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.
Libby McRae
As we met more business owners in the area, I realized so many of them had struggled with social media—either they hadn’t had much luck with it, or they just didn’t understand how to make it work for their business. That’s when it clicked. I had a knack for breaking it down and making it work, and suddenly, I had found my niche. From there, my agency grew naturally, and I haven’t looked back since! Read more>>
Danielle Barker / Dani B.
In an unexpected twist, I found myself in banking—a career I’ve built over the past 15 years. When I tried to re-enter mainstream media and radio, I discovered that my professional background didn’t align with the opportunities I wanted. Then, three years ago, Atlanta radio legend Twanda Black gave me invaluable advice: “If they won’t let you in the door, make your own way!” While even dealing with the rejection of opportunities in radio, it opened my heart to who I am at the core, “a creative!” During that time of not being accepted I began to pray and focus on who God made at the core! It unraveled this beautiful journey of learning how to run my own radio station, create my own shows/podcast and drop a poetry album along the way! Read more>>
Christopher Noel
My journey is rooted in creativity and connection. I started as someone who always found joy in telling stories—whether through visuals, words, or genuine conversations. Early on, I realized the power of storytelling to inspire and uplift, which led me to build 1154 Studios. Initially, it was a premier photography and videography studio, but as I worked with more clients, I saw a bigger purpose: helping businesses struggling to define their identity and tell their stories visually. Read more>>
Isabella Doherty
As a business owner, you care the most about your business, so you naturally put the most into it. When something goes wrong, even if it’s an employee’s mistake, you have to take responsibility and apologize. You carry those problems home with you, sometimes losing sleep over them. And when a client leaves, it’s easy to overanalyze what went wrong, what you could have done better. As you grow, you start to let these things roll off more easily, but not letting them affect you at all? That wouldn’t be human. Read more>>
Bo Scott
My story starts with discovering who I really was at my core and then designing a life that worked around my natural characteristics. I was about 19 years old when I found out that I like to laugh and make others laugh and smile. That is the foundation of my personality. Everything else is just built on those two things for me. Read more>>
Loren Mount-O’Brien
I never planned to work in tech. My background is in comedy, production, and advertising. At my core, I’ve always been fascinated by people. What makes us tick, what influences us, what connects us. I spent years studying those questions through storytelling – first on stage, then in campaigns – and I came to realize something big: the things we buy aren’t just transactions, they’re reflections. Every purchase tells a story about who we are and who we’re becoming. Read more>>
Hollis Jo McCollum
Oh goodness! Where to begin? I’ll try to keep it brief. Like most writers, I started as an avid reader. I have a love affair with books, especially fantasy books. It’s the longest relationship of my life! In middle school, I started writing short stories. When I was in 8th grade, one of my stories won a county wide contest! In high school, another one of my stories won a school wide contest. I thought maybe I could be a writer back then, but of course, life took over for a while. I still wrote for pleasure, but mostly kept it to myself. Read more>>
Khushi Patel
The journey of building XVI has been both exciting and challenging. Entrepreneurship comes with its hurdles, but every step—developing our first product, hearing customer feedback, and growing a community that believes in what we’re creating—has reinforced my passion for this brand. Today, XVI is more than just skincare; it’s a reflection of my commitment to authenticity, quality, and self-care that truly makes a difference. Read more>>
Ashley Newman
Yes, challenges can show up when it comes to logistics, planning, and executing. However, I see every challenge that arises as a small business owner as an opportunity to learn and grow. Every challenge encourages me to evolve for my clients, and I truly embrace the privilege to live in my true purpose as an educator and coach. Read more>>
Tunisha Andrews
Most parents don’t know enough about how kids’ brains develop. We expect them to do things they’re not ready for—like explain why they hit their sibling when they don’t have impulse control yet, calm down right away when their emotions are too big, or “just listen” when their brain is wired to explore and push limits. Read more>>
Kemon Brown
I began my musical journey in 2012 with the release of my debut single, The New Kid, marking the start of my high school years. The following year, I introduced a dynamic creative concept—a duo album that showcased two distinct alter egos, each representing a different genre: Electronic/Dance and Hip-Hop/Rap. Over the years, my artistry has evolved, leading to the release of 10 albums, with my 11th currently in the works as an ambitious three-act series. With every project, I continue to refine my craft, pushing creative boundaries and elevating my sound. Read more>>
