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.

Ruth Zapico

I felt really pressured to have the most perfect finalized branding and marketing components that were going to take the business very far, but it wasn’t until I was talking to Dad, a fellow CEO and business owner, who told me to do what feels right at the moment, not focus so much on the future sense, to leave everything with the option for change, and that things are good when they change because they have to evolve and grow as the dynamic of our environment, technology and society grows simultaneously. So back to your question, I started Zapico Studios with a lot of ambition and passion, and we got to where we are today with a lot of perseverance and dedication. Read More>>

Shaneé Mccambry

Despite facing adversity, including a traumatic childhood experience, I learned the importance of resilience and perseverance. My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic, a love for learning, and a passion for helping others. My mother’s work ethic instilled in me to always find my strength and to work hard for whatever it is that I wanted, no matter if it was easy or if I felt it was out of my reach. My dad’s service in the Air Force and subsequent career at Northwest Airlines, which then turned into Delta Airlines, sparked my love of travel and cultural exploration. Read More>>

Anïsa Lewis

I couldn’t seem to get hired in my desired field, which was editing and copywriting and B.) I was over working in restaurants full-time. It was taking up a lot of my time and energy and it felt like there was no room to be myself. Because of these two main factors, I decided to be bold and start my own company, Unsolicited Cooking. This decision carried me through the last few years with a whole other level of creativity which keeps me motivated and continues to give me a feeling of purpose. Read More>>

Katie Campbell

It was a photography course my Sophomore year at Birmingham-Southern College where I really learned how to use a camera, develop film, and print my own work. My favorite subjects were always people. Capturing a moment that feels truly like them or hearing them say “Oh I love that of me!” with a big smile on their face was the best! Read More>>

Tori Applegate

Filming and making content became easy pretty quickly. We knew it was going to be a big learning curve so we dove in and didn’t overthink it. We researched good mics, lighting setups, and a decent starter camera. We bought the stuff we needed and just started. We threw a ton of our first episodes out, but considered it reps on something we wanted to get good at. We’ve come a long way pretty quickly and because we’re always critical of what we put out we’ve gotten better at it in a short period of time. Read More>>

Nilka Gordon

Where do I begin… I am an island girl; I was born in St. Kitts and then I moved to New York at the age of 18 to pursue a degree in broadcasting. I got my first job offer of $8/hour which I respectfully declined, and then I immediately went back to school to pursue a second degree in speech pathology. I then completed my master’s degree in communication disorders at Mercy College (now Mercy University). Read More>>

Autumn Hartman

Creating a unique event, every time is something we pride ourselves on. This of course creates obstacles and challenges as a templated or generic event is not something we will ever do. Because of this, we approach each change with confidence, courage, and excitement. We love to see how every event unfolds and writes a story of its own. Also.. as our company continues to grow.. we of course face struggles. The rise in product costs, staffing needs, and just your day to day tasks as a business owner can at times be a lot. Seeing happy clients makes all of the hard work worth it! Read More>>

Sara Sasic

A pivotal moment in my journey was moving to Atlanta to pursue my Master of Fine Arts at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). This experience not only honed my design skills but also provided me with the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture and network within the vibrant creative community. It was here that I truly expanded my design philosophy, integrating modern, artistic influences with my European roots. Read More>>

Victoria Dugger

When I went to college at Columbus State University, it was a turning point. It was the first time I realized how different my experiences were from many of the people around me. That could feel isolating at times, but it also pushed me to embrace my voice and explore the themes that are central to my work: identity, transformation, beauty, and complexity. Read More>>

Brooklyn Janay

I knew I wanted to take dance serious after high so I joined a student organization at Western Michigan University by the name of ‘Redemption’. During this time, I became well rounded with all genres of dance outside of hip hop. I was challenged and later caught interest in another dance organization by the name of ‘Hip Hop Connextion’. I took all the tools and resources necessary and by the time I graduated college (2018), I knew I wanted to challenge myself even more, but on a professional level. Read More>>

