Discovering your authentic style isn't just about looking good—it's about reconnecting with your natural beauty and finding confidence that radiates from within. In this enlightening conversation, Christine Reed welcomes Shelli Holechek, owner of House of Colour in Johnson City and Bristol, who reveals how color analysis is transforming lives across East Tennessee. Shelli shares her …
Author: I Am Benchmark
From Passion to Profession: Suzanne McKinney’s Jewelry Journey
What happens when creative passion meets entrepreneurial spirit? Suzanne McKinney's journey with Beauty in Stone Jewelry provides a masterclass in turning artistic talent into a thriving business. Suzanne believes jewelry is the essential finishing touch that completes any outfit. "Even if you're wearing just a T-shirt and jeans, when you add beautiful jewelry, you've put …
Behind the Lens: Tina Wilson’s Journey from Photographer to Business Maven
Ever wonder what happens when you release your white-knuckle grip on what seems "too good to let go"? Tina Wilson's remarkable journey from portrait photographer to business maven reveals the surprising gifts that come from open hands and divine timing. From finding her cordless phone in the freezer as an identity-starved new mom to hearing …
Beyond The Hype: A Professional’s Guide To Skincare That Actually Works
The quest for healthier, more youthful skin can be overwhelming with contradictory advice and miracle promises flooding social media. Kelli Rogers from Performance Medicine cuts through the noise in this enlightening conversation about what truly works in skincare. Kelli reveals why your daily skincare routine forms the essential foundation upon which all other treatments build—comparing …
From Renting to Owning: How Land to Homes Makes It Possible
Looking for an affordable path to homeownership in today's challenging market? Steve Reed returns to Benchmark Happenings to dive deeper into Land to Homes, a pioneering solution for would-be homeowners struggling with sky-high housing costs and limited options. While apartment renters face $1,200-$2,000 monthly payments with nothing to show for it, Land to Homes is …
Land2Homes: Creating Affordable Housing Solutions in Northeast Tennessee
Steve Reed, Co-owner of Benchmark Home Loans, shares the story behind his new venture Land2Homes, which provides affordable turnkey manufactured housing solutions for buyers priced out of the traditional market. • Land2Homes developed after seeing first-time homebuyers priced out by high interest rates and rising home prices• The company purchases land, handles permitting, orders homes …
A Trip of a Lifetime: How the Honor Flight Program Changes Veterans’ Lives
Freedom isn't free—a truth Michelle Stewart and the Honor Flight program understand deeply. As president of Honor Flight of the Appalachian Highlands, Michelle has dedicated herself to giving veterans the recognition they earned through their service and sacrifice. What began as a Facebook message from a high school friend in 2021 has transformed into a …
What Makes Every Woman’s Beauty Uniquely Worth Celebrating?
What does it take to transform a childhood passion into a thriving beauty business? Shamail McKenzie's journey from practicing on Barbie styling heads to becoming an award-winning hair and makeup artist reveals the perfect blend of artistic talent, business savvy, and genuine care for clients. Shamail opens up about her 15+ years in the beauty …
Beyond the Gavel: A Judge’s Mission to Transform Lives
Judge Jim Goodwin lifts the veil on what recovery courts really are—not programs for first-time offenders as commonly misunderstood, but rather the last line of defense before long-term incarceration for those caught in addiction's grip. As Criminal Court Judge for the Second Judicial District in Sullivan County, Goodwin has transformed the landscape of rehabilitation in …
Your Brand Deserves More Than a Selfie
What happens when tourism expertise meets a passion for pageants and photography? Something magical, as Krishna Goodwin demonstrates in this captivating conversation about professional imagery, personal branding, and finding your true path. Krishna pulls back the curtain on her journey from Sullivan County Tourism Director to sought-after photographer, revealing how her husband's hobby unexpectedly launched …