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.
Nancy Elle
My pathway to art was meandering and laden with hesitation. I had always loved the idea of painting and photography as a child, so much so that I began secretly sharing drawings and photos on sites like LiveJournal and Flickr back in middle school. However, it was ingrained in me that I needed to prioritize stability, and art was not considered a “real” job in the community I was brought up in. Read More>>
Paris Gilliam
I have a YouTube channel and it launched in 2020. I have over 500K followers showcasing my music videos starting with my debut single “Money All Around Me” and the anti-bullying anthem “It’s not OKAY”, “Fly Girl Season”, “Jigga Juice” and “Poppin it” with over 11.9 million views. My sound is unique, fun and positive and it was lit to hear my fans chanting the lyrics to my songs on The Growing Pains Tour with That Girl Lay Lay. “Paris is rapidly becoming a household name”- Ranika Prince-Gilliam (Mom and Manager). Read More>>
Mac Mills
Mac started working with labels & artist such as Ruff Ryderz, Fugees, NFL player Antonio Brown and Irv Gotti to name a few. In 2008 Mac’s career took of while working on roll outs, radio, and productions. Mac’s greatest achievement is starting his own branding and marketing agency Mills Music Haus which helps elevate the careers of music artists, actors, and influencers. Read More>>
Chavon Parker
My name is Chavon Parker, though most know me as Voni P. I’m a country girl from Stony Creek, Virginia, and my journey into fashion styling feels like it was always meant to be. Growing up, I was surrounded by strong, stylish women—my mom, my grandma, and my aunties, who always had an eye for detail and knew how to express themselves through fashion. That influence was ingrained in me early on. I can remember wearing my grandma and mom’s vintage gold necklaces and rings with my outfits, layering them with confidence—always embracing a maximalist approach to style. I loved how those pieces added personality and richness to whatever I wore. Read More>>
Maurice Foley
Fast forward 6 years, I launched the annual Black Travel Expo in Atlanta in 2020. The Expo was born out of a desire to empower Black travelers, showcase travel entrepreneurs, and create a space where travel enthusiasts could connect, learn, and grow. Despite challenges like the global pandemic, the Expo has grown into a premier event, bringing together travelers, influencers, and industry professionals to celebrate and expand the Black travel movement. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’m excited to continue inspiring others to explore the world and build opportunities in the travel industry. Read More>>
Sneha Tunk
Hello! I’m Sneha, a baker, cake artist, and owner of Sprinkled with Love Cakes LLC, a registered and certified home-based bakery in Alpharetta, serving the Atlanta area. We specialize in creating beautiful and delicious cakes, cupcakes, and desserts for celebrations and special occasions. Our motto is to strive for cakes that taste delicious and look beautiful, and we believe that the secret ingredient is love. Read More>>
Dulseth Sunspinner
It’s infuriating to have people see you standing there, they’re enjoying what you offer, sometimes STEAL what you offer, but never offer you a seat at the table. It’s wild to witness; it makes you feel crazy but you know it’s not you when someone else sees you just standing there waiting and they too ask why you haven’t been seated yet. It makes no sense because it’s not real but it exists. Read More>>
Melisa Brown
Melisa Brown is a seasoned event and production expert with over 23 years of experience, and the visionary founder of Lux Lifestyle Event LLC. Driven by an unwavering passion for creating fairy-tale weddings, Melisa’s journey began with a spark of inspiration that ignited her creativity. She masterfully designs decor and selects color schemes that perfectly capture the couple’s unique style and personality. Collaborating closely with couples and their families, Melisa finds immense joy in crafting memorable and meaningful experiences. Read More>>
Bubble Nnation
The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been worth it. We’ve faced a lot of “no’s,” battled our own doubts, and struggled to keep the faith when no one believed in our vision. There were tough times when we fought to stay focused, especially in the beginning. But through it all, we stayed committed to our mission: helping people of all ages get active without even realizing it. Every obstacle — whether rejection or self-doubt — only strengthened our resolve and pushed us to keep going. Today, we’re proud of what we’ve built, and the struggles have made our success even more rewarding. Read More>>
Loi Caleis Morris
My journey has been a vibrant blend of creativity, passion, and purpose. From a young age, I’ve been inspired by the power of storytelling and connection, which led me to build a multifaceted journey as an author, entrepreneur, graphic designer, podcaster, and labor and birth doula. Read More>>
Valentine Chukwuma Vincent
First and foremost, I am a professional photographer and photo retoucher. I am known for assisting fellow photographers in enhancing and perfecting their images, ensuring that their clients receive the highest level of satisfaction. One of my greatest sources of pride is my ability to capture and create unforgettable moments, both for myself and my clients. While the journey has been challenging, I remain resilient and committed to my craft. Read More>>
Dustin Collins
