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.

Tamia Clark

I’ve always been into creating digital media. I started with making high functioning MySpace pages, shifting to YouTube forcing my family members to do “music videos” with all the cool edits, to growing up in my mid teen to teenage years with Instagram resulting in a huge incline of my follower count. To me, creating was a hobby I loved that turned into a career as technology advanced. I now am a lifestyle influencer and social media coordinator that specializes in personal content, business branding, content creation, and social media marketing. Read More>>

Asha Christina Foster

I started my YouTube channel in 2018, which is when I graduated college I knew that I found my niche and it was dating and relationships based off of my experiences and not wanting women to go through the things that I went through. I was able to connect with so many women around the world and it has been such a beautiful experience to see how social media can really be life-changing. I also began doing consult, speaking with women all around the world and helping them get out of toxic dynamics, and also helping them to recognize their value and their worth. Read More>>

Jon Brackett Shannon O’sullivan Molasso

We started small—selling just a few pounds of food at the Canton Farmers Market. By the end of the season, we had built up a loyal customer base, with several repeat buyers. That gave us the confidence to set up our website, GaDawgFood.Co, where we offer single purchases, as well as weekly and bi-weekly subscriptions at a reduced price. We also offer free local pickup and delivery for a small fee. Read More>>

Jennifer Oliver

The Medical Spot is known as South Atlanta’s #1 Medical Weight Loss Clinic. We are set apart from others as our Medical Weight Loss program was designed by my proven results! Many places tell you about the service, but I am proof of our service works with over 56 pounds down & no longer a Diabetic since 2023. Read More>>

Clov3r Anigea, Taliyah, and Myani

Taliyah, “Well to keep it short and sweet, Myani and I started a girl group and put out an ad on this Instagram page I followed at the time and got a few hits.” Read More>>

Terriah Battle

My 7th grade year is when I first touched a stage and grew a love for it ever since. It started as a joke when my friend at the time asked me to audition for a high school play titled, “Hairspray.” I auditioned and surprisingly enough, received the lead role as “Little Inez.” This led to me receiving a number of awards as the first middle schooler to have a lead role in a high school play. Read More>>

Valerie Waggoner

Being in a small town I received a lot of hate for bringing a “luxury experience” at first the people in our town said that we can’t charge “Atlanta pricing” however as clients came in and saw they received excellent service and gorgeous hair, that attitude quickly diminished. We are now the number one salon in our town! Read More>>

Devin Hinson

During my down time I drew. I found myself slowly getting back into my art and I was loving it. It brought back so much of myself. I was hooked again. I got this idea that maybe I could make money from my art to lighten the burden of these bills until I started working again. So, I bet on myself and bought an iPad and pencil, and immediately got to work. I first started with logos and portraits. No matter the difficulty, I took on the challenge. With each commission my confidence grew. My clientele grew. Before you know it, I was back at work, and still doing commissions. Me wanting this hobby to hold me over, turned into me wanting this to be my career path. I was sure. It felt right. Although I’m not completely there yet, I have taken so many steps to bring this to my reality. Read More>>

Gina Purnell

What started as a way to get outside quickly turned into a passion, and each trail brought incredible new landscapes, unexpected connections, and inspiration. In 2022 I posted a video of my sliding down a waterfall at Tallulah Gorge and it went viral with over 4 million views. I soon realized there were a lot of people who were interested in unique places to visit so I continued to post. Now, I’ve managed to build a small but growing community on TikTok of others who also love discovering and exploring unique places. It’s been amazing to share these adventures and connect with people who have the same appreciation for the outdoors. Read More>>

Stephen Martin

Centerfold.atl started in 2019 at an event called controllerise. Once covid hit the event was canceled so we decided to start our own pop up. Since then we’ve worked with over ten different companies and venues to bring Atlanta the vintage community on a regular basis. Our most current stint will be with ladybird for our holiday markets. Read More>>

