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.
Woe Vatti
You know I lost my mother and grandfather 2 going on 3 years ago it took a big impact but it also made me start going hard. I was locked up 3 years came house loss my mother life hit fast. But that’s what made me go so hard now life so short you got to accomplish the goal you set for yourself in life. Read More>>
Myah Schiefer
I entered the insurance industry thanks to my friend Tracie. At the time, she was an insurance broker and helped me secure dental insurance on my own after I aged out of being covered as a dependent. She took the time to break everything down in a way I could easily understand. Inspired by her guidance, I realized I wanted to do the same for others. Just a few weeks later, I signed up to get my license. Now, after 11 years in the industry, I have accumulated a wealth of knowledge in both the insurance and financial fields. Read More>>
Shun Cheng Hsieh
I’ve always been passionate about creativity and problem-solving, which naturally led me to pursue a career in design. I started my journey studying industrial design in Taiwan, where I focused on developing a strong foundation in product design and craftsmanship. After working on projects that ranged from outdoor goods to footwear and accessories, I became fascinated by how design can merge functionality and aesthetics to create meaningful experiences for users. Read More>>
Kellie Smalls
Thankfully, I havent had many obstacles or challenges. My biggest challenge has been putting myself out there. I was raised to be seen and not heard, and it taught me to keep my thoughts and feelings in. Coming from a household with mixed spiritual doctrines, I often questioned what do I truly feel and believe in? With that being said, I took it upon myself to dive deep into different religions and esoteric practices. It opened my mind so much, and I began to share what I learned. I got lots of strange looks and questions, which made me keep quiet. At that time, I wasn’t educated enough or prepared to defend the other studies. I knew many people blindly follow and rarely search for knowledge on their own. Read More>>
Dawn Hull
The entrepreneurial journey is inherently filled with challenges, and mine has been no exception. However, I’ve learned to embrace these obstacles as opportunities for growth. Adaptability and resilience have become my closest allies, and I’ve developed an unwavering belief in my ability to overcome any hurdle. I’ve discovered that maintaining a positive perspective and a “can-do, will-do” attitude can truly make all the difference. Read More>>
Jeremy Gibbs
The Oddities Museum started from the personal collection of Jeremy Gibbs that began as a collection in his bedroom as a young boy. Even though the focus has changed a little, Jeremy has always sought after somewhat peculiar items. Growing up in Social Circle, Georgia lent itself to finding bones, bottles, rusted relics and old dolls & toys in the woods, old homesteads and growing up working beside my father doing plumbing I found stuff in old building and houses, basements & attics that customers were eager to give to my collection. Read More>>
Michael Owens
There were mentors who came into my life over the years that deposited great wisdom in me, they began to tell me how they saw this calling on my life to people and how they could see leadership potential. As time went on I would lean into this and started the journey of discovering my passion for impacting people of all walks. During the summers I would go and visit my dad back in Ohio, he lived in Dayton Ohio, he attended a church called Maranatha Worship Center and it was there that I connected with like minded young people who were serving in the church. We would have leadership classes, young men’s gatherings as well as I was a part of a youth department called Maranatha Voices Of Joy which traveled all over the country singing, doing skits and impacting young people. Read More>>
Elizabeth Decker
I think making the leap into doing this full time was the hardest thing. I was a teacher at the time, which I loved, so it was sad to leave the school I was at. I stayed on their sub list just to have an excuse to visit from time to time. I was so afraid to walk away from a steady paying job, but my teaching paycheck continued into the summer, which helped give a safety jet for those first few months. That was so immensely helpful because we were able to take most of the profit from those first few months and use it to grow our business. Read More>>
Emma Rolader Martin
For me, the beauty of chasing your passions is that even the tough moments are part of a larger journey toward something meaningful. Right? It has to be. What keeps me grounded is the sense of purpose that comes with doing work I truly love. There’s a unique joy in seeing an idea come to life, knowing that it will create memories for others. It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding to pursue something that feels so deeply fulfilling. The challenges remind me how fortunate I am to do what I love, and they make the moments of success all the more special. Read More>>
Julian Clarke
