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.
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>>
Fenell Darlene
What sets CATS apart from most organizations is that we coach children to develop their creative skills without worrying about paying for a college education. Having the opportunity to help the youth locally and globally is CATS proudest moment. Summer 2024, CATS donated over 800 backpacks to children in Liberia,West Africa. Plus, we also hosted a soccer tournament and donated uniforms to the children and it changed nature of the community. Read More>>
Seth Gehle
I would eventually be sexually abused by a man outside of the home from the time I was 10 years old until nearly 16 years old when I finally found the courage to report my abuser. Since that day in 2011, I have gone on to serve my country as a combat veteran, I am a husband and a father, I have run seven ultra marathons, including a 100 mile race and now I am a public speaker and author. In just 30 short years, I have lived a lot of life, and I am using my experiences to help others find their untapped potential to become whatever they desire to be in life. Read More>>
Amb. Dr. Chyna Bethley
Over time, I expanded my reach, launching The Imagination Conference in 2024, a global movement designed to help visionaries turn their ideas into reality. I also developed digital programs like The Secret Recipe, which gives people a step-by-step framework to monetize social media and build profitable businesses from scratch. Authored a Book “Audacity to Believe” Kingdom Principles Practical for Prosperity where Les Brown did the forward! Read More>>
Emmy Young
Then, everything changed again. Just when I was starting to feel less nervous, COVID shut everything down. Unfortunately, it got most of my open mics and the stores shut down permanently. Additionally, all of my hard work performing seemed to vanish as I stepped on stage for the first time after COVID; I was terrified and worried I would never get back to where I was pre-COVID. Thankfully, my friends and family were very supportive and came to my performances. I kept performing and posting on my channel, leading to bigger events and more exposure. Read More>>
Cheilyn Sanchez
Trying to find my own strength to keep going, I decided to move to Florida with that partner and family right after I finished school and started working from home with my baby. A year later, I became a single mom and I moved in with my sister. Depression hit again because I had to work two jobs with my son in order to just get by until I finally found an affordable nail studio that would allow me to run my business how I wanted and 2 years later I am still at my own studio, and I’ve never been more grateful and proud of my journey for leading me here today. Read More>>
Jaye Rochell
If I had to pick a specialty, I’d say it’s my football takes. Having played college football at the University of Tennessee, I bring some hands-on experience with schemes and the game itself. That background helps me break things down in a way that makes sense to fans, whether they’re die-hard football junkies or just getting into the game. I also pride myself on being honest and non-biased in my feedback. A lot of people call me an optimist—and maybe I am—but I promise, our Atlanta teams aren’t as bad as some people think! Read More>>
Andeana Stewart
I started with a strong passion for writing, which led to the publication of my first book. Over the years, I have authored 20 books, each reflecting my dedication and love for storytelling. Alongside writing, I have pursued my interests in dance, choreography, and education, becoming a mentor and motivator to many. My faith has always been a guiding force, helping me navigate through various roles and organizations within the community. Today, I continue to inspire and uplift others through my work, always putting God first in everything I do. Additionally, I have a learning channel where I share my knowledge and experiences, aiming to educate and empower others. Read More>>
Alexx Shot That
I was the social media manager of Mercedes-Benz in Jamaica and I was in charge of hiring photographers and videographers to do our shoots. I ended up being cool with the photographers and started to play around with their cameras when they came to shoot then I realized I actually liked it. After I learnt a good amount my friend got invited to shoot w huge concert in Jamaica and he gave me a crash course so I could be his second shooter. Read More>>
Ali Winston
Then I had kids and photography went from a hobby to a passion. I wanted to capture every fleeting detail, every roll, every smile, each tooth that was coming in. I finally understood how quickly babies change and the need to have something to look back on. I started working with other moms to capture all the details that I didn’t want to forget on my own kids so that they, too, had art to cherish forever. Read More>>
David Glass