Teesha Carter

It’s hard to answer the question, “Where are you from?” because we moved to a new apartment or house every year. Though it was difficult to meet new friends every year, it was essential to cultivating the person I am, and we were moving on up, I could see the progression. As a child, I was very active in my church: Christmas plays, Easter plays, Sunday School, and Vacation Bible School. Those speeches came in handy, talking is one of my gifts. I was taught to be kind, to have fun, to laugh, and most of all, to give! Read More>>

Donnetta Wells

Donnetta Wells is a dedicated leader with over 20 years in the financial services industry, committed to helping businesses secure essential capital and bridging the wealth gap for people of color. A proud mother to Stewart and Sterling, she combines her passion for service with a drive to overcome challenges. Donnetta believes that with clear purpose and direction, focused leaders can achieve limitless success. She is the founder of the Phenomenal Hues Global Network, Wellsons Financial Group, PTHR3E Platform, Digital Dee, and the Wealth Expansion Blueprint, each initiative reflecting her mission to empower others, create lasting impact, and promote wealth equity in underserved communities. Read More>>

Michelle Glover

In January of 2020, I launched Batter ‘N Bowl Bakery, an ecommerce bakery with options of local pickup, and delivery. By March, the country shut down due to COVID 19. This placed the Bakery in a unique position to not only serve current customers but open the door to so many new customers who had to use online outlets to receive their products. The sales to our site increased tremendously, and we even added an option to ship products to our customers all over the country! Read More>>

Jah’lil Brooks

It all began with me taking my mom camera. I started taking it to school vlogging daily. Eventually she saw how much I enjoyed being behind the camera and my creativity. She started getting me small gigs to shoot helping me perfect my craft more and more. From that point on i just gravitated to it and now I’m here today . Read More>>

Jessica Vicars

Starting Confetti Jar has been an exciting new chapter in my life and career. After 15 years in healthcare IT and three kids later, I was ready for a change. My background in leading marketing and product management teams for fast-growing companies gave me a deep appreciation for the thrill of building something from the ground up, and I wanted to channel that energy into something new. As a mom, I’d spent countless hours organizing my kids’ birthday parties, and each time, I faced the same challenges—finding unique experiences, scouring social media, and running into last-minute surprises. Read More>>

Maurice Grant

I had cars stolen total. I got stories where I had the Vermont state troopers called me because they associated me with a Drug trafficking case because I was the owner one that the car that somebody stole and got into a shootout and a kidnapping with yeah it has been a interesting and smooth road, but entrepreneurship is supposed to be that if I would like you get into the space not for the smoothness of the ground but to end up making your own smooth path. Read More>>

Dr. Donna Patterson

My journey is driven by faith and a desire to help people see their worth and potential. I live by the motto, “lift as you climb”—a reminder to always reach back and support others along their journey. Whether mentoring other nurses who aspire to become business owners or building initiatives to foster confidence and community, I believe in nurturing others at every step. Today, I’m grateful to blend my medical expertise with compassion, guiding clients to achieve not only health but also a renewed sense of purpose and confidence in their lives. Read More>>

Tabetha Mcneal

Today, I’m still on that journey, constantly evolving. I’ve found a new passion in voiceover work, and I’m actively honing my skills in front of the camera as well. It’s been a continual process of learning, growing, and discovering more about myself as an artist. Every day brings new lessons, new opportunities, and new challenges. And while the path hasn’t always been linear, I’m grateful for where it’s taken me—and excited for where it’s headed. Read More>>

Dwayne Joseph

To make anything happen, to meet any goal, requires discipline, and that means that you can’t just talk about getting something done, you have to show how to get it done. Action over words. This is what STOS means with regards to our men and women’s fitness apparel. But STOS has another meaning as well. Smart Talented Outgoing & Strong. These words represent every child in this world. Our kids apparel reflects that. Read More>>

