Reading is a city for the do-ers. Reading is for the go getters. Reading is a city for those who refuse to take “no” for an answer. Reading is a city for those who make a lane for themselves when they don’t fit in an existing lane. Reading is a city for those with heart. Reading is a city for those who understand that with no grit, there is no pearl. Reading is a city of a lot of things, but it isn’t for the lazy, the weak-willed, or the quitters. It is a city for those taking risks in order to achieve their dreams, and for those who want it so bad they breathe, eat, sleep and LIVE it.
The following individuals are those people. The people who move in silence and allow their work to speak for them. The following individuals don’t just dream it, but get up and work towards it every single day. Across different business, ventures, and projects, they all share the same drive. The following individuals are the ones lifting our city up, and making a difference. They are the ones who come to mind when I think of Reading and the ones to watch in 2018…
Stephanie Reigle
Age
25
Bio
I was born and raised in Reading, Pa. I have always been an artistic person for as long as I can remember. At a very young age I knew I wanted my art to help heal people around the world, but it wasn’t until I was 21 when I realized I had a real gift! I was going through a lot of anxiety and decided to go to energy healer/medium, Barb Ruhl, to help me understand what I was feeling and move beyond my anxiety. Little did I know I was in for a huge awakening! I was having visions of spirit guides and becoming clairvoyant the more I was healing my past. That is when I decided to start my Soul Art business!
What You Do
I am a psychic artist who uses energy from the Universe and the assistance of spirit guides to paint meditation focus paintings, soul blueprints, client’s spirit guides and more!
Why
My soul purpose is to help those who want to heal, manifest, love and align to the Universe with my psychic and artistic gifts.
You can follow Soul Art by Stephanie on Facebook and shop Soul Art by Stephanie on Etsy
Altavese L. Williams
Age
Background
I was born and raised in Reading, PA. I am the 5th born of six children from my mother. I am a jack of many trades. I work full time at my job, I am a full time mother and I run my business while balancing work and family. I graduated from Millersville University in 2015 with a Bachelors in Business Administration.
What You Do
Run an E-Commerce Clothing Line Ebony Luxe Collection
Why
You can shop Ebony Luxe Collection here or follow on Instagram
Henry Calvo
Age
26
Who
I am a full Mexican born in the city of Reading , one of 4 brothers, first generation. Reading high grad with certification in personal training through AAAI / NASAM and CPR/AED
What You Do
I am a personal trainer at Star City Boxing and market my own brand through then , it’s called Lionhearted Fitness but the name isn’t trademark so looking at potential names that are not already taken
Why
I do this because I believe in change and I also believe in people. The mind is a great thing and it becomes more valuable once you put it to good use. Fitness is like a religion to me people will come and people believe in it and are looking for a positive change in there everyday lives. Once you see the results/blessings you get that feeling, the feeling of accomplishment. I enjoy what I do and I enjoy seeing it work for others as well.
You can follow Henry Calvo on Instagram here and follow Lionhearted Fitness on Instagram here
Jordan Jay Rodriguez
better known as “Jay”
Age
Bio
What You Do
Why
BEANZ
Age
Bio
Beanz has earned her title as arguably one of the best female lyricists in the tri-state area. She became an artist at the early age of 12 when she starting writing poetry to calm the ease of her struggles. Coming from an urban background, Beanz began to develop a love for hip hop and decided to take her artistry to the next level. As expected, her talent came natural, she began studying the art of lyricism and began perfecting her craft into the young leader you see today. Aside from her Hispanic background, her beauty and talent is just a few things that makes her stand out from the rest. Her motto is “It’s Only Up From Here.”
Female Lyricist Beanz was born in Reading, PA. She was exposed to music at an early age due to her stepdad DJ Ces playing and keeping up to date with the latest music in the industry. She’s known in her hometown as that girl who was spitting rhymes in the back of the bus and when asked to drop a few bars, she let them know who Beanz is.
She has been featured in XXL Freshman magazine and has performed with artists such as PNB Rock, Cory Gunz, Freeway, and Fred the Godson to name a few. She released a song and video with Fred the Godson titled “Sunshine”, produced by the HeatMakerz and videography from Ciroc Boyz. She also released a song with Beanie Sigel in 2016 titled “6Teen”. She has released several mixtapes: “Explicit Lyricist” was her very first mixtape released in 2015 and is available on DatPiff; D.O.P.E. (Delivering Over People’s Expectations) was released in 2015 and is available on Spinrilla; “Painted Pictures” is available on Live Mixtapez, Spinrilla, and MyMixtapez. She released an EP titled “Lipstick and Timbs” in 2015 which can be found on iTunes, Googleplay, and Amazon. Her latest project titled “New Found Gold” was released in July and can be found on iTunes and Googleplay.
Her “Shook Ones” challenge was shared by Mobb Deep themselves quoting them “Baby girl hungry.” Her videos have been shared by iDiscoverStars and World Star Hip Hop. She has been featured on several blogs such as thisis50.com,dondivamag.com, and hiphopweekly.com to name a few. She was recently featured on MTV’s live show TRL.
To say Beanz is hungry is an understatement. Follow Beanz here and on all social media outlets for future updates.
What You Do
My business is rapping. I put out projects, I ghostwrite for people, I do features. The whole nine.
Why
My purpose is to keep the culture alive! I love hiphop and it deserves a lot more these days.
You can follow BEANZ on Instagram, Twitter, and follow her on YouTube. You can also find her on her website IAMBEANZ.com
Taliah Feldi
Age
24
Bio
What You Do
Why
Jonathan Schontten

