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.

Brandon Rashad Clayvon

Throughout my life, I’ve always been a creative person. I was the bright kid that was a lazy student, because traditional schooling wouldn’t hold my attention well enough. I would tend to act out, until my parents were able to find classes, programs, and sports that were able to challenge my mind. I also naturally found a way to challenge myself by falling in love with art. Doodling turned into a love for drawing more complex things, and a fascination with the music industry becoming more digital turned into a love for creating music. Read more>>

Kady Morgan

My healing journey started young out of necessity as I had many waves of trauma throughout my childhood. I began to learn about my health during my ten year journey with Chronic Lyme disease. I learned about healing the soul after experiences of abuse. When a close friend of mine was diagnosed with Leukemia in college, I began to learn about herbalism as a way to naturally heal the body. Read more>>

Shaniel Tirado

Well I’m a professional SpecialFx and beauty makeup artist. Born in the beautiful USVI (St.Thomas) migrated to Orlando,Fl when I was 8 yrs old and lived in Orlando until I moved here last year . Iam a mother and a entrepreneur . Read more>>

Jeffrey Gilles

However, when I woke up, the doctors told me something that felt like a punch to the gut I wouldn’t be able to use my right arm for over a year due to the severe damage. At that moment, it felt like I had swallowed a heavy rock. My right hand was my dominant hand, the one I used for everything. Suddenly, simple tasks like brushing my teeth, picking up a spoon, or even writing my name became impossible. I went through an emotional and depressive state where I felt like giving up. Read more>>

T. Villa

Young Villa had something else too, something special. He knew how to rhyme, he could put words together and nobody had to show him how. It came naturally, as naturally as hustling did. But sometimes real life takes a front seat to our passions and when you’re the man of the house you’ve got a choice to make: write these rhymes or put food on the table. So somewhere between the hustle and the sound booth, T. Villa was born. The road was bumpy and filled with its ups and downs. On more than one occasion there were run-ins with the law. Read more>>

Tijana Eby

I don’t think that there’s a entrepreneur that has ever had a smooth sailing toward making their passion work. I started small…so small with a chiropractic table and a handful of friends who were willing to pay for my services from the beginning. And that’s when the real work began to get to know the people in my community, volunteering my time with different community groups, and keeping an open-door policy to connect with other care providers, especially among other birth professionals. Since the word-of-mouth approach takes some time, I was patient in putting myself in the right places and with like-minded people, which over time worked in my favor. Read more>>

Mary Pratt

There is nothing smooth or without struggle following the artist journey. It’s uphill, downhill, and sometimes it seems to stand still. Approximately every ten years I reinvent myself. Always, I am learning. I consider myself a student of the arts. There was a time I had considered finding a new career. That day, I arrived home having made the decision to pursue a more lucrative position. Opening my mail I found a letter from a gallery in Knoxville, Tennessee asking if I was interested in bringing my work to their gallery. That was the day I understood I was on the right track and to never give up. Read more>>

Robert Reum

I began DJ career in 1987, performing at hotel bars throughout the southeast. In 1992, I had the opportunity to work at Backstreet Atlanta, which was open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. My name started gaining more recognition when I began working the weekend Morning Glory shift (5am – noon) twice a month, along with my Monday night residency. I worked there until it closed in 2004, when I was the head Dj at the time. Read more>>

Qween Qweezy

I am an artist/ entrepreneur. I have created my life’s rhythms through music and fashion. I blend them together so uniquely that my lyrics directly compliments my threads. I became known because of my music background and my consistency. I’m proud of my resilient. I never gave up on myself. I’m proud of the effort and work put in. Read more>>

Jordan Rhodes

Oh, where do I even begin? Picture this: small, football-obsessed town, wildly-out-of-place Alabama kid, sprinting straight into Atlanta for a design degree and four of the most hectic years of her life, wide-eyed and wildly unprepared for what was ahead. I had no roadmap, no “mentor”, no real plans—just a deeply innate need to create (getting out of Alabama included), and the stubbornness to figure it out along the way. Read more>>