Mckenzie Bunn

The idea of Barbecue and catering came to me naturally. I was always a lover of cooking and culinary arts. My grandparents were great cooks also. My grandpa was a fisherman and hunter, and my grandmother made the best meals that I would try to sneak a treat while she was cooking. I remember she would always say, “If you wanna taste then you need to come see how its done,” and that sparked my love. My step-father, my “Pops”, was also a great cook, who had a love for BBQ, so being around him as well also helped spark this passion. So when I decided to dive deep into the world of BBQ, and catering as well, it was a match made in heaven that me and my family have truly benefitted from. I love what I do. Read More>>

Justina Nwachukwu Vella

I began my hairstyling journey in my university room 6 years ago, working to earn extra income while pursuing my studies. It started off as a side hustle which then quickly turned into a passion as I discovered how much I loved helping people feel beautiful and confident. After graduating, I didn’t want to apply for jobs like everyone else, i knew how hard it was to get a job. Instead, I took the risk of going full-time with hairstyling for a year, telling myself that if it didn’t work out, I would apply for a job. Read More>>

James Bannister

I ended up starting my clothing brand due to the fact that I’m highly into fashion and ended up making over 100k in sales in under 6 months. My journey is still going but I’ve built my following to over 500k combined on all platforms closing in on 100k followers organically on instagram. No bought followers or piggy backing other influencers I did this all on my own by myself with hard work. And I plan to keep going until the wheels fall off!! Self made and tenacious is motto Read More>>

Nicole Cook

Before I opened my practice, I was working an office job and raising two small kids. I didn’t like how I was showing up in life. Every morning I would wake up determined to show up differently, but it never seemed to work for long. I finally put a small Buddha statue on my desk as a reminder to keep trying. I had set an intention that started an entire journey I wasn’t expecting. Eventually, unusual things started happening that broke me out of my routine, and actually had me feeling a bit out of control. Read More>>

Yavin Hines

My story started in my garage during the quarantine. Gyms were closed, and I—like many others—had to adapt. I had some basic equipment at home and a strong desire to stay active, so I started posting workout videos and sharing creative ways to train with limited resources. These videos weren’t just for me; they were a way to help others stay connected to their fitness goals when access to traditional gym settings wasn’t possible. What started as a way to stay connected soon began to catch on, and before long, friends, family, and even strangers were reaching out, drawn by the vision I was working to bring to life. Read More>>

Kesha Kennedy

I began my journey into real estate about 19 years ago. My husband and I were buying our first house, and during and after the process, I realized that there was so much information that we were not educated on by our agent at the time. That made me think that I wanted to know more about the process, and that I would not want anyone else to experience the lack of knowledge that we did. So, I went to real estate school. Read More>>

Daniel Nagel

I have been a lifelong ATLien living all forty-plus years in Clayton County. I graduated law school in Atlanta and started working for the state’s largest criminal defense firm. I did that for about a year then switched to prosecution as an Assistant District Attorney for Clayton County. I handled all felonies from drug charges to capital offenses. I was able to gain valuable trial experience with more than fifteen jury trials. I also handled my own appeals – all successfully upheld. Read More>>

Juveina Hylton

I didn’t just think it was good, i was proud of it, i wanted to share it with other people, I was excited to know that i made it and i could keep it forever. yeah it was lowkey kind of ugly , the lines weren’t straight, the hem looked crazy but for a first attempt it was pretty damn good. And i just haven’t looked back since, ive been thrift flipping and sewing clothes ever since. I love the feeling of going to the thrift store and turning something into a new piece. giving a second life to something is fun. and its good for the environment, we already have so many clothes in circulation so its like a no brainer, i dont know how it happens sometimes. i dont plan out a lot of things i sew ,usually i just see something and im like ” yeah i can turn this into xyz” Read More>>

