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.

Shamika Hairston

The beauty industry allows me to combine my love for aesthetics with my desire to help others feel their best, making each person’s journey a unique and empowering experience with my brand Eyedentical Glam. Whether it is the versatility of wigs or the instant length and volume provided by hair extensions, I find joy in the intricate process of creating stunning looks. Read More>>

Benga Tribe

I did love a good party and I had the type of freedom Ye describes my senior year so it was lit! I am versatile and my focus has always leaned toward fashion, music and lifestyle. I love to motivate God motivates me! I know the feeling of not thinking it’d go any further and now I want to push it as far past it because you limit yourself by thinking there is a limit. As an artist one of my greatest gifts is my keen observation and being able to detail how I feel, felt and take you along for a ride in my wheels for a few minutes or get you turnt outside, at the gym or the club. Read More>>

Elizabeth Smith

I have a full time corporate job in health technology however StyleLiz is my passion. I am passionate about helping others feel good about themselves and teaching them how to present the best version of themselves via wardrobe styling and beauty. Starting out I was working with men and women to help edit their closets and build a wardrobe that makes them feel more confident. Since then, I have focused more on using my StyleLiz Instagram account to inspire women to feel more confident though wardrobe styling and beauty tips. Read More>>

Hak Sung Kim

I originate from South Korea but raised in Argentina. Where I trained and gained culinary experience working on different gastronomy areas as a chef, chef instructor, and entrepreneur. I had the opportunity to come to GA to visit a friend where we started a project to launch a brunch restaurant in this wonderful place. Step by step, the project took shape until we finally managed to open in August 2022. Currently, thanks to our esteemed customers, we are growing day by day and we will continue to do so to meet the expectations of those who choose us. Read More>>

Alexis Brooks

I started modeling in 2013, my freshman year of college at Valdosta State University. My college roommate asked if I wanted to join her modeling troupe & I spent months learning how to walk in heels and learning how to stride while walking on the runway. Learning those skills allowed me to be more confident as a person, confident while walking & striding in heels, and overall, how to entertain a crowd at a fashion show. From 2013 until now, I have participated in countless fashion shows, hair & beauty shows, TV tapings, expo events, live auctions, etc. Now in 2024, I am a professional runway and print model, looking to book work with brands, designers, photographers, and more. Read More>>

Stephanie Patterson

My story is all about family, a love for real estate, and a bit of adventure thrown in! I grew up bouncing between a small town south of St. Louis and a golf course community in the Phoenix desert. My dad was a WWII pilot, former POW, tire dealer, and entrepreneur—never a dull moment with him! My mom was a fabulous real estate agent, and watching her connect with people and help them find their homes was so inspiring that I ended up following in her footsteps. Read More>>

Zykira Wilson

I am a self-taught artist, and I first learned how to draw as a little girl (8) in church on just one Sunday by watching someone else draw caricatures, I went home that day and practiced those same lines over and as the years went on, I learned little by little how to grow with it. I didn’t start taking up drawing and painting seriously until the ages of 14-18 due to the depression I was facing. Read More>>

Alyse Washington

It has not been smooth at all, being a full-time agent is challenging, yet rewarding. Dealing with the various market changes and conditions is not easy but my passion far outweighs any obstacles. My eyes stay on the prize, which is helping first-time homebuyers and first-time investors achieve their goals! Their wins are my wins! Read More>>

Michael Fischer

Since then, I’ve worn many hats in real estate: from residential sales and managing my own boutique brokerage to investing in and renovating homes, overseeing rental properties, and working closely with investors. Alongside my professional path, I’ve been actively involved with the Realtor organization at the local, state, and national levels, advocating for homeownership and advancing our industry, ultimately serving as 2023 President of the 14,000 member Atlanta Realtors Association. It’s been a wonderful journey and I am excited for whats to come. Read More>>

Mia Green

I went on years later (2017) Still Pursing my career in Dental, But now Becoming a grown woman, Building new relationships and just fully realizing the things I really want out of life at this point. Read More>>

Maurice ‘Moetown’ Lee

From there, I worked at a company called J-Core where I was doing marketing and radio promotions. I met 8Ball and MJG and transitioned from working at the label to managing them. I managed 8Ball and MJG’s two Platinum albums alongside my business partners at the time, Dwayne Martin and James McMillan. We did a Bad Boy deal and I continued to have my consultant company where I worked with artists like Gucci Mane, Lloyd, and a few others. After that, I went to work for Interscope, where I stayed for 10 years. During that process, my close friends and I started the early stages of ONE Musicfest. Read More>>

