The Extra Squeeze Grant

Uplifting Local Brands One Story at a Time

Watch: The Story Behind the Extra Squeeze Grant

A behind-the-scenes look at how Bogues Group and partners are using strategy, storytelling, and PR to give small businesses a bigger voice.

What Is the Extra Squeeze Grant?

The Extra Squeeze Grant is Springclean, CLT Five, Charlotte is Creative and Bogues Group’s way of giving back—offering grant funding, PR, branding, and creative support to local businesses making a difference. Whether it’s supplies, a media kit, video promo, or press strategy, we provide the extra squeeze to help brands shine. Each month winners are highlighted at Creative Mornings and CLT Five’s Instagram account!

Meet Our Recent Grant Partners

Phoenix Steele_Extra Squeeze recipient
April's Main Squeeze

Phoenix Steele

Phoenix Steele, owner of Film Art, is a Charlotte-based makeup artist and a trusted creative force in fashion and film, known for blending bold artistry with inclusive impact. As an ally, she uses her talent to amplify diverse voices and create spaces where everyone feels seen, celebrated, and empowered.

Michelle Fernandez_Extra Squeeze recipient
May's Main Squeeze

Michelle Fernandez

Michelle Fernandez, owner of Fresh Squeeze, is a Charlotte-based creative committed to cultivating joy, connection, and mental well-being through art. As the founder of Fresh Squeeze, she leads inclusive, hands-on workshops that blend creativity with community care—making self-expression both accessible and restorative.

Grayson Sands_Extra Squeeze recipient
June's Main Squeeze

Grayson Sands

Grayson Sands, owner of Grayson’s Graphics, is a designer and creative force who brings bold ideas to life through chalk and other unique tools—crafting designs that speak, storytelling that sticks, and entertaining content that educates and inspires fellow graphic designers.

Shereese Floyd
July's Main Squeeze

Shereese Floyd

Shereese Floyd, founder of Synthography Studios, is a Charlotte based visual AI artist who seeks to reflect humanity, celebrate black womanhood, honor creativity and ultimately move people with her artwork. Her portfolio doesn’t just showcase art—it sets a new standard for what’s possible with visual AI.

Linda Miller
August's Main Squeeze

Linda Miller

Linda Miller, founder, Linda Miller Arts, is a self taught artist and shows that passion has no age limit. Establishing her business in 2022, her art work has been commissioned in Syracuse, NY between (1978 – 1990) and is scheduled to provide a 24 by 30 art submission for the January 2026 Cabarrus Art Guild event located at the Historic Courthouse in Concord, NC.

September's Main Squeeze

Tee Armstrong

Tee Armstrong is an author and entrepreneur, and the founder of Destined Butterflies, The Culture Shelf, Inner Mirror Collective, and her new venture, Destined For Your Business. A first-generation college student set to graduate in September 2025, Tee empowers youth through literacy, uplifts women in healing spaces, and fosters self-love, creativity, and resilience across diverse communities. Through Destined For Your Business, she provides administrative support, event planning, and business services while helping clients prioritize their time and self-care so they can grow and thrive. 

October's Main Squeeze

Jarrell Wallace, circus acrobat and community advocate, uses his artistry to empower and connect underserved communities. As a specialist in aerial straps and cyr wheel, he merges creativity with purpose—teaching capoeira alongside Instructor Reba Bowens at XLNC Dance Studio and leading circus arts classes for adults with developmental disabilities through Abound Health Day Support Center. Currently studying at Central Piedmont Community College, Jarrell is pursuing certification to work with at-risk youth and ultimately aims to earn his master’s in social work. Through the fusion of art and human services, he’s dedicated to helping others find strength, confidence, and connection.

November's Main Squeeze

Diana Spencer, Founder, The Art Princess, Christian mixed media artist who uses bold color and texture to reflect the beauty of spiritual transformation. Originally from Alabama and now in Charlotte, she creates vibrant, layered works and leads workshops—especially for children—that explore art as worship and self-expression. Her pieces have been featured in exhibitions and markets across the Carolinas.

What do they receive?

The Extra Squeeze Grant is Springclean, CLT Five, Charlotte is Creative and Bogues Group’s way of giving back—offering grant funding, PR, branding, and creative support to local businesses making a difference. Whether it’s supplies, a media kit, video promo, or press strategy, we provide the extra squeeze to help brands shine. Each month winners are highlighted at Creative Mornings and CLT Five’s Instagram account!

“The Extra Squeeze was the support I didn’t know I needed—the boost, the hug, the push forward. Life is hard enough, and having Bogues Group, Spring Clean, and the other partners recognize that creatives like me need both funding and visibility meant everything. Most grants don’t cover marketing, but that’s exactly what small businesses need to grow and sustain.”
Grayson Sands- Grayson's Graphics

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