Jordyn Mayes

I’m Jordyn Mayes, a proud Louisville, Kentucky native with a deep love for public speaking, the arts, and storytelling. From a young age, I channeled this passion through plays, MCing school events, and even speaking at the Black Achievers Annual Gala in 2018, right before I graduated high school. When I started college at the University of Louisville, I initially thought I wanted to pursue acting, but over time, I realized my true calling lay in communications. This led me to graduate with a degree in communications and a minor in film and production, which I took with me when I moved to Atlanta after college. Read More>>

Sierra Finley

A Fine Art and family photographer. I graduated from Towson University with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in 2014. Formerly working in visual effects for film, I relocated just outside of Atlanta in the Fayetteville / Peachtree City area from Baltimore, Maryland. I have two beautiful little girls that I love spending time with. My husband still works in VFX and we travel often. Working as a photographer / artist has allowed me to explore with my family and involve them in my work. Read More>>

Madison Schulte

Before my senior year in 2023, I had a full-ride internship and study offer in Washington, D.C., pursuing a career in law or non-profits. While returning from summer vacation, a chance conversation with an Atlanta soccer coach reignited the passion I thought I had lost after playing. We connected over shared soccer philosophies, and he became my first client. With just a week before the D.C. program, I made the life-changing decision to withdraw and follow this new path. Read More>>

Libby Diaz

After working for a company for 10 years and honestly hating my job, I decided not to go back. I had just had my son so I decided to stay home with him, but I soon realize that I missed having something to do. My brother had been a photographer for 10 years so I decided to give it a try and I quickly found that working with children was a passion of mine. My unique and custom set ups that I create for each child’s birthday session has made me very popular and thankfully, I stay pretty booked. I have met some wonderful people through this job. I love that it all allows me to be home with my And not miss out on so much of their lives. Read More>>

Carson Darracott

I’d like to think I’ve always been a creative. Growing up as a second born wild-child, I think art was always a goal for me. I didn’t know what that would look like, I just knew being creative brought me joy and I had to somehow incorporate it into my career. My parents were huge influences in where I am today in ways I don’t think they’re even aware of. My mom has always had countless photo books around the house that document every part of not just my life, but hers too.  Read More>>

Tamara McRae

In 2011, my mother moved my brother and I to Georgia, where my passion for music only grew stronger. I sang and danced whenever I could, and in 2018, I launched a YouTube channel to share covers of my favorite songs. During that time, I also posted about my journey learning Korean as my second language. By 2021, I joined an Atlanta-based girl group, connected by our love of K-pop. We performed in various competitions and events across the city including the 2022 Atlanta K-pop World Festival where we won 1st place. Read More>>

Ebony Lambert

So my journey into social media and being a creative definitely started in 2014, i just dropped of college and it was rise of the MUA and reviews on YouTube. I saw the Jackie Ainas and Aaliyah Jays and thought “omg i can do this” the photos say otherwise lol but it sparked a journey of self expression and opened my mind to a “non-traditional” path of success. Fast forward to today, I’m working in the beauty industry through nails and esthetics and growing those through my platforms. Read More>>

Heather Odeh

We raised two children in the meantime. Owning our own business gave me the freedom to be a stay-at-home mom and make a schedule that allowed me to work part-time while they were in school. In 2019 we sold Formwell. I missed training clients and a good friend had started a franchise called Alloy Personal Training. My husband and I decided to purchase a number of Alloy franchises. Currently two locations. Sandy Springs and Buckhead. are opened with more to come! I am currently the director at Alloy Personal Training Buckhead. Read More>>

Nicolas Roy

Hi, I’m Nicolas Tryna $tack Grands and I’m a rapper. I’ve never been to the state of Georgia before but I’m inspired by Atlanta’s music and the black culture out there. I started rapping a few years ago when I was 19 and I do it for self expression and it gives me a voice. I rap over Atlanta type of beats because I get my inspiration from that type of sound. Read More>>