Quay Chapman

You can find me on Instagram @cookitupquay. I take my bookings there. I’m a chef that puts the love of family home cooked meals and match it with years of experiences and variety of cuisines. I’m proud to have something that I call my own where in my own boss and make my own choices. The best thing to know I work with all budgets, I know so many different cuisines and can do a little baking. I know all the ends and ours i can set up your event and be your own personal chef. Read More>>

Christopher & Kristie Jenkins

We honestly started very small with just 2 inflatable bounce houses a few concession machines(popcorn,cotton candy & snow cone) 10 tables and 60 chairs that we purchased with our savings right before the Covid pandemic with the idea of having a small party rental company but God had other plans eventually that small idea grew into a Full event planning company with a venue prayer, hard work & a extreme amount of dedication through our ups and downs during the process of expanding played a huge role in how we were able to get to where we are now an will play a big role on where we intend to go with our business Read More>>

Lamia Pierce

Being a survivor of trauma from an early, being able to document my emotions and thoughts even my secrets became my secret garden. God had a plan all along and my gift to the world, to heal others would come through my written words. As I continue to navigate life’s storms, I’ve found part of my pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I am a self published Indie Author and my love for writing has inspired me to create my very own stationery line of healing tools (journals, notebooks, affirmation cards and more). Read More>>

Deja Mccoy

We started to look up schools with the highest board passing rates and a balanced tuition cost of course and transferred me to Gwinnett Technical College where I received my licensed and Studied Business Marketing afterwards. During this time I was bartending and working in two salons one as an assistant and another as a junior stylist. I wanted to build my skill and portfolio with a strong salon foundation before I moved on to an actual commission stylist. I event worked my way up from receptionist/assistant to commission stylist, salon manager and now salon suite stylist. This journey wasn’t easy but it was so necessary to take. Read More>>

Quentin “Queuebeats” Sims

I started my music career right after high school at Frederick Douglass High. (1996) I was an up and coming rapper and was introduced to Maul Brown (Sleepy Brown brother from Organized Noize) and I started working with him and learned about music production. Maul Brown and Tracy Oglivie are instrumental in where I am today in my music career. Read More>>

Racquel “Radcity” Lee

My first encounter with music likely happened when I was just 2 years old. Growing up with my grandmother, whom I affectionately called Yaya, I would often be in the playpen, humming and yelling, “I want to sing!” She would try her best to quiet me, but it was nearly impossible because I felt a deep pull to use my voice at a very young age. Singing in the choir at my local church inspired me to start learning the piano at around age 5. I would sit down and teach myself songs to sing, and that’s when I truly fell in love with music. Read More>>

Susan Sands

My most recent story, Her Missing Pieces, came to me as an almost fully formed idea. That rarely happens, but it’s a true gift when it does. Writers play the what-if game with ourselves when developing storylines. Her Missing Pieces began as: What if a young girl went missing from her small town without a trace and showed up years later with no memory of her childhood, her family, or what happened on that fateful night? Read More>>

B. Danielle Watkins

I got a letter in the mail a few months later offering a $8,000 advance for the book. I was completely floored. Ultimately, I did not take that offer, but I ended up getting a three-book deal, which turned me into an author. 2 years later, I got the opportunity to write my first script and, the next year, my first movie. Now today, I have more than six feature films spread across Peacock, Apple + TV, Tube, Prime Video, etc. I have become a best-selling author. I have traveled the world creating films. I produce for the number 1 true crime show on TV One. My career has been beyond my wildest dreams, and I am just getting started. Read More>>

Pamela Diaz Martinez

Eventually, poco a poco, I started showing my artwork in clothing boutiques, small arts institutions and later on I began the gallery and museum art path. Since then, my career has taken so many turns that I thought were unique twists. For awhile, I was showing in Hispanic Only shows and institutions. I never thought I would work in fashion under a bespoke shoe designer doing drawings for client projects. I’ve taught almost every age person, due to the need to make money and survive. Recently, I opened my own contemplative art space and am teaching high school again after leaving the community college art education scene. Read More>>

