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.
Miani (money) Leaks
What sets Kencations apart is the personalized approach. I believe travel should be more than just a vacation; it should be an experience that lingers long after you return. Whether it’s helping families plan their dream getaway, organizing group trips, or crafting luxury experiences, I take pride in making the process seamless and enjoyable. Entrepreneurship isn’t always easy, but the opportunities and growth I’ve experienced have been worth every challenge. Traveling the world at 25, running a thriving business, and helping others explore places beyond their imagination—it’s more than just work; it’s my passion..and this is just the beginning. Read more>>
Starr Roberts
Early on in my professional career I watched a video called “Give Em the Pickle!” The thing that has remained with me is the service recovery aspect of the video. As service professionals we’re not always going to get it right, however we can attempt to turn things around. Apologizing is a great first step, depending on the business comping items, offering a discount on their next service, sending a manager out to speak to customers, etc. are all acts of good faith. Read more>>
Dasom Choi
While studying painting majors, I learned that art is not just creation but connects with society also. I realized that to understand modern society, I also had to study media, so I chose motion media as my second major. Finally, I decided on Sculpture as a minor because I didn’t want to limit my art to 2D. That’s why I have a unique history, with a minor in Sculpture and a double major in painting and motion media. In this unusual situation, I was studying at school; friends asked me if I could sleep. (They even asked me if I had a magic tool that controls my time.) Read more>>
Meredith Featherstone
But over time, I began to feel disconnected from the original joy I found in this work. The environment I was in, where I was moving from one client to the next with little time to recharge in between, no longer supported the work I wanted to do. I started adjusting my schedule to better suit my needs, but it eventually became clear that the environment itself wasn’t the right fit for me. I realized I needed a space where I could truly thrive—where I could focus on providing the care I was passionate about, in an environment that valued both clients and myself. I found myself feeling drained by staying in a place that no longer aligned with my values and I knew something needed to change. Read more>>
Shanley Thompson
I’m Shanley, I’m 29 years old from Newport News, VA. I’m a visual artist, tattoo artist, music artist, producer and model. Ive been drawing since I was around 3 or 4 and fell in love with music since I could remember. I’ve always been into reading, video games, computer games and artsy activities growing up. I grew up the baby so I was pretty much like the only child because all my siblings had left the house already. I moved to ATL in 2015 to start my life. Read more>>
Kristen Barker
I worked there for several years connecting with so many other artists and making some long term friendships, until I felt the awful burn out of retail. I thought me quitting my makeup career because of my burnout in retail meant I was done for good … until my husband said “just go out on your own” and that is when “Barker Beauty” was born. I am now almost 5 years deep in my own business making connections and friends with almost every single one of my clients. I can’t tell you the happiness I feel when my clients re-book me – it’s like “wow” they love me just as much as I love them!! Read more>>
Janora Davenport
Once I got acclimated to college life at THEE Jackson State University , I began exploring different styles like extensions and box braids and became one of many hairstylists on campus. I also began to sell extensions and add Eventually, braiding became my only focus—it carried me through school, paying for all things a college girl needed and wanted. It was more than a hustle; it was my lifeline. Read more>>
Demarkus (dj Dmark) Taylor
Fast forward to 1996 and it’s time for your boy to go to college. Growing up watching shows like A Different World and The Cosby Show made the idea of going to college a must for me. During my college years, at Stockton University, I would book my favorite DJs from my hometown to DJ various parties. Still, I was not interested in being a DJ, the dance floor and coordinating events for the school organizations that I was a part of, was my thing. So, this adds up to over a decade of intense listening and dancing by the year 2000. Read more>>
Theresa Davis
I embraced the idea and in 2011 became the Women of The Wold Poetry Slam Champion. When I showed up for the competition, I was not registered but wait-listed. Hours before the competition, I was allowed in the competition because a poet’s plane was rerouted due to snow storms. I went from not being in the competition to winning, the last poem I performed was the poem I’d finally written about my Dad and me being seen. I was affirming in ways I can’t explain without sobbing. Everything is and was great. Read more>>
Bridgette Simpson
