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.
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>>
Dr Arthur Matthews, Iii
For nearly two decades, Dr. Matthews has been a dedicated Chiropractor, enriching the lives of thousands of personal injury patients with his unwavering commitment to their well-being. What sets him apart is a wealth of certifications and training that truly distinguishes him in the field. Read More>>
David Thrower
I’ve also had the privilege of meeting people from all ethnicities, backgrounds, and walks of life. Music is a universal language that crosses all barriers and geographical boundaries. I just formed a partnership with the NBA and the Charlotte Hornets to create the NBA’s first ever Music Industry Night. Recently, I created a music business course called The Foundation of Music, and I now travel across the Southeast, teaching music creators the ins and outs of the music industry, helping them protect their rights and monetize their talents. Read More>>
Essynce Deshay
Ever since I was a little girl I knew I was axe to be someone, and I have always been influential to others. Both my parents are their own bosses and own their own buisness so I had great role models on how to build myself as a brand. I love modeling now and I own my own nail buisness @theessynceofnailz._ Read More>>
Porshay Thomas
I always knew that I was different from as long as I can remember maybe age 8 or nine I knew that a regular life just wasn’t something that I desired. I didn’t have a problem working hard, but I wanted to see and enjoyed life. I wanted to be free. My mother with a drug addiction and my father was in prison for murder so my brother and I grew up in foster care. My mom eventually shook her habit and got clean for her period in time she regained custody of my brother and I and that’s when I really started showing interest in doing hair. Read More>>
Quintin Bradley
While I was there I connected with the owner of the studio & started bringing a lot of artists there. I started learning how to engineer, mix, & master songs during that time & that opened even more doors. By April 2024, I decided to never work a job again & just take everything serious. Now I’m known around Atlanta & looking into being known all around the world. Read More>>
Tanja Shivers
Tanja Shivers Photography began as a passion project, rooted in my love for capturing authentic moments and telling stories through images. Initially, photography was a creative outlet, a way to connect with people and explore the world through a different lens. I started by photographing friends and family, gradually refining my skills and discovering my unique style. It was my late husband who recognized that photography was more than just a hobby for me—it was my gift, my calling. He believed in my talent and wanted to support my passion, so he gifted me my first professional camera. This gesture was the catalyst that set me on the path to turning my passion into a profession. Read More>>
Haille Baraka
Growing up my height was something I was always very insecure of. One person who always spoke life into me and I always looked up to was my older cousin, Meghan, who was an international professional model for years. She always reminded me that my height was something I’d grow into being proud of (and have!). I watched her travel and live in all different parts of the world doing a job she loved and I aspired to do the same thing. Read More>>
Wira Liandy
My journey was certainly not smooth, there were many obstacles such as the materials I used to paint running out, stress due to some thoughts that I tried to overcome by creating artwork, many competing artists that made it difficult to get a gallery, and the difficulty of fighting to become an established artist. Read More>>
Sam Pagter
The further I went into the world of art, the more my excitement grew, and most recently that led me to become certified in tattooing/body art. I love connecting with people through art most of all, and deciding to get a tattoo/which tattoo and where to place it can mean so many different things to different people. While I’m talking my clients through what they’d like I’m also helping them discover what I found in art long ago — a way to love and care for yourself. Read More>>
Corwin Weik
The Athens Skatepark Project was formed to represent the Athens Clarke County Area Skatepark Community. We are a nonprofit 501(c)3 organized by skatepark users for skatepark users, to advocate and to fundraise for World Class Skatepark facilities in and around the Athens Area. The goal is to have diverse, inclusive, state of the art skatepark infrastructure spread throughout the entirety of Athens Clarke County. Read More>>
Brandy Sírryan
There’s a certain kind of peace you have watching content, and to be able to create your own to give someone else that same type of peace is just amazing. I can’t describe how proud I am of myself when I see the work that I can do and the content that I can come up with. I’m always grateful for the positive feedback I receive from so many others whether it’s my viewers, family or friends. It’s truly a blessing and I’m thankful to god for my talent. Read More>>
Dj Chino Lee
