Meet our business experts joining us to judge the Children's Business Fair!
At Forest, we regularly invite experts into our Studios not only to share about the meaningful work they’re doing, but also so that they can give our learners real-world feedback and advice. Through this process, our learners encounter real world demands and see relevance in learning.
We’re excited to welcome four business owners and experts to our Children’s Business Fair on December 10. They will judge our participants, offering encouragement and practical feedback.
Experts help us blur the lines between school and real life. Read their bios below!
Antonio jennings, southside church
Antonio Jennings, affectionately known as “Tony,” is the founder of The Planted Group, Co-Founder of The Each One Reach One Community Impact Project, and serves as one of the Pastors at Southside Church in Atlanta, GA.
Antonio has been afforded the opportunity to speak to thousands of leaders, organizations, churches, colleges and universities all over the country and beyond.
He is the author of three books: Live 2 Inspire, What Is Your Why, and The Planted Devotion Series. Antonio travels the country teaching and connecting with others on how to exceed their own expectations while helping them find their purpose and grow where they are.
brieanna Jones, enzo
Brie is the Catering/Event Coordinator with Enzo, as well as the Event Coordinator for Town at Trilith. With her own artistic background including time as a Dance Instructor at Studio D School of Dance in Griffin, GA, and as a student at the Georgia Film Academy, Brie is proud to continue using her creative gifts and to serve the arts community at Trilith. She says, “I love working for Trilith! The atmosphere and the people are just absolutely incredible. I wish everyone could experience working here!”
Dawn Hunt, the funky shack
Established in the charming southern hamlet of Tyrone, Georgia, The Funky Shack Mercantile is a home away from home for local artists and makers of all ages. Sisters Dawn Hunt and Jennifer Yarbrough (pictured) started their business in an effort to provide a space for Creatives and to support homegrown art and their local community. Dawn and Jen believe that one of the most important ways to support local artists is through education and mentorship, particularly in reference to “Kid Entrepreneurs.” The children and teens who work with the Funky Shack as vendors are not only given an opportunity for their products to be seen and purchased but also to learn what it means to run their own businesses. Funky Shack’s support isn’t solely for the benefit of those young people wanting to become business owners, however. They have a deep desire to provide that kind of encouragement for all kids. From classes, to art competitions, to special events and even internships, the Funky Shack makes sure that there is something for everyone.
eldrick jacobs, flint and port
Eldrick Jacobs is passionate about finely made goods. He is a believer in the power of well-built, handmade products that not only add value to our daily lives but also intentionally steward the resources entrusted to us.
In 2020, Eldrick founded Flint and Port Hat Company, a maker of fine handmade custom and small batch produced headwear designed and made in his downtown Bainbridge workshop and retail shop.
A native of Bainbridge, GA. Eldrick attended Georgia Southern University for a Bachelor of Arts in History; Vanderbilt University for a Master’s in Social Ethics and is working to complete a Master’s in Entrepreneurship with a focus in finance from DePaul University’s Business School.