I have spent years serving as a part of several non-profit organizations, while working with others, volunteering my time to those such as the N.C. Guardian Ad Litem, The Thriving Trans Men of Color TTMOC Inc., Men Of TRANSformation, Alpha Omega Kappa Fraternity Inc. and the The Global Transgender Equity Project, Inc., (GTEP), and The Transgender & Diverse Veterans of America Inc. I have also been spending my time working to develop The Auspicious Mental Assertion Program Inc. (AMAP), my own grassroots nonprofit organization to come. Making it a point to find ways to use the strength of my voice to carry sound for those who do not have one. Read More>>
Kyle Offermann
The busier I got it made more sense to purchase my own quilting machine so I did. Quilting after all, makes it a quilt! After awhile the quilting was taking up my whole house. My office was upstairs where I’d see customers. I put design walls in 2 bedrooms. I hired a few employees and they would be working in the dining room. The quilting machine was in the basement. We quickly outgrew my house so the next big step was to rent a commercial space to have more room for everything: equipment, employees, and customers. I am now in my 8th year at the same place. Read More>>
Keisha Pinnock
I started off my professional journey with the goal of wanting to be a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in the healthcare industry and obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration and a Masters in Accounting. Years into my career and having excelled in several executive roles, the last being a Senior Vice President, I still felt empty. The professional accolades, the salary and the perks were nice, but I felt that my life was meant for something more meaningful and that my legacy had to be more than being a good employee! Read More>>
Donta Henson
Our journey started with countless trips to Jalisco, Mexico, where we immersed ourselves in the art of tequila production, learning from master distillers and embracing the craftsmanship behind every bottle. We didn’t just want to create another tequila; we wanted to create an experience—a brand that resonates with authenticity and excellence. Read More>>
Cathy Son
I’ve always wanted to have my own clothing brand for a long time but didn’t know how to start. In 2020, I created the brand Dissent+Ascend which is a streetwear clothing brand based on living a rebellious lifestyle and my passion for evolution. My brand revolves around going against the norms and breaking free from the social construct that has limited us as souls and human beings. From there, I’ve just been building and growing. I strive to connect with other genuine creatives through my art and also build longevity with my brand. Read More>>
Sam R Ross
Prior to the pandemic, I saw the need for small emerging arts groups to have access to premium space at reasonable prices and I began to look for artistic companies that were interested in creating new work. By 2023, several “Resident Artist” companies were housed at Windmill Arts. In 2024, Windmill Arts Production (WAP) (a non-profit corporation) was founded to develop, support, and promote these resident artists in a formal “Resident Artists Program”. Presently, we have 10 Resident Artist companies and plan on adding two more this year. Read More>>
Art Farm
Throughout the year, Art Farm focused on fostering meaningful connections with our community and supporting local talent. We collaborated with numerous local artists to showcase their work, hosting events such as spoken word nights, workshops for emerging artists in Chattahoochee Hills, and residencies for the artist in our cottages. These residencies provided artists with a dedicated space to create, refine, and present their work to the community, with opportunities for their art to be purchased and appreciated. Read More>>
Denard Farmer
Currently I am a Department Manager for H&M and I have been with the company for 7 years. During my time away from work I’m usually creating fashion content to help push me to the next level as a model / stylist. I am most proud of the publications I received and all the amazing runway shows that I have been apart of. I am known for being on the Real Life Reality platform serving and giving fashions. What set me apart is that I will always unapologetically be me. I’m not afraid to take risks and step outside of the box. Fashion is an art and it’s fun, expressive, conveys emotions and send a message. I enjoy all forms of it from the colors, fabrics, and shapes to make wearable garments. Read More>>
Brad Ewing
My career in technology flourished at Ingram Book Group for three years, but Silicon Valley’s siren call proved irresistible. In California, I honed my skills as a Web Developer and Java Software Engineer. When I eventually returned to Nashville, I brought that expertise to an impressive roster of clients including Universal Music Group, Mercury Records, MCA Records, and even NASA. My work also extended to the State of Tennessee Attorney General’s Office, among others. Read More>>
Traci Daly-smith
