to help normalize the conversation around mental health in a way that feels relatable and real. At Spelman, I want to be the kind of leader who uplifts others by being authentic and approachable. I believe that raising awareness for mental health doesn’t always require grand gestures, it starts with simple, consistent efforts that remind people they are seen, valued, and supported. Mental health awareness is not just a cause to me; it’s a mission to make sure no one feels like they have to suffer in silence. By leading with kindness, creativity, and faith, I hope to inspire my peers to prioritize their well-being and help create a campus culture where taking care of your mind is celebrated, not hidden.

I started doing pageants my sophomore year of high school. Like many people, my idea of pageants came from what I saw on TV. The tall, thin girls in perfect gowns with perfect answers. What I didn’t see were girls like me. You hardly ever see young Black girls or girls my size represented on those stages. That made me wonder if I even belonged there. Going into my first pageant, I was extremely nervous and didn’t know what to do with myself. I questioned if I was good enough, pretty enough, or even qualified to compete. But despite all those doubts, I knew one thing for sure, I wanted to challenge myself to do something that scared me. For a month straight, I prepped as hard as I could. I watched every pageant video on YouTube I could find, practiced my walk in my living room, worked on my interview answers, and prayed constantly. I knew that if I was going to step on that stage, it had to be with confidence, not just in how I looked, but in who I am. Pageant weekend came, and everything I had practiced came down to that moment. It wasn’t about comparing myself to the other girls, it was about the confidence I had in myself and the faith I had in God. When they announced the winners, I wasn’t expecting to hear my name. But then, they called me as Miss Congeniality and First Runner-Up. I bawled. I couldn’t believe it. I stood there in tears because in that moment, I realized I was so much stronger and more capable than I had ever believed. I had done something that once felt impossible, and I did it by simply being myself. That experience completely changed how I saw myself. I no longer felt like the insecure girl who thought she wasn’t good enough. I felt a new light shining from within me, a confidence that wasn’t based on appearance, but on purpose. Winning a title in my very first pageant gave me a super boost of confidence, and since then, I’ve carried that self-belief into every area of my life. This journey has shaped the way I lead and serve others today. I now use my platform to speak out about body image and self-worth, especially for girls who feel like they don’t fit society’s beauty standards. On my social media, I constantly remind others that beauty is not measured by appearance, but by the heart and the light that shines within. I believe every young woman on this earth is fearfully and wonderfully made, no matter their size, skin tone, or background. Because I’ve personally experienced the struggle of self-doubt, I’m able to connect with others in a real and honest way. I want girls to know that they are enough as they are, and that their uniqueness is what makes them beautiful. That crown-worthy moment taught me that true leadership isn’t about standing out for how you look, it’s about lifting others up and showing them how to see the greatness inside themselves.

At the age of 16, I was given my first real opportunity to serve someone else creatively. She left everything in my hands, and by the grace of God, I did a mighty good job. Never in my 17 years of living did I think I would be a successful business owner. The moment she trusted me with her look, I fell in love with serving others and making flyers for them. This very small task was a very big moment for me in my heart. I stepped out on faith and got my first real customer. That was the moment I knew I wanted to build a business that helps others build their dreams. My name is Meikela Hampton, and I am a rising senior at Nashville School of the Arts. I am a musician in my school's orchestra, and I currently serve as the Chaplain of my high school sorority, Alpha Zeta Omega. I’m also an active member of Student Council and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Each of these roles has allowed me to lead with kindness, encourage others, and stay grounded in my faith. But outside of school, my biggest passion is running my business, Graceful KreationZ, where I create logos, flyers, websites, and help small businesses build their brand identity. Being a self-taught graphic designer has been everything far from easy, but it has taught me that when you truly love something, you’ll find a way to make it work. Through every late-night project and every design I’ve put together, I’ve learned the importance of patience, creativity, and serving others with excellence. I don’t just want to be good at what I do, I want to be impactful. That’s why pursuing higher education is so important to me. I want to sharpen my business skills, learn from professionals, and gain the knowledge I need to grow Graceful KreationZ into a full creative agency that provides affordable services to small and minority-owned businesses. For me, college is not just about getting a degree. it’s about preparing myself to open doors for others who may not have the resources or confidence to chase their dreams. I want to use my business to help people see their visions come to life and build up the confidence to stand behind their own brands. My ultimate goal is to host workshops, mentor woman of all ages, and show them that they can embrace who they are, inside and out, without needing the world’s validation. Higher education will give me the foundation to be a successful entrepreneur, but more importantly, it will help me continue to grow as a leader who serves with purpose. I am committed to using my degree to uplift my community, inspire the generations, and create opportunities for those who need it most. This journey started with a simple flyer at 16, but with faith, hard work and I believe it can become so much more.