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.

Jessica Renee’

So, like many others, I explored different paths. I attended Lander University, then joined the Army and once my contract came to an end, I tried my hand at freelance makeup, but none of those paths felt like the right fit for me. I even tried an office job! But I knew I wanted a career that would challenge my creativity, so I started constructing lace wigs. While I enjoyed the process, something was missing—it felt too impersonal. That’s when I began installing the wigs, and the reactions I received confirmed what I had been searching for all along, I had found my passion! There’s nothing more rewarding than helping people feel beautiful inside and out. Read More>>

Evita Smith

My journey began over two decades ago when I embraced the call to ministry. After years of volunteering and seeking clarity on what that call truly meant, I stepped fully into preaching 21 years ago. That decision opened doors for formal theological education and opportunities to serve in various leadership roles—from youth pastor to administrative ministry roles, and eventually as an executive pastor and church planter. For the past 15 years, I’ve had the honor of pastoring and planting a church, helping individuals grow in their faith and live as God desires. Read More>>

Sherrika Sanders

We empower accountants through a mentoring program where we help women break free from overwork and feeling unrecognized – empowering them to lead with confidence and align their faith, family, and career. Transforming lives for lasting fulfillment as we teach Women of Color how to love a profession that no longer loves them back. I started Transform the GAAP because I want to give back to my community. I started Transform the GAAP because I want to leave a legacy for my family. I started Transform the GAAP because I want to be, for someone else, what I needed when I was in corporate America. Read More>>

Magic Kenny

Nothing in life is really smooth especially when it’s something you are doing for the first time. ive had a lot of challenges and a lot of obstacles that I had to overcome.personal challenges , like school , personal growth , and as for the dj part , some of my challenges were to find my niche or to mc and dj at the same time , due to the fact that I speak multiple languages and English not my first language was a bit challenging but look at me now I am one of the greatest dj / mc right now . Read More>>

Taisia Walker

The Juliette Mill was recently purchased by my husband, an Internal Medicine Physician, and I, an occupational therapist in the Monroe County area. We met online while he was still in medical school and I was living in NY. I usually say that we are one of those online couples that actually worked out. We are both dreamers and hustlers and we try our best to support each other in our little endeavors. Read More>>

Ensie Durin

My journey started with a personal struggle—finding stylish, well-fitting clothing as a tall woman has always been a challenge. Shopping felt frustrating, with most stores offering only a small, uninspired section for tall women or forcing us to shop online, where prices were high and sizing was inconsistent. I knew I wasn’t alone in this struggle, and that’s when I realized there was a real gap in the fashion industry that needed to be filled. Read More>>

Jamie Bassaline

Living in New York gave me the perfect backdrop to dive deeper into the culinary world. With so many diverse restaurants and cuisines right at my fingertips, it really opened my eyes to how much there is to discover through food. Now, I’m based in Atlanta, and I absolutely love exploring the city’s food scene, especially venturing into the different neighborhoods and discovering hidden gems both within and beyond the perimeter. Read More>>

Haley Peeler & Joshua Davis

Thanks to Dance It Off and DanceFlix Academy, we’ve been been able to bring this new outlook on performing arts education to the Sandy Springs and Suwanee areas. We have built a community of young performers who are as equally talented as they are kind, and who work together as an ensemble to make every performance happen. It is truly incredible what happens on the stage when your performers see themselves as part of a bigger picture and want to pave a path of unity through the arts, not just individuality. Read More>>

Marisol Robles

I’d have to take you back to where I’m originally from— the Island of Enchantment— Puerto Rico. This is where I grew up, where I first fell in love with performing; where I did my studies; and where I stumbled upon production work. I’m a military brat who did not do the military brat thing most do… which was JROTC. Instead, I was the news anchor for my high school and pranced around with the “Pink Ladies”, did more of the French choir, show choir, musical theater thing since I was 12 years old. I was even one of the members to revive the CasAbierta Theater Association at the university I attended. Read More>>

Sophie Hollowell And Zoë Altizer

As a child, I was incredibly shy and timid — I struggled a lot with my identity and with having confidence in myself, and I attribute a lot of my personal development with the opportunities I have had to work with nonprofits. Being a part of these organizations gave me a voice and a space to grow into myself, and it nurtured my understanding of the profound impact people can have in addressing social issues, showing me that collective efforts can create meaningful change. As I have moved forward in my life, it has been incredibly important for me to continue to use my voice to give voice to others. Read More>>