Trejohn Skinner

After high school, I attended Berry College, initially majoring in Music Education. I began taking education courses, but in 2020, when COVID hit, everything changed. With most of the world stuck at home, I took the opportunity to learn something new. I purchased Apple’s DAW, Logic Pro, and started experimenting. I practiced every day, mixing projects for my musician friends, and quickly developed a passion for music production. This shift led me to change my major to Music Business, where I studied the industry from a broader perspective and took Music Technology courses to deepen my skills. Read more>>

Chantelle Tiller

So I’m from Atlanta Ga I grew up always dreaming about doing something in the fashion world I love everything about fashion so I’m a IGC CREATOR on TikTok which is a content creator and I’m a bargain shopper I love a deal I love going dancing and going to plays and spending time with family and friends Read more>>

Jin And Christine Lee

We’ve been so blessed to photograph engagements and weddings, and then watch those couples build a family. To see them bring their precious babies into our studio and watch those children grow year after year is truly amazing. Being a part of these milestones and capturing memories that last a lifetime is something we cherish every day. Read more>>

Blake Rashad

Our mission at Top Dogg K9 (TDK9) Foundation is to meet the critical needs of disabled veteran families and local communities and to reduce the number of military families that are impacted by suicide due to mental illness each year. TDK9 Foundation stands on the principle that Veterans Deserve Outstanding Generosity and Service (VDOGS). It supports this principle by rescuing, training and pairing suitable K9s with disabled veterans for a happier and healthier life. Read more>>

Latoya Lashae

Beyond content creation, I launched Plush Tingz LLC, my plus-size apparel brand, to empower women with stylish, comfortable pieces that celebrate individuality. Balancing entrepreneurship and content creation has been a journey of learning and evolving, but everything I do is rooted in self-expression and inspiring others. Today, I’m continuing to grow, collaborate with brands, and find new ways to connect with my audience in an authentic way. Read more>>

Sarah Gearhart

I’ve always had a love of arts and crafts, and I’ve always used crafting as a way to deal with my stress. I started Gearhart Design Co. during Covid when I was stuck at home and needed a distraction from everything terrible going on around me. I had previously made wooden signs as a side project, and I decided to start back up. I needed a creative outlet, and I had all the supplies, so I just went for it! Read more>>

Marsha Rowe

With that name in my heart and a growing sense of curiosity, I dove into jewelry design, teaching myself through research, trial, and error. The learning process was challenging but deeply fulfilling. When I completed my first piece, an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and joy confirmed that I had discovered my true passion. Read more>>

Sadè Hall

At the same time, I advanced my professional career by stepping into account management within the aerospace industry. In 2023, I further solidified my expertise by earning my Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. This achievement reinforced my ability to merge strategic business practices with branding, helping business owners elevate their presence in the market. Now, heading into my third year in business, I leverage my MBA, corporate expertise, creative design skills, and entrepreneurial experience to help business owners build strategic, professional brands. By blending professionalism with creativity, I ensure my clients’ branding stands out-giving them a competitive edge in their industry. Read more>>

Jessica Noel

In the fall of 2018, I was hired at a Black-owned med spa filled with some amazing individuals; I later discovered my growing interest in the aesthetic side of the beauty industry. Wanting to expand my skill set beyond massage therapy, I pursued an opportunity to apprentice under a successful Black-owned esthetician. That began the turning point in my career, which turned my passion into purpose. From 2020 to 2022, I dedicated myself to learning the trade, gaining hands on experience, and developing the expertise needed to become an esthetician. Read more>>

Rex Griffin

My mission statement fot the One School program was for me to be able to make culturally driven work that could stop viewers in their tracks along with bringing in other lost creatives searching for the opportunity to enter this amazing field. I have since then gained the opportunity to work on market leading brands that one could only dream of being apart of with campaigns made for Gatorade, Coca-Cola, Minute Maid, Jack In The Box, and Red Baron. In addition to working for Agency powerhouses like TBWA/Chiat /Day LA and VML I also mentor young creatives trying to break into this career because it’s important for me to pay it forward such as the amazing creatives that I’ve been fortunate enough to get mentored by myself. Read more>>