Shortly thereafter, we established Darden’s Delights as a pie company. Our goal is to harness the power of entrepreneurship for the benefit of individuals with developmental disabilities. It is named for both the Darden Family of Waycross, Georgia, and our daughter, Darden, who was born with Down syndrome. We feel that embracing entrepreneurship, which we believe is accessible to everyone, is a great way to create opportunity, prosperity and community for people with disabilities. Read More>>
Kayla Steffey Bates
That’s when I launched Interstellar Cre8tions,LLC, a business dedicated to crafting, custom apparel, and creative branding. It started as a side hustle but quickly grew into a full-fledged business once I discovered dropship. As I scaled, I realized so many creative entrepreneurs struggled with the business side of things, and I wanted to bridge that gap. That led to the creation of The Cre8tive Dropship and Wholesale Academy where I mentor business owners on branding, marketing, dropshipping/ wholesale strategies and Interstellar Creative Consulting where I label myself as a Creative Opportunity Specialist. My work as a Creative Opportunity Specialist for businesses allows me to help entrepreneurs structure and grow their businesses while embracing their creativity. Read More>>
Luis San Roman
It all begin in like 5th grade when I started to develop my own musical taste and with my allowance money instead of buying a toy or something like I usually did I went and got my first music cd the “now that’s what you call music” series and I did it because I enjoyed listening to music and always kept my tv on mun2 or mtv1,2,tres. Always watching music videos and being so influenced by breaking dance and just that whole style! I first wanted to be a break dancer or a graffiti artist but always drawn towards that whole rap vibe. Read More>>
Hubert Smith
I also decided to pursue my MBA to advance my career at LinkedIn and other endeavors. I finished my MBA in 2023 and moved to Chicago to be closer to my son Yumir. That is where I started my company HubeKnowsBest LLC and I started my podcast and to share knowledge I attained over my life and share resources and knowledge of my network of friends and associates that are movers and shakers in almost every industry and career field. I am focused on reducing gatekeeping in and outside of the black community while also providing mentorship opportunities to businesses and entrepreneurs. Read More>>
Gabe Lustman
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Losing my father and moving to Atlanta not knowing anyone having to start over and relocate and rebuild was very tough. Also being an indie artist you have to gather your own funds to market and promo yourself and network like a mf! Read More>>
True
For me personally singing came second nature. Honestly if it wasn’t the first thing i learned it was definitely the second. I can remember as a kid standing in my nana’s living room singing Luther Vandross “A House Is Not A Home” while friends and family were putting dollars in a hat. Hijacking the mic at Chuckee Cheese to sing happy birthday to my twin sister and i lol. I always had a goal and i was never afraid to showcase my talent to anyone. I just knew what i wanted and i what i would become. Read More>>
Kheru Defontes El
By the time I was 18, I made a vow to never return to the hospital again. That was the turning point—I began researching natural alternatives and ways to regain control of my life. I discovered that much of my pain stemmed from poor diet, unresolved trauma, and a lack of essential nutrients. As I healed, people started noticing the transformation and sought out my guidance. This led me to become a birth worker, where I helped women not only give birth but also heal through their own journeys. Read More>>
Daniel Xu
In the founder’s deepest memories, the sweet delight of cotton candy from childhood outings never fades. That fluffy, cloud-like treat was a symbol of innocence, warmth, and happiness. As the world evolved, this traditional treat began to disappear. The founder realized that technology shouldn’t erase simple pleasures. This sparked the idea: an automated machine to enjoy fresh, delicious, mess-free cotton candy anytime, anywhere—bringing back that long-lost sweetness. Read More>>
Ana Megrelishvili
After completing my education, I pursued a career in business, eventually founding the Christian Professionals Network Worldwide (CPNW) in Atlanta, Georgia. CPNW transcends traditional networking by integrating business relationships with service-oriented values, fostering global community transformation. Grounded in Christian principles, I ensure CPNW serves as a collaborative hub, uniting leaders to pursue societal betterment. Read More>>
Aaron Thomas
Now as I moved away from the college scene and more towards a professional route, I again realized that tapping into my own potential would require a real team or network of people that each brought different skills to the table. From this the brand /business would pivot towards a sustainable model of helping communities and different subcultures both in person but also through the internet. Read More>>
