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.
Suvaleena Paul
There were were at least 29 applications that got rejected and did not pass through the first AI assessment. And then finally out of nowhere, I got an email from an HR at Bank of America saying she wants to set up a call with me. The call went really smooth. I guess it was the most personal and the most raw conversation I have had with an HR up until today. The story above is exactly what I told her when she asked me why Bank of America. I told her since when I had the dream and the vision and the focus of joining this company and why. And finally on December 2022 I started working full-time as an Assistant Vice President in the Fraud Detection team of Bank of America. Read more>>
Aqeel Hasan
But Hasan didn’t stop at creating a great lineup; he’s also laser-focused on pushing the brand and maximizing its reach. He’s made significant strides in brand awareness, aiming to introduce this unique viewing experience to a global audience. And for businesses seeking to elevate their visibility, The Enterprise Theater TV Network offers an exciting opportunity. Hasan has opened the door to companies big and small to advertise on this rapidly growing network, providing prime commercial time slots around high-quality shows that keep viewers coming back. Read more>>
Michelle Buffkin
One of the things that makes Buff’d Wellness unique is my ability to seamlessly integrate NKT, corrective exercise, therapeutic massage, and advanced skincare treatments in a way that nurtures both physical and emotional well-being. The Buff’d Wellness Experience is designed to support full-body health and radiance, combining muscle assessments and treatments with rejuvenating skin care to help clients move better, feel better, and look their best. I also focus on education, empowering my clients to understand their bodies, break free from pain cycles, and maintain long-term wellness. Read more>>
Alessio Lacco
Years later, life brought me to the U.S., and I saw a big opportunity: people loved pizza, but few had experienced true Neapolitan pizza made with heart and respect for tradition. That’s when Atlanta Pizza Truck was born. I literally started from scratch — a truck, a dream, and a mission to bring real Italian pizza to the streets of Atlanta. Read more>>
Matt Rogers
SolutionBuilt didn’t start as a full-fledged web and mobile agency—it began as a B2B marketplace in 2004. But the story of our evolution stretches back even further. In the late 90s, I spent hours watching my roommate, a multimedia designer, bring projects to life for brands like BP and Fortune magazine. What started as simple curiosity soon grew into hands-on involvement—first with small tasks, then project management and accounts. Read more>>
Enfamous Familia Music Group
Enfamous Familia Music Group started as a vision among a tight-knit group of brothers who shared a passion for music and a relentless drive to create something bigger than themselves. In the early days, we were just recording tracks in home studios, hungry to make our mark in the music industry.. Late-night freestyle sessions, makeshift recording booths, and a hustle-first mentality defined our grind. With little to no resources, we relied on raw talent and the support of each other, pushing through setbacks while crafting a sound that represented our struggles, ambitions, and unbreakable brotherhood. Read more>>
Mary Slate Dygert
Because I am in the mental health field to help others, challenges can arise when the client sitting across from me is ambivalent. I have to remind myself often that I can’t work harder than my clients. Sometimes, the eating disorder that I want to see them free from is the very thing that numbed the pain of their parent’s divorce or ended severe bullying by fellow classmates or was a cry for help to a loved one. Each of my clients are on a winding and bumpy journey. It is humbling to be a part of all of the moments along the way, from eating a cupcake for the first time in years to stepping foot into a grocery store with confidence, and everything in between. Read more>>
Chris Mungin
Born from a passion for storytelling and connection, Pulse 101.3 was built to reflect the voices and vibes of the community we serve. From day one, we’ve focused on uplifting local businesses, highlighting cultural moments, and giving a platform to voices that often go unheard. As an internet station, we’re not bound by traditional limits—our reach is global, but our roots are right here at home. Read more>>
Vashaun Davis
I started as a little kid singing and dancing at family weddings. I always would listen to Micheal Jackson and Chris brown always said I wanted to be a singer. I walk around the house singing. When I got older I start to take my music career more serous, being in many different relationships gave me a reason to continue singing. Expressing my feelings over the track is the best way can help get your mind right. I hope to do a song with Chris brown down the line in my career. Read more>>
Bryce Godfrey
Eventually, I shifted into music—off the strength of believing in myself. I started manifesting, speaking greatness into existence, and I found a manager who believed in my vision. I dropped a track with an open verse from Destroy Lonely, and it took off on SoundCloud and Instagram. At the time, my sound wasn’t even fully developed, but I was different. I wasn’t trying to copy anyone. I stayed true to myself—and people connected with that authenticity. Read more>>