“With 26 years as a licensed massage therapist and 30 years as a licensed esthetician, I’ve dedicated myself to not only perfecting my craft but also ensuring I provide the safest and most effective treatments possible. Over the last decade, I’ve focused on oncology-trained massage and esthetics to make a meaningful impact on the lives of cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers.” “I founded ‘A New Daly Beginning’ to address the gap I noticed in providing accessible, safe, and comforting care for individuals affected by cancer. Our mission is to offer complimentary or low-cost therapies and education that help patients and their caregivers navigate their ‘new normal’ with dignity and relaxation.” “Through this work, I strive to remind people that they are more than their diagnosis and deserve moments of peace, healing, and connection during challenging times.” Read More>>
Menen Nehneh
My creative journey began with music. I have always had a passion for music however I was always very shy when it came to sharing my musical art, so I decided to pick up modeling. I would model for friends and their brands, and started to gain attention in the creative community. As that sparked I allowed myself to embrace my creativity by content creation, freelance and editorial modeling. This created a snowball affect that led me to becoming a full time model/muse, content creator, and agency director. I worked with my talents, and allowed myself to be the brand. I was adamant on not assigning myself to a box, and though it does require work, I love it. I am adding titles such as business owner, podcast host, author, and musician to my collection this year. Read More>>
Jordan Gallemore
One weekend at drill, a fellow Airman and friend invited me to join her on temporary duty orders in Colorado for six months. At first, I declined, thinking the timing wasn’t right, but something told me to take the leap. That decision changed everything. Surrounded by the beauty of Colorado’s mountains, I finally had the space to soul-search and ask myself what I truly wanted from my career and life. After a lot of reflection, I realized I wanted a career that combined flexibility, service, and connection. That’s when I began researching real estate, which eventually stood out as the perfect path. Read More>>
Los Del Sexto
We started jamming out and got in contact to meet up another day with a tuba player named “Paco”. Antonio was Djing at the time and a client gave him Paco’s number. Aldair was looking for someone to play with, so was Antonio, and Paco was leaving his Banda to form a grupo sierreño called “Sexto Elemento”. When Paco left the group in 2018, Aldair’s cousin Noe joined the band. We continued to grow in our city and had many gigs out of state as well. In 2021 we rebranded, made some changes and Alexandro started playing bass in the trio band now called “Los del Sexto”. Read More>>
Claudine Miles
Now, I spend my days partnering with schools and universities, districts, and organizations to create environments where everyone—especially Black and brown students—can thrive. It’s been a journey of learning, evolving, and staying committed to ensuring that education centers humanity, justice, and joy Read More>>
Jeffrey And Yolanda Wilson
My name is Jeffrey Wilson. And my name is Yolanda Wilson. Jeffrey and I are married with two children, Harper and Miles. Jeffrey and I met in Law School in Houston, Texas, where we both attended TSU Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Jeffrey currently practices Consumer Law in several different states and Yolanda currently serves as the Associate General Counsel at Clark Atlanta University. However, recently, Jeffrey and I decided to become children book authors. We co-wrote a book called “Harper Teaches Contracts.” Read More>>
The Location Atl
At The Location ATL, it’s all about creating freely. Whether it’s a podcast, photoshoot, or any creative project, we encourage you to make the space your own. Move things around, bring your own touch, and enjoy an atmosphere that’s designed to support and elevate your creativity. It’s your space, your vision—let the energy here help you bring it all to life. Read More>>
Malik Tijōn
Hey what’s up, my name is Malik Tijōn. I’m a faith based alt r&b, neosoul & funk singer originally from Columbus Ohio. Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of producing tracks for some big artists like Kodak Black, Kyle, & Lil Yachty but after a life changing experience with the Holy Spirit in 2021 I began to feel called to use my gifts and expertise for God & his kingdom. So in a complete move of faith I fully left behind all of the traces of my old platforms I built and started on a new path from scratch, as my authentic self the way Christ made me. Malik Tijōn. Read More>>
Nicole Miller
Working for organizations was insightful, it also taught me things to avoid as I embark on my own path. Patient-centered care has always been so important to me, and I knew very quickly that ultimately, I would need to have my own practice to be able to exercise my values without limitations. The long and hard hours working for companies who may not fully understand the dynamics of a diverse community or have the proper resources to aid its employees in ensuring patient’s needs are met; while not burning out its employees has opened my eyes to the importances of providing strong mental health care on every level. I now am a business owner and have the privilege of providing therapy to the amazing men and women who make up this great state. Read More>>
