Motivate Magazine Team
At MOTIVATE MAGAZINE, we're not just a team—we're a crew of creativity, optimism, and big dreamers on a mission to spark joy and inspiration in every page. Our squad bring together writers, editors, designers, and visionaries who believe that every story is an opportunity to motivate and empower. From brainstorming bold ideas to perfecting every article with a dash of heart, we love what we do—and we can't wait to share it with you!
Keep reading below to meet the MOTIVATE MAGAZINE team!
Meet the Team
Click the plus (+) to read the MOTIVATE MAGAZINE team bios
* CEO *
-
CEO & Content Writer
Celeste Crocker, a Newark, NJ native raised in Salisbury, NC, is the youngest of three children. Demonstrating perseverance and faith, Celeste worked with the Job Training Partnership Act and modeled for Belk, supporting her family and pursuing her goals. She steadily advanced into leadership roles within major Fortune 500 companies and currently serves as Senior Director of Transportation for Medicaid and Medicare Members. As the CEO and Founder of Divine Connections and Nothing’s Impossible, Celeste is dedicated to inspiring and empowering women and girls. Her latest venture, MOTIVATE MAGAZINE — The Heart of a Woman & Soul of a Man — celebrates resilience and purpose, expanding into entertainment and production to amplify diverse voices and foster positive change.
-
Brand & Marketing Director/Graphic Designer
Tonya M. Cowan is the Owner and Designer of DesignKind Studio. She is a graduate of East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education. Her leadership, organizational and multi-tasking skills have allowed her to pursue her dream and purpose of being an entrepreneur. With over twenty years of experience in marketing, Tonya has worked in corporate America providing marketing services to numerous clients. As You Wish websites|engagement|marketing was created in August 2020, and rebranded as DesignKind Studio in 2025. Her services focus on entreprenuers and small business clients to create websites, logos, graphic designs, and engaging content to help promote their brands. She is passionate about using her skills to assist entreprenuers and small businesses with their marketing needs.
-
Graphic Designer
Jewel Edwards is a Greenville, SC based art educator and visual artist. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC, and previously attended the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. In addition to teaching in public schools her graphic design skills are inspiring. Her interdisciplinary art practice spans photography, video, screen printing, and painting, through which she thoughtfully explores her personal identity and its intersections with Black identity and womanhood. Edwards’ work has been exhibited at several notable venues, including Art Fields, Friday Arts Project, Greenville Center for Creative Arts, and the Lyndon House Arts Center. Through her creative and professional endeavors, she actively contributes to the local and regional arts community.
-
Graphic Designer
Charles McClurkin, CEO of L.A.A.D. Studio, is a seasoned business owner and graphic designer with over 20 years of commercial graphic experience. For the past eleven years, he has thrived as an entrepreneur and professional freelance designer. Charles is passionate about helping small businesses build their brand identity, offering comprehensive logo design, branding, and printing services tailored to any occasion. Guided by his mantra, “Bringing identity to your brand!,” he treats every business opportunity as a unique experience, valuing the dedication and financial commitment required to succeed. Charles’ journey began with a simple vision—“(L)aptop (A)nd (A) (D)ream”—inspiring him to support others in creating and maintaining successful, memorable brands.
-
Content Writer
Nichole Henderson is a devoted mother, proud grandmother, and influential leader based in Greenville, SC. Graduating with honors in Social Work from Limestone College in May 2023, Nichole channels her education into empowering young women and serving her community. She founded Hidden Gems, a mentorship program supporting teenage girls ages 13–17 through personal development and leadership training. As a board member of Live Well Greenville, she addresses local food insecurity. Nichole’s dedication to service has earned her national recognition, including awards for community service and professional achievement. Her guiding philosophy, “Do unto others as you would want done,” inspires her uplifting work and fuels her commitment to creating positive change and empowering the next generation of leaders.
-
Social Media Manager
Arie Darby is the founder of ADSocialmgmt, a boutique agency specializing in social media and content strategy for brands that want to stand out authentically online. Driven by a passion for soulful storytelling and strategic marketing that delivers results, Arie partners with entrepreneurs, creative professionals, and impact-focused brands to help build a meaningful digital presence—without the risk of burnout. Whether crafting viral, trend-savvy reels, developing thoughtful strategies, or designing captivating visuals, Arie ensures your content genuinely resonates with your audience and drives growth. ADSocialmgmt is dedicated to helping you connect in ways that matter, empowering you to approach your brand with confidence, clarity, and a sense of purpose. Let’s work together to build your brand with intention and impact.