Jada Lyons
When i started doing makeup, I needed someone to mentor me on what it’s really like to be a pro mua… so i went to Anna Garcia (a makeup artist located in New Orleans). She taught me the ins & out, the ups & downs of being new to the beauty industry. So far i’ve done bridal parties with her and traveled all within my first year of being a mua. One of things that help me get to where I am is social media… putting my work on the internet & being consistent with posting on all platforms. Now I’m continuing to learn and grow from being a mua & content creator. It’s only the beginnging. I know God got so much more in store for me. Read more>>
Gnat Green
Creating has always been second nature to me. As a kid, I spent nearly every day drawing, entering competitions, taking traditional art classes, and showcasing my work in art shows. Cartoons, video games, and comic books were my biggest inspirations, and I mimicked different styles until I developed my own. School environments were difficult for me, but drawing provided a much-needed distraction, allowing me to focus my energy on something positive. Being born and raised in Midtown Atlanta, I was fortunate to connect with many other creatives like myself. Read more>>
Briuna Clark
Growing up, my mother was intentional in how she raised me and my siblings. She made sure we were always involved—whether it was church, sports, clubs, or academic programs. I remember her constantly reminding us that with God, there are no limits. That message was deeply engraved in me from a young age. I was always imaginative, always creating, and always consistent in executing the ideas I saw in my mind’s eye. Creativity was my language, and consistency was my strength. Read more>>
Ashanda Fennell
We provide all things luxury from beautiful tablescapes designs to make your experience fabulous. Clients are able to pick an indoor or outdoor location (mostly parks or residential backyards) for their experience, show up and enjoy your experience. We are responsible for set up and breakdown. I enjoy seeing people happy, gathering with good energy and conservations. It is really mentally rewarding based on all we are faced with in life even after the pandemic. Fabuluxe Picnics ATL serves the Atlanta and surrounding areas. Read more>>
Lillian Charles
I think the toughest part of this work has been staying in my own lane. There are a lot of fast-growth strategies out there but none of that feels truly authentic to me. Connecting with my community online, over time, has been the purest and most sincere way to grow this business. I know how my 60+ person membership to continue fostering community and that is what feels the most resonant right now. Read more>>
Jordyn Phillips
Smooth wouldn’t necessarily be my first word. Modeling definitely took a lot of time, dedication, and sacrificing. Running around for model calls, making sure you’re growing and training yourself to be better, learning how to properly market yourself professionally in settings filled with people. Personally, I also had/have a small stage fright, so pushing through that was a challenge as well. However, the challenges never stopped me from doing something I’ve been so passionate about. You just learn how to make things works better. Read more>>
Donna McDonald Judy Goldberg
One of our biggest transitions was moving from Roswell to Marietta during the global pandemic. While it was a challenge, it ultimately became an opportunity. It gave us time to step back, rethink how we engage with the community, and find innovative ways to connect people with art. The Marietta Art District, which we are proud to be part of, spearheaded what became known as virtual art gallery tours. On First Friday Art Walk nights, galleries would go live on social media, allowing people to join from home with a glass of wine and experience the art virtually. This creative approach gained national recognition, and we were even featured in The Washington Post for our participation. You can read more about it here: Read more>>
Tanisia Blount
I’ve always had a passion for skincare and helping people feel confident in their own skin. My journey as an esthetician began six years ago when I decided to turn that passion into a career. After gaining hands-on experience and mastering various techniques, I saw a need for high-quality, results-driven skincare services in my community. That’s when I founded Tunisian Esthetics, with the goal of providing advanced treatments like laser hair removal, electrolysis, and customized facials for both men and women. My focus has always been on delivering effective solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs, and that dedication has helped my business grow into what it is today. Read more>>
Chidinma Kanu
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every step has built my strength and shaped my story. One of the biggest challenges was balancing everything—working full time, going to school, and trying to build a brand from scratch. On top of that, financial constraints made it even tougher. I didn’t have my own camera in the beginning, so I used to borrow cameras just to do jobs. I was determined, though, and eventually, I saved enough to buy my first Nikon D5600. That moment felt like a turning point—it was proof that hard work pays off. Read more>>
Rosanne Dorfman