Kevin B Ploth
Recent times Vanessa Thorpe, Doug LeBlanc, Julie LeBlanc, Kelley Poling, Jeffry Ross, Mioke Candles, The Cigar Saver, Doug Marcaida, Anthony DeLongis, Charlie Parish, Dr. Marty Urban, Dr. Mike Harper (Patriot Tactical), Norm McCleod(PROPPER Uniforms), David Diaz(Buenos Diaz Media), JD Wesley, Meredith Kalkbrenner, Dr Aaron Ozze, Eddy Rich, RJ Marcaida, Chris Rich,Jackie McCarthy , Sara Touijer, Shawn Parsons(Hell if I Know), even some new supporters PitBull Tactical, 51 Fifty Fire Arms, DTV Arms. Read more>>
Emma Rolader Martin
My journey into event planning has been a mix of creativity, organization, and a genuine love for bringing people together. I started by learning under Debbie Felker, a beloved wedding planner in Atlanta. She brought me under her wing, taught me everything I know, and instilled in me a love of hospitality and service to clients. Read more>>
Jessica Fields
I always knew I’d start my own business; I just didn’t know when. In college, I freelanced while studying Graphic Communications and Marketing, and when I stepped into the corporate world, I kept my side hustle alive. But I wasn’t just clocking in, I was intentionally soaking up everything I could about operations, branding, marketing, and leadership. Corporate was my version of an extended internship, a crash course in business that prepared me to build something of my own. Read more>>
Kenzi Taylor, LPMT, MT-BC, NMT-F
Perfect Harmony Health once began as The George Center Foundation, which hosted many programs and music therapy services in Roswell, GA. In 2020, our story changed to focus on nonprofit and community, opening as Perfect Harmony Health. The name itself is a nod to our roots back in 2010: Music. Healthcare. Perfect Harmony. and helps build our future in providing life changing and innovative services. As we’ve continued to grow, we have made big dreams happen in our community, which include many new programs, like Roswell Players: an adaptive theatre program, that is unlike any other program in the county! Read more>>
Brett Bartel
From the beginning, we knew our company had to be about more than just my family’s needs. We wanted a purpose that extended beyond our personal story—something bigger, something lasting. At a company retreat, we dug deep, brainstorming and defining who we are and what we stand for. We covered the walls with giant white posters, scribbling down our values, goals, and vision for the future. It wasn’t just an exercise in team building—it was a defining moment that brought us together with a shared sense of mission. Read more>>
Laurie Forehand
As technology evolved, so did my interests. I became deeply intrigued by conversation design and AI – not just as automation tools, but as ways to create more meaningful and intelligent interactions. This inspired me to reposition as 1201AM Creative Labs, applying the same strategic approach I once used for branding to AI-driven experiences. Now, I focus on building AI-powered tools and applications that enhance human potential – whether through intelligent assistants, interactive learning experiences, or apps that help people reframe subconscious beliefs and interpret dreams. Read more>>
Pamelar Hale
My desire and dream to become a veterinarian began when I was 7 yrs old. By then, I had been able to have several pups. I determined then that if they were to get sick, if I was a ‘dog doctor’ I could save them! I declared at that age I would be a ‘dog doctor’ to my parents! Thus, my singular focus in all of my academia from secondary to high school to college was to be accepted into veterinary college. We moved a bit through out my secondary schooling as my father was a chaplin in the United States Air Force. However, I never waivered from my dream to care for animals. Read more>>
Tonia Thomas
From a young age, I was deeply rooted in my spiritual beliefs but it was when I realized that I allowed others to take away myself love, myself respect, and not to mention how I saw myself and it took God to bring me to my lowest for me to realize that I too matter to me and from that moment God showed me the path that he had carved for me. God reminded me how much I am loved and to love myself again. Read more>>
Laura Green
Determined to pave my own path, I studied Spanish at a liberal arts college and went into education. But somewhere along the way, I accidentally found myself in a business development role. To my surprise, I saw quick wins and really enjoyed the work. I managed new market launches, scaled in others, and led incredible teams. From there, I worked in strategic growth roles across various industries, and I started noticing the same themes and tensions—especially in founder-led businesses. Read more>>
Dr. Marita Kinney
That revelation explained so much. The challenges I had faced, the moments I had felt inadequate—all of it made sense. But instead of allowing it to limit me, I used it as fuel. I refused to let a diagnosis define me. I had already written books, built a business, and helped countless others step into their purpose—without even knowing the obstacles I had overcome. Read more>>
Jojo White
I’m a standup comedian. I’m know for being funny without ever being raunchy or cussing and by the end of the show making you feel like family. All of that sets me apart. Read more>>
