It’s more important to understand someone than to judge them. We think the first step to understanding someone is asking them the fundamental questions about who they are and how they became the person they are today. Understanding and empathy are essential building blocks for a better, more compassionate world. We’re incredibly fortunate to be able to ask these questions each week through our interview series. Below you’ll find inspiring interviews from in and around Atlanta.
Deezy Hendo
I began my musical journey as a youth in my local church, where I discovered my passion for music and performing. This foundation led me to join my school band and marching band, where I honed my skills and developed a deeper understanding of music theory and performance. After high school, I used the connections I had built over the years to continue creating music and pushing my brand forward. I focused on developing my unique sound, showcasing my personality through my music, and connecting with a wider audience. Through hard work, dedication, and persistence, I have been able to grow as an artist and reach new heights in my music career. Read More>>
Fred Mcgill
With federal and state investments in clean energy, Fred is betting on demand from homeowners and builders for green energy that relies on solar, electric charging stations and more modern electrical panels. The company is based in Decatur but also has offices in Dunwoody. The business employs nearly 20 electricians and serves most of the metro area. Read More>>
Bridgette Hannigan
At Atlanta Ultrasound, we’re challenging the status quo of corporate medicine. I created this practice to offer a bold alternative to the impersonal, profit-driven healthcare system that often leaves patients feeling like just another number. At Atlanta Ultrasound, we believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality imaging without the barriers of insurance or the need for a doctor’s referral. Read More>>
Kevin Copeland
As I was completing my first house, I experienced a significant setback: I accidentally cut off my finger while using a miter saw to cut baseboards. After rushing to the hospital, my finger was reattached and I was advised to rest for 30 days. However, stubbornly determined, I resumed work just three days later, using my good hand. Read More>>
Lesley Myrick
Then life threw me a curveball: an incredible opportunity to travel the world as a professional vocalist. Singing in amazing venues around the globe gave me a fresh perspective and deepened my love for design, especially as I soaked in the art and architecture of different cultures. When I came back, I knew it was time to launch Lesley Myrick Interior Design. Read More>>
Yolanda Snipes
In 1998, I embarked on my teaching career in South Florida. The vibrant community and diverse student body presented both challenges and opportunities. The early days were marked by a whirlwind of lesson planning, classroom management, and learning to connect with students from various backgrounds. I was committed to ensuring that every child who walked into my classroom felt valued and secure, a belief that has remained central to my approach as an educator. Read More>>
Kenyea Wheeler
Being someone always able to navigate and make avenues through ANYTHING I had a hand in or set my mind to. Throwing clubs and events since a teenager, throwing events that I myself shouldn’t be in the building but checking your ID. Usually being the only female , in a lane that was a male dominated industry. Making money in a major way for my age but understood importance of the business, and to reinvest. All the while building a following and respected reputation. Read More>>
Jocelyn Lopez
I applied for Clayton County Fire & Emergency Services, participated in the interview process, and was hired on as a Firefighter Recruit. From there I participated in the Fire Academy where I trained to become a Firefighter. I also went through their EMS academy, where I obtained my EMT-Basic and EMT-Advanced licensure as well. After graduating from the academy, I was assigned to my station where I worked a 24/48 shift and ran Fire & EMS calls. Read More>>
Angelique Gaines
However, to the contrary, I had the pleasure of knowing my father, Truman. He was the epitome of steadfastness, love, and dependability. So much so, that after he and my mother divorced and he became a single father, he also adopted my two older brothers so we could all stay together. Read More>>
Praise The Lord (Praise) Shimosha
This honestly brought on a lot of emotions. I had never thought that I was as good as other photographers, but being encouraged and validated by someone from an unbiased perspective was monumental. She spurred me to start thinking about my business model and marketing, and what was the value that I took from this creative outlet that started out as a hobby. Little moments where individuals put their trust in me is how I have built my photography business today. Read More>>
Rachelle Carnesale
Developing and growing My Journey Matters has not been without its challenges. There is no additional funding allotted to my courtroom, nor is there a commensurate reduction in our regular caseload. My Journey Matters is a passion project that we believe has a significant impact on the lives of its participants and the community. It cannot be overstated how committed our staff is to the program, which results in more work for them, too. Read More>>
Katie Carter