Toki Odunade
From an early age, I have always been fascinated with the spiritual realm, the esoteric arts, and manifestation. That interest followed me into adulthood, and lead me to learn about rootwork and spiritual healing that has been practiced in the U.S. by my African and Native American ancestors. Along the way, I also became heavily involved in the Yoruba spiritual system. And, in 2002, I traveled to Osogbo, Nigeria to begin initiation and training in the priesthood of Osun. Read More>>
Esha Venkat
Through five core programs, we tackle 14+ of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and a plethora of societal issues including global hunger, climate change, mental health, poverty, quality education, social justice, etc. What started as a small project eight years ago has now become a global movement of over 8,000 volunteers of all ages and backgrounds who altogether have contributed over 5 million dollars in value of volunteer hours, impacting tens of thousands in over 30 countries. Read More>>
Ushma Patel Malvika Mohan
Our journey began in 2004, when we met through our husbands, Retesh Mohan and Rikki Patel. Over the years, we bonded over family adventures, shared meals, and countless conversations about life, health, and the future. Fast-forward nearly two decades to April 2023: While our families and friends were at the annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival at Piedmont Park, we found ourselves casually tossing around ideas about how to live a healthier lifestyle. Read More>>
Laquisha Marion
So today, I have a feature film out entitled Generations. It was filmed in 2020. It airs on Amazon Prime and Tubi. I’ve done several plays, independent films, background work., I’ve done skits on Kountry Wayne.. (Ms. Marion, First lady or the snapper) I’m currently in a traveling play entitled Why Am I Still Single where I’m a lead character. I’m in a web series entitled Expensive Dreams. Also a comedy sitcom that airs on Amazon entitled Daniel’s Den. I’m far from done.. have a long way to go,, but I’ve also come a long way.. just thanking the Lord for what He’s done so far.. and I’m anticipating the future! Read More>>
Joe Wilson
I’ve always had a passion for all vehicles. It started at a very young age. I can remember all of my bicycles, cars and trucks. From my first battery operated car I drove in the house to hanging out with my dad while he worked on cars and from my grandfather who taught me a lot about maintenance. They essentially taught me if you take care of something, it will take care of you. So, I’ve always kept my cars in good running condition and more importantly, I’ve always kept them clean and detailed. Read More>>
Jessica Elaine Blinkhorn
To say my life has been a smooth ride with very few obstacles and struggles would be an untruth. As a person with a physical disability, I rely on sources and systems to access the world independently. One might think that accessing resources for my independence would be readily available – I assure you nothing is further from the truth. From the care I need when I wake up in the morning to get ready for my job, to the wheelchair I need for freedom and independence, to the chair I need to shower in, to the insurance that provides me with medicine keeping me alive, everything is a fight to receive. Read More>>
Delores Thornton
I started my literary journey when I became an empty nester in 1996! I self published my debut novel titled Ida Mae. It went over so well that I toured the country doing book talks and author signings. A few years ago I ventured into the world of stage plays and finally feature and short films. I experienced overwhelming success in all areas and arenas. Read More>>
Isis Kenney
In a family of men, my grandmother Frances had the most significant impact on shaping my creative vision. She taught me the art of blending bold colors, textures, and fashion, which would eventually evolve into my unique blend of urban luxury glam. Though I was encouraged to pursue the performing arts, fine art and digital art were always where I found my true voice. The creative environment I grew up in nurtured my passion for art and culture, and eventually led me to become a hip-hop memorabilia collector. My collection of photojournalism books, vinyl records, and cultural artifacts became the foundation of my visual storytelling, merging hip-hop history with artistic expression. Read More>>
Diahann Thomas
However each hour spent climbing the ladder was one less hour spent with my husband and son. After 12 years with the company and endless hours spent on the climb. I lost my job, the company was long gone, however my husband and son were still there. So many times within those 12.5 years I would say to myself; It’s ok to go home late, this will be worth the sacrifice. Those hours spent away from my family cost me valuable time I would never get back and also ended in the split of my family. Read More>>
Canessa Thomas