Jaime Stepansky Jessica Hallberlin
Jaime’s response: One of the exciting obstacles that has come up since starting Devon’s Place was my decision to grow my family. I’m currently 8 months pregnant! And I could not imagine growing my family, while simultaneously growing and running a small business without Jessie’s partnership and support. Read More>>
Matt Summa
In 2020, it was time to come home, and I began working at Lifescapes out of Marietta. I grew close with the crew and crew leader, Bersain Matus. When I found out that Lifescapes was to shut it’s doors at the end of 2024, I knew this was my chance to open my own outfit. I was able to acquire trucks, tools, and equipment from Lifescapes, and my loyal crew decided to take the chance with me, with an unknown future at hand. February marks our second month as an operating LLC, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity. Read More>>
Ariel Hollowood
In 2022, I had an off-site location, but unfortunately, the bakery below it caught fire, and we lost everything inside. That off-site location had helped support my main brick-and-mortar store. After the fire, I struggled to identify my niche for the physical store. While I knew candles were my core product, my decor items weren’t selling as they had at the off-site location. I attempted wholesaling, but we didn’t have many accounts, and with two locations, I couldn’t dedicate the attention they needed. The end of 2022 was decent due to the holiday season, but I needed to save as much as possible because we discovered I was expecting our daughter, due in July 2023, which historically is a low sales month for us. Read More>>
Anthony La Touche
But my work didn’t stop at fashion. My ability to spot unseen potential and amplify overlooked voices led me across industries—working with brands in music, sport, and entertainment. Whether curating immersive live music experiences for NYFW, designing campaigns for Leica, or shaping activations for the 2026 World Cup, my approach remained the same: community first, impact over transaction, and storytelling at the core. Read More>>
Elizabeth Taylor
Modeling was a pretty easy road, but for music, no. I’ve always tried to start somewhere and it was like every time I started something would happen and I everything would just fall apart working along side the wrong team. Even working with people who don’t have faith in you or encourage you at all even though you guys are surrounded by every opportunity to start my music journey. It was just very discouraging and dishearting, but when I found my team it brought so much stuff to life. Read More>>
Christopher Confero
In highschool, I joined the yearbook staff as the Lifestyle editor which was the right move as a teen to prepare me for college. I auditioned for the Auburn Singers and was accepted to attend Auburn University. I continued in music, show choir, and began to develop my education towards Public Relations and marketing. In a shocking surprise, I wasn’t elected social chair to any of the organizations and I know all my friends now regret those votes. Read More>>
Amber Rushing
While the journey of Rushing Trading Co. (RTC) has been filled with successes, it hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the primary hurdles was assembling an exceptional restaurant team. Over the years, RTC has meticulously built a dream staff, including an outstanding operations manager, assistant managers, servers, baristas, bartenders, and kitchen staff, all dedicated to delivering top-notch service. Read More>>
Amy Fuchs
My journey with InFocusPlus began with a deep appreciation for unique spaces and a passion for connecting people to the right environment—whether for filming, corporate stays, or short-term housing. With a background in real estate and a keen eye for properties that tell a story, I saw an opportunity to bridge the gap between property owners and the entertainment industry, traveling professionals, and production teams. Read More>>
Jacqueline Pete
I assisted with training our new artists as well as new entrepreneurs and existing professionals that were coming to us to learn a new skill! About 2 years in, I decided that I needed to have faith in myself to pursue my own endeavors. I kept my head down andI focused. I set a goal to take a couple more courses with some of the industry’s leading artists and international trainers like Ester Garcia and Fleekbrows Studio. After those courses, I assured myself I was ready to take the next steps. 6 weeks later, I was signing the lease to my new suite and another 6 weeks after that I opened in my very own location! Read More>>
Tennille Baptiste
Along the way, I’ve taken the stage as a host and emcee for major events, and one of my proudest accomplishments is starting my podcast, B*tch You Lucky, a few years ago, where I share stories and insights on navigating life’s challenges with grace and grit. I’m a go-getter, and hard work is at the core of everything I do. Family is my foundation—I’m a proud mother and have been married to my wonderful husband for nearly 11 years. Every day, I’m grateful for the life I’ve built, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Read More>>