When we were approached by a publisher to create a book on 20 of our most popular items and it was then published, our little business began to flourish. Over time and during the pandemic we discovered real touch florals. These florals are created to not only look like a fresh flower but feel like one! We knew we wanted to do something big with this new on the market product and focused only on rentals for weddings and special events. Since then, we haven’t looked back! Read More>>
Jennifer “Jenny” Garner
As a single mother, I initially didn’t believe a career in the makeup industry could support my daughter and me. So, I worked a 9-5 job during the week and did makeup on weekends, thinking of it as more of a side passion. But after six years of it being a side hustle, in 2012, I was asked by a fellow artist to assist her on a local indie film in Nashville, TN. That experience was a turning point—it sparked a deep interest in the TV and film industry. This pivotal moment solidified my desire to make art, particularly makeup artistry, my full-time career. Read More>>
Kate Drummond
It was my mother who first introduced me to the field of occupational therapy; she had been a speech therapist. I was a very sensitive (sensory sensitive “plus”) child with attention issues, so when I began my studies as an occupational therapist, I knew pretty quickly that I wanted to specialize in pediatrics. Occupational therapists focus on sensory integration therapy, or, addressing sensory processing issues (think picky eating, clothing sensitivity, meltdowns, emotional dysregulation, coordination issues, and more). Read More>>
Angela Ficken
To share how it all started for me I need to take you back to 10 year old Angela. I was struggling with anxiety and depression and saw a wonderful therapist who held all my thoughts and feelings without judgment. She lived in a nice home and had a beautiful office. I grew up in a single parent household that was fairly chaotic. Her space felt peaceful and I loved the idea of helping people like she helped me. So at 10, I had an idea that this was my path. Read More>>
Karlin Perez Kari Pieniazek
Karlin and Kari are interior design professionals. We strive to create intimate thoughtful spaces in our clients homes that are functional yet well designed. We are proud of every install no matter the struggles. We like to reimagine spaces and specialize in home renovations where big changes can make a difference for our clients. In all projects, no matter the level of renovation and design, we know for the client the transformation is never dull! Our passion is helping people feel “home” which is a feeling in a house you didn’t know you needed. Read More>>
Elena Sullivan
I discovered my passion for photography at fifteen when I received an Olympus analog camera as a birthday gift. What began as self-exploration through portraiture evolved into creative self-expression. After earning a Master’s Degree in Art from Saint Petersburg University of Culture and Art, I embarked on a professional photography journey, starting with street lifestyle and landscape photography. Read More>>
Loren Riché
Loren Riché is Afro-Latina American Artist, Writer, and Model from Atlanta, GA. Loren Riché started performing at the tender age of 5, going door to door with a neighborhood friend, in Chicago singing “Fantasy” by Mariah Carey ft OBD from the Wu Tang Klan for her neighbors for and would then ask for a dollar. Surprised by the young riche knowing the song often got her the dollar she sang her heart out for. Loren was raised by a single mother, which is where she gets her tenacity and drive from. Read More>>
Krysia Ara
I have always been creative, a “kid who could draw,” but growing up, I wasn’t drawn to the idea of being a professional artist. Pre-internet, common advice for young artists was to “move to New York,” but that didn’t connect with me, nor did connecting art with money. Art seemed impractical as a line of work, and such a pursuit required self-confidence that I didn’t have. Read More>>
Taylor West
Hi, I’m Taylor, the brains (and heart) behind TNMedia Studio, a brand and website design agency. A few years back, as a college student, I found myself immersed in designing my own website and marketing collateral for a previous business venture. A few college friends found out about my skills in designing and by word-of-mouth and those early successes “TNMedia Studio” (Formerly known as “Taylor Nicole Media”) was born. Read More>>
Tarys Wilson and Margarita Moore
We started this business small with just me and my best friend Margarita Moore. We decided since there aren’t a lot of black women owned nail salons nor press on business. We would start one that’s affordable and custom !With me having a child made it hard to find work that balanced my hectic life! Me and my partner worked hard to make this a great achievement. Hoping other women will follow their dreams and goals! Read More>>
Leo Guignard
I’m a Hungarian/Swiss 17 year old VJ and VFX artist who moved to Atlanta in 2023. I began concert visuals as a passion project after witnessing the amazing visuals at different music festivals and concerts around the world. I used skills learnt from different design and visual arts classes to take it upon myself to learn digital art in the context of concert visuals and musical visuals. Read More>>
Kanye Riggins
My journey began while I was attending high school. I have always been inspired by the numbers 333! It has a spiritual meaning and that’s what I wanted my brand to stand for. So I decided to add sentimental value to the numbers and create a legacy that will last a lifetime. Therefore, “333” encourages people to let their personal strength be the guide that embraces your creative abilities and express yourself authentically. Broken down in 3 words would be OPTIMISM, CREATIVITY, AND INTUITION!!! Read More>>