Joanna ( Visionista) Flores

I started with a little controller I received as a xmas gift. At that point in my life, I wanted a new hobby and thought dj-ing would be something I’m down to explore. Since I was always going to shows or catch dis around the city, I figured why not try ? I’m constantly surrounded by music—it’s on 99.9% of the time for me, it’s limitless. It’s like I’m on a never-ending journey with music and I love that. It’s never boring. One of my good homies djs too so he gave me a lil lesson. I got on YouTube, downloaded some tunes and started practicing until it finally clicked ( mashing 2 songs that sounded good). Read More>>

Anthony Vanheyningen

Throughout high school, I ran a vintage business that sparked my initial love for clothes. As I developed my business, I began to explore modifications I could do to clothes; bleaching, dying, and painting all the older clothes I had to give new life to the older inventory I had. Eventually, I began sewing to get my ideas onto fabric and work and repurpose the recess fabric I saw while buying for my business. Sewing became what I spent all my time doing until I released my first collection for wäne my senior year of high school. I’ve continued to work and further my craft through my textiles degree at Kennesaw State University Read More>>

Lashay Smith

I graduated from Florida A&M University in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management, and shortly after, my daughter, Kymari, was born. It was a transformative time in my life. In 2000, I moved to Atlanta and began working in managed care with Magellan Health Services, stepping into the world of mental health and case management. During this time, I also pursued my MBA in Healthcare Management at the University of Phoenix. Balancing motherhood, work, and studies was challenging, but I stayed determined and graduated with my MBA, while pregnant with my second child, Kaiden. Read More>>

Diamond Holmes

In January 2021, I caught COVID-19, and during that time of forced rest and reflection, I started questioning my career path. It hit me: I loved building connections and making a difference, but I didn’t have to stay in healthcare to fulfill that purpose. It was a big realization. I decided to switch to marketing management, concentrating in social media marketing, and immediately felt excited by the possibilities. Social media was transforming rapidly, and I saw the vital role marketing plays across all types of businesses. This was a chance to use my interpersonal skills in a new way—to connect brands with their audiences and help them grow. Read More>>

Sarah Mckinney

Said with humor “There ain’t a think about this life that has been smooth.” So no, my life has not been smooth, but it has been blessed beyond measure. I have had opportunities to fail and succeed, deeply love and deeply grieve. I’ve messed up and I’ve been on top. I have stuck my foot in my mouth, and I have given talks that make a grown man cry. I am a mess, and I am polished. I like me like that. Read More>>

Dorinda Walker

I am now a design associate for Michael Jeffrey Homes alongside principal Michael Jeffrey who is an amazing luxury, designer and mentor. Mind you, it was just a mere two years ago that I decided to fully pivot into interior design. I am learning a lot and taking all the knoweledge I gain to soon launch my own firm Ssoul House Design. My goal is to create a successful profitable business with a team of amazing talent and one day be listed in Forbes Best small employers list. So all that to say it’s been a crazy ride but one I am thoroughly enjoying. . Read More>>

Jay Daniel

A pivotal moment came when my uncle gifted me my first DSLR—a Canon 10D with an 85mm lens, which is still my favorite focal length to this day. 🙂 When I asked him why he gave it to me, he said, “Whenever we had family events, you’d always want my camera, and you were so interested in it.” That response floored me because, at the time, I hadn’t even realized how much photography fascinated me. Sometimes, it takes someone outside of you to notice the special parts of yourself that you might not be fully aware of—and that encouragement can spark something life-changing. Read More>>

Clara Mcintosh

Starting Healing Aura has been a rewarding journey, but it hasn’t always been smooth, especially since Djimon and I began as college students. Balancing our studies with the demands of running a business brought its own set of challenges. Sourcing eco-friendly, non-toxic materials, finding sustainable packaging, and handling production on a student budget required a lot of patience, research, and trial and error. Read More>>

Brittney & Anthony Baxter

Brittney: I just started really singing about two years ago. I’d been in a church choir as a kid, and I’d been singing to myself (when I was alone) for as long as I can remember, but I’d never put myself out there to sing in front of other people. We started singing together as something fun to do, and pretty quickly found out that we enjoyed writing songs together. I wasn’t sure what to expect when we first started performing together, but the response has been really warm and encouraging. Each time we’ve played in the last year, people have come up to us afterwards to find out more information about us, where they can follow us, and where they can hear our songs. Read More>>

Veronica Camacho

With my parents divorced and my family struggling, I spent time in the foster care system, which forced me to grow up quickly and embrace independence at an early age. At just 15, I took on the responsibility of working two jobs to help support my family, balancing my duties at home with the demands of the workplace. I raised my younger siblings while navigating the complexities of adulthood, learning the value of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. Read More>>