Now I had taken an immense pride in my skills and passion for the music which has made me a very unique DJ. In 2005, my wife and I started a family-owned business that provides Dj services for any type of event. We really take the time to focus on the client and their needs to bring their vision to a reality. We are now both Djs. Our company name is Luma Event Professionals. We not only offer Dj services, we offer coordination , lighting, special effects, Photo Booth and mor Read More>>
Tamika Madeam
So, here’s how it all began. Growing up, I was the ultimate middle child, but I was also my mom’s mini-me. Seriously, I was obsessed with her—like, “Mom, can I be you when I grow up?” obsessed. My absolute favorite thing was watching her get ready in the morning. It was like watching magic happen, and that’s where my love for makeup and fashion took root. Read More>>
The Great Y.h
The Great Y.H is an emerging rap artist from Atlanta, raised in the gritty streets of Decatur, where he grew up in a chaotic and challenging environment. From an early age, music became his sanctuary, inspired by the soulful sounds his grandmother Nanny shared with him and the influence of his friend Jhonny 1k, who recorded his first song. These early experiences planted the seeds for his deep connection to music and storytelling. Read More>>
Martavious Payne
I Grew up in the ghetto on Glenwood Rd. I was raised in the streets. I didn’t have alot of positive influences so I ended up in prison at an early age. I’ve done some things I’m not proud of to survive. But one thing I am proud of is teaching my self computer coding. Growing up I always listened to 2pac. His music was my safe space and inspired me to develop my own love for music. Read More>>
Charles Hardy
The accomplishments I’ve reached are hurdles. Handling individuals who are currently homeless poses distinctive and demanding challenges. In recent years, the problem of homelessness has become intertwined with political agendas, subjecting me to scrutiny from different quarters as I steadfastly serve the community. I am wholeheartedly dedicated to this cause. One valuable lesson I have acquired is the necessity to maintain an unwavering focus on the task at hand while disregarding potential distractions. Read More>>
Tyler Smith
What began as a part-time internship during my senior year of high school evolved into a deep passion for creativity. I’ve had the opportunity to work across various facets of the industry, from crafting compelling content behind the scenes to pitching and selling marketing strategies to major retailers. This journey has allowed me to truly enjoy and contribute to the growth and success of businesses of all sizes. Read More>>
Alicia Caraballo
After overcoming various obstacles in life, including the loss of my mother at a young age, dedicating over 24 years to working as a Registered Nurse in traditional medicine, facing a health crisis with my son, and navigating my own health issues, I made the decision to delve into the holistic approach. Embracing this new path has opened my eyes to finding inspiration in every situation, gaining clarity, pursuing a more serene life, placing trust in a greater purpose, and recognizing the interconnectedness of all aspects of life. Read More>>
Joshua Haynes
My journey began in 2013 with a deep passion for fashion, driven by the style and confidence it instilled in me. Although I was involved in various activities growing up—sports, playing instruments, and other hobbies—I always felt fashion was my true calling. In high school, I co-founded a brand called F.S.O., which stood for “Fly Stuff Only,” hoping it would launch my fashion career. However, it wasn’t until years later that I truly reconnected with my fashion aspirations. Read More>>
Nick Venezia
With some of us having kids naturally we got them into hockey. My teammate, Jeff Wheeler, and I both entered our kids into the Cherokee Hockey In-Line League, or CHILL for short, in Woodstock, GA. It was a great affordable way to start kids on hockey as the costs of ice hockey are probably about 10x higher. Being hockey players Jeff & I volunteered to help coach. Read More>>
Alvard Mayilyan
I started singing in front of audiences probably the minute I was able to stand up straight. Apparently, the magic of performance, deliverance, and energy exchange has never left me ever since. And from the moment I felt the responsibility to share my singing with people, since I had the gift of voice, I felt the call to share my knowledge and experience by passing them on. Teaching is the biggest part of my professional career. Read More>>
Janeth Munoz
I come from a very poor, low-income family of immigrant parents. We moved around a lot when I was younger for various reasons. One thing I will cherish forever from my childhood is how much my mom prioritized documenting both the little and big moments in our lives. She never had enough money to purchase a fancy camera, but she would buy disposable cameras that were sold at just about any store. It was always so exciting to take those films to get developed. Read More>>
Latrice Thomas
In 2010, I began my professional journey as a realtor in New York, where I honed my skills and deepened my understanding of the real estate market. In 2018, I relocated to Atlanta and embarked on my own homeownership journey. This personal experience, filled with both triumphs and challenges, inspired me to extend my knowledge and support to others seeking their dream homes. Read More>>