Queenie Barden

It’s definitely been a ride. But honestly, who hasn’t gone through trials and tribulations? I just try to always put my best foot forward, no matter what. Moving to a new state and not knowing a soul, leaving family behind to build something new—that was hard. I’ve had to face some pretty tough situations, like going through an eviction and a divorce. But through all of that, I had to grow—from a girl with dreams to an adult who had to buckle down and focus, especially to provide for my kids. Read More>>

Armani London

i feel my specailty is the ability i have is being able to connect to anyone and be able to empathize and sympathize in order to get them in a better state of mind. i feel like the thing i am most proud in my entertainment journey is knowing i can build something from nothing because this is what this journey is all about loong at the mud abd being able to build upo. the thing that sets me apart from others is me being able to be bold in any situation and being able to shine no matter how dark it is around me . Read More>>

Lea Grace Swinson

Hailing from Dorchester, Boston, I started my musical journey at the tender age of 4 when I landed my first professional gig in Langston Hughes’, Black Nativity. I’ve also sung the National Anthem for both the Boston Celtics and Boston Red Sox several times during my grade school years. In 8th grade and continuing through high school, I was accepted into the Berklee City Music Boston program, a very competitive music and performing arts scholarship organization where I received professional training and education by critically acclaimed Berklee College of Music professors. Upon high school graduation, I was one of the few awarded a full scholarship to Berklee College of Music. Read More>>

David Kim

That’s when I finally decided to invest not only my money, but my time into learning all that I can about photography. Countless hours of watching videos and practice shoots later, I began my freelance photography journey in the beginning of 2023. My decision to start my photography business mainly stems from a desire to give everyone an opportunity to have beautiful pictures of their family. More and more I began to realize how difficult it was for people to afford something as simple as a nice picture of their family. My hope is that, the more I grow my business, the more I am able to provide affordable photography to those around me. Read More>>

Kaila Allen

I’ve expanded my practice into energy healing and coaching as well to help my client’s fully step into their own true potentials. For years I worked to break the stigma around bipolar disorder, and now I work to break the stigma around spiritual gifts and the Other Side. As my business expands and grows, I’m building out a six month healing and alignment coaching program, writing several books on spiritual awakenings and self-healing, and in the near future launching a podcast that explores spiritual topics from different human’s perspectives. There’s so much on the horizon for Celestial! Read More>>

Siri Selle

The Lowe’s hotel in midtown Atlanta have 400 of my prints as you enter the hotel rooms. In 2017, my painting “Towers by Night” hung in the Governor’s mansion in Atlanta, Georgia after being selected by the Art Council of Georgia for this distinction. And the following year the painting “Country Roads” was selected again to be featured in the Governor’s mansion. Locally, many who appreciate art in the community proudly display a number of my works. It is fair to say that I have been creating opportunities and spread my love for painting for over 2 decades. I realized early in my career that opportunities must be created they don’t just appear out of the blue. It takes courage, belief, grit to pave the path as an artist in today’s world. Read More>>

Adrian Green

I picked up a camera the year I finished college. That was the same year as the pandemic. I started out incredibly bad and wasn’t sure if I would get better. I was looking for instant success. Silly and young of me to think that success just comes to everyone easy. I kept doing shoots and a lot of them were things that I never shot before. I was charging little to nothing for them because I wanted more experience. I started to see that I was getting better and people actually liked the work. That drove me. That got me to where I am now because I just love seeing the growth in what I do. It’s almost a euphoric feeling. When I create something that not only looks good in my eyes, but also everyone else’s, it just makes me happy. I kind of thrive off of that. Haha Read More>>

James Lambert

In 2023 we ran into issues with childcare, our daycare shutdown indefinitely after a winter storm and I was in charge of keeping our children as my wife is an accountant, and it was the beginning of tax season. I left OTF and restarted my training business, JL Training, where I train people 45 and up to gain strength, endurance, and mobility, so they can be independent as long as possible. In 2023 and 2024 I had the privilege of working from home as well as being the main caretaker of our kids, and this year we have sent our youngest to pre-school so my schedule has opened for me to further increase this business. I’ve made the most of what time I had, and am ecstatic to be able to serve more people now. Read More>>