Kimara Nicholas

I started my Paint Party Business a few months ago while looking for something that I can do to help with my anxiety. I heard that painting could be a great tool to combat anxiety so I started searching. I am horrible at drawing but having the pre-etched canvas and just coloring what I feel was so peaceful and I felt great. So I decided to look into starting a paint party business and found Paint Party Headquarters who is a membership based company that helps you start your own successful paint party business. That is how Picture Perfect Paintings was born. Read More>>

Alexa Vazquez

Beyond that, I’ve always been fascinated by the science behind skin health. With Kapyderm, we get to use products that are based on years of Dermotricological research, and it really sets us apart. My goal is to continue building a space that’s all about personalized beauty and wellness, where clients feel cared for and see real results. And with both me and my mom’s expertise, we’re bringing a mix of experience and innovation to our clients that I think is pretty special. I can’t wait to see where we go from here! Read More>>

Ty’vier Doyle

In just one month, my first page attracted 5.9k followers. Unfortunately, it was later removed due to mass reporting. However, I just launched a new page on Facebook (StoryTime WithTy) where a recent story garnered over 49,000 shares, catapulting my follower count to 6.7k overnight. This experience confirmed my writing talent, as every story I’ve penned has resonated widely. Many have encouraged me to explore writing books but I’m now considering venturing into screenwriting as well. I’d love to see my stories in action on the big screen. Read More>>

Shetal Patel

It was a thought that became in fruition over time. It was a struggle finding locations and venues before and after COVID that would allow the group gatherings. Initially, I was supporting existing businesses,but ran into scheduling or reach owners to schedule. Then, I looked into city and county locations which also was challenging due to regulations. I didn’t have equipment, but raised enough of my own sales to gathering equipment if the venue did not provide it. We ran into remote locations who didn’t have the outreach,but learned to market differently. We have a system in place now to make it function on any location or venue. Read More>>

Kalah Bilal

I moved here 2021, and I’ve dominated since. Between a crazy amount of celebrity clients, magazines, school homecoming, interviews and collaborations. I did exactly what I aimed to do moving here, I chased my dreams. I now have a collection souly based on flowers and the inspiration that comes from it to design and create my very own “garden”. Im proof of nothing to something and losing everything and getting it back if anybody is. Read More>>

Taylor Nachee

Though I had dabbled in content creation back in high school, making videos on YouTube, I never stuck with it. At the time, I didn’t fully understand the power of social media. But after the accident, I rediscovered my passion for creating and sharing, this time with a deeper purpose. What began as a form of self-expression has now become a mission: to inspire others to keep their faith and live their best lives, regardless of the challenges they face. Read More>>

Arma Benoit

I was accepted in NYU Tisch school of the Arts but wasn’t allowed to go. I put myself through film school at GSU (worked the overnight shift at Waffle House.) I started working as a PA before I graduated and worked a camera for the Olympics and then went on to work a camera at the Braves games. My camera was in the 1st base dugout. This was 90’s World Series days and it was such a fun time to have been there! Read More>>

Howard W. Grant, Phd

Later, as Senior Vice President of Government, External Affairs, and Human Development for the Atlanta Housing Authority, I took on a broader mandate, addressing the crucial needs for affordable housing, economic opportunity, and human services. My work involved forging strategic partnerships with community organizations and government agencies to create sustainable solutions for housing and provide comprehensive support to Atlanta’s low-income residents. Read More>>

Ameerah Jihad

I caught on quickly and ever since that day I have always done my own hair and a few others. In 2022 I quit my job of loading packages into trucks and decided to go to cosmetology school. Since starting school I have grown from having zero clients to now having clientele in Virginia, Georgia, Miami, Chicago and more. I plan to continue servicing people all over the world and eventually get my brand so well known that I begin traveling consistently to service my clients. Read More>>

Zarria Johnson

I then landed connections with LA biggest fashion guru, Maxie J, a Celebrity fashion designer and mogul. I love Maxie she was such great energy and a great teacher, I learned so much from her. I was featured as her hairstylist for her 2021 article in SHEEN Magazine. I spent 1 year in LA before moving to Houston. In October of 2022, I executed my first tour with Monaleo on Flo Milli’s, “You Still Here, Ho” Tour. We traveled to 17 cities in a 30day span. I loved the experience and would definitely do more tours. In the summer of 2023, I was headlined as a Celebrity Hairstylists for a few of CMG artists, for the BET AWARDS 2023. Read More>>

Jahmeir Chapman

For a long time, I felt blessed with a gift I struggled to articulate. However, I’ve discovered pathways to bring my visions to life and share my perception with the world . A year ago, I envisioned myself sharing my creativity with the world around me, and now I find myself doing just that—sharing my style and my perspective through my social media platforms, encouraging others to share their light. Ive started to connect with my community every other week through various markets and pop-up events selling jewelry I’ve created and my curated selection of garments sourced by my brand “Godsarchival”. Read More>>

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>>