Photographers Ashley Brooke Mason and Kayleigh Grace Etheridge were recently selected to be co-leaders of a Selma chapter of the Rising Tide Society.

Together, they will lead the chapter, which offers creative people the opportunity to get together once a month to discuss a variety of topics while gaining knowledge and friends.

“The whole purpose is to build community and to build each other up and help each other succeed,” Mason said. “It’s not just for photographers, it’s for any type of creative or hobbyist.”

Etheridge said for her the chapter is all about sharing knowledge and learning from others.

“I’m really excited to see what it brings Selma in general, but I think that definitely community over competition,” Etheridge said. “I probably only know half of the stuff that I do because [Ashley] helped me out, and that’s what I want to be to people.

From photographers to artists, bloggers, bakers, small business owners and more, the two said they are hoping for good participation.

Mason said it’s a good opportunity for referrals and networking.

“It’s just helping each other when they need it,” Mason said. “I’m really excited about it. I think it will be really good. It gives creative people another thing to do.”

Etheridge said she has always supported small businesses, and this is just another way to give back and to even learn something along the way.

“I’ve 100 percent always been a small business supporter … I want to help people succeed and support them as well as help them learn and learn with them,” Etheridge said. “We’re going to be learning just as much as other people are going to be learning. I think that it’s very good to bring light to our small little town.”

Mason said she is looking forward to getting started and meeting others in the community that are like-minded.

“I think it will help us with our weaknesses and how to turn them into strengths by being able to talk things out with other people,” Mason said. “I’m most looking forward to meeting other people and helping them and their businesses succeed.”

The first meeting will be June 20 at 5:30 p.m. at 627 Alabama Ave.

For more information, message Mason on Ashley Brooke Photography on Facebook or Kayleigh Grace Photography on Facebook.