Tiah Tomlin-Harris

Through innovative programs and a compassionate community, My Style Matters is transforming the cancer journey, offering resources and education that promote healthy lifestyles and resilience. Tiah’s personal experience fuels her commitment to bridging gaps in cancer care, particularly for Black women who face disproportionate challenges in the healthcare system. Her leadership and vision have cultivated a sisterhood of survivors and supporters, all united in the mission to live their “breast” lives. Read More>>

Na’shon Smith

Rapper/songwriter born Na’shon Smith, on April 17th, in Atlantic City New Jersey is one of ATL’s best unsigned artist of 2024. Bless is the oldest of five and started freestyling as a hobby at the age of 9; this is a form of unwritten rap where lyrics are said as you think them. Encouragement from his step father, gave him the confidence to study music & perfect his craft. At the tender age 14 the New Jersey native relocated to Atlanta, Ga. with his Mom and family, where he attended school in DeKalb County. Read More>>

Shanice Riley

I wondered if I would get any clients or if people would trust me. All that doubt went out the window when I made my first tax flyer. I had family and friends lined up to get their taxes prepared by me. Since then, I’ve started my own Tax Firm, Freedom Advantage Resources, and my clients continue to grow year after year. I’ve hired a team of preparers and admin staff to assist with our overwhelming growth, and I couldn’t be more humbled. I’m the epitome of trusting the process and not despising small beginnings. Read More>>

Mike Mitchell

I started Smyrna is Fabulous as a way to unite the LGBTQ+ Community and our Allies. We were coming out a a Global Pandemic and it seemed that communites, in general, were losing touch with one-another. I wanted to foster a sense of belonging and welcome in my community and so we united  Read More>>

Paige Searles

As I continued throughout my primary education, I began developing an interest in science and pursuing a path to ultimately become an orthopedic surgeon. I completed numerous AP classes, shadowed surgeons as an intern in high school, attended a summer fellowship at nationally ranked university for medicine. You couldn’t tell me or anyone else that this was not going to be my destiny. The dedication, time and intentionality I put behind this outcome taught me a lot about myself. This was my “new” dream, to help people, learn about the human body, and allow people to live better lives. Read More>>

Joseph Faxio

I grew up in a family of ministers, so when It came to finding a career, I wanted to do something that was meaningful and impactful. It has been my experience that few things impact people more than their finances. So that’s what lead me to this industry, and what I love about this business, the ability to do something that really matters in some else life. I started at Ameriprise in their development program and over my 17 year career I have done stents at a few shops including Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley, In 2022 I decided to partner with equitable to launch my own firm, Faxio Private Wealth. Read More>>

Nancy Muriel

Growing up, I encountered many obstacles, but I was always determined to face challenges head-on and carve my own path; High School being a good example. There was no avoiding typing class—yes, I’m showing my age! My teacher didn’t offer me an easy way out but instead gave me a hand up by providing a special typing book for right-hand typists. I’m so grateful for that support because it motivated me to succeed. Today, I type around 50 words per minute with one hand; a skill that surprises many and serves as a reminder of the power of persistence and encouragement. Read More>>

Nekeidra Taylor

Now, in 2024, Vines Tasting Room is reemerging with a renewed focus on elevated wine experiences. We believe that wine is for everyone, regardless of experience level. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious beginner, we’re here to guide you on a flavorful journey. Our curated selection of wines caters to diverse palates and budgets, ensuring that every visitor finds something they love. Read More>>

Maurice Sims

I went to my room, rested and upon waking up the very next morning (Christmas Eve) God revealed to me through my either intuition/idea (I’m not 100% certain) that I should become at stand up comedy promoter. It literally happened over night and my prayers were answered instantly! The work took another 3-5 years but the idea was given to me almost instantly. Once the idea was give to me, i basically went to every comedy show in Atlanta for 2-3 years just to watch, network and learn what to do and not to do. Read More>>