There’s always a challenge to overcome….Always something somewhere. But that’s life isn’t it? I would say that a perfectly smooth path would be unrealistic. I am grateful for some of the challenges that have come with my journey even though some have been more difficult than others. And I can be sure that there will be more to overcome as the years go by. Looking back now there are things I could wish to change, but then I wouldn’t be who I am today. Remembering some of the obstacles and situations I have lived through has helped keep me solid and present along the way. Noone knows what tomorrow holds, But today I am grateful to be on this road. Music and Tattooing have been anchors for me. Read More>>
Katharine Chestnut
The journey to finding the perfect name was sparked by a simple idea: my community would be a hive of activity, akin to a bustling coffee shop where patrons enjoy their daily jolt of caffeine. I wanted the name to capture the spirit of a place that would stimulate and enrich its members. That’s when chemistry came into play. Alkaloids, with their intriguing bitter flavors and crystalline structures, are compounds that have a significant effect on humans, with many serving as medicinal agents. And did you know? Caffeine itself is an alkaloid! Read More>>
Richard Fierce
A friend’s mom was into fantasy and all things “nerdy,” and when she heard I didn’t like reading, she told me she didn’t think I had found what I like yet. She handed me a copy of Dragons of Spring Dawning by Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. It was the third book in the series, so it was a little confusing, but as I got into the story, I was blown away. Dragons, magic, adventure… it was all the stuff I wanted but didn’t know was out there. Read More>>
Destiny Brewton
As a Black mompreneur, I understand the challenges of finding genuine support while building a business. My journey took an unexpected turn when my daughter was born prematurely and spent two weeks in the NICU. I also faced a week-long hospital stay due to stroke-level blood pressure. These circumstances deeply impacted customer retention, service, and my ability to recover post-maternity leave. It wasn’t until March 2020 that I was able to reopen. Read More>>
Corporal Quigg
Opening a small business is challenging, but The Vinyl Frontier has thrived thanks to a loyal customer base, supportive regulars, and a generous community. Over nearly a decade in business, they’ve received donations and built a strong presence. The biggest obstacle was the COVID-19 pandemic, but the store’s quick reopening after restrictions eased proved to be a key decision for long-term success. Read More>>
Mike Steel
Honestly, the inspiration to start a micro-school came mainly from my wife, Shelby. Shelby has worked in education for most of her life and co-founded Gather Forest School alongside her phenomenal business partner and friend, Ashley Causey-Golden. Shelby wanted to homeschool both of our boys at a very early age. However, I was totally against it! I grew up in the 80s, and homeschooling was completely different from today. Micro-schooling wasn’t even a term. So, I initially got started by believing in my wife’s vision of homeschooling our boys. That would then blossom into “Need” and “Impact.” Let me unpack both. Read More>>
Jessica Fields
What I didn’t expect was the realization that no one has it all figured out. You grow as you go. That insight, combined with a little personal reflection, gave me the courage to take the leap and start my own business. I wanted to build something that felt true to both my creative and analytical sides—and that’s how Harbor 26 Studio was born. I wanted to build something that reflected both my passions and allowed me to create a space where others could thrive. Read More>>
Denise Ruben
One evening, after finishing my work, I was socializing with my chosen family at the Gallus Basement Bar, where my sister, CoCo, one of the first transgender women I befriended, was present. During our time there, an altercation broke out between CoCo and a white bartender named Rose, which escalated when CoCo threw an ashtray, leading to a brawl. The incident resulted in us being kicked out of the bar. As we walked up the street, the club’s bouncer alerted the police, and I was arrested for criminal trespass, marking the beginning of a challenging period of incarceration in my life. Read More>>
Kaylani Wilson
I needed an extra way to make some extra cash since I was temporarily laid off from my job. My mom and my friend Destiny at the same time gave me the suggestion to make body butters and lip gloss. So I gave it a shot and I remember telling Destiny that I chose the name, Clean Beauty CLT. Destiny helped me with my launch, helping me make body butters, lip gloss, come up with ideas. I launched Clean Beauty CLT May 15, 2020 with a pre-launch, introducing my handcrafted selection of body oils, lip gloss, lip oils, and body butter. I added more products as the time went by. Read More>>
Susan Sherrick
I have lived in Boston, New York, San Francisco, New Orleans, Nashville and Los Angeles. In the Fall of 2022 I was invited by the Richard Avedon Foundation to participate in the “Avedon 100” and “Iconic Avedon” exhibitions at Gagosian New York and Paris, May 2023 and January 2024 in celebration of the 100th birthday of Richard Avedon. Along with my online platform, I am a curator for multiple private art collections in the US, and currently based in Pennsylvania and New York. Read More>>
Kristin Hill
I was excited again. I felt like I was expressing myself, giving life to the little ideas in my head, giving myself the power and freedom to create, and I had a voice that grew louder with every piece I made. My resin earrings and necklaces grew to beads and metals. My simple pours became mosaics, and I started to grab other mediums, such as clay. Then, during a trip to Greece, I had the idea that I wanted to start a handmade craft business. I wouldn’t choose one product type because I don’t believe in being put in a specific box or category. I wanted to create whatever my mind, heart, and hands desired. Over this trip, I reflected a lot, and out of it came Persephone’s Treasure Chest. Read More>>