Real estate has been my world for as long as I can remember. Helping people find a place to call home isn’t just a job; it’s my calling. Even as a child, I was fascinated by the idea of “playing house,” creating spaces that felt warm and inviting, and fixing things when they broke. Entrepreneurship was second nature to me because I grew up with parents who ran their own general contracting business for over 30 years. Being surrounded by construction, I picked up the lingo, learned how to use tools, and developed an eye for what makes a house not just structurally sound but a true home. Read more>>
Katerina Stobert
I’ve always been the creative one in my family, but it took me many years to finally embrace my true passion. One day, a friend who knew about my love for crafting and DIY projects asked if I could organize an art class. So, I decided to host one in my backyard on a sunny day, inviting a few people to join in. That was the start of my journey, and from there, my workshops took off. People started reaching out, asking me to lead art masterclasses for events like birthday parties. Read more>>
Christopher Sho
The hardest thing that I have been a part of is not being able to speak with the headliner. Sometimes I have been put in positions where I can feature or open up for major headliners and I don’t get an opportunity to talk with them. That is very frustrating…and that’s FoSho… Read more>>
David Knox
My journey has always been rooted in creativity, connection, and building something meaningful from the ground up. In the early stages of my career, I was deeply immersed in the world of fashion retail and brand building. I’ve always had an eye for style and a passion for helping others express themselves through what they wear and how they show up in the world. That love for aesthetic and identity eventually led me into real estate—another world where creativity, strategy, and vision play a huge role. Read more>>
Angela Gregory
Naked Seat has become synonymous with quality and innovation, catering to both interior designers and the general public. We believe that every piece of furniture has a story to tell, and through unwavering attention to detail, we bring those stories to life. Hard work and commitment to excellence have earned Naked Seat collaborations with some of the most talented designers in the Southeast. Whether it’s a custom upholstery project or creating custom furniture pieces, we ensure that each creation reflects our client’s unique style and vision. Read more>>
Corey Marshall
The path to starting (plural) wellness collective has been a long and winding one. Stops on that path included 8 years in the Navy, degrees from both Georgia State University and the University of Georgia, as well as experiences in multiple hospitals and private counseling practices. Today, I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to use what I’ve gained from my invaluable experiences to better help the Atlanta community. Read more>>
Alisa Rayford
I was working as a Tax Accountant for a company I enjoyed. I decided to get a license because it was going to be my retirement career. I decided to get my real estate license and i was a dual agent for about a year and a half. I realized that I truly enjoyed being a realtor and helping people with their real estate needs. I felt I could be of value after working for many years in the mortgage industry. Read more>>
Andrew Snorton
As a result, the concept of a Kentucky Derby themed event comes to fruition in the form of the #AlphaDerbyWeekend – in 2015, the event is launched with a goal of simply doing a one-day event and selling out our original venue (which would accommodate 500 people); in the first month of releasing the information (January 2015), we sold out our venue in 4 weeks and ended up relocating to the City Club of Buckhead. Originally, it is a 2-day event consisting of a rooftop bar meetup at our host hotel at the time (The W) and then our main event. Read more>>
Jan Bolgla
When the Kindle first came out we were wondering if it might effect our sales. But booklovers – especially people that shop in an independent bookstore – are a special breed! Books are forever, and we are stronger than ever! Read more>>
Jaylon Mcmillan
Training, just like life, has had its ups and downs, but the lows are where I’ve learned my most valuable lessons. There were times when self-doubt crept in, when progress felt slow, and when balancing my own fitness journey with helping others felt overwhelming. But I’ve come to embrace the struggle because, as the saying goes, “Shun not the struggle, for it is God’s gift.” Every setback, every challenge, and every hard-earned victory has shaped me into the trainer I am today—stronger, wiser, and more dedicated to helping others overcome their own battles. Read more>>
Leah Chun
In 2008, I decided to pursue my passion and attended the Joe Blasco Makeup Academy in Hollywood, with the goal of becoming a special effects makeup artist. While I did enjoy working with special effects, such as creating burns, mustaches, wrinkles, and bald heads, I found myself more drawn to the beauty side of makeup—making people feel and look their best. It was in that moment I realized I wanted to focus on enhancing beauty rather than transforming it. Read more>>
Janel K. Lauren
