ATL’s Most Inspiring Stories

The heart of our mission is to find the amazing souls that breathe life into our communities. In the recent weeks, we’ve had the privilege to connect with some incredible artists, creatives, entrepreneurs and rabble rousers and we can’t begin to express how impressed we are with the incredible group below. Check out our favorite stories from across the Voyage family.

Huma Sandhu

Once I received my license, my journey gained momentum. I began monitoring my previous team’s production and exploring the intricacies of sales, all while being fortunate enough to have an incredible mentor by my side. Their guidance, support, and expertise were invaluable, helping me navigate challenges and encouraging my growth. From that point forward, there was no looking back. I completed my degree and focused on expanding my real estate business. Today, I lead my own small team, and I couldn’t be more excited about where this path has taken me. Read More>>

Shawn Johnson

I’m committed to improving each product to ensure it’s something I’m proud to put out into the world. This attention to detail led to designs inspired by a focus on loyalty and service, much like the concept of modern-day knights. My first product, an umbrella, represented shielding loved ones from the elements—a metaphor for the role men play. Over the years, I learned about fashion production, which allowed me to bring my ideas into reality, and that’s how ISOQ was born. Read More>>

Chase Brantley

I have plenty of other passions and aspects of my life. I have things that I can do to pay my rent and people whom I love. I photograph life for therapy. But, all of those things pale in comparison to my pursuit of clown. And, I’ve been fortunate enough to study and work with some of the greatest clowns alive. I have a graduate degree from the famed French clown school, Ecole Philippe Gaulier. I studied under Gaulier for over two years. I’ve toured the world performing: France, Switzerland, UK, and across the US. I’ve won three awards at fringes for my clowning and directed off-broadway. And I teach clowning in Atlanta and Athens weekly. It’s a gift that I’m happy to give to the world. Read More>>

Carolina Arias

In my first year at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, I founded United Voices Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing legal services, education, and resources to underserved communities. This work has always been close to my heart and remains central to my mission. It has been a privilege to use my personal experiences and formal education to support migrants and mentor first-generation students on their journeys. Read More>>

Yazmine Taylor

While in my 2 year program, I was a full time student, I had 2 part time jobs and took clients on the side. August 2022, I moved from being a home based stylist to working in a salon. May 2023, I graduated college and quit my job as a Medical Assistant to pursue my dream of becoming a Hairstylist. October 2024, I have officially launched my hair products line and I am continuing to go after my goals. Trying to let go of my self doubt, I’m practicing self discipline, time management and organization skills. This is just the beginning and so much awaits me on my journey ! Read More>>

Carlene Beneby

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My journey into the world of cosmetology begin as a child, growing up as a first and second generation, Bahamian American, with two Bahamian parents, I would get my own hair braided as a little girl on a regular schedule every 2 weeks. Being my mom’s only girl, I played with my dolls, experimenting with different styles and as I grew older, I begin doing my mom, my aunts, grandma and cousins hair—my very first clients. Once people saw their results, they fell in love with my braiding skills, which led me to pursue a braiding license in the State of Florida where I was born and raised. Read More>>

Julian Albert

While in school Ricardo and Sydnee Ackiss worked on their passion student film together called “Amphibian” where I and Sarah Webb got hired on as Gaffer and Prop Master. Here we all realized how well we all worked together and started talking more seriously about making our side project in-between classes into a real company. After graduation we worked as a group on a few projects before taking the big leap and moving up to the ATL area. After getting settled we hunkered down and started taking things more seriously than ever before like designing a logo, making shirts and promoting our social media. Read More>>

Imani Brooks

As I continued to grow professionally, my interest expanded into the aesthetics and wellness industry. I recognized that true well-being isn’t just about mental health but also about how we feel in our bodies. This inspired me to launch Royal Bliss Med Spa and Wellness Center with my partner who is in the medical field. At Royal Bliss we combine cutting-edge aesthetic treatments with a holistic approach to wellness. The goal has always been to create a space that encourages both self-care and self-love. Read More>>

Aaron Nelson

Utilizing advanced 3D scanning techniques and interactive features like proximity-based voice chat, the server offers more than just a place to explore—it’s a fully immersive experience. From competitive minigames to a relaxing survival mode, SCADMC invites students to connect, collaborate, and create memories in this groundbreaking virtual space. With its official launch marking over a year of development, the project is ready to reshape how the SCAD community interacts, both online and off. Read More>>

Karim Badani

It hasn’t been a smooth road for Karim and his wife, Shraddha Naik. Education has always been a passion for Karim, who immigrated to the U.S. with his family at 12 years old in search of better educational opportunities. Both Karim and Shraddha didn’t have access to the best education growing up, which has fueled their shared commitment to providing quality education through Ivy Kids of Johns Creek. Shraddha, who grew up in Johns Creek, now balances her career as a healthcare professional while helping manage operations alongside Karim, which has come with its challenges, but their dedication to their mission keeps them going. Read More>>

Dominique Tate-Williams

In 2023, the concept for Afrocentric Kitty took root shortly after Dominique Tate-Williams and her husband, Carlos Williams, adopted their two cats, Cali and Ozone. As new pet parents, they soon found that the typical pet supplies on the market lacked cultural diversity and left them feeling uninspired. Everywhere they looked, it was pretty much the same—endless bones and paw prints—or options that didn’t resonate with their cultural tastes and sensibilities. Read More>>

 

Nyeisha Mitchell

Atlanta is interesting. im born and raised here and i can say ive seen atl change in so many ways. from the people to the atmosphere. its like its a whole different place than when i grew up. i love it though for what i know it as. what i like the least is all this gentrification. honestly i have to be the one to say it. they are pushing the culture out more and more. Read More>>

Ashé Kennedy

Throughout her career, Ashé has worked with industry luminaries like Terrence J, LaLa Anthony, Jasmin Brown, and the Whittley Agency’s Dora & Mike Whittley, underscoring her credibility and influence in the entertainment world. Her career has been guided by the mentorship of Frederick Whitaker, a seasoned talent manager and entertainment executive, whose insights have played a crucial role in shaping Ashé’s path. Read More>>