Diamond Hogan

It all began 13 years ago when I tragically lost my mother to cancer. Her battle inspired me to make a difference in the lives of others. I started my journey as a CNA, providing care and support to those in need. But I knew I wanted to do more. I pursued additional education and became a certified colon therapist, allowing me to help people in a unique way. Along the way, I realized the importance of business administration & healthcare’s administration so I pursue my degree in both fields. My passion to help people and create a positive impact in their lives is what led me to start my own business. Read more>>

Shynna Mccown

I am no stranger to hardship. Being a survivor of domestic violence who faced challenges building and running businesses and managing multiple streams of income while raising my 5 children while in my 20s & 30s, I persevered through financial challenges due to failed marriages, yet am determined to share my voice, vision, and victories with business & financial empowerment! I am a charitable mentor, visionary leader, and business & financial fanatic. I am a proud member of the Metro South Association Board of Realtors, Wealth Partners, and Wealth is a Mindset Community. Read more>>

Devyn Darden

I would like to say it’s been pretty smooth, just had to find my groove really. When I began rapping I knew it would take a lot of time and money but was unprepared with how much I would have to invest. My first couple years I didn’t really record any music, only had 3 songs out but never promoted them. And I also struggled with not having the people around me support what I was doing, but have definitely overcame that. After I had my daughter I met some friends who taught me how to use bandlab which made it easier to record and cut down on the costs. Being a single mom and having a newborn, studio time was always really expensive for me and my engineer was far from me and I didn’t have a car so bandlab was the smartest option for me. Read more>>

Octavia Roberts

I lost my mother at the age of 9 to cancer. And although I remember seeing her in and out the hospital, wearing wigs due to chemo and radiation, the greatest memory I cherish about my mom is her telling and teaching me about a man named Jesus. It is the seed planted by my mother that enabled me to survive life on the streets as a teenage parent and former drug dealer. Read more>>

Brian Bush

I won the PCW heavyweight title during pandemic becoming the only wrestler in PCW history to win every title, trophy and tournament we have ever had. During this time I began agenting matches at PCW and other shows in the state that I was working. Matt Hankins would often be out of town for work and I’d have to take over the show. And officially in 2022 I took over Booking duties from Matt as he “retired” Read more>>

Ashley Clemons

In 2020, I relaunched AC Cosmetics to make all of my products retail-ready under one unified brand. That same year, I had the opportunity to be part of a six-city masterclass tour with Olivia Song @OliviaSong, which helped expand my reach and connect with even more artists and customers. In September 2021, I took a leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles to further my career as a makeup artist while continuing to build AC Cosmetics. Today, my focus is on growing the brand to new heights, introducing innovative products, and solidifying AC Cosmetics as a go-to brand for all skin tones and types. Read more>>

Crystal Roach

I never had an idea too much on what I wanted to do after high school. I decided to try different colleges and even the military at one point. It just didn’t seem to fit me. One thing about me, I am a very hard worker and always work hard at anything and everything I touch. One normal day, a family member asked me to do their hair and somehow after moving back home, I started cosmetology school. I graduated from Paul Mitchell where I obtained over 1500 hours of hard work and time. This year will make 11 years since obtaining my cosmetology license. Go me!! Read more>>

Olivia Smarr

Growing up, I struggled to develop my own sense of style, often mimicking my older sister’s fashion choices and seeking her approval. However, I believe my self-concept and confidence began to significantly improve when I cut my hair in 11th grade. I eventually started a YouTube channel at the end of 12th grade (2020). During quarantine, my sister and I started taking lots of photos together. This sparked an exploration of various social media platforms and creative outlets like hair, makeup, and photography. Read more>>

Monica Awe-etuk

Twelve years ago, I took a leap of faith and started my blog, Awed by Monica to share my passion for fashion, design, and all things luxury. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, leading to a vibrant community of followers across various social media platforms. In 2024, I was honored to receive the Year award from, a testament to the connection and impact we’ve built together. Beyond content creation, I’ve expanded into design, launching a line of elevated, luxurious essentials that reflect my commitment to helping women look and feel their best. This evolution from blogger to designer has been a fulfilling experience, and I’m excited to continue this journey, inspiring others through both my content and creations. Read more>>

