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.
SinThya
I’ve been doing music for about 12 years, forming the “SinThya” moniker in early 2017. It’s been my passion for years to make dope noisy shit for the worthless, the unattractive and all the lowlife outcast unorthodox individuals you’ll never get to see. In 2023 I began running my independent label Sinful Wish Records, an authentic underground record label specializing in Experimental, Noise, Industrial among others; featuring projects such as Lost In A World Of Ghosts, Shed Skin, Grumble and of course myself. Read more>>
Bradley Edmondson
This was our first exposure to medicine outside the United States. The needs were overwhelming. The desperation was evident. Patients had walked for days through the jungle after hearing about our visiting medical team on the radio. We worked with local healthcare officials, as well as, leaders from the faith community. We left changed. That small jungle community marked our heart. Read more>>
Mary McPherson
If you don’t hit obstacles when embarking on a leap of faith, then you aren’t doing something right or your aren’t being honest with yourself. The biggest obstacle was opening a school during a pandemic. In hindsight, it tuned our to be a great idea since so many children were diagnosed during the pandemic and most of the special schools were at capacity. Securing an appropriate facility and being able to sell your vision to others was not easy feat, especially when all you have is your reputation to get the doors open to start serving children. Read more>>
Rashad Thompson
Things tend to get rough when I make a point to reference him in just about every episode, but it’s my homage to him. I’m thankful that outside of my passions, I’m stable financially, so there isn’t a space that I exist in where my podcast’s success determines whether or not I eat; I’ve been in that space in my former music career and the art, at least in my case, certainly suffers. On top of that, the idea of getting the equipment I need to accommodate my vision has been more of “time” issue, and not so much of a “means” issue, and I’m grateful for that reality. Read more>>
Josh Snyder
JSM blends Pop, Hip-Hop, and EDM to create immersive experiences that challenge listeners to consider that this world is not their home (John 17:16). Their music, themes, and live performances all reflect the idea that believers are travelers on a mission, navigating an unfamiliar world while longing for the place they were truly meant to be. Read more>>
Tanya Lacourse
I’m not sure if it’s ever a smooth road. I tend to jump into things and learn as much as I can while I am in mid air. It’s good to be naive in a way but there is also so much to understand and learn. You need time to build a portfolio, to get clients to trust you, to build expertise and to build relationships. The only way to get there is through. Expect some bumps. Read more>>
Davide “Set” Emmanuello
Early on, I realized my drawing style naturally leaned toward Neo-Traditional, so that became my main style for a few years. But since I’ve always been a nerd and grew up obsessed with anime and manga, I eventually decided to leave Neo-Trad behind and fully commit to anime tattoos. Fast forward a few years, and it’s been the best decision ever—it’s brought me so much satisfaction and even led me to live the American dream. Read more>>
Eric Kim
It’s in this corporate data analytics role that I learned numbers. I was always good at math… but was I good at analyzing? I wasn’t, but this role forced me to learn how to think with air-tight logic. Although I had this entrepreneurial itch, I flourished in my role at CarMax, being placed in more senior roles and becoming a thought leader in major business development at this Fortune 500 company. Read more>>
T’yanna Allen-Williams
As a college student and aspiring publicist, there have definitely been some struggles. I do not have a car, and ATL is definitely a city where a car is necessary. There have been times when I wanted to attend an event or wanted to work, but I only had enough money to make it there. Like my university says, I’ll find a Way or I’ll Make One, which I always do, but it definitely is not easy all of the time. Also, I am learning as I go, so of course I have made mistakes. All in all, I am thankful for my community and the people around me who continuously support me no matter what. Read more>>
Abilash Pulicken
Those early days in the field were a trial, largely because I refused to understand that work in our field is a marathon, not a sprint. My clients loved me because I was passionate, and showed up ready to give 100% every day. I took few real breaks, and dove headfirst into work with individuals and populations that intimated seasoned clinicians – court mandated s*x offenders, homeless individuals, domestic violence victims and abusers, high-conflict couples, etc. with gusto. If this were a movie, I would have persevered, and overcome through the merits of my passion alone. In reality though, I crashed and burned out. I knew the work was going to be hard, but it turned out that I had not really bargained for just how hard the work was going to be. Read more>>
Kyng Rhodes