Despite the odds, I had ambitions of success, but like so many others, my life took a turn that led me into the criminal legal system. I was incarcerated for ten years, an experience that changed me in ways I could never have imagined. Prison is designed to break people down—to strip them of identity, dignity, and hope. But in that space of confinement, I found clarity and purpose. I saw how the system was not just about punishment but about control, how it disproportionately targeted Black and Brown people, and how it extended beyond the walls of prison into every aspect of life after release. Read more>>
Pershard Owens
The road has been extremely bumpy. Being a dark skinned independent male artist is not for the weak. You have the societal pressure to look a certain way, that sadly has not gotten any better. Then, there is the balancing of words and feeling that you aren’t “asking for too much”, in fear of being labeled as demanding, when in reality, you’re actually just asking for what you need to be successful. No matter what obstacle thought I keep pushing through. Read more>>
Rolando Nava
As soon as Billy told me of the opportunity pending, I jumped on it with gratitude and told him I would not let him down. So, I started back in February 2017 as a hauler for the Marietta Branch. Because of my commute, I was determined to beat the traffic, so I woke up extra early and was always the first man at the office with plenty of time. I took advantage of catching up on my Bible Study while I was waiting for the rest of the crew to arrive. And you know because of my determination they actually used me as an example. They would say to the crew member that was tardy “Rolando lives all the way in Lawrenceville and he’s the first one here you live 15 minutes away why are you late?” Read more>>
Addison Eiland
Our theory was that scent being the strongest of the senses, we would release a famiular scent through our produuct when the individual heart rate spiked, and as they begin to recgonize the scent they naturally begin to lower heart levels ( that was alot haha sorry). I was in sweden when I ran for president of Phi Mu Fraternirty, being elected over seas with a different time zone was no easy feat but we managed to do it. Now I have put my focus on implmenting a sorority sucess plan to ensure our members gain as much as they can through their time. I manage a 11 women exectuive board and 50 women chapter, as well as working as a marketing intern for GSU athletic department. Read more>>
Julia Reed
As I continued my work in private practice, I realized that while some people need deep trauma healing, others are simply looking for ways to thrive in their lives. That realization led me to step into coaching, where I could support women who don’t necessarily need therapy but want to break free from perfectionism and people-pleasing to create a life of love, peace, and joy. Coaching also allows me to integrate my own personal experiences, something I cannot do as a therapist, to connect with and guide women on their journeys. Read more>>
Robert “brody” Kellogg
I wasn’t sure I was going to pay bills I didnt want to always run home and ask for help even when I had access to it. I wanted to put myself in the shoes of someone who didn’t that is when I was inspired I went to Olive Garden on Cobb parkway and asked for a job and got it on the spot. In my head I thought what am I going to do being a server. And my first day out the gate hey I can do this if I try and I did and not long after working there I got an email from my now good girl friend Anna asking me to interview for a job as a sales supervisor. The moral to that story is that I wasn’t to good to work as a server that’s was when I humbled myself and in that moment I continued to be blessed with countless opportunities Read more>>
Kaylah Gurley
I’d always have to take from my stash or transfer from my savings. When I did dab into little things that would get me lump sums, I was reckless with my spending and would quit jobs. I’ve always known that I was meant to work for myself because there has been times when I’d be working a job and have a casting or opportunity that may interfere with my work schedule. I always weighed my options and cents at the time but when I would chose my career, entrepreneurship, I was told that I couldn’t work for them and someone else or my schedule just didn’t fit. Self doubt and a lack of discipline were also big struggles. I could never really see myself the way others would. Read more>>
Dianne Mcalexander
I would say that the biggest struggle has been in refining my process and finding the most efficient material and equipment. There’s been a lot of trial and error. I’m not as young as many of the live painters out there today, so making the decision to hire an assistant a few years ago has been the best decision that I have made since I started painting at weddings. I have three young women that assist me, depending on logistics, and I love them dearly. One is my granddaughter, Alcyon Skinner, who is working towards being a wedding planner. Just working with these young women add a lovely dimension to my experience that I did not expect. Read more>>
Mev Clark