Mariana Betancur
In 2021, I had the opportunity to move to the United States. I’m from Colombia, and this was my first time living on my own and beginning to build my own life. This had always been a dream of mine, so I took the leap. Since I was in school, my curiosity about discovering my purpose kept growing. I always feared becoming someone who was merely existing—going through the motions but not truly happy with the life they were creating. Read More>>
Meg Blackwood
In 2015, I transitioned into an in-house counsel role, which was a pivotal step in my career. I quickly learned the importance of staying calm under pressure as I worked through significant challenges, including high-profile incidents and complex government investigations. Over the years, I advanced to a senior leadership position in the legal department, guiding the organization through crises while collaborating closely with teams in the field. These experiences helped me build trust and respect across the company. Read More>>
Francis Nwosu
There’s a deep level of inequity in the art world, especially for BIPOC creatives. Growing up, being an artist wasn’t presented as a real option—unless it was tied to hip-hop culture. But for me, photography and filmmaking are personal. It’s bigger than just making a living; it’s about showing young men who look like me that success isn’t limited to a single path. Read More>>
Alina Land
We both came from families who knew what it meant to work hard. In 2021, we purchased a beautiful 28 acre property and home that was left unoccupied for nearly 20 years. Needless to say, there was much work to be done. After a year of renovations, it was finally ready. We decided to rent it our for events and family gatherings. We really enjoy providing a beautiful place where people can gather comfortably. We value time with family and friends, so it brings us joy to allow others the opportunity to do the same. Read More>>
Ashley Thornton
As the Owner and Principal Designer at AT Prop Rentals and AT Home Staging and Interiors, Ashley has a passion for art and design. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Valdosta State University and developed a passion for interior design as an intern after graduating. She assisted several accomplished designers, earning her over ten years of residential and commercial interior design experience, before founding her home staging and design firm in 2017. Given that Atlanta has become one of the top cities for the film industry, Ashley saw that as an opportunity to start AT Prop Rentals. We provide set and stage designers with the furniture and decor needed for their production. Read More>>
Galliano Cardelli
Food is a powerful tool that can be enjoyed in the company of good people. Like music, food brings and creates its own natural ambience that brings us closer. Food is a natural commonality between people. We can cumulatively agree that food is the ultimate love language of society. Read More>>
Peter Beckford
At the time, I worked overnight and the latter portion of my shift was very slow which gave me the opportunity to study for my license. I already had a successful career in pharmacy but my heart was in real estate. I prayed and asked God to have his will be done. A couple months later I finished the online course and passed the state licensing exam on my first try and I was off to the races. It took a couple years to transition from full time pharmacist to full time real estate agent but after being recognized several years in a row as a top producer by the Atlanta Realtors Association along with several other accolades, here I am today thriving as a real estate agent and advisor in metro Atlanta. Read More>>
Shawanda Johnson
Hello, where do I begin. It was A cold night in October and a Superstar was born, me. My name is Shawanda Johnson and I currently reside in Winterville, GA. I am the proud mother of 3 children and 3 grandchildren. When I came back to Athens, living here previously 1987-1995, I knew I wanted to dedicate myself to helping others and teaching what I had learned in life. Back in Chicago, where I’m from. Read More>>
Latoya Jones
They taught me early on to be a leader by having me involved in many different areas of church my family literally attended church seven days a week lol, but it’s taught me so much about leadership and help me develop into the women I am today. I have always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit that ignited as far back as elementary school , where I began selling candy to my classmates. This early drive led me to pursue my passion for beauty by obtaining my nail license in the 10th grade, shortly after obtaining my license I spent my high school years perfecting my craft in nail care. Read More>>
Janaisia Davis