As I time went on I continued observing my surroundings and creating which landed me in multiple art programs while attending grade school through high school. When I graduated I decided to study graphic design over traditional art in college because I felt that it would allow for a steady income while allowing me to work in creative career. Once I graduated from college I worked as freelance graphic designer part time while also maintaining other jobs not related to my career. I was eventually hired as a graphic designer for a marketing company. I worked for them for close to a year before I decided to focus on a career as a full time professional artist. Read more>>
Tiffani Davis
There were ups and downs, mainly because, as a designer, you go through different phases. For me, the first challenge was getting through college—learning the rules, tips, and tricks—before branching out into the real world to find a design job. I would always get interviews but never land the job, which was frustrating. So, I decided to explore my talents further by trying out the entrepreneurial side of design while also figuring out my niche and personal style. Read more>>
Rhea Hinger
I started small—designing for university clubs, theater productions, and local events—just to build my skills and confidence. At first, I was hesitant to put myself out there, constantly feeling like I wasn’t “good enough” without a formal background. But I realized that if I waited until I felt ready, I’d never start. So, I took the leap, landed an internship, and eventually got my first job at a marketing agency. That experience was invaluable, exposing me to different areas of design—branding, digital, print, and more. Read more>>
Pierre Cerrato
I went to the College of Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit with the intent of studying graphic design. I really just wanted to make skateboard graphics and thought that was the best way to get into that, but I was less than thrilled with the program and as luck would have it, the school had just started an animation program. I was able to switch to the Traditional Animation track and took some extra Illustration classes. Read more>>
Jon Shari
By the time I opened Little Cottage Brewery in May 2021, there was a following for my beers (mostly barrel-aged) that I had become known for while home brewing. That kind of notoriety was great but we quickly realized that there were still many people who had not heard of our beers and we needed to find ways to get those people in the doors. We went around town asking to put flyers up & were sending as much beer out as we could to help get the word out. Read more>>
Antoine Meeks
I stopped immediately to inquire about the vacancy and got in touch with the Landlord who mentioned that he had not advertised the vacancy yet but had at least 7 inquiries. He asked what type of business was i considering and I told him a carpet & flooring store and the rest is history. We have been in this location April 2023….We have several sub-contractors that we use in our installations and are doing quite well! To God Be the Glory we believe in taking care of the customers! We are a 5 star rated company across all platforms Google, BBB, Yelp, etc. Read more>>
Vieira Owens
Thankfully, I’ve found ways to build that confidence and manage stress. When faced with difficult situations, I take a nap, go to the gym, or, more recently, take a walk to help clear my mind and ground myself. These small habits have made a big difference in helping me stay focused and push forward. Read more>>
Cowgirl Candace
My career started with a passion for storytelling, journalism, and branding. I took my Southern childhood, mixed it with my editorial expertise, and cultivated a brand that amplifies Black country Western culture, American South agriculture, and rural community storytelling in spaces where voices are often overlooked. From writing for international publications and appearing on magazine covers to shaping brand narratives and championing outdoor adventure lifestyles, I’ve dedicated my work to making sure the world sees the richness of being country. Read more>>
Miles Walker
Its really an opportunity to tap into the history of all records I’ve been a part of (many Grammy winning and chart topping #1s) and think about the special elements and moments in those – and highlight what is special about each records creation – and put it all front and center for the new fans to hear and create a new hit. It’s really an honor to get the chance to help somebody’s vision come out of their own head and share what it they always “wanted it to sound like”, when they play it for somebody else. I would like to think I”m good at helping people share their story through their music. Read more>>
Emani Jones
I took a virtual lash course at the start of the pandemic, back in 2020. I was in my junior year of college and just starting nursing school, and wanted to start a hobby that I could also benefit from financially. Unfortunately, we didn’t truly understand the full extent of the pandemic and I was unable to invite clients into my parent’s home. It’s been sitting on my heart for the last 4 years to start lashing again. I took the leap and took another lash course back in December of 2024. I believe it is God that I had to wait 5 years, as I am now in a better place financially and have more time to dedicate to Lash Artistry. Although I’m a novice Lash Artist, the unwavering support from friends, sorority sisters and my fellow nurse friends lets me know that I am supposed to be a Lash Artist. Read more>>
