INSPIREMS

Good morning y’all! This Tuesday we are getting inspired with a local non-profit that is near and dear to our hearts. It is time to get inspired with Shower Power! Shower Power was founded by Teresa Renkenberger in November of 2019 when she asked a close friend of hers, who unfortunately was homeless, when the last time he showered was. His response was, “About a year, Miss Teresa.” This broke Teresa’s heart, and she knew in that moment, that she needed to make a change within her community.

Shower Power is a non-profit organization that allows for those to be able to shower who may not have access to a shower! Shower Power is a mobile shower on wheels! The main goal is to bring hospitality to the streets by delivering mobile hygiene services to those experiencing homelessness. It is a way for people to feel healthy by providing self-care resources. Even if they can get to a shelter, a shower may not be accessible so it is important to Shower Power to give the homeless an opportunity to take care of themselves.

Working by Teresa’s side is Mary Ann Kirby, who is the director of operations for Shower Power. Together, the two have created a safe place for those to come and seek shelter, along with being fed, clothed, and loved. Every Friday, Shower Power offers a free shower to anyone who may need it in downtown Jackson. There is a shower truck located at 836 South Commerce Street with two separate shower units, each with their own shampoo and soap dispensers, a mirror, a sink, and changing area. Each shower is provided with water fed through a regular garden house along with a standard water heater.

Since 2019, Shower Power has given 3,500 showers to people who do not have daily access to a shower along with providing other necessities like food, clothes, and other hygiene products. In October of 2020, an extension of Shower Power came to life called Project Hope. Project Hope is a program where Shower Power identifies which visitors make for a good candidate for low-income housing and helps them get there. Provided by corporate and individual sponsors, food and housing are secured for those who make for good candidates to help change their lives.

Shower Power is an amazing local non-profit organization that gives back directly to our community every single day. Both Teresa and Mary Ann have such a love and passion for helping out those who do not have access to daily necessities that others don’t even think twice about. Make sure to check out their website at showerpower.ms for more information on how to get involved and give back. And don’t forget to get inspired y’all!

Happy Friday eve y’all! This Thursday we are going to be talking about an event that goes above and beyond each and every year and always makes the holiday season is extra special. We are talking about Mistletoe Marketplace! Mistletoe Marketplace is a holiday tradition at the beginning of November that is presented by the Junior League of Jackson. Since 1981, Mistletoe Marketplace has been the premier holiday shopping event in the South due to its magical and festive experience.

The Junior League of Jackson is an organization of women who are committed to volunteering, developing the potential of young women, and giving back to their communities. The Junior League of Jackson does this by taking initiative and implementing leadership through trained volunteers. The League was founded in January of 1941 and is the sixth largest League in the Association of Junior Leagues International. The money raised from Mistletoe Marketplace helps to improve the lives of those directly in our community by delivering services and assistance to anyone in need.

Mistletoe Marketplace is an event where small business owners and merchants can sign up to become a vendor and display their items in their very own booth. Those from all over attend Mistletoe Marketplace as a merchant because of how supportive The League and shoppers are. Shoppers also from all over travel to Jackson, Mississippi for the Mistletoe Marketplace just to experience its holiday festivities.

What makes Mistletoe Marketplace so special is it really brings the community together by allowing local and corporate businesses to become sponsors and to be involved. Being involved in a holiday event like Mistletoe Marketplace really reminds you of what the true meaning of holiday spirit is, and everyone becomes one big family. Anyone who is involved puts their hearts and soul into Mistletoe and it really does show!

This year’s Mistletoe Marketplace is being held from November 1st up until November 4th, which is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season! The 2023 Mistletoe Marketplace Steering Committee has been working extremely hard for almost 14 months, day, and night, to make sure that the event is everything people wish for and to ensure that their community comes first. It truly is a magical event that with such amazing cause. Tickets go on sale September 1st, 2023 so make sure to follow along with Mistletoe Marketplace on Instagram @mistletoemarketplace or on their website mistletoemarketplace.com for updates on the event or how to become involved. And remember y’all to get inspired!

Mistletoe Marketplace

Upcountry Camp

7/11/2023

Good morning y’all! Today we are going to get inspired by such an amazing business and business owner who is beyond creative. We will be talking about the one and only Upcountry Camp!

Upcountry Camp was created from an idea in 2016 when Emily and her family moved from the States to live in Kenya. For four years, they had once in a lifetime opportunity like going on safari rides, learning how to appreciate the little things in life, and meeting amazing people from all around the world. Once Emily and her family moved back to the States, they realized that they value more life experiences and less stuff.

Emily wanted to be able to share the biggest lesson she learned which was “Lasting memories are made when you have a shared experience with your loved ones”. By creating Upcountry Camp, Emily was able to bring a sense of Kenya back to her hometown to allow for those to create lifelong memories like the ones she and her family made in Kenya.

Upcountry Camp setups outdoor canvas tents indoors with stylish yet durable furniture. The main goal is to wow those and show how much fun it can be when you step out of your normal routine. Relaxation is another main goal of Upcountry Camp, and they achieve that goal by taking care of all the setting up and breaking down for you! It is your event, so they want you to. Sit back and enjoy without must worry!

Again, the mission and main goal of Upcountry Camp is to bring you and your family together with a joyous and unique memory that will last you a lifetime. Whether it be your birthday party, your child’s birthday party, getting ready with your bridesmaids, or a family campout, Upcountry Camp wants to help you create memorable experiences!

Make sure to check out Upcountry Camp’s website at upcountrycamp.com or their Instagram at upcountrycamp for more information regarding the services that they have to offer and to learn more about their glamping parties and picnics! And remember y’all to get inspired!