I am a self-taught artist and storyteller who established PhloArt during a medical leave from my career in healthcare administration. Art played a crucial role in my healing journey and achieving remission from ulcerative colitis, a chronic illness I was diagnosed with at 19. As I began sharing my artwork on social media, I noticed a growing interest. This led me to shift my focus towards treating my art as a legitimate business. Read More>>
Gail Turner-cooper
My passion for wellness developed over my lifetime. Two forces fuel my drive. My daughter has Asperger’s. We discovered that she thrives on a very specific diet. We have taken a deep dive into the world of special needs nutrition. The second is my journey. I was a kid who grew up drinking Diet Pepsi and eating pop tarts. I suffered from horrible digestion issues and sought doctors’ advice. None of their solutions worked. I started experimenting with a variety of diets such as vegan, vegetarian, high meat protein, and no sugar. I settled on one that works for my individual needs. After applying what I learned, my digestion issues are resolved. Read More>>
Aquilla Smith
In 2018, I began facing harassment from multiple supervisors, which ultimately forced me into medical leave in 2024. During that time, I lost nearly everything my finances, stability, and peace of mind except my faith in God. Despite this, I refused to give up. Through financial sabotage, systemic injustice, and personal grief including the loss of my grandmother, best friend, uncle, and cousin I’ve remained steadfast in my vision to inspire and uplift others. Read More>>
Nicole Patterson
After graduating from law school I got my real estate license. We continued to flip homes, but I also then had the privilege to come alongside others in their own home buying and selling journey. I was enjoying serving others, but I wanted ownership in my business. At 30 I became a licensed Broker and opened my own Real Estate Brokerage. My husband and I are still flipping homes, I still have the honor of serving others, but for the past 5 years I have been able to do so under my own company: Patterson Realty LLC. Read More>>
Stephenie Barrett
Over the years, I refined my craft by shooting anything I could: candid family sessions, small-town events, and eventually weddings. Weddings were a perfect fit because they’re rich with genuine emotion and unscripted interactions, and I love weaving those pieces together to tell the unique story of the day. From there, my work naturally evolved to include more personal projects, focusing on everyday life and human connection, which is what truly fuels my creativity. Read More>>
Kareem Victoran
I am a multitalented artist, thriving as a musical artist, social media personality, bartender, and entrepreneur. Specializing in social media and audience building, I’m best known for my appearance on Trackz Pop The Balloon or Find Queer Love (Season 1, Episode 1), where my bubbly and humorous personality stood out. I’m proud of how quickly I’ve gained public recognition, with supporters encouraging me to pursue more shows or even the big screen. What sets me apart is my individuality—I’ve always been on my own wave, influencing others through my unique style, hairstyles, and even the creative drinks I share on Instagram. Read More>>
Maira De Leon
My passion for photography and videography started at a young age. Around 15, I began exploring the world through the lens of my first camera. As a Mexican-American born and raised in Georgia, I grew up surrounded by the rich culture and traditions of my Mexican heritage. My family was always close-knit, creating experiences that brought us together—whether through travel, sharing food, telling stories, dancing, or playing music. I felt a deep desire to capture those moments through photos and videos. Read More>>
Ray Barlow
I wanted to do it agian and just never stopped. Then started meeting many great people in the mix. I still love it the same way to this day every time. As I was doing things illegitimately feeding those in possible need, another good friend suggested that I establish a nonprofit organization. In 2021 I legitimized things. Now I’ve been able to partner up with many great small businesses and I have furthered things to even public speak to children at different schools around Atlanta. Read More>>
Dr. Corinne Erickson
Inspired by this personal, positive experience with functional medicine, I decided to explore how to take a more integrative approach with my dermatology patients and started an intense integrative dermatology training program. My patients have been incredibly open to dialogues about their overall health and lifestyle as it pertains to acne, rosacea, psoriasis and, well, everything. I have found that, like me, so many of my patients were frustrated by being told what they were going through was normal and just given prescription creams and pills to put a Band-Aid on symptoms. Read More>>
Charles S. Walker
I got started by networking on LinkedIn. I would connect with people on LinkedIn in that I saw that was in the industry. It wasn’t until I met a guy name Darius Dennis that I was able to get things going. He gave me very good and solid advice. He shared a lot of good information with me. Darius shared with me various local casting companies and Facebook groups to join to be able to expand my network. From the information he shared I was able to get casted in my first movie. Read More>>
Emil R.