Yolacia Davidson
One of the greatest joys in my journey has been serving beyond my local community and reaching hearts across borders. Through Reckless Love Worship Center International and our outreach arm, we launched a special initiative that supports families in Jamaica with clothing, school supplies, and computers. It started as a simple desire to meet needs and has grown into a consistent mission of love and support. Being able to send laptops to students who wouldn’t otherwise have access—or clothing to families in need reminds me that ministry is global. I truly love to serve, and it’s an honor to be the hands and feet of Jesus wherever He sends me whether it’s down the street or across the ocean. Read more>>
Shantay Henry
Growing up, I was always active. In my household, sports were just as important as academics. I thrived in student government, theatre, track and field, and soccer. I thought I knew what I wanted to be, but at the time, I had no idea that my true destiny was waiting to be discovered. Read more>>
Kate Ericson
It definitely hasn’t been the smoothest road for me, but that didn’t stop me from pushing through. Due to living and family circumstances, I became very independent as a child and still hold this value today. Dealing with grief and other events was a tricky thing to tackle at such a young age, but I used art as a therapy and way to express and release emotions. Now being an adult, I still have a very independent mindset when dealing with my work and not being afraid to put myself out there and take a chance with things, but thankfully throughout my life I’ve been surrounded with loved ones and friends who have always supported me and I am forever grateful for that, since they pulled me through a lot of hard times. Read more>>
Makayla Mick
I was born in Chicago, Illinois and moved to Atlanta, Georgia at the age of 8. The move came with the feeling of great opportunity that even I felt as an eight year old. My parents were gleaming with excitement as this was a job relocation for my dad. We first moved to Douglasville, a slow but comforting area. The only difference between here and Chicago were the hills that felt like little mountains and red dirt. We quickly made acquaintances with many of our neighbors, which wasn’t new for us. Read more>>
Christie Eustache
Like many entrepreneurs building something from the ground up, I’ve realized that what looks like overnight success to everyone often represents 5-10 years of consistency and hard work. Staying aligned with my “why” — the core reason behind my efforts — has helped me redefine my next steps and start over when needed. I’ve also learned to give myself grace along the way, acknowledging the many roles that I’ve had to take on in order to build a platform that resonates deeply with the community that I continue to build. Read more>>
Anna Choi
It was Ben who first encouraged me to explore real estate. Initially, I saw it as a way to purchase our own home, but I quickly realized that I loved helping people navigate one of the biggest decisions of their lives. A home is more than just a place—it’s where life unfolds, memories are made, and futures are built. Having the right person guide you through that process makes all the difference. I truly love what I do, and that passion fuels me every day. But at its core, my work isn’t just for me—it’s for my family and our future. Read more>>
Rita Sands-Mahoney
To make it happen, I had to wear many hats—set designer, props master, caterer, editor, producer, acting coach—you name it, I did it. But I wasn’t alone. My dedicated team—Theopania Darnice, Arnisha Gresham, Shaunte Murphy, Sherrie Bell, Jessica Sands, Asteney Banks, Datrick Davis, Pamela Smith, Darryl Antwine, Clifford Saxton, Alexis Weaver, and Sade Ladega—came together with passion and commitment to achieve something incredible. Read more>>
Sheba Jennings
Poetry is the core of me. It’s how I found my voice, my power, and ultimately, my purpose. I’m Sheba Jennings—a wordsmith, poet, and writer proudly rooted from the Inland Empire of Southern California. While music has always been my first love, I began my public journey through spoken word. For fifteen years, since I was ten years old, I’ve performed poetry as a way to inspire my community, encourage people to walk in their purpose, and mobilize them to action. Read more>>
Tanesha Brun
In the beginning, I was just sourcing items here and there, selling a few things online, and learning as I went. But as I grew more passionate about it, I started refining my eye for timeless, vintage, name brands and well-made pieces. Over time, my little side hustle became something bigger—a way to share my love for secondhand shopping while helping others build a more intentional, stylish wardrobe and home. Read more>>
King Tazz
I’m a writer first and foremost. That’s where everything starts for me. I’ve been writing since I was a kid—always one of the top writers in every school I went to, even outscoring older students. It’s just something I’ve always had in me. From there, it expanded into engineering and producing. I’ve been engineering my own music for over seven years, and I’m just now getting into beat-making—but I’d consider myself an overall producer. Read more>>