My business is still growing, as I’m somewhere in the grey area between a business-woman and an artist, and working to grow the client base that appreciates flowers as a living art. Currently, I’m booking weddings, parties, and private workshops for 2025 and 2026, as well as planning community-focused pop-ups and public workshops. Want to have locally-grown, artistically designed flowers for your wedding or event? Shoot us an email today! Or order artisanal arrangements for your space or as a gift. See the difference that flowers grown and arranged with love, respect, and artistry can make! Read more>>
Ortavia Taylor
Through every step, I’ve leaned on my faith, trusting that God placed me on this path for a reason. My journey has had its challenges, but every obstacle has been a stepping stone toward growth. Now, as an award-winning entrepreneur, minister, and leader, I continue to walk in my purpose—helping people heal, feel empowered, and live beyond their past. Read more>>
Immanuel Zechariah
I stayed with the group a number of years, until the group broke up. Me and the base player then formed a group by the name of Azanyah (God Hears) After performing with that band for a number of years Mamaniji disbanded the group. At that point I started doing some solo things with tracks, but I eventually put together my own group “The Immanuel Experience Ensemble” and started performing and touring and producing my own music. So now I reside here in the ATL, one of the best kept secrets in Atlanta… but not for long! Read more>>
Cedric Alford
I remember being 4 or 5 years old and hearing Lil Wayne’s “The Block is Hot” for the first time. I remember being completely entranced by his cadence and delivery. It was something distinctly special about that moment. The feeling inside of me was so much more than admiration, he made me feel like I could do the same thing one day. Read more>>
Pierre O’driscoll
I knew I had an ability to capture people in a way that made them see themselves as beautiful, and that’s what 2 years ago pushed me towards marketing my skills as a business. It’s brought unbelievable blessings, empowering me to feel so surrounded by a community I formerly saw as daunting coming from across the country. I’ve stayed in spaces that I am confident in my skills in; namely Graduations and Events, as I truly want everyone to have the best photos possible, something that drives my intentionality in each session. I’m so glad to be staying in Atlanta as it’s become a space I truly love. Read more>>
Dj Dasz
The journey hasn’t been easy. Like any new venture, there was plenty of hard work required to bring the vision to life. We faced challenges in figuring out how to make the brand truly come alive. In the early days, it was tough to find the right people who believed in the vision and trusted the direction we were heading. As a new station, we also had to learn the ins and outs of the business, figuring out the dos and don’ts along the way. Read more>>
Nicole Anderson
My journey is one of faith, resilience, and learning to embrace life’s unexpected turns. I didn’t start out in the wine industry. I was an everyday woman with a career in corporate America, leading major marketing accounts, and breaking barriers as one of the few women—let alone Black women—at the leadership table of a Fortune 500 company in Atlanta. But deep down, I always knew I wanted to create something of my own, something meaningful. Read more>>
Sheceria Chambliss
My first time touching makeup if was just all fun and games, playing with makeup on my grandma getting ready for church and on my uncle while he would be sleeping. Still I didn’t take it too serious. One year for my birthday I got my makeup professionally done for pictures and thats when I fell in love. I found makeup books and watch many tutorials and studied and practiced. eventually I got better and better. One day I went viral and started to get recognized more and more and got called to work on love and hip hop. I’ve been working with them for 8 years. Since then I have worked with numerous of A-D list celebrity’s and more. I enjoy weddings and photoshoots. They give me a chance to get a little more creative and collaborate with designers and stylist to curate beautiful visuals. Read more>>
Katya Vilchyk
When I started my photography business, I was perfectly happy hiding behind the camera, thank you very much. I moved to the U.S. from Ukraine as a young adult, figuring things out entirely on my own. I worked hard, built my life from scratch, and thought, cool, I can keep promoting my work, it sells itself, no one has to really know me. Read more>>
Akilah Franklin
A few years into my journey of posting my travel content, I realized that I was inspiring other people to travel based off my travel experiences. I would get questions all the time asking how I planned a certain trip, restaurant and activity recommendations, who planned my itinerary, etc. However, I loved to plan my own trips because of the excitement that planning my perfect “dream” vacation just added on to my anticipation. I realized that I had acquired certain knowledge, skills, and travel hacks where I could create an amazing travel experience, not just for myself, but for others as well to explore the destination of their dreams. And that’s how “Dream Destination Awaits” was born. Read more>>