David Easton

From there, The Lion’s Den started taking shape. I continued hosting events, experimenting with different themes, and even put together an event for kids, reinforcing the idea that entertainment should bring people together in a positive way. Over time, The Lion’s Den evolved into a true creative hub—one that’s not just about nightlife but about fostering artistry, collaboration, and unforgettable experiences. Read More>>

Deborah Morton

After years of honing my skills and building relationships, I opened my own barbershop and spent two decades serving a community I loved. But standing on my feet for 10 hours a day wasn’t a sustainable long-term plan. That realization led me to start a manufacturing business and real estate, which became a fulfilling career. It allows me to continue serving my community, engaging with people, and using my business acumen in a new way. Read More>>

Bill Frey

In 2004, I launched Illuminating Design, a holiday lighting business, with a simple idea: create a customer-focused company in a market dominated by national franchises and lawn care providers dabbling in décor. Back then, residential holiday lighting was largely overlooked, with big players chasing commercial contracts and local companies treating it as an afterthought. Read More>>

Sonia Emore

A Time to Create is dedicated to helping K-12 students express their feelings and emotions through songwriting. We offer self-expression songwriting classes, workshops, summer camps, and virtual programs—all designed to create a safe space where students can use music to express themselves. I specialize in using songwriting as a tool to help youth identify, understand, and communicate their emotions. Read More>>

Deanna Butler-Toombs

After closing I wasn’t sure what to do next. But by the Grace of God and some Loyal Customers we’re still here. Though the brick and mortar had closed Simply Produce was still active. By June of 2020, six months after closing our store and not knowing what was going to happen we were blessed with not only our loyal customers but some much needed business grants. And that abled us to buy our bus. So now were a mobile unit. Simply Produce llc is now the owner of Simpro Mobile. We strive to provide the best service possible and the best quality Seeded Produce that we can locate locally and globally Read More>>

Perry Clarke

I am a major content creator , a video producer , and a podcast personality. I’m known for my brand DangerousParadise and two podcasts primetimelive and 420 & blunted. I’m most proud of are people knowing me outside of Georgia , it a special feeling that I can’t describe. However I was made for this life l live. My ability to talk to anybody and make them feel like family is what set me apart. Read More>>

Dr. Josephine Harris

Dr. Harris’s academic journey is extensive. She earned her Ph.D. in Psychology from Walden University, a Master’s degree in General Psychology, and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Phoenix. Additionally, she holds a Post-Master Online Teaching Psychology Certificate and a Master of Philosophy in Psychology. Her commitment to education is further demonstrated by certifications in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). Read More>>

Taylor Kelly

Our journey began with a simple idea: to offer interactive workshops that were not just events but meaningful experiences. We started with candle-making and floral-arranging sessions, and the response was incredible. People weren’t just attending—they were engaging, creating, and connecting in ways we hadn’t anticipated. That excitement fueled us to expand our offerings, and soon, we introduced unique experiences like caviar tastings and soon to be other high-end, hands-on workshops that will incorporate other local artisans and crafts people alike. Read More>>

Cylla Senii

Ever since I was a child, I always had a love for creative storytelling and acting. I was born in Queens, New York and grew up in Warner Robins, GA. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a degree in Advertising and a background in Film Studies and Music Business, I went back to New York to pursue my dreams in filmmaking, acting, and entertainment. Throughout ten years, I started working in the ad space, then transitioned to radio at HOT 97 and WBLS, then went on to working in tv and development at the likes of Nickelodeon, Disney, GrioTV, A&E, and more. Read More>>

Lattifa Bryant

Writing became my therapy – the way God helped me survive. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to help others who have stories burning inside them, waiting to be written. I knew firsthand how lonely writing could be, and how much writers need support and community. After my debut bestseller ‘”Speak the Night After I Killed Myself” came out, things got harder. The enemy came at me strong. I fell into depression, felt embarrassed by my book, and almost gave up on everything I’d fought to overcome. Read More>>