Natasha Grimes

When I attended Berkmar Middle School I was called speaking hands by my science teacher Mr. Manning, because I always spoke to deaf kids in American Sign Language. High school was an easier time, that is where I found who Tasha was, and what Tasha wanted to be. It was easy to speak to people when I was in high school. As of now, 2025 I have a podcast called Talks With Tash and I just enjoy speaking to artists and other business owners about who they are and how they started their journey. Read more>>

Wacera Kamawe

These products that I made myself worked very well for my skin and with time I ended up sharing them with those around me receiving great feedback from them as well. My plan was never to sell these products or to have a business but the more I kept doing and sharing my products with others it became clear that my path was changing. I started to sell them with those around me without much thought or great expectation but with time I realized I had created a small business. It grew from selling them to family, friends and coworkers to creating an online store and presence and eventually to now where it is my full time job after quitting my job to pursue full time entrepreneurship. Read more>>

Pamela Byrd

I grew up in different parts of the country. I attended 13 schools by the time I graduated high school. That alone has it’s advantages and disadvantages. I went into corporate America and eventually landed a position in Training and Development. Since that time, I have been training and coaching ever since. I obtained my coaching certification in 2007 and started my coaching practice at that time. Over the past 18 years, I have come to understand that many people are unable to pursue their dreams and goals because they can’t set healthy boundaries. Further observations, due to my own experiences, has helped me to understand that it’s difficult to set healthy boundaries if you have unresolved childhood trauma. Read more>>

Michael Webb

As I was writing, I realized if I was going to put that much effort into creating something, I wanted it to be good. I wanted to be able to have it on a bookshelf next to “regular books” and people not point it out as not belonging. So I started doing a ton of research: how to write, how to edit, how to publish, how to market, etc. I listened to podcasts, read books, networked in Facebook groups. I learned SO much and discovered there was way more to writing a successful book than just writing a draft then putting it out in the world. Read more>>

D. Watkins

Well I would say it’s a little struggle trying to make R&B mainstream when Hip Hop is very popular right now. I wish we had more TV music platforms to expose our fans to our talent. And I would say for all the upcoming artist be great and the industry will have less bumps in the road for you, because its hard to say no to undeniable talent. Read more>>

John Draekul

I started filming auditions for my wife in 2016. I continued to play around with the camera and see what I could do with it and in 2018, I wrote and directed my first short film, Swipe Right. After that, I was hooked and went on to create 4 more short films and 2 music videos. I am currently in post-production for a documentary about tribute artists called Borrowing Fame and I will be filming my first narrative feature, Haunt Ma, in late Spring 2025. Read more>>

Danay Helena

I worked there for a little over 9 months and gained a regular clientele that would come to Smart Styles specifically for me, even though it was a ‘Walk-in’ only salon. After gaining a solid clientele, in December of 2011, I was able to open up my own suite and bring my clients with me. I started to advertise on Craigslist everyday, I created a Groupon Deal and used Social media to market my business. After all of the marketing I was doing, I got to the point where I couldn’t handle the new and regular clientele by myself, so I opened up another suite and hired my first employee in order to help me with the over flow of clients. Read more>>

Irene Mathews

I have, of course, removed some services and added some new ones as I’ve gotten more and more advanced training. I’ve adjusted my protocols to give the kind of facials I enjoy doing which are longer, more luxurious facials. My shortest facial is around an hour and 20 minutes because I love giving a thorough consultation and spending time with my clients and their skin. Read more>>

Jasmine Clark

As a busy career woman myself, I experienced firsthand how hard it was to find high-quality hair extensions that were both beautiful and convenient. Too many brands were selling low-quality, synthetic blends disguised as “luxury” hair, and I knew women deserved better. I wanted to create a brand that busy professionals, mothers, and entrepreneurs could trust—something that made them feel effortlessly beautiful without the stress of shedding, matting, or wasted money. Read more>>

Guilherme Lucas

I am one of the best-known percussionists of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. I started playing at the age of 16. Rhythm has always been my passion! At the age of 18, I did my first recording in an album called “Jequitinhonha”, playing a drum kit. I have played live and recorded with some of the most important and influential artists and groups of Minas Gerais, most of them widely known in Brazil. The list includes: Read more>>