Age
Bio
What You Do
Why
Marquise Richard

Age
22
Bio
My name is Marquise Richards, and I grew up in Reading, PA. I graduated from Reading High in 2014 and will be graduating from Susquehanna University in May of 2018 with a degree in Digital Multimedia – Broadcasting and another in Theatre Studies. I was the first of my family to go to a four-year university, and I hope to start my professional career after college to give back to my community.
What You Do
Creator/Host of the Dear Reading Podcast.
Why
I have found my “Why” changing up after this year. I want to use my Broadcasting and Theatre degree to enact some of form of social change. I want to uplift marginalized groups and cause conversation using theatre, my podcast, and entertainment. I want to use the podcast to challenge perceptions and serve as one of the voices of the young people.
You can follow Marquise on Instagram and Twitter. You can also follow Dear RDG on Soundcloud, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Kirsis B
Age
Bio
What You Do

Why
Jaime Morlock
Age
Bio
What You Do

Why
You can shop WKid Creations on the website, www.wkidcreations.com, and follow Jamie on Instagram
Curly Sisterhood
Nicol, Jiolka, Mayerlin, and Cory
Bio
Nicol Varona is a 25 year old Dominican Republic native and a 2009 Reading High school Alumna. She currently works at SEI Investments in Oaks, PA as a SEI Wealth Platform Marketing Analyst. Nicol earned her bachelor’s degree in Business with a concentration in Marketing and Management from Penn State University. Click here to read Nicol’s full bio!
Jiolka Peralta is 27 years old. Jiolka graduated from Reading High School in the year 2008. Jiolka then attended Alvernia University and Graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing. Immediately after graduating college Jiolka started working at Iron Mountain and has been there for 5 years. Jiolka was recently promoted to Customer Success Manager and really enjoys her job and working with her customers. Click here to read Jiolka’s full bio!
Mayerlin Reyes is a 29 year old. She moved to Reading, PA from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in 2002 at the age of 13. She received a BA from Alvernia University with a dual Major in Human Resources & Management. Mayerlin currently works for The Reading Hospital Tower Health as a Patient Financial Service Specialist. Click here to read Mayerlin’s full bio!
Cory Varona is 28 years old and a 2007 Reading High School Alumni. She is an Accounting and Finance Analyst IV at Santander Holding Company in Wyomissing, PA. Cory graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with an undergrad in Accounting and Financial Services. Cory will be completing her MBA from Penn State University this upcoming May. Click here to read Cory’s full bio!Why
These four friends created Curly Sisterhood to bring awareness about natural hair. Natural hair has not been accepted in the Dominican community for many years and this brought us together to start a group that could help others embrace their hair and inner beauty. The curly sisterhood was born as a project meant to encourage woman to embrace their natural beauty by sharing tips, hair routine, experiences and products for curly hair through social media. The page has been very popular with a great response from the local community and abroad.
You can follow Curly Sisterhood on Instagram. You can also follow Nicol, Jiolka, Mayerlin, and Cory on Instagram. You can also subscribe to Jiolka’s Youtube channel.
David Nazario
Age
34
Bio
“Writing for my life cause I’m scared of a day job.” – Common
What You Do
I’m a writer, speaker, educator, and founder of lifestyle brand and writing/speaking company, Scared Of A Day Job LLC. I’m in the process of releasing my first book, ‘Make Love Your Religion,’ coming February 2018.
Why
Write and help as many people as possible.
You can follow David on Instagram and Twitter.
Clean Floors & More
Gilbert and Claudia Nazario
Age
Both 35
Bio
Gilbert and Claudia area husband and wife duo and owners of Clean Floors & More. Claudia born in Puerto Rico and raised in Reading. Gilbert born and raised in Reading. They have 2 teenage kids.
Claudia works full time with Manderbach Ford, 9 years with the company and handles Clean Floors & More’s payroll, accounting, and bookkeeping, along with other task that keep the business operational while caring for her family. Claudia enjoys trips and being with her loved ones. Claudia’s goal is to transition into a “full time” (leave 9-5) role with Clean Floors & More.
Gilbert got the idea for Clean Floors & More while working for The Reading Health System’s environmental services maintaining floors and providing other janitorial services. Gilbert then took the idea home to Claudia and they decided to run with it. Gilbert manages the day to day operations from marketing to setting up accounts, training, and supervising.
What You Do
We are a cleaning service. We specialize in combining cleaning, carpet cleaning and floor cleaning for commercial buildings and offices in Berks County. We perform residential carpet cleaning. We also work closely with property managers, landlords, and realtors. We employ 15 Berks County residents. In 2018 we are seeking to expand the amount of our cleaning contracts, while continuing to build our carpet cleaning with residential and commercial carpet cleaning clients. Our commercial carpet cleaning target will include high rises and senior living communities.
Why
My wife and I envisioned a lifestyle for ourselves where we are able to work, build, and manage a business. A business that we work on, not work in. Our goal is spend more time together and work alongside each other. We seek to use Clean Floors & More to create a life where we will spend our time as we choose (together). Gilbert is full time with Clean Floors & More and Claudia works 10 hours 5 days a week at Manderbach Ford, with the goal to transition out of her full time job in the near future. Our goal is to pull off what some see as impossible and take full control of our days.
You can follow Clean Floors and More on Facebook and Instagram
Juan Zabala
Age
Bio
What You Do
Why
Emmanuel Mezquita
better known as Manz

Age
Bio
What You Do
Why
Mateo Toro

Great list! I look forward to see what they do in the new year…