I make content about God and my walk in my faith but its in a non conventional way. People think you’re supposed to look, think, talk, dress, act a certain way to be a Christian and when I turn on that camera, I come there RAW, struggles on full display, and I don’t care what anyone feels about it. I’ve always been okay with saying how I feel, and its been beautiful in my journey to see how that has translated to my art, to YouTube, and to see so many people resonating with it. I’ve just been being authentic — and its wild because I lived a long life of insecurity. So finding out that my true self is valued, honored, admired, and even looked up to, its a blessing. Read more>>
Sarah Jankowski
As an Army family, we moved often… sometimes to a new city, sometimes to a new state, and even to a new country. Each move brought its own challenges, not just personally but also professionally. Relocating my studio, working from home when I had to, and rebuilding my client base in an entirely new market was never easy. With an in-person, service-based business like photography, especially in such a saturated industry, starting over meant finding ways to stand out and truly lean into what makes my work unique. More than anything, I’ve learned that success comes from building genuine relationships and creating connections within the community. Read more>>
Paige Whiffen
I found a passion for hair in my early teenage years. It was my creative outlet for personal expression. I realized that through my own hair I felt more confident and comfortable in my own skin, and wanted to share that feeling with others. I started my journey towards becoming a hair stylist through an internship with the cosmetology school I later attended and graduated. I was fortunate enough to find Zeba, my salon home, right out of school. Sima, the founder, took me under her wing becoming a mentor in my life, a friend, and mother figure. She saw and brought out a side of me I never saw at that point. We opened up our second location which I was given the opportunity to manage and run. This came with many lessons to help me become the stylist, educator, and owner I am today. Read more>>
Shavonne Clark
But, somewhere along the way I lost my passion. I begin to be more concerned with the opinions and feedback of others and not the vision and what God had spoke to me. I became discouraged and stopped speaking. I put Speaking Boldly to the side and went on to live my life and focus on other things. Even though I tried to leave Speaking Boldly alone it never left me. Read more>>
Renae Marshall-Robinson
In addition to my professional and family life, I am honored to hold the Crown of the 2024 People’s Choice Award for Sparkle Nation Pageants. However, my greatest achievement outside of my family has been co-founding a non-collegiate sorority, Rho Sigma Alpha Sorority, Inc. on August 8, 2023. What started as a vision to foster genuine sisterhood and community engagement has grown beyond my wildest expectations. Today, Rho Sigma Alpha spans 29 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and even Germany, a testament to the need for an organization that uplifts women and gives back to the communities we serve. Read more>>
Wanda Monette Pearson
But my journey didn’t stop there. Life has tested me in ways I never imagined, and I’ve had to overcome deep struggles and personal challenges. These experiences led me to write my book, “God’s Grace Through the Fire: From Struggle to Triumph.” In it, I share my story of overcoming adversity, trusting in God’s grace, and finding strength through faith. My book is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unwavering love of God that carried me through life’s toughest moments. Read more>>
Jaha Knight
My love for both words and visuals led me to focus on graphic design in high school, where it was like a tech major. We spent years learning the craft, eventually getting certified by graduation. I went on to earn both my associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, and by 22, I started my own African American newspaper, published in Charleston, Columbia, and Orangeburg, SC. Over the years, I’ve done it all—spoken word artist, graphics and art teacher, radio personality, podcast host, event host, branding coach, author, and artist—constantly chasing the dream of being an artist. Read more>>
Erin Floyd
Erin Floyd is a remarkable individual whose life story embodies resilience, faith, and empowerment. Born into challenging circumstances, Erin faced early hardships, including the loss of her mother at a young age and subsequent experiences in foster care. These trials shaped her journey, leading her to become a teenage mother while navigating significant personal and relational challenges. Read more>>
Dwight Ali Williams
Well the biggest struggle is really trying to gain new and more regular clients for me seeing as I am new to the Atlanta market in this field and not well know. Plus, I started in a non-traditional way seeing as I started learning and creating events primarily for my day job. I would also say trusting my instincts when creating is very important and not to second guess Read more>>
Bazma
I’m a singer, songwriter, and artist known for blending western pop with Arabic influences, creating a unique sound that represents my Saudi roots on a global stage. Since 2016, I’ve released music, won multiple awards, and achieved milestones like topping major playlists and gaining millions of impressions. Read more>>
Daeshon Street