De’airrian Wooten

But dance isn’t my only way of expressing myself. Photography and videography became my other outlets, allowing me to capture the world the way I see it—through my lens. Every photo, every video I create tells a story, just like my dance does. I founded Official Destined Media Productions to bring those stories to life, blending the art of movement with the power of imagery. Read More>>

Ashleigh Lewis

Three years later, a pivotal moment changed everything. A former assistant principal introduced me to a school-based ABA training program and a role as a behavior lead. It was there that I met a mentor who encouraged me to explore the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). I became deeply invested in understanding behavior and interventions, leading me to earn a graduate certificate in ABA, stepping into a leadership role as a district behavior intervention coach, and ultimately pursuing a BCBA certification. Read More>>

Monica Garcia

My journey as travel makeup artist has not been easy. Especially coming from a very small down in the middle of nowhere USA. I’ve had and still have challenges as an entrepreneur. I’ve had moments of self-doubt and obstacles that seemed insurmountable. Yet, I’ve learned to embrace failures as stepping stones to success, understanding that every setback was an opportunity to grow. With each experience, I consider myself a savvy entrepreneur, adapting in marketing my brand and connecting with clients. Over the last 9 years my business has flourished. When I’m not in my beauty salon in Downtown Hastings, I travel for work, Ive had the opportunity to work in Read More>>

Brittneé Patterson

As a proud Army veteran, devoted mother, and seasoned bridal beauty professional, I have spent the last 13 years perfecting my craft in the beauty industry. My journey began in an unexpected place—Bagram, Afghanistan. While on deployment, I transformed my living quarters into a makeshift salon, taking hair appointments between missions. It was there that I realized my talent was more than just a skill—it was a calling. Upon returning home, I pursued my cosmetology license, allowing me to work in salons, on fashion show sets, and in various creative spaces. However, it was in the bridal industry that I found my true niche. Read More>>

Dom Price

Needless to say, being a queer creator has it’s own set of challenges. Fortunately as some have called it, Atlanta is a “big gay city”, so I don’t have a lot of horror stories about discrimination and harassment. I have found the dark alternative community here is not only supportive, but also packed with a lot of LGBTQ+ folks, so I never have to look far to find my people. Given the political challenges facing trans individuals in this country, I think it’s important for us to be visible, loud, supportive, and defiant. Read More>>

Asa Williams

Those same two strategies are what I’ve brought to my business model. I love educating athletes on the health and recovery side of sports all while building their physical and mental foundation. Our head Physical Therapist, Sean Macko, is our leading force behind assessing athletes, determining their strengths and weaknesses, and then creating a plan based on science-backed medical journals and statistics of similar and high-level athletes. Our collaboration and years of experience is why athletes find success and become the best versions of themselves on the field or on the court. Read More>>

Zack Bobo

Bobo Enterprises LLC – this is the company I’ve ordered in 2011 and this is where I keep all of my rental properties housed under. This started as a small group but has actively grown to 74 units to today’s day. We specialize in affordable housing sector, providing clean safe and affordable housing to those in Cherokee County. Read More>>

Suzanne Robb

In general, I’d say that the journey has been smooth. Sure we’ve made some mistakes along the way but we learn from them and keep going. Covid definitely slowed our projected growth but there was nothing that we could do about that other than regroup and push on. In fact, our first franchisee opened in North Carolina in June of 2020 during the height of the shutdown! My partner and I are well matched in that our skillsets align very well and we are clear about our roles. We have huge respect and trust for one another and have created an awesome culture at Alloy. Read More>>

Patrice Goings

Starting Tricey’s Treasures was anything but a smooth road, but every challenge has been a learning experience that helped shape my business into what it is today. Launching a new business in 2020 came with a lot of uncertainty—people were adjusting to a new way of life, and I had to figure out how to get my products in front of customers during a time when in-person shopping was limited. It was a leap of faith, but I believed in my vision and kept pushing forward. Read More>>

Marcus Frazier

Meet Marcus, a devoted family man who started his own family and is now a proud father of six. For their birthdays, the children often requested a hibachi dinner at Benihana, making it a cherished family tradition. Inspired by their love for this dining experience, Marcus decided to take it a step further. He bought a hibachi grill, donned the tall hat, and taught himself the art of Japanese grilling. Read More>>

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>>