Juleah Everglade
After a year of exploring odd jobs and navigating the uncertainty of post-graduation life, I found inspiration for my small business in a photography project I created in college called Southern Misfits. The name and mission of my business stem from the concept of challenging what it traditionally means to be a Southerner. It represents the opposite of being a “misfit”—someone who doesn’t quite fit the stereotypical mold or traditional values of the South. Read more>>
Lynne Seibert
As a newly licensed veterinarian, there were many challenges. At that time, there were far fewer specialists and emergency hospitals available for referral of difficult cases. I felt competent in most areas of veterinary medicine, but quickly realized that I was not prepared to help my patients with behavior problems. I saw emotional suffering and life-threatening behavior conditions (aggression, phobias, separation anxiety) and there were no resources to help these patients and their caregivers. I could not accept my limitations, nor could I watch patients suffer without having the skills to assist. So I headed back to school. Read more>>
Natacha Hart
That led to me doing friends and family nails and soon it just became my passion. I enjoy every aspect of the business from creating art, building meaningful relationships with my clients and the camaraderie of working alongside other nail techs and beauty professionals. I have been allowed the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with new and aspiring nail techs time and time again and that is very fulfilling for me. I never take for granted the blessing that God has given me to do what I truly love as a means to provide for my family. Read more>>
Morgan Heinzelmann-weisbaum
I then obtained my MD at George Washington University, followed by a Neurology residency at UT Southwestern. Lastly, I completed specialized fellowship training in Sports Neurology and Pain Medicine at the prestigious Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles. There, I gained experience treating neurologic injuries and pain in athletes at all levels of sport, both in the clinic and on the sidelines/ringside. Now, I feel very fortunate to have established my dream career here at Emory in Atlanta! Read more>>
Tyear Wilson Mccrary
Her journey from the pulpit to the boardroom, from millinery manufacturing to high-level business consulting, is nothing short of legendary. As the founder of Madam CEO Inc., Rich Auntie Weekend, and The Optimized Woman, she is on a mission to help women rewrite their stories, build sustainable wealth, and step boldly into their next level of success. Read more>>
Alan Sell
That meant I actually spent some time making side money tutoring math to high-schoolers and college students while I was building my business! It wasn’t glamorous at all, but integrity is important to me, and so I felt I needed to give myself the same advice I would give my clients. The second challenge is that I knew how to be an advisor, but I didn’t know yet how to be a business owner. That meant that things like marketing were completely new to me. To this day, I’m still always learning things about how to run a business effectively. Read more>>
Charity Hamidullah
This journey lead me to Atlanta and City of Ink. There I met phenomenal artists of all disciplines. Traveled the world, opened Black Owl Tattoos alongside Roger Parrilla. Left Atlanta. Came back. And, then had an epiphany that instead of making body art. I wanted to adorn the walls of buildings as a muralist and fully live in my truth as an artist. Read more>>
Ashley Wright
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road! Owning a business comes with its fair share of challenges, and there have been plenty of learning moments along the way. One of the biggest struggles early on was figuring out how to balance the creative side of the business with the practical aspects, like managing finances, handling logistics, and setting up systems. It took time to get comfortable with all the behind-the-scenes work that’s necessary to keep everything running smoothly. Read more>>
Denise Thomas
To be honest all of this started with me losing my full time job and not having any help with my kids. I used to post content online and all my friends would brag about how neat and well put together my home was so I then started to do it more often I went from doing my own pantry to about 10 different families within a month. Organizing was my passion but I also had a good eye for cleaning. One of my regular clients just so happen to need her house cleaned and asked if I was available to do it at first I was scared as i never cleaned someone else home. But something told me to just go and I Did from that day forth Lux Cleaning was born. Read more>>
Michael Mcintosh
Some struggles along the way have been finding community. While I did attend art school, I majored in design. Putting me amidst many talented creatives, but no Artists. At the same time, sourcing feedback for my work has been challenging, while many will compliment my art, I have found it difficult to find a true critique, in the interest of growing. Read more>>