It started when I was 13/14 and had a passion for content creation & making silly little YouTube videos. I have always wanted to do something in the digital space, however due to fear of what others would think about me or not getting any likes/comments/views stopped me. So for a while I just went about life on and off posting content. When I graduated high school I started getting into social media management & tried to learn more about that & put out informative content. Read More>>
Robert Cordy
Especially after finding out I was expecting my first Child. So I decided to settle my music career locally. The band started off doing Parties and Events for my Family and Co-Workers within the Fire Department. I would just call musicians friends of mine to see who was available to play the event. I didn’t have a Name for the band or nothing. Once we started playing in local Bars and Restaurants I realized we now needed a name/brand. After weeks of going through names I finally concluded with The REC Band! Fun Fact: Those are my initials Robert Edward Cordy (REC)…. Fast forward to today, the REC band is one of the hottest bands in the Greater Atlanta area. Read More>>
Chef Diervion (Tank) Land
My journey to this point was nothing of easy nor a smooth given to me. Want something bad enough you have to work towards it. I’ve been homeless, fell into poor planning, kicked while I was down, entangled in compromising situations, no my journey here has been everything but. However because I believe in the life I wanted to build for myself, because I knew I was bigger than my means at the time, I could push through. No matter how it looked how bad it gotten I knew I was stronger than the storm. Read More>>
James Kirklin II
My journey hasn’t been without challenges. After going through a painful divorce after 20 years of marriage, I found myself in a difficult place—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I was stuck, both physically and figuratively, on my couch, struggling to move forward. But through self-reflection, faith, and an unwavering belief that there was more for me, I began to rebuild my life. That experience became the foundation for my book, Stuck on the Couch, where I share my journey of loss, self-discovery, and resilience. My goal is to help others who feel trapped by life’s setbacks find the strength to get up and get on the path to better. Read More>>
Mary Reed
As someone who is deaf and depends on a cochlear implant and a hearing aid for listening and spoken communication, I cannot rely on hearing technology at night time. Suppose I fall asleep unaware that these devices have detached or run out of battery, and Catherine’s monitors are signaling respiratory distress? That risk is too great. Thus, nighttime responsibility falls on my husband, who sleeps on an air mattress beside Catherine’s bed, always on alert to her breathing and alarms. Despite constantly interrupted sleep, he still faces a full day of work the next day. Read More>>
Terence Okwuosa
The journey has definitely not been a smooth road. Starting Open Mnds, a mental health-focused clothing brand, came with its fair share of challenges. From balancing my time as a graphic design student and content creator to finding resources and funding for my first collection, it required relentless perseverance. I had to teach myself many skills, from managing the creative process to marketing and networking, all while staying true to my mission of promoting self-love, open-mindedness, and resilience. Read More>>
Prasad R K Reddy
I wrote, directed, acted, edited, VFXed, for seven short films in the fantasy, horror, suspense, and thriller genres. My brothers, Akshay and Ajay, assisted me with technical parts of the project, such as shooting and management. from 7 short films i made 5 short Films before joining Filmmaking institute, i learned basics of vfx & editing through Youtube videos and by practicing it became mediator in terms of level. Just the thing is If you really want to make something, if you fixed in your mind, heart then definitely you will achieve it. We have to be focused in all our sense. Read More>>
Sheila Sanon
So Atlanuh really just started as a passion project—a passing idea that a friend and I shared over a lunch break. I moved to Atlanta for work and was drawn to the way people here build, create, and push culture forward. I love language and the way it evolves, how a simple shift in pronunciation or spelling can turn into something meaningful. That’s why I stuck with Atlanuh—it felt like an authentic reflection of how we really say it. Read More>>
Tessa Cain
Fashion, in particular, became a way for me to communicate who I was and how I felt, even before I had the words for it. It felt like an extension of my creativity, a way to blend my love for art with my need to express myself in the world. My experiences in the arts taught me to appreciate detail, movement, and individuality—qualities that I now channel through fashion. I stayed dedicated to honing my skills, constantly pushing myself to improve. My journey involved doing numerous photo shoots and building relationships with brands, which ultimately helped me get to where I am today. It’s been a journey of staying consistent, following my passions, and making meaningful connections along the way. It’s been a powerful tool for me to not only reflect my identity but also to share my story with the world. Read More>>