Sonia Mendoza
Of course, the journey hasn’t been easy, and it still isn’t. I came at 24 years old, not speaking English, and like every immigrant, I had to deal with everything that comes with adapting to a country that isn’t your own, where they don’t speak your native language. Add to that starting your own business, creating your brand, and trying to make a space for yourself in this market. Every day, new challenges arise, and every time I think the path is getting easier, something happens that surprises me and teaches me that I still have a lot to learn. Read more>>
Megan Grant
With encouragement from friends and family, I decided to pursue a more formal education in art. This also led to me obtaining my current position as a therapist out of a small, behavioral health practice. My time in the art program I was attending allowed me to not only grow as an artist, but how I could use art to help others. Even incorporate it into my practice as a therapist. I have been able to start mindful art groups and encourage my clients to engage in their creative aspirations as a way to help them with their mental health. Meanwhile, I am able to maintain my own, personal art practice and meet others in the art community. Read more>>
Princess Banks
Now, I’m not just a media correspondent, I’m also a podcast host. My show, CEO Confessions Sho.w, is on YouTube, where I dive into the realities of entrepreneurship. I also organize networking events and create spaces for entrepreneurs and content creators to connect. My goal is to inspire and connect people while continuing to grow my presence in media and beyond. The journey hasn’t been easy, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything! Read more>>
Meredith Featherstone
I’ve spent over 14 years in the beauty industry as an esthetician, and in 2023, I created Enlightened Esthetics. My journey into this field was driven by a deep love for skincare and a genuine desire to help others. Over the years, I’ve been incredibly grateful for the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in my clients’ lives, whether by enhancing their skin or helping them relax. The gratitude I’ve received in return has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career. Read more>>
Bonnie (Anahata) Pettiford
After that I pursued casting directing living in Atlanta, Georgia and during this time as a cd, I kept finding myself enthralled with empathizing, understanding and assisting the actors on how they showed up in the audition room and what affected them to do so. This is what led me into expressive arts therapy coaching and performance coaching with a mindfulness approach. I understood that there was a need for all artists to navigate and recover their emotions more strategically, so in 2017 I started my company The Reel Tips LLC. to offer artist holistic development services. Read more>>
Meg Biddle Smith
These moments and seasons, though difficult, have been moments of deep growth for me, times to learn how to build determination, pivot, be flexible, and allow myself to be where I am, sit with the discomfort, and let curiosity, compassion, and tenderness lead. Growth often comes through taking risks and stepping outside what feels comfortable. It challenges you, and as you evolve, you face moments that push you to stretch further—pushing past fears and stepping out of your comfort zone to be courageous and grow even more. It’s a cycle of continuous forward momentum. Read more>>
Audrey Herrera & Christen Griffis
I then teamed up with Christen, by business partner, and began doing weddings on the weekends and this is where my true passion for the bridal industry was born. Fast forward a few years and a couple hundred weddings later – Bride Meets Glam is now a thriving business and includes a few new, amazing girls on our beauty team. Currently, I work at North West Salon in Jasper, Georgia as a Master Cosmetologist. I specialize in blonding, custom colors and balayage, but my true passion is wedding hair and bridal makeup.” Read more>>
Donyé Alane
My background in behavioral and mental health includes roles as a Parent Aid, Case Manager for individuals with serious mental illness, Mentor, and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) service provider. This work has given me unique insights that I bring to Worthy Soul. Inspired by my own personal growth journey, I strive to be a thoughtful advocate for positive change, grounded in my faith. I aim to live according to God’s wisdom and understanding, constantly working towards becoming my best self. My commitment is to make a meaningful impact on others’ lives through compassion, integrity, and faith. Read more>>
Salina Thompson, PMP
Sure, I did not start off as a Savvy CEO. In 2018, I landed a full-time position in local government, marking a milestone in my career journey. This job came with valuable benefits like medical coverage, life insurance, and a retirement plan, which I was thrilled about as a single mother raising two young children. However, my excitement was tempered by the financial reality of being the sole provider for my family while also shouldering daycare costs. Read more>>
Canon Creationz