Jada Okoro
When I got to college, I realized I could turn my passion into a business. I started doing hair for friends, and it wasn’t long before I had my first viral video. From there, I took a hair class to get serious about my craft, and I haven’t looked back. Now, I love making other women feel beautiful and giving them that glow-up feeling—just like I felt every time I nailed a hairstyle. Read More>>
Sophia Clark
I was in college studying music performance, and I felt the Lord calling me to go back. I still love to sing, but I knew He had something else for me. I really felt lost for a time. When I started my flower company I never expected it to grow to be a full time job, and especially as quickly as it did. The Lord is faithful to provide! It’s been two years and I still find myself falling into the mindset of “how did I get here?” and “can I really do this?”, but I know the Lord will continue guiding my steps. So how did I get to where I am- doing weddings full time and working for myself? The Lord! Read More>>
Erynn Laflamme
My first experience with this was when I got a job at 16 at the State Farm Insurance agent’s office. What started as an internship quickly progressed into a marketing role where I’d design collateral, attend events, develop referral incentive programs and go to local car dealerships and apartments to build relationships, throw pizza parties, and subtly encourage them to hand my agent’s business card out when a new customer needed some car or rental insurance. I liked networking and building relationships and trust for our office. Read More>>
Karah Vanhoose
I have always coordinated events since a teenager growing up in my home church Atlanta Christian Worship Center. I believe it was there that I was equipped to continue doing events throughout my adult years. I would plan corporate parties at various employments while still from time to time doing for friends and relatives. It wasn’t until the last year or so I took it from just event planning as a hobby to an actual business. Read More>>
Bel De Oliveira, Mia Rio
She encouraged me to get things started and came up with a different concept for the cake so it can stand out. I had already owned a food business in my home country, Brazil, and I love baking so I got excited about it all. We perfected the recipe, designed the packaging, a website, social media page and became partners. Read More>>
Setu Shah
Though it was immensely difficult to overcome these systemic hurdles as a new mom, I was again lucky to be in a position to learn from this situation and receive the support of a loving partner (who also has a passion for personal finance) help me find my way to building Financial Doula. I’m grateful for every challenge, learning, and opportunity and excited for the impact Financial Doula will have on the world! Read More>>
B Todd Johnston
My films took me around the U.S. and even played at the 71st Cannes Film Festival with the short films and won several awards along the way, including Best Screenwriter! It took a really long time to find the right rep but finally was able to land a spot on my manager’s roster with Malissa Young Mgmt and that’s where my career really blossomed to what it is today. Read More>>
Sam Stowell
We brought Project LeanNation Intown to Atlanta for that reason and it has added to our daily lives tremendously. Living in Midtown and VA Highland, we get to see our neighbors who have become PLN members and meet tons of people weekly we would never have had the opportunity to before, all while providing them a platform and space for healthy, nutritional meals, shakes, and protein supplements. Read More>>
David Warner
I volunteered to help a friend who I consider my unofficial mentor on a project he was leading that involved Balloon Artists from around the world “Balloonalot”, which was a Camelot themed Guinness World Record attempt for the largest balloon sculpture. I believe that project involved over 100,000 balloons. After that I was hooked. A few years later, I attended my first balloon Art convention, FLOAT, which drew attendees from all over the world and featured instructors like Larry Moss, who was and still is one of my biggest inspirations. Read More>>
Antonio Harrison
My name is Antonio Harrison and I am from Camden, South Carolina. After honorably serving my country for seven years, including two demanding tours, I found myself at a crossroads when I was medically discharged from the military. Without a clear vision or passion for my future, I turned to prayer, asking God for guidance on what to do with my life. That very day, I felt a calling to pursue a career in music. Read More>>
Valencia Washington
Through my collages, I want to create a visual language that transports viewers to alternate realities—places where Black Queer individuals are the heroes of their own stories, and where our identities are not just embraced, but celebrated. I use a mix of found imagery, vintage magazines, photographs, and digital manipulation to blend past, present, and future, and to challenge traditional notions of identity. My goal is to create a space for dialogue and representation through my art. Read More>>