Adrianne Creasy
I started my Instagram page for fun because friends were always asking about beauty advice and liked outfits. I worked in retail when I was younger and the best past was always helping people. IG allows me to have a community (although it be online) and foster than love of helping people. Read More>>
Chinagorom Ifeobu
I graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor’s in Exercise Science during the pandemic year of 2020. As I approached this milestone, I reflected on my next steps, seeking both personal and professional growth. Initially, I explored Master’s programs in Kinesiology, but my role at Apple revealed a broader range of talents and inspired me to consider new career directions. At the same time, I yearned for a deeper connection to my Nigerian heritage and a sense of cultural belonging. Read More>>
Isaac Salomon
Creativity has always been a big part of who I am, ever since I was a child. In elementary school, I found joy in dance, but by middle school, music completely captured my heart and stayed with me all the way through high school. When college came around, though, I put that creative side on hold to focus on academics. Still, I could feel a void—a need for something to challenge and inspire me creatively again. Read More>>
Jasmine Adams
My journey began in 2015 as a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) in Fulton County Schools, where I had the privilege of working under licensed SLPs to provide therapy services to children. From the very beginning, I felt an undeniable passion for helping children find their voices. I quickly realized that every child’s needs are unique, and I began creating customized materials tailored to each of my students. This creative spark led to the birth of my first venture, Speech Glam, in 2018, an educational resource brand designed for lower elementary teachers, SLPs, special education teachers, and homeschool parents. I launched an online store on Teachers Pay Teachers, sharing resources that have since reached countless educators and families. Read More>>
Savián Jordan
I’ve had quite a journey to where I am today. Growing up, I wasn’t allowed to have social media, so I got my start a bit later than most. I created my Instagram during the last semester of my senior year of high school. From there, photographers began reaching out to collaborate, which helped me build a portfolio. At the time, it was just fun—doing photoshoots for different brands and companies. Read More>>
Sarah Cantor
My earliest memories are all centered around creativity. I consider myself really lucky to come from a family that values and nurtures all my creative endeavors. I embraced every material presented to me in my art classes, but in high school I found my love of graphite and charcoal. My style was very realistic, as close to photorealistic as I could get. I loved it. I just never considered that it would actually be a career, or anything more than a hobby. During orientation at the University of Florida, I stumbled into an info session about the Graphic Design program. My key takeaways were “creative” and “competitive” so I decided to give it a shot! Read More>>
Mgw Beats
I started making music at the age of 14. My brothers Antonio, Jordan and I were in a group together and at that time we were buying beats for us to rap on. I always wondered “How did they make these beats?”. My brother Antonio introduced me to a program called Fruity Loops (FL Studio), and the rest was history. I been making beats since 2011, spent countless hours learning the program and mastering the artistry of music production, but also building my brand “Milligotwaves (MgwBeats). Read More>>
Sierra Thorn
My name is Sierra Thorn, and I’m a 25-year-old lash artist with a passion for empowering women through beauty. My lash journey began in 2019 during my time as a broke college student at Tuskegee University. Like many students, I struggled to find a job that fit my schedule and provided the financial freedom I desired. After trying several jobs that didn’t align with my vision for my future, I decided to take a leap of faith and enrolled in a lash course. I dedicated myself to practicing, and soon, my efforts began to pay off as I built a loyal clientele in Tuskegee and Montgomery, Alabama, where I’m originally from. Read More>>
Joshanamar Davis
People often wonder what a 7 footer is doing in the kitchen? Well I’ve been cooking since I was 8 years old and I fell in love with it ever since. Throughout High School I always played sports and saw myself going to the league one day or going overseas but that changed at the age of 16 when I fractured my knee at basketball practice! It really changed my life and had me very depressed for a very long time. Little did I know my life was about to change. Read More>>
Danais Torres Acosta
I earned my master’s degree in 2016 and became a licensed and board-certified bilingual (English/Spanish) pediatric speech-language pathologist. Early in my career, I worked in both school and private practice settings, but I always knew my ultimate dream was to own a multidisciplinary pediatric therapy clinic. Read More>>
Yaabari Ifeanyi
My name is Yaabari, my background has consisted of being a creative at heart and being an entrepreneur within the space of Marketing, entertainment and media. I was born and raised in South Atlanta, and have always been in love with the culture of music and personal branding. While being in it, it’s been natural for me to be able to adapt in almost any environment as I saw what it took for people to really go after what they want and hustle for it. Read More>>