Richard Grove
I’m now the driving force behind Wall Control, a brand that has become the go-to solution for wall-mounted storage and organization systems. What started as a passion for solving storage challenges has grown into a thriving business that serves DIYers, professional organizers, and garage outfitters. Under my leadership, Wall Control has become known for its innovative, high-quality metal pegboard systems. Read More>>
Rodney Iler
I am Rodney Iler, a 21-year-old sophomore at Georgia State University majoring in Early Childhood Education. I am most known for my prolific songwriting, excellence in leading worship, and professional skills in graphic design. Over the last 5 years, I’ve taken a huge leap of faith to pursue my career as a gospel artist and worship leader and while it’s been a difficult journey, it’s also been well worth it. Read More>>
Zel X
In 2019, I took things to the next level by diving into songwriting, production, and engineering, using programs like Pro Tools and Logic Pro. As I honed my craft, I was heavily influenced by legendary Ghanaian artists like Dasebre Dwamena, Kojo Antwi, and R2Bees, as well as Canadian artists PartyNextDoor and Brent Faiyaz. These artists shaped my sound, fueling my love for Afrobeats, Highlife, and R&B. Read More>>
David Mackey
But I’ve always been fascinated by the why—why certain melodies linger, why a single texture can shift the mood of an entire song. That curiosity led me into production, where music isn’t just played—it’s sculpted. The studio became a playground, a safe space to break the rules, flip the familiar into something new, and build a world from the ground up. That turned into crafting sounds, recording, collaborations, producing records, and eventually stumbling into sync licensing landing song placements on tv shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Selling Sunset, and more. Read More>>
Patty Delvalle
From the thrill of opening a fresh box of crayons as a child to the familiar scent of high school art classrooms, my love for creating has always been a part of me. I pursued a fine arts degree in college, but when motherhood became my greatest calling, my creativity found new outlets in the everyday beauty of raising a family. In recent years, as my children have grown, I’ve returned fully to my artistic practice, embracing the opportunity to create with renewed passion and purpose. Read More>>
Michelle P Simmons
When I first stepped into the world of real estate, I was filled with excitement, passion, and an unshakable belief that my circle—friends, family, the people I had supported countless times—would rally behind me. I had visions of them being my first clients, my biggest cheerleaders, the ones who would spread the word and help me grow. But life has a way of shaking your expectations, forcing you to learn hard lessons about loyalty, resilience, and the true meaning of support. Read More>>
Whayne Clarke Jr
Since then I’ve gained over 2,000 followers on tiktok. I released my first single in 2022 titled “Why Won’t You Love Me” and after a couple years of work I released my first album in May of this year. My album “Undergrad” is a peak into my life as a college student and the things I was going through during that time. Not long after I gave my life to God, and now I’m focused on using my business, The Millennial Christian Company, to release content and music that glorifies God and shares the truth about the gospel. On top of making music, I now also create content on tiktok, am active on threads, and have a podcast called Millennial Christian Conversations. Read More>>
Yasmin Donkor
Essence of Vitality was founded by my dad, Dr. Harry James Quao Donkor in August of 1996, when we moved to Atlanta from New York. My dad was born and raised in Accra, Ghana – he came from a long line of herbalists and wellness practitioners, which played a huge role in turning our family’s knowledge in herbalism and health into a business. I grew up watching my dad handcraft the herbal tonics and capsules within our line of products with much pride and dynamic. Today, I carry on that same pride and dynamic with our company’s products. Read More>>
George Edgemon
It is has been a roller coaster. I have learned so much, especially through my mistakes. I am most confident though in my products. Repeat business and word of mouth has kept me alive, but my struggles have been finding the right help with marketing and tasks outside of producing goods. Going back and forth between brick and mortars, online presence and social media was and still is a challenging game. Also keeping this business going during lockdown. Read More>>
Brittany Myra Smith