Larissa Magana
From there on my business slowly started growing. I attended the university of North Georgia, where I began as a business management major. After about a year, I decided business management was not for me and switched over to studio art. As an art student I focused on taking as many photography classes as possible. Read More>>
Joshua Baker
Currently I’ve been focused more on working with musicians to create album artwork. I love the challenge of interpreting their songs into visual art. It’s very rewarding to help musicians tell their story beyond what the lyrics may be able to. I really enjoy getting to know the artists and the stories leading to their songs. I’m most proud of the genuine connections formed through a mutual love of creative expression. Read More>>
Van Cooper
The crazy thing about this booking is the day before I was supposed to catch my flight. There was a shooting at the Atlanta airport. This made me nervous to fly so I packed a car and took a 9 hr drive to Miami. I was not letting anything stop me from doing this role. This determination paid off as I was able to work with Issa Rae. This was my first sag role. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought this would happen. Now being in a few projects I decided to write and produce my own short film titled the Internet ruined it. This film was my proof that I can not only give strong performances as an actor but I can also produce films. Skinnydad films was born. I will be creating films that display vulnerability in the black community. This will be my legacy Read More>>
Christ-lee Lizaire-ganthier
After my military service, I transitioned into non-profit work, driven by a desire to continue serving those in need. In 2015, I founded the Pelagie Foundation, which started as a modest food pantry in Spaulding County in 2016, distributing 10,000 pounds of food weekly to families in need. Over the years, the foundation has grown, expanding its services to include support for individuals escaping domestic violence, veterans, those living with HIV/AIDS, and those struggling with poverty. Read More>>
Alex Greenberg
I grew up in Madison, Wisconsin—its an especially beautiful and lively city. I was surrounded by lakes and games throughout my childhood and fell in love with both. My parents played card games most evenings which, if I wasn’t engrossed in a game of my own (I usually was), I would join in. After school, my friends and I religiously played League of Legends, Halo, Pokemon, Call of Duty, Magic the Gathering, Settlers of Catan— the list goes on. To say games defined my youth would be spot on. So, to absolutely no one’s surprise, I studied game design at the University of Wisconsin – Stout. Read More>>
Olivia Freeman
We started Resilient Performance because we wanted to create a space where athletes of all levels—whether they’re young competitors, professional aspirants, or parents looking to stay active—can receive the kind of training that addresses their specific needs and goals. We understand that “full potential” means something different for everyone, and we’ve built our programs to reflect that. Read More>>
Nelis Helfman
For many years, Nelis chose to sideline her unique spiritual abilities, focusing instead on a more traditional route: pursuing her Master’s Degree and founding a successful health-care company. In fact, Nelis recently obtained her formal training and certification in hypnotherapy by the leading expert in this field, Paul McKenna, PHD. Read More>>
Dale Niles
I also enjoy doing projects such as collages, assemblages and photo cube puzzles which include my photographs. My photography often deals with my family, my family history and growing up in the south. My images sometimes include older photographs. I feel I am the historian for my family and doing these projects helps me preserve my heritage as well as tell stories through my images. Read More>>
Ashton Taylor
My passion is portrait photography, specifically creative and editorial portraits. I love collaborating with models and styling my own shoots. I also shoot weddings, engagements, elopements, families, couples, cars, motorcycles, architecture, really anything else! Read More>>
William Jordan Patterson
HELL no. Being a creative entrepreneur is not for the faint of heart. But, let me preface by saying that every bump in the road has made this journey so rewarding. I’ve experienced hard to work with clients, people who refuse to value my work for what it is, and people who have taken advantage of me. But through it all, I’ve found incredible mentors, colleagues, and creatives who understand the journey and the struggle that comes with it. Read More>>
Morgan Janay
Despite the challenges I faced, My determination and my talent propelled me forward. With the unwavering support of my family, I embarked on my musical journey, starting artist development with my parents company Rare Studios Publishing, at the age of 8. They provided me with piano lessons, vocal lessons, songwriting, music production, & dance lessons, linking me with some of the top professionals in Atlanta, GA to help enhance my talents. From there, my love for music only grew stronger. Read More>>