Venessa Abram

Greetings unto you all, meet Lady Venessa (Vee) D. Anderson-Abram, a 54-year young, God-fearing woman that is on a MISSION TO ACCOMPLISH my PURPOSE. I am the mother of three great children, which includes my Blessings Daughter, Pamela Valdez-Abram, who is the powerhouse of a mother for my beloved Prince Christopher (my 3-year-old grand-star), my daughter – Brieaunna (Bre’) and son, DaVontre’ (Tre), my Gary, Indiana Family and Nationwide Supporters— thank you for your hope that heals. Read More>>

Temeka Carlisle

I got the idea to open my business around May 2020 after visiting the mall with a friend. I went to a store that had chokers and I fell in love with them and realized that my love for jewelry and fashion could turn into something more! My own boutique! Of course I had to do my research and went straight to YouTube and google for all my needs and from there I started to grow! Read More>>

Nia Nicole

I love adding an essence of nostalgia to my music which I believe is one of the main attractions to my sound for listeners. Although a chunk of my music comes from a place of distress, I believe that expressing those emotions provides listeners with a feeling of unity and knowing that you are not the only one who struggles. I’d describe my music as a public diary because I believe vulnerability provides comfort, acceptance and peace with one’s self despite how scary it can be. My goal within my artistry is to touch as many hearts as possible, and reach as many ears as I can while’s making a name for myself in the process. Music is truly my biggest passion and no matter what I do, it will always be a part of my story. Read More>>

Amir Sheffield

It has definitely not been a smooth road for me. I have had a few videos that I thought would get a large amount of views, but then they failed. I let this effect me personally. After some self reflection, I realized the real problem was that I had gotten away from what my purpose for doing the YouTube videos was in the first place. I fell into the trap of caring too much about subscribers, views, and working towards a plaque. This all blinded me and I forgot that my real purpose for making my videos was for my own happiness, and to bring joy to others. Read More>>

Whitney “Squinkles” Gutierrez

In 2023 for Halloween again I decided I wanted to be a clown and thought it would be fun to make balloons and hand them out on the Covington Square, and it was! I really loved seeing the smiles and excitement on the faces of children and adults alike. After that, I met a face painter named Christy Walker who became my friend and mentor and has guided me through my big balloon adventure ever since. I also joined the Peachtree Clown Association shortly after launching my business and I promote joy, laughter, clowning, and the importance of loving your community through my volunteer work with them. Read More>>

Joyce Kabuya

When I enrolled at the University of Georgia as an advertising major, I knew I wanted to focus on creative execution. My courses motivated me and sparked so many new ideas, and I put that knowledge to work. In November 2022, I dove into the world of dropshipping, using TikTok. After a few months of failure, In 2023, I started seeing sales through online marketing, focusing on a unique niche. It’s been a journey of creative learning and unexpected opportunities. I’m grateful to be able to combine my passion for art and creativity with the skills I’ve learned, and I can’t wait to see where this road leads me next! Read More>>

Ellie Roth

In high school, I trained in classical vocals which paved the way for my current career in musical theatre. Since graduating from the Theatre and Performance Studies Department at Kennesaw State University (perhaps one of the most underrated theatre programs in the South) in July 2024, I’ve been working out how to navigate the balance between pursuing my artistic passions while maintaining the personal (and financial) lifestyle I want and desire. Read More>>

Chelsey Clark

My connection to the restaurant industry started with my father who, as a teenager, owned a small fried chicken shop in Brooklyn, NY. After leaving that job to pursue other passions and moving to Georgia to raise our family, he found his way back to restaurants when I was in middle school. In 2013, he opened Suite Food Lounge, which would quickly become an iconic Atlanta spot for food, drinks, and curated experiences. Read More>>

Monica Allen

Meet Monica Allen, a dynamic and inspiring entrepreneur who defied the odds and shattered stereotypes to create a life she loves. Growing up in a small town in Georgia with her single mom, grandmother and uncle, Monica lived below the poverty line and faced numerous challenges from a young age. But instead of letting her circumstances define her, Monica was determined to break the cycle and create a better future for herself. Read More>>