Ashley Foster
By the age of 12, DJ Mz A Town was writing poetry that soon transformed into rap, laying the foundation for her creative journey. Despite financial challenges that limited her access to formal music education during her elementary and middle school years, she persevered and joined her first rap group at 13, adopting the name Aphrodite. Though stage fright eventually shifted her focus from performing to the business side of music, this pivot only deepened her commitment to the industry. Read more>>
Thomas N. Feliz
To owning businesses, I can say it has been quite the journey. I always gave every aspect of every business my all. I would submerse myself in them until I saw results. The same with taxes and credit services when I began almost 10 years ago. It started in 2015 as a joint venture named “Tax Max” in Plaza Fiesta located in the heart of Doraville, GA. We we’re extremely well received within the local community and it helped launch something that would turn into a multifaceted business that services hundreds of clients across the USA today. Read more>>
Kayla Moore
I encountered many struggles along the way. When I began content creation, I was one of the only people within the vintage fashion niche, so I had to build my base from the ground up. Between school, work, and life itself, I was unable to dedicate myself to my art as wholly as I would’ve liked to, so I never became as big as some creators who were able to make content full-time. I often compared myself to people who started after me, and obsessed over numbers. I had to take some time away to ground myself, and to this day I’m proud. I did the best I could without sacrificing who I was, even when my mental health told me I shouldn’t keep going. Read more>>
Jayda Davis
Upon reflection, I recognize that this passion has been an integral part of me since childhood. As a young girl, I was captivated by dress-up games such as Stardoll, Y3, and Shopping Spree, dedicating countless hours to experimenting with virtual outfits and refining my fashion sensibilities. This early fascination seamlessly transitioned into my middle school years, where I took pride in personalizing my school uniform with thoughtfully selected shoes and accessories, transforming standard attire into unique expressions of my personality. These experiences were more than mere childhood pastimes; they were foundational steps that illuminated my true calling in the world of fashion styling. Read more>>
Neisha Nycole
I continued to work on my craft and let God lead the way. Fashion design wasn’t something I prayed for day and night since I was a little girl, it was a desire God placed in my heart at a time he knew I needed it the most. In 2022 I made my first prom dress and it’s been a race to the top ever since! This has led me behind the scenes of music videos, photo shoots, red carpets, fashion shows, ETC Read more>>
Kierra Harper
As a child, I grew up watching my granddad being the primary cook at my grandparent’s house. Don’t get me wrong, my grandmother would do her fair share of cooking, but when I was younger it was mostly my grandpa. He was the one making our after school lunches, meals for family get togethers and holidays. He would be in the kitchen cooking and baking while looking at old cowboy black and white movies, playing old Jazz and American rock songs (Don Mclean’s American Pie comes to mind naturally) on the really tiny TV in the corner of the kitchen. Read more>>
Impact Threads
This has allowed our clothing to have a much more significant impact on charities as not only do 51% of our profits off of every shirt go to the partnered charity, but now, with the incorporation of the QR codes, we have been able to drive donations for the charity as anyone wearing our clothing is actively promoting and supporting the cause. We have made it our mission to help charities, and because of this, our clothing costs absolutely nothing on the charity’s end, meaning that we produce, design, deliver, and promote completely cost-free for the charity. We are still in the early stages of impact threads and hope to expand our brand and reach by continuing to partner with and support charities. Read more>>
Stephanie Swofford
Over the years, my husband, Scott, and I have purchased primary residences that need a little TLC or even serious TLC. He is a licensed contractor (also Mr. Fix it/Honey-do), and I am fantastic at assisting, so we have had the luxury of keeping renovation costs low and reaping the benefits of our work. As the real estate market is ever-changing, we’ve always kept a close eye and have been able to take advantage. We branched out into investment and fix/flip opportunities. We quickly learned that a great real estate agent makes a purchase or sale much smoother and is a priority. Fortunately, we found one we could trust, thus encouraging me to research another avenue for our venture! Read more>>
Danielle Laughlin
My journey has been shaped by resilience, purpose, and a deep passion for helping others succeed. I started my career in the courtroom, but I quickly realized that my real passion was not just in practicing law, it was in empowering business owners to build something meaningful and sustainable. Read more>>