Kinara Smith
It all began during the covid era, so July 2020. Covid was a difficult time for a lot of us because we didn’t know if going to work would be an option anymore. I wanted to find a new hobby. Something that would keep my mind going and busy. I thought on it a while as well as prayed on it a while. I came up with the idea of creating my own homemade skincare line. No one else in the area had a business like it so I took advantage of that. Read More>>
Xinran Gu
My journey as a filmmaker and motion designer began with my deep passion for storytelling and visual arts. During my undergraduate years at Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, I studied Digital Media Art with a focus on filmmaking. That was where I first explored the world of directing, cinematography, and post-production. I learned how to craft visual narratives, shoot compelling scenes, and edit footage to evoke emotions. Read More>>
Amy Bae
My husband Tony and I own a different business in a completely different field. In matter of fact, we vowed to ourselves before marriage that we would never get ourselves into the retail industry due to the time commitment it would require. However, it was during Covid when we were introduced to this available space at Cumberland Mall, previously ‘Jason’s Deli.’ After initially refusing, we were persuaded by my father to consider the opportunity, as there were no Korean BBQ restaurants within a 5-mile radius and the location had high foot traffic. My family comes from the restaurant industry and my father recognized that the available space was a great opportunity that should not be missed. After a year long of renovations, SsamJang opened in March 2024. Read More>>
Lisa Benson
I’m a wellness enthusiast and entrepreneur passionate about creating spaces that inspire balance and transformation in people’s lives. My journey began with a deep interest in holistic health practices and a personal appreciation for how intentional self-care can positively impact individuals and strengthen communities. Over the years, I’ve combined this passion with my professional experience supporting children, families, and fostering community connections—skills that have helped me navigate both the operational and personal aspects of a venture like Pause Studio. Read More>>
James Rolle
I was born sept 1992. I was a Grady baby. Had 18 surgeries between 2 days old and 4years old due to being born with a bad virus. As I grew and healed over time I always wanted to cherish moments that I wasn’t promised. I was raised by my mom and she loved taking pictures so it always encouraged me to want to learn how to capture the greatest moments. I purchased my first camera and got serious in 2015. Started doing free shoots for family and friends then I started 3G Visionz. From then I started shooting music videos, live streaming, weddings, private events, corporate events and more. I’ve worked with a multitude of celebs, models, actors/actresses. Not only am I a photographer, I’m also a licensed security guard who has traveled around with celebs and multi millionaires and captured photos for them while on security detail. Read More>>
Serwa Collins
God gave me the vision of Undo Braid & Extension Takedown 3 years ago, back when I used to have difficulty taking my extensions out. So, to avoid cutting my own hair, I would always travel to a friend’s house, so that they could do it for me. Of course, at times it was enjoyable, because it gave us the opportunity to catch up. However, other times, it wasn’t as convenient when our schedules didn’t align. All of my life, I have heard the pain stories of so many women, discussing how they cut their hair or how they just simply dreaded preparing to take their own hair down. So, I came up with a resolution for every woman that had the same struggle as me, to open up a takedown salon, that specialized in takedowns ONLY! Read More>>
Lakesa Mcgraw
It may sound cliché, but I was born to be a coach. As a young girl, I often found myself giving advice, encouraging others—many much older than me—and speaking life into their situations. Even then, I had a gift for uplifting others, but I didn’t yet understand the responsibility that came with being a true Life Coach. Read More>>
Czareah Carlisle
In 2019 I began Forex Trading with a multi-level marketing company. This prompted me to begin making flyers and creating and editing videos! When I left that MLM in January of 2020, I was still trading in the Foreign Exchange Market, but I also began dropshipping clothes, shoes, purses, jewelry, etc. Running a business like that required a more diverse audience than just my hometown and the city that I currently lived in, so I took an interest in how the algorithm worked and different ways that I could catch my target audience’s attention. Read More>>
Monica Leaphart
As a chronic people pleaser, I would often times put myself in positions that I knew didn’t serve me. My desire to be liked by men kept me in short term dating to phase which was ultimately to my detriment. I knew I had to make a change that started with loving myself first. Read More>>
Jameel Martin
Growing up, I was blessed to have a strong support system, from my family to close friends who shared the same passion. Alongside my golf brothers from Eastlake, I developed my skills, and we pushed each other to be our best. This foundation ultimately fueled my journey in the golf world. After competing in college, where I received my bachelor’s degree at Talladega College in business, I transitioned into the next chapter of my career, which led me to create the Couples Club Golf League (CCGL). Read More>>