Oh, there were definitely a lot of struggles—building a brand from the ground up isn’t easy. One of the biggest challenges was definitely finding our voice and figuring out exactly what we wanted our brand to represent. When we first started, it was a bit all over the place. We were juggling so many ideas and trying to do everything with a very small team—designing, sourcing, marketing—you name it. It took a lot of trial and error to refine what worked and what didn’t. Read More>>
Brandon Meeks
From 2009-2016 he served as the Director of Bands at East Lincoln Middle School in Iron Station, NC. During his tenure at East Lincoln, the band program experienced growth, consistently received Superior and Excellent ratings at state festivals and maintained a culture of high expectations and musical excellence. Dr. Meeks is a National Board-Certified Teacher, holds honorary memberships to Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma, was named the 2013 East Lincoln Middle School Teacher of the Year, and was named the 2016 NC South Central Bandmasters Young Director Award for Excellence. He is an active presenter across the southeast, enjoys fitness activities and playing the piano and currently resides in Woodstock, Georgia. Read More>>
Jill Cobb
As a child, my love of creating and sharing stories with friends and family ignited a dream of one day becoming an author. However, after finishing school, I no longer had the structure of assignments to keep me writing regularly. Story ideas remained in my head rather than being written and soon I even lost the discipline of regular journaling. My writing fell to the wayside as I focused on my career until, on an evening commute, a news report about advances in genetic engineering sparked the idea of a near-future sci-fi novel. I outlined the story and began writing during lunch breaks and before bed, gradually completing the first draft. Read More>>
Jacaleb Smith
No the road has not been smooth but as we all know, nothing worth having will come easy! One struggle I had was finding a good manufacturer to make my pieces exactly how I wanted them in a timely manner that would meet the deadlines I set out for them. After getting over that hump, I would say the only other struggle I have had would be finding ways to constantly market my brand and pieces creatively. Read More>>
Breshai Grier
October 17, 2016 at 11:42 pm
Hi, I am a lash artist and would like to know, how do I get the shop I work at and myself featured?
Victorya Wagner
October 19, 2016 at 5:18 am
Tight! We love working with Ibadiah 🙂
Pamela Siciliano
November 14, 2016 at 12:15 pm
Fantastic article/interview with the up and coming Yo-Pro Joseph Lucido…how inspiring to read about a young man’s dreams in articulate fashion with clear vision and strong work ethics. A suggestion…you all should check back in on individuals you feature in a 2 to 5 years period and see where they are personally and professionally. Individuals like myself who enjoy your publication would appreciate that type of continuity and thoroughness.
prevent dying
November 15, 2016 at 3:00 am
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Atlanta SEO Geek
May 20, 2017 at 3:28 am
I grew up in Marietta and now live in Suwanee. So I’ve been in Metro Atl my entire life. This is one of the best places in the world. Glad to see a cool website like this highlighting inspiring people and stories.
Imani's Secret Garden
May 22, 2017 at 3:34 pm
Great to see the greater community become aware of the great work Tektography provides! We had the pleasure of using Teferi for our website and instagram professional images. They are natural and engaging!
Teria Ketterer
September 26, 2018 at 10:07 pm
I just started a Home health care agency with a partner. We are strong Black Women Business Owners. We would love to feature in your magazine. We have a story to tell.
Casey
November 13, 2018 at 12:49 am
Amazing people in this magazine! Enjoy reading the stories! So inspiring!
Tia Bolden
February 13, 2019 at 9:44 pm
Love this site!
Monique Neuble
December 23, 2019 at 9:09 pm
Excited to see these stories featured. Congrats everyone.
Joe Howell
April 6, 2020 at 12:39 pm
Its great to see these amazing stories and people featured!