Lolita Yagnik

In 2007 I worked for my cousin who owned a ice cream store in the mall. At that time I just sold my business and finishing up grad school. On my shift I sat across from the store to watch everything and I had a moment on my childhood. What I witness was that no matter what color, religion, creed who were everybody loved ice cream, I grew up near two farms where we would ride our bikes and get ice cream. At that point when I realized everyone loved ice cream I said to myself that I will have my own ice cream store. I had to wait many years and one day the doors opened and we opened up in 2016. Read more>>

Maressa Kowalski

When I arrived in Atlanta in 2017, I carried with me the dreams and uncertainties of a new beginning. I moved here from Brazil with my husband, Anderson Braga, who had been invited to serve as a music director at a local church. At the time, I didn’t speak a word of English, but Atlanta, with its vibrant multicultural community, embraced me with open arms. That welcoming spirit became the foundation for what would later blossom into a transformative journey of service, empowerment, and entrepreneurship. Read more>>

J. Blake & Nick O’ryan

Both founders bring unique experiences to the business. J. is a six-time business owner and a Food Network star, while Nick is a first-generation college graduate, & previous entrepreneur as well. Their combined drive, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit have positioned SCRUMPT as an exciting new addition to Atlanta’s dessert scene, proving that taking risks and chasing dreams can lead to something extraordinary. Read more>>

Izabela Rose

On February 10, 2025, her second single dropped titled “Be Careful Love”. And is receiving rave reviews. Which led her on being booked as Entertainment on her first 40 city tour. By Randy Jackson’s and Paula Moore New Company that is Partnering With Simon Malls for A Shopping Mall Talent Search. That will hit every Simon mall nationwide. Read more>>

Lula Graham

Which led to prom dresses and other special occasions clothing. After high school I went out of state to Bradley Academy for the Visual Arts in York, Pa. Leaving just before graduation to be with my dying grandmother. She would always encourage me to go back to school, when she passed 6 months later, my mind couldn’t handle leaving my family again. So I stayed and started working for a major retailer. Using a lot of what I learned while in school. I had fun, traveled and met some amazing people along the way. After 9 years I walked away with a clear understanding of what my life could truly be if I started in the fashion industry on my own. Read more>>

Niecey J.

After working In her shop for 2 years i stepped out on faith & decided it was time to start my business so for my birthday i decided to open LOVE7SKYN BEAUTY SPA & offer full body waxing , facials, body facials, brow services, & my natural cosmetics of course. I love waking up and doing what i love to do i enjoy making people look & feel good but most importantly i love connecting with women from all walks of life. Being a esthetician is also being a pt therapist & obgyn according to the clients i wouldn’t trade it for anything. Now i believe i am truly living in my purpose and doing what God has planned for me to do! Read more>>

Father Figure

By the spring of 2024, the band started coming together in full force. Sophia and Christina “Chris” joined after meeting Mirella through different connections. Sophia met Mirella through playing goalie for the GT Women’s Lacrosse team together. Chris met Mirella through a mutual friend and is drummer in another band. The band’s first performance together was on April 19, 2024, at Georgia Tech’s Bio Quad, marking the beginning of our journey together. We hit the summer of 2024 hard playing various local venues like Rocky Mountain Pizza and around the Home Park scene. Read more>>

Corey B Washington

Excellent with money, decorations, paying attention to details, and an excellent marketer. Next was Trent Jones. The backbone to our crew. Very well loved and respected. Excellent promoter. Knows music like no other. When I am losing it….he gets a call. Always has my back. Then there is Marc McIntosh aka Marc Mac! Marc is the Yang to Trents Yin! He is logical, and waste no energy on silly things. Always focussed on the bottom line and will do whatever it takes to reach our goals. He is also my second cousin. If no one else ever showed up, Marc and I would be doing a two step in the lobby laughing at ourselves! Read more>>