Zhenyu
One of my biggest creative challenges has been working across different mediums. I love experimenting with various materials and printmaking techniques, but every new process comes with a learning curve. For example, when creating The Great Blue Yonder, a book entirely made through silkscreen printing, I had to navigate the technical difficulties of accurate registration and layering colors. No prints are ever 100% perfect, but I’ve come to see those imperfections as part of what makes printmaking unique. Read more>>
Jacoya Pleasant
Fast forward to 2021, when I had my daughter. I went going through postpartum depression really bad. I was always in the house with my both 2 under one children at the time. It was rough on me. One day I woke up and decided I’m not about to keep sitting around letting my dreams and talents go to waste just because I’m a mom. I can do both. I can do everything I want and still take care of my babies. That mindset got me to where I am today and God. Read more>>
Courtney Flores
After I started my first job in the Esthetics field, Covid hit the beauty industry hard. We shut down for almost 2 months. I was trying to plan my wedding and lost my Paw Paw as well. It was a really trying time. Life eventually went back to its new normal, but after a while, I began to feel burnt out. I felt like I was stuck at the job I was at. Eventually I realized I wanted a more unique and judgment free experience for all my future clients. Read more>>
Johnny Thomas
RapStar Energy isn’t just another drink on the shelf—it’s a movement. We’re here to fuel the hustle for those who grind harder, push further, and dream bigger. Whether you’re an artist, athlete, entrepreneur, or go-getter, RapStar Energy is built to power your ultimate performance—without the crash. Read more>>
YAO LU
After moving to Atlanta, I noticed that many people had little to no exposure to traditional Asian instruments. I felt a strong calling — if we don’t actively share these sounds, they risk fading away. That’s what led me to start Magic Eastern Music Studio, and later form Magic Eastern Ensemble, a nonprofit performance group dedicated to bringing these instruments into broader public awareness through performances, education, and community collaboration. Read more>>
Spencer Hawkins
I’ve always had a deep passion for photography, movies, and cinematography so much so that my stepmother jokingly calls me the “family film critic.” From a young age, I found myself captivated by the way visuals could tell a story, evoke emotions, and transport audiences into different worlds. My dad, a true family man, had a unique tradition that brought us all together, watching cinematic tuner car videos. He loved seeing how people could take an affordable car and transform it with tastefully crafted modifications. While he admired the builds themselves, I was drawn to something else; the artistry behind the shots. I became obsessed with color grading, cinematic music, dynamic dolly shots, and the way filmmakers highlighted aggressive body panels and intricate three-piece wheels to make the cars feel larger than life. Read more>>
Jalen Walker
My journey into DJing started in high school when I helped my uncle set up for his weddings and corporate gigs. Watching him transform events with his music and seeing the income he earned from it was truly inspiring. As someone who already had a deep love for music and was the drum major in my high school band, the idea of turning my passion into a business clicked for me. Read more>>
Shannon Mitchell
I knew that I wanted to make my schedule and help people look good in the process, I had a gift that I discovered at a very young age and decided to embark on it in many different ways. I accomplished my 1st license as a Master cosmetologist in my early 20s and decided to obtain my other licenses, Master barber and educator. Read more>>
Halie Allen
What sets Halie apart is her genuine love for client interaction, making her services more than just a transaction. Whether it’s bridal elegance, full glam, or the perfect look for homecoming and prom, Halie is dedicated to turning your dream into a stunning reality. She has owned her own company, Lush Beauty Bar ATL, for 5 years and is prominent in the Georgia Wedding and Events industries. She is well known for her creative skills and organization. She is married with 4 young boys and loves all things fantasy! She also owns Book Lush Events. A Book Ball company that just made their debut in March 2025 Read more>>
Nandini Sunkireddy
Each patient’s journey is unique, and I strive to create tailored treatment plans that address their individual needs and aspirations, leading many to successful weight loss and fulfillment of their goals. Beyond medicine, I cherish moments with my family and find joy in speaking at various events. I have also been actively involved with the Telugu Association of Metro Atlanta charity clinic in Cumming, Georgia, for the past six years, sharing my passion for community service and health. I also serve as board of directors for GAPI ( Georgia academy of physicians of indian Origin) and health care chair for GTA ( global telangana association) Read more>>