I am a photographer specializing in lifestyle, sports, and creative work such as birthdays/graduation/maternity. I also do event photography upon request. I like to think of myself as a photographer that creates timeless art that my clients will be able to look back on 20-30 years down the road and still be able to feel the emotion of the times. I am only about 4 years into the industry, so I am still actively seeking ways to set my brand apart from others. Read more>>
Cory R
Well recently I’ve been more on the directing side of things as far as my production, cinematography and even the brand. Recently we’ve been trying to move things a little slow just so we can bring an amazing album or show to life. So my goals for this year is to start touring so that’s the focus on the work this year and I’m very proud of the people who’ve helped me reach higher limits and I can’t wait to give back to those people. So with Riverside we’ll be setting a new path and with that I wanna inspire others to follow their hearts, that’s what I hope sets me apart from others. Read more>>
Joshua Owh
I find that any entrepreneur will face a challenge with balancing time, money, and energy. Learning how to balance these things has always been a challenge. I want to give what I can to the business, but also need to take care of my household. I want to have a social life, but something work related can always be done. It’s definitely an ongoing struggle, but always one that I feel grateful for. I know there’s no other job I’d rather have. Read more>>
Ericka Raye
Aside from all the mental challenges, I am very proud of developing Earnest Social Media Management, a social media agency that creates innovative content, develops a custom social and brand strategy, offers in-house photography and videography, and manages the social presence and reputation for B2B/B2C companies. We’ve worked with major brands in a plethora of industries, such as ServiceMaster Restore, ServiceMaster Clean, Brigit, and Yung Joc and the Streetz Morning Takeover on Streetz 94.5. Read more>>
Markie Darling
With inflation and supply chain issues, the cost of quality ingredients continues to climb, making it difficult to stay competitive while maintaining fair pricing for customers. Balancing affordability without sacrificing quality is a constant challenge. The goal is to offer great food at reasonable prices, but that becomes harder when ingredient costs keep fluctuating. Despite these obstacles, we remain committed to delivering amazing food and service. The journey has been tough, but the passion for cooking and serving the community keeps pushing us forward. Read more>>
Mark Snyder
Bootstrapping, late nights, and the support of a fantastic network of friends eventually brought our first product to life: the Albero. Albero utilizes innovative micro-algae technology, naturally purifying indoor air, the very same algae that provide roughly 70% of Earth’s oxygen. Algae’s remarkable ability to convert carbon dioxide into fresh oxygen makes Albero an advanced, elegant solution for indoor air quality. Our flagship product, the Albero Foundation Series, is designed as a captivating “liquid tree,” blending luxury, innovation, and artistry to seamlessly enhance home interiors. We recently unveiled a Traditional Albero, combining timeless elegance with the cutting-edge technology featured in our Modern Albero design. Read more>>
Brooke Courie
My first client was my dear friend Sarah Johnson, a fellow entrepreneur who owns Insight Dental. She saw potential in me when I struggled to see it in myself. With her support, I took the leap. I called Brittany, bubbling with excitement, and proposed a partnership. “I’m doing this! Do you want to join me?” Though she kept her marketing job initially, she began to work with me on the side, and that’s when the magic happened. Read more>>
Michael ( SwoDaPoet ) Weems of Atlanta
So 6 months post graduation from college an incident occurred at my home that altered the career path & trajectory of my life. The situation is one that’s very layered so I won’t go into specific details but it definitely sent me in a downwards spiral as I battled with depression for a few years following. To go from beating the odds and becoming a first generation grad, to becoming a statistic was not supposed to be in my pipeline to success. I was lost, had a degree I could no longer use, and a reputation and legal situation that wasn’t reflective at all of the person that I am. Read more>>
Miani (money) Leaks
What sets Kencations apart is the personalized approach. I believe travel should be more than just a vacation; it should be an experience that lingers long after you return. Whether it’s helping families plan their dream getaway, organizing group trips, or crafting luxury experiences, I take pride in making the process seamless and enjoyable. Entrepreneurship isn’t always easy, but the opportunities and growth I’ve experienced have been worth every challenge. Traveling the world at 25, running a thriving business, and helping others explore places beyond their imagination—it’s more than just work; it’s my passion..and this is just the beginning. Read more>>
Starr Roberts
Early on in my professional career I watched a video called “Give Em the Pickle!” The thing that has remained with me is the service recovery aspect of the video. As service professionals we’re not always going to get it right, however we can attempt to turn things around. Apologizing is a great first step, depending on the business comping items, offering a discount on their next service, sending a manager out to speak to customers, etc. are all acts of good faith. Read more>>