Mathieu Channer

I specialize and am most known for my portrait photography. I have always had a passion for capturing people and the finer details of facial expressions in portraits. My commitment to the satisfaction & growth of my clients’ visions and businesses have been what set me apart from other. Along with my portrait work I have a burning passion for capturing moments & am most proud of my street & travel photography, which I do in my free time and use as a way to express myself artistically. Read More>>

Nadia Venice

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I take appreciation in that because I feel like it definitely has built my character over the years. I’ve met a lot of people along the way that have helped me to further my career and I feel like I’ve definitely improved as an artist overtime because of those experiences and those people Read More>>

Dominique Pue-Swann

Anything artsy I did it and I’m still doing. As an adult, culinary, performing and visual arts is where I have focused my attention . As far as tattooing, I chose to make a living from it my first year in college in October of 2016. I’d went to get my first tattoo with my older sister, who is a tattoo fanatic, and she asked the owner if they did apprenticeships because I was a really good drawer. The shop owner asked me to draw something, and said that if I did good I could be an apprentice. I began drawing a rose and before I could finish they told me I could come back the next week. I showed up a few days later and the rest was history. Read More>>

Mia Kapree

My partner, who’s into music creates his own music and owns a lot of cool machines I can’t name, was the first to suggest I try DJing. He said, “We need a female DJ at the restaurant” and without missing a beat, I said, “I can do it!” The idea of combining my love for music with a chance to have fun, get creative, and connect with people sounded like a dream. So we locked in, and he started teaching me the ropes of the DJ game. Read More>>

Dorothy Horton

Yes and No. We as a homecare agency work with people not machines, which means people will transition and when that happens, it leaves a caregiver needing another assignment. Other challenges that are normal in a business such as this are scheduling conflicts, having enough employees, not having enough employees, balancing budget for the business, accountant and legal cost and most of all, time management as an owner. Read More>>

Arlene Dizon

Like any new venture, starting in real estate required preparation. I began by researching the industry, understanding the licensing requirements, and enrolling in the necessary courses. Obtaining my real estate license was a significant milestone—it gave me the confidence and tools I needed to start serving clients. Read More>>

Taylor-brinaé

I am a 10yr old powerhouse singer, dancer, actress, content creator, and brand ambassador. I’m known for having such a powerful voice to be a kid. I’m most proud of myself for overcoming being bullied and not letting it affect my career. I think what sets me apart from others is the fact that I will give you a high energy show, with dancers and you will be amazed that I’m only 10yrs old. Read More>>

Janelle Moore

On February 27, 2021, my husband of ten years passed away suddenly from COVID-19 complications while I was in my first year of a PhD program in microbiology. This loss upended my life, forcing me to redefine myself beyond being a widow and a student. I discovered a creative passion for event planning and administration, which I had always enjoyed through organizing dinner parties for family and friends. Read More>>

Gabrielle Williams

But I didn’t feel like I did when I did my first project, and slowly but surely my business came to a halt. During this time I also changed careers, went back to Corporate where I had more freedom and worked from home. This also gave my the time to go back to school, and I decided to learn more about Interior Design. After finishing school and attending one of my first industry networking events, it clicked, this is where I am meant to be! I graduated in July of this year and have had the most amazing opportunities that I cannot speak about yet so, stay tuned! Read More>>

Lee Heisman

I began my career as a licensed physical therapist in Philadelphia before relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, where I founded a commercial printing company called H and W Printing. Through hard work and dedication, I successfully grew the business and eventually sold it, and started my technology company, Savant. At Savant, I had the privilege of expanding the company to 100 employees and ultimately sold the business four years ago. Read More>>

Kenderrick Kelly

Starting out it was scary being a new business and not knowing if I would get clients. It’s honestly been pretty smooth then I relocated to the Smyrna area from waynesboro,ga and had to start the entire process over. Some of the biggest struggles beginning then and now was marketing and having consistent work. Read More>>

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>>