Av
Music was never just about sound; it was about feeling—experiencing everything all at once. Over time, life threw its lessons at me. Friendships came and went. I took my fair share of scrapes and bruises. But through it all, I had a support system that never let me stay down for long. My friends—the most beautiful people—have believed in me even when I struggled to believe in myself. My partner sees, appreciates, and champions my success as much as I do, which is a blessing in itself. Read more>>
Just Jay
I’ve dealt with racist and discrimination on levels I never thought possible. I either can’t get a job because of my record or I can’t get one because of my appearance. I keep moving. I just tell myself it’s not the door for me. Right now I’m broke down in a parking lot in College Park at a housing development called Camelot. Have been here for 2 weeks now. Car won’t start and I don’t have the funds to get it fixed. But I’m lucky enough to have a comedian friend who lives here so it’s no different than living in my car elsewhere. So no it’s definitely not been smooth, but all the highest moments in life have been so much greater than all the lowest ones. Read more>>
Breana Morrison
My creative journey began early in my childhood, where I spent much of my time drawing, painting, and making short films. When I started college at Georgia State University, I discovered graphic design and immediately fell in love with it. Through my studies, I was able to cultivate my creative identity, embracing a passion for bold colors and dynamic compositions. After graduating, I launched my freelance business, BM Design LLC, where I work on a diverse range of projects, from book designs to logos, murals, and more. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of building meaningful connections, which has led me to where I am today. Read more>>
Dante Fambro
Well, I’m from Decatur, Ga. I’m an actor or storyteller if you will. I’ve been an actor since I can remember I loved being the center of attention around people I knew. I love making people laugh but my first acting class was in the 11th grade that is where I fell in love with acting. Ever since the drama class I took in high school I’ve been on the acting train. After high school I didn’t act as much too busy trying to find myself but when I was 24 is when I got back into it. I took my first acting class with Angela Davis and been reaching for the stars ever since. From that class is when I started my acting career, learning the business and everything to become a successful actor. From there I’ve done such shows as “Fatal Attraction, For My Man” and short films. Just been focusing on the work and storytelling. Read more>>
Diana O’Gilvie
It wasn’t until I created Urban Sass Travels that things really clicked. I wanted a space where I could be fully myself, smart, irreverent, travel-obsessed, and deeply rooted in culture. I didn’t see many travel platforms speaking to Black women with nuance and depth, especially ones who were traveling solo, reclaiming their joy, and connecting with ancestral heritage. So I built it. Read more>>
Jennifer Stokes
I was burnt out and needed a change. I explored a few things, but landed in purchasing a travel franchise with intentions on selling all types of travel, but no relation to my “past” career. Well, I just couldn’t help myself, I missed cooking and the foodie atmosphere, culture and love that always surrounded me when I was involved in it. I decided to create a niche in food and wine tours. My business has really taken off in not only my personal groups that I take on these trips, but also my group business in general for families and more. I truly have found such a great balance with the two things I love to explore most, the world and the food of all its people. Read more>>
Lauren Rice
hen I first arrived in Atlanta, I was captivated by the energy of the city and the endless opportunities to connect with others. I realized that I wanted to share my experiences and passions with the world, so one day, on a whim, I picked up my camera. I began capturing the moments that filled my life with joy—everything from fashion and beauty to adventures around the world and even storytelling. I didn’t just want to document my life; I wanted to inspire and connect with others who shared my enthusiasm for self-expression. Read more>>
Derrick Barnhill
Relationships with my wife were especially challenging for me, but I’ve grown to realize life’s about much more than money and success. Real talk, though—my biggest lesson was handling relationships, especially with women. Atlanta taught me life’s bigger than chasing money and fame; it’s about respect, balance, and understanding to be yourself. Read more>>
Okeido Williams
Beyond the financial and logistical hurdles, the mental battle was just as tough. Doubt crept in when progress felt slow, but I trusted in God’s plan. Through discipline, strategic reinvestment, and unwavering faith, I pushed forward. Every challenge became a lesson, every setback a setup for greater blessings. Now, I don’t just own properties—I walk in the legacy God ordained for me. Read more>>
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>>