Anna Dinh

As I attend Artist Alley in Anime conventions and local events, I am working around the clock to ensure that I can interact with others in a way that makes them feel comfortable or make their shopping experience more enjoyable. Something as little as the way I word my sentences as well as how I display my merchandise at in-person events all stem from different kinds of research on human behavior. Read more>>

Karenne Fru

Throughout my journey, I developed a deep passion for women’s healthcare, particularly in improving patient advocacy and access for marginalized populations. After facing my own fertility struggles and enduring six miscarriages, despite my medical training, I gained a personal understanding of the gaps in healthcare. This experience led me to envision a new model of care, one that puts vulnerable patients first and empowers them in their journey. Read more>>

Kelly V

Starting from a young age I always had the gift of putting broken pieces into a whole. I could literally visualize things in my mind and create it into reality. Those gifts led me to creating different projects whether it was photo collages or videos for my family on special holidays. Those projects helped my mother feel loved emotionally.. As I grew older my love for art transformed into fashion. I didn’t express myself so much as a kid that I developed an outlet as an adult. The outlet I developed was expressing myself through clothing. As I continued to do what I loved most, I decided to present it to the world confidently which was through creating content. Read more>>

Mike Posner

My name is Mike Posner, I was raised in a small town known as Doylestown Pennsylvania. Art and music weren’t something that was really looked at as a priority where I grew up. The main priority as far as anyone around me was concerned was what business school they were going to attend and which degree to pursue. As I was growing up around my peers, I noticed I was diFerent. When I say diFerent, I really mean my interest and my passion. Read more>>

Antonio Taylor

Since 2022, Antonio has served as a dedicated board member on the Henry County Ethics Board, appointed by the Henry County Tax Commissioners Office. In this role, he plays a crucial part in upholding ethical standards within the community, ensuring that public officials and government entities operate with integrity and transparency. Antonio’s commitment to fairness and accountability in public service aligns with his broader dedication to serving his community, making him a valuable asset to the Ethics Board. Read more>>

Cody Skinner

Around 2018-2019, I began channeling my creativity into a solo electro-industrial project called Riot Age, an aggressive music project that touches on themes like political corruption, police states, and advancing technology. In 2020, I released my first album, Reboot, and by April 2023 I had the opportunity to play my first live show opening for the legendary electro-industrial band Suicide Commando at 529 in East Atlanta Village. Since then, Riot Age has had the honor of sharing the stage throughout the Southeast with acts like SITD, Curse Mackey, and Astari Nite. I have also had the opportunity to be part of the live lineup for vvitchboy and Sneakernet. Read more>>

Marc Nolan

But this story kept moving forward, and mostly due to the NCAA and its horrible policies from the Transfer Portal, to NIL, no more National Signing Days etc..and the constant changes they make, having a MAJOR NEGATIVE impact on these High School Athletes! Once again, without those parents (who spend 10’s of thousands of dollars on “ranking camps”) not having any clue of why their 5 star son or daughter, is getting those coveted offers! I speak at the local High Schools, and Rotary events and my Podcast series has been going great, and if just ONE parent gains knowledge from my discussions in these forums to bring out these issues with the NCAA that Ive been involved with all these 50 something years, I will speak out to serve this group of high school athletes, and their parents for as long as I can!  Read more>>

Jada Wilson

I was born in Atlanta, Ga but raised in both Decatur and Thomasville, Ga. The core of the year, when school was in, I was in Decatur with just my mom and brother. My father chose to be absent, so my grandmother was very essential and impactful in my upbringing. Most summers and holidays my brother and I would stay with her in Thomasville, Ga , which is where both sides of my family are from. I attended DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts majority of elementary and middle school; 2nd-7th grade to be specific. When I attended, students graduated in 7th grade and from there you could audition and apply for the high school; DeKalb School of the Arts which was also a top high school in DeKalb county curriculum wise. Read More>>

Walil Archer

I first stepped into real estate investing while balancing multiple businesses, but my interest truly took off when I realized the power of leveraging properties for long-term wealth. I started by learning the fundamentals—understanding markets, networking with seasoned investors, and studying creative financing strategies. From there, I made my first investment, which set the foundation for a growing portfolio of rental properties, flips, and strategic acquisitions. Read More>>