Definitely not, I struggled with depression and losing motivation at one point during my career, I stopped dancing taking photos, stopped making TikToks.. it was a rough patch but with the help of Family and Prayer I was able to start back up on my craft, I genuinely wanted to give up at that point.. but I knew I couldn’t… I had people to make proud and loads of people to prove wrong. I know how it feels to wanna give up on everything you once love or do love.. but just know it gets better. You gotta continue through that dark tunnel until you get to the end where the light shines bright. Read more>>
Jen Peeples-Hampton
My journey has been anything but linear, but every turn has shaped the person I am today. I started with a deep curiosity how things work, people’s stories, and creative problem-solving, which led me to explore different paths before finding my lane. Early on, I was influenced by theater, cinema, and the visual/creative arts. I didn’t really know what would come of it. But, I found comfort in that I was committed to growth, even if it meant starting from scratch. Read more>>
Eileen Nebhut
In my years working in the corporate world, I saw brilliant, accomplished professionals undervaluing their presence—minimizing themselves, feeling disconnected from their appearance, or dressing in ways that didn’t align with their ambition and influence. I became the go-to person for friends and colleagues seeking guidance, not just on style but on how to present themselves with clarity and confidence. Read more>>
Russell Shaw
I left six years ago now. Since then, I’ve been working directly with agencies and in-house creative teams on major rebrands, as well as continuing to work with smaller brands who are either launching something totally new or rebranding in order to get to that next level. And my illustration work has gone from something that was a bit of a side-gig to a major part of what I do — illustrating projects for Disney, drawing and designing an entire book for The HISTORY Channel, and creating editorial illustrations for The Village Voice, New York Magazine, and more. Every day is a little different. And I love that. Read more>>
Paul Stonick
My timing couldn’t have been better. I landed my first role at MTV Online during the network’s cultural peak—the era of TRL (Total Request Live), boy bands, and Britney Spears. I cut my teeth and learned my craft while working on MTV News and The MTV Movie Awards, there was always something happening in the studios, and in our offices. It was an exciting and legendary time for the channel I grew up with. Read more>>
Setu Shah
From a personal standpoint, I was blessed with a sweet baby boy in the Fall of 2022 and, yet, immediately felt the financial consequences of motherhood due to unpaid leave, lack of coverage of mental care, and job loss. 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 the situation and build Financial Doula to help others. I’m grateful for every challenge, learning, and opportunity and excited for the impact Financial Doula will have on the world! Read more>>
Makenzie Farley
Content creating definitely isn’t a smooth road . It definitely comes with it’s challenges as far as running out of video ideas, keeping your viewers engaged, video numbers dropping & etc. Im currently having that issue with ny video views on instagram being stuck at certain numbers they just dropped out of nowhere. It definitely has been frustrating & discouraging but i keep going. Read more>>
Felicity Folson
I used to be my worst enemy at times. I would constantly beat myself up, thinking that if my work didn’t look a certain way, it wasn’t good. I wouldn’t even listen to when people would tell me it looks good because I felt like it wasn’t my best. I was too hard on myself at one point. Over time it got so bad to the point I forgot why I fell in love with what I do. I felt like everything had to be “perfect,” but as I got older, I realized that I would rather have authenticity over perfection. Nothing is ever going to be perfect, but it will always be remembered when you’re passionate and intentional about what you do. Read more>>
J.C. King
So my journey started just about over 20 years ago but at the same time, the real work took place just shortly after starting college when I was requested that I start recording some of my poems and even write a few lines for friends and family. So in 2025, I am a publish author of stories and poems. All of my work is available on Barnes and Noble. Read more>>
Patrice Hull
Patrice, who suffers from Anxiety found herself keeping a log of things she wanted to say, but felt it could be deemed inappropriate at times. “I felt helpless, my life had been turned upside down and people still wanted me to smile and be happy. So I started writing. Often times it was not very PC.” The Atlanta woman had an idea. T-shirts! Not just any t-shirts, t-shirts with quotes of things people really wanted to say. “I was certain in this economy that more people felt the same type of pain. So I made a few shocking t-shirts and wore them proudly” Read more>>
Jessica Lauren
When I entered my last semester of college I came home to Mobile, AL to complete my classes online. I started working with Mobile Fashion Week, ended up styling models for one of the designers, and the rest is history. A few years later I moved to New Orleans and my styling business, Styled by Jessica Lauren really took off during my time there. Read more>>
Jaime Patton