So my husband got tired of seeing me putting in so much effort with little return on bookings. His brain did scientific work and we created Dreakul FIlms. Now we are making movies and making moves! I have been able to showcase some of my work through our films and that has led to more bookings. Funny how I have waited so long for someone to take a chance on me, not knowing that it would be my husband and myself who would open those doors for me. Read More>>
RJ White
Since I was six years old, I knew I wanted to own a sports team. I remember telling my dad one morning—I made him late for work and all (lol)—but from that moment, I never lost sight of that dream. Seeing my mom as an entrepreneur inspired me. Do you remember Avon? Yeah, that hustle was serious! For some, that was their first taste of entrepreneurship—even if they didn’t realize it at the time. sports and BTS inspired me, and I always wanted to elevate what I was seeing. I always felt like it wasnt enough of an experience. Read More>>
Arkose
We met in high school back in 2012 at Hillgrove High School. We were mutual friends. One semester, we did jazz band together. Tad switched from trumpet to guitar because there were already 20 trumpet players. For the concert, we played the Chicago tune, ‘25 or 6 to 4’ and Tad played a guitar solo that blew everyone’s hair back including mine. My [Noah’s] dad told me, “If you ever start a band, that should be your guitarist!”. That stuck with me. Years later, I hit Tad up to finish some music I was working on (For the Love EP) and the rest is history. Read More>>
Bre White
Absolutely not! However, we are built for this. We have had issues with false promises on performances, lack of participation, and conflicted schedules with our cheerleaders because they cheer for their schools as well as us. We were practicing at my complex’s gym because we do not have a place of our own. That never stopped us, if anything it pushed us to go even harder. We believe that we can go far with this company and we still have a long way to go. We are very new to being business owners and we are still learning as we go. We are going to continue keeping faith and integrity of what we are doing now. ~ Coach Megan Read More>>
Keitha S Turner
Some of my struggles in the hair industry are building. Building can become overwhelming especially when you move to a whole new state with no clients. It took faith in God to be where I am slowly today. Back at home , I’m from Milwaukee Wi. I’ve built my clientele there to where there would be days I won’t even have to promote because people knew who I were. Coming to Atlanta is now forcing me to brand myself the more because I’m in a new arena. Read More>>
Jay Rose
I am an artist, I specialize in music like hip hop/R&B. I am known for making music that touches people soul and motivating them to do better in life and know they are not alone. I am most proud of the fact that God has given me a purpose in life and I have every chance to make that come to life everyday that I wake up. When people tell me to keep going, you’re going to make it, it motivates me to stay consistent and have faith. Read More>>
Obed Lopez
It’s even better when the people who were fortunate to be the muse of the day enjoys the final look of the photos as well. So I decided this will be what I invest my time into and I drew up a logo, got some more gear and have been pushing myself to get out and take more photos every day. I always say if you can find something you love great, and if you can make money while doing it even better. Though in all honesty if I could just do this for the rest of my life money or not I’d be happy. Read More>>
Bijan Nasseri
I went to college at Georgia State University, pursuing a degree in marketing. I never had any interest in photography, but I was always interested in the arts. Fashion and music have always been a key part of my life. Being immersed in the city life, I was inspired to start capturing photos of the cities vibrancy. I started small, taking and editing photos with my iPhone. I got pretty good, which caught the eye of some people over at Wish ATL in Little 5 Points. Read More>>
India Monae
India Johnson or creatively known “India Monae” is a Black woman illustrator and designer, and owner of iART Productionsj LLC, a creative business that offers a diverse collection of greeting cards, children’s books, tote bags, and novelty items, all crafted to celebrate the beauty and richness of Black culture. India is dedicated to creating art that shares joy and sparks imagination. Read More>>
Lisa Wilder Baker
Of course, life had its way of pulling me in other directions for a while. I pursued my passion for music, singing and songwriting in a band with my sister, while also navigating the corporate world. But about ten years ago, my camera called me back, and I started taking pictures again—mostly for friends and family at first. What began as a hobby reignited a spark, and before I knew it, this little side passion blossomed into a full-fledged business. Read More>>
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>>