Kayla Favors
At the young age of 15 a childhood friend started showing me how to do my own hair. I suffered from hair loss from a perm that was too strong for my hair. Once my friend showed me how to sew weave in between my natural hair I fell in love and wanted to learn more! Read more>>
Santoria Lee
With Sacred P Company, my goal is to provide high-quality, natural self-care products that make people feel good in their skin and hair. Knowing that my brand enhances someone’s routine or boosts their confidence is what success looks like to me. Read more>>
Kyle Hanson
I started free-styling at 16. My momentum of it used to be god awful to where I had to practice from time to time and then once i got the hang of it i started making music at 17, half of wasn’t as bad yet i still needed more improvement. Now at 24 turning 25 I fully believe that I’ve found my OWN sound so far Read more>>
Sava Rilak
My American Dream started at age 20. I arrived in the US, barely speaking English, and began cleaning and organizing moving trucks. But something clicked. I discovered a passion for the industry and a drive to excel. I never looked too far ahead, just focused on making each day a little better than the one before. That philosophy led me to where I am today, running my own moving business. It’s a testament to the power of daily progress and the belief that I can always improve. Read more>>
Darian Bishop
Some of the most rewarding moments come from being part of my clients’ most important life experiences—whether it’s creating the perfect look for a wedding day, preparing for a career milestone, or helping someone rediscover their confidence through a transformative cut, color or extensions. I believe that when you look good, you feel good—and I’m honored to be part of that journey for every person who sits in my chair. Read more>>
Florencia Silva
When COVID hit in 2020, I was let go from my job, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It gave me the time to fully dedicate myself to my passion, acting. While modeling was fun, acting has always been my true calling. Thanks to the work I had already done and the people I had met, I found myself in the right rooms for auditions and casting opportunities. I started taking acting classes full-time and booking small roles, all while continuing to gain experience behind the scenes in various projects. Today, I’m still actively pursuing acting full-time while staying involved in different aspects of the industry. Read more>>
Rashawn Warren
I am Employed at the Teachers Retirement System(Contact Management). I work in a high call volume environment. I direct the calls to particular divisions for all GA educators, Board of Education and/or Regions. I am also known for my creativity and ambitious attitude. Yes, I do nails but I have always been an entrepreneur so people know me for being a real hustler. Read more>>
Savonna Atkins
I was born in Maryland, and while both of my parents were creative, there are not many visual artists in my family. I fell in love with painting at my preschool. When I was in kindergarten, my dad helped transcribe a journal for me, and it is quite evident how seriously I took my painting and coloring practice. In every entry, I was sure to list all my creative pursuits for the day and if I felt pulled away from painting, I talked about that too. In one entry I stated, “And for a long while I haven’t painted.” I was five and I already knew that I was a painter. Read more>>
Lisa Wilder Baker
Now, after six years of shooting professionally, I’ve discovered the magic in the types of photography I love most. Family documentary photography and in-home newborn photography hold a special place in my heart. I adore the authenticity of real moments—the laughter, the chaos, the love. There’s something deeply meaningful about capturing a family in their element, creating a visual story that will be cherished for generations. While I also enjoy lifestyle photography, which has a bit more structure and posing, I still aim to keep it natural and playful, especially when working with children (they have the best giggles to capture!). Read more>>
Kayla Zhanellé
As a Jill of all trades, I can’t even put myself in one box. This year I have taken over YouTube and that’s where most of my time goes. Due to Instagram and TikTok kind of always changing something, I found that YouTube is consistent, and I have the freedom to be aesthetically who I prefer to be with no restrictions to my niche. I can say that I’m most proud of my consistency and dedication to the bigger picture. Where most people fall off or just stop completely. I challenge myself to do something different or make a major change that makes me fall in love with the passion again. Read More>>
Rebecka Jean-Baptiste
I started learning makeup in 2016, completely self-taught, with the help of YouTube. I even started a small business offering birthday makeup services, practicing on family and friends. During this time, I also had a YouTube channel where I shared my makeup journey. However, along the way, I lost my passion for makeup. I wasn’t sure if it was something I truly wanted to pursue or if I was good enough to make it a career. Read More>>