As part of this mission, Jaime Patton, Inc. published a comprehensive journal designed to empower parents with the knowledge and tools they need to effectively advocate for their children, called “Parent Rights for Special Education: A Guided Journal Made Easy.” This resource serves as a guide to understanding special education laws, securing necessary services, and building strong partnerships with schools. Read more>>
Ali Bill
I am an actor. I have my BFA from UNC School of the Arts. I was in a lot more theatrical productions after graduating, but have since shifted my attention to film/tv and a lot of commercial work. I love making people laugh. I love being a part of a production that’s collaborative. I love improvisation. I love writing. My dream is to be on a long running sitcom. Hmm. What am I most proud of? That’s hard. I’m proud of my degree. I’m proud of my first commercial where I worked with Jerry Seinfeld. I’m proud of being in the Fringe Festival in NYC. Read more>>
Elisha Akram
It hasn’t necessarily been a smooth ride—it’s been a journey of discovery and continuous learning. When you step into something new, you don’t always have all the answers, and sometimes, the people in your immediate network may not have the knowledge or experience to guide you. That has led to plenty of obstacles along the way, from figuring things out on my own to navigating challenges without a clear roadmap. But each challenge has been a lesson, shaping me into the creative entrepreneur I am today. Read more>>
Adrian Adams
I graduated from Osborne High School in May of 2005, a milestone that opened the door for my higher education. I enrolled at Benedict College, where I devoted myself to studying music, ultimately earning my Bachelor of Arts degree in Instrumental Music in 2012. My passion for education led me to further my studies and in 2015, I completed the Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration P-12 from the University of Phoenix. Read more>>
Mike Kelleher
Mike is an Emory-trained Physician Assistant who has been practicing since 2005. His medical career began in 1993 as a combat medic in the U.S. Army. He stumbled into the field of non-surgical cosmetic medicine by chance around 2009 while working in dermatology. Curious about procedures like Botox and fillers, he decided to give them a try. He thought that if he enjoyed it and performed well, he would continue; if not, he would move on. Fast forward to 2023, and he is still deeply involved in this specialty. Read more>>
Jennifer Rives
I first discovered permanent jewelry in such a special and personal way. My journey began when I decided to get matching bracelets with my daughter. The experience of picking out the perfect pieces, getting them custom-fitted, and sharing that moment together meant so much to both of us. It wasn’t just about the jewelry—it was about creating a lasting bond, both in terms of the physical jewelry we wore and the memories we built. That simple act of sharing something permanent brought us closer, and I knew it was something I wanted to share with others. Read more>>
Liz Logan (Derr)
I’ve read some really amazing books and some truly awful ones. After one particularly poorly written book, I thought to myself, I can do this, and I can do it better. So I wrote a book. I’m still neck deep in revisions but I wrote the damn thing. I found it to be insanely cathartic and therapeutic. I already am working on another story. Right now, I am about to begin querying agents and I hope to publish my book and possibly more after that, I may go back to comedy, I truly was in love with it, but I need to finish healing physically and mentally from when I endured before I can. So for the time being, I am chasing a different dream, to become an author. Read more>>
Julian Brown
This opened my perspective to the innate resourcefulness of nature, and the importance of self sufficiency. These combined forces applied to my life in the 11th grade, when I enrolled into a high school welding course. The next year, 12th grade, I began to build my first plastic into fuel reactor. There were many trials and tribulations that come with building an innovative technology, but the character sharpening I had undergone made quitting not even a possibility. Fast forward almost 4 years after my high school graduation, I have constructed my 5th plastic into fuel prototype and have shared my journey across the entire earth! Read more>>
Virginia Irwin
My journey with Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids in Kennesaw began with a deep desire to create a legacy for my children and to open doors for them to embrace entrepreneurship at a young age. I set out to find a business opportunity that aligned with our family values—something meaningful, community-focused, and built to make a positive impact. That’s when I discovered Sharkey’s, a brand that stood out not only for its proven business model but for its mission to make children and families feel special, confident, and truly seen. Read more>>
Shalonda Mayner
Reaching out to successful men in and around the community and have them on a panel to tell their stories and to be asked questions. With the crime rate among or youth it’s very much needed. I was speak on this topic as my platform for pageants that I compete in. I am currently a state queen for United International Elite. No matter what stage I grace my platform will be rooted from “You don’t have to live a street life to have a GOOD LIFE” Read more>>
