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.

Courtenay Christian

As a proud wife of 30 years and mother of two gorgeous daughters (and a stepmom to three more), I made the decision to leave the corporate world and embrace being a stay-at-home mom. During one of my frequent trips to Joann Fabrics, I was excited when I was asked if I’d be interested in teaching sewing classes. Without hesitation, I accepted and spent about three wonderful years teaching at Joann Fabrics in Duluth, GA, before transitioning to Hobby Lobby in Buford, GA, to continue sharing my love for sewing with others. Read more>>

Valentina Salazar

It definitely hasn’t been an easy road. Like many families, we faced challenges: language barriers, financial struggles, the challenge of adapting to a new country, and in my case, personal losses as well. Personally, starting in the mortgage industry wasn’t easy; there was a learning curve and moments of doubt. But each obstacle taught me a valuable lesson. Those difficult moments shaped me and made me even more committed to my work, and especially to something as important as helping my clients achieve their dream of homeownership. Read more>>

Larry Williams

To quote Murphy’s law, “Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong”. That has been true for most of the processes we have had to experience in getting established here. From getting our children’s vaccination records not being accepted for school enrollment to the health department declaring that I could not build a commercial kitchen in a home dwelling. Read more>>

Tinashe Gakaka

My photography story is nothing short of a testimony of BEING IN THE RIGHT SPACES and TAKING A LEAP. It all started when i was in university in China when I was thrown into the deep end and began my photography journey. Enthusiasm, A LOT of practice and experimenting helped with my growth and making a name for myself in the industry. I am a photographer who wants to evoke a feeling in the viewers. Read more>>

JUSTIN RAINES

After High School attended Berklee College of Music (2002-2006). This is where my career began to take off. While in college I traveled with the legendary Karen Clark-Sheard. Shortly after I started as the backup bass player for Israel and New Breed subbing for the great Terrance Palmer. After 2 years Terrance passed the baton to me and I’ve been with Israel and New Breed ever since. I’ve been blessed to travel the world with Israel and New Breed, Neyo, William McDowell, Donnie McClurkin, Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, and many more. Read more>>

Cesar Rosado

Word spread, and before I knew it, clients started reaching out for my DJ services, which led me to create my own entertainment company in 2010. This career has given me the opportunity to do what I feel passionate about which are music and making people’s events a dream come true. Looking back, I’m grateful for every step of this journey. Along the way, I’ve met incredible mentors and industry professionals who continue to inspire me. But there’s still so much more to accomplish. The entertainment industry is always evolving, and I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and chasing new opportunities. Read more>>

Alexis Burgin

Amidst these difficult times, I realized I needed a way to earn a living that also allowed me to be present for my mom. My previous jobs seemed to overlook my needs and personal life, which prompted me to take a leap into entrepreneurship. I was tired of relying on environments that didn’t appreciate me. Read more>>

Desirae’ Benton

Absolutely not! I am a single mother of 2 and I am still trying to recover from my accident lol. I can laugh at my pain now but trying to start a business while having a concussion was very challenging on top of being a mom. The most challenging part for me was finding a solid printer, and pricing; knowing what to charge my customers, so I make a profit, but also being scared to over price in fear of no one booking me. I no longer walk in fear. If someone wants to book you and support your business, they will pay your price. It’s that simple! Read more>>

Brendon Garrett

I am a professional dancer and a digital artist. I love to create and been creating art since I was in diapers. I’m most known for being a famous dancer out of the small town of Buffalo NY. I got by “ B3ATZ “ because not only do I have a passion for most genres of music but I was known for making beats with pens and pencils on the school desk through out grammar school to high highschool. I was just always on the creative side. Read more>>

Brittney White

Her latest innovation, the Bawdy Bag Tea Baths, is designed for discerning wellness aficionados who view self-care as an essential investment in their overall well-being. Crafted for high-achieving professionals, luxury spa enthusiasts, and holistic healing seekers, these extra-large, premium detox baths provide a transformative, spa-like experience at home. They combine ancient herbal remedies with modern science, appealing to those who demand excellence, balance, and rejuvenation in every aspect of their lifestyle. Read more>>

Sev’n Anderson

The summer of ’96 was a baptism by fire. Not the kind you find in the church, but the kind that scorches a path into your soul and leaves you forever changed. We rolled into Atlanta smack dab in the middle of Freaknik, and I was just a kid, eyes wide as saucers, plastered to the car window. All I could see was a sea of people, music thumping in the air, and this unmistakable energy that screamed freedom and belonging. I didn’t know it then, but that moment was an unspoken vow. Atlanta was going to be home. Read more>>

Dariel Dajanee

Some challenges along the way would definitely have to be maintaining faith, I have been prioritizing my walk with God and faith is big for me because even when things look literally scary it’s a bigger picture that we sometimes just can see and that’s enough to just keep going even when things aren’t what you want or need them to be. Being a single female in a new city is tough it’s not like mommy and daddy are funding my life so it’s been many of times I have had 0 income but plenty of monthly bills and I would worry and panic on how I would maintain my life but God has always made a way because I always kept atleast a mustard seed of faith. Read more>>

Ivana Brown

The road hasn’t been smooth but I believe that’s a professional hazard. Not one person can name an artist of any kind that didn’t face huge forms of hardship. I say this specifically because an artist is almost always a social outcast of some sort, this coupled with life doing as it does is the perfect storm. Some of the struggles I faced was finding and learning to keep my identity despite my surroundings trying to change or manipulate that. See Im huge on faith, specifically the Christ centered belief and that Im an image bearer who is the same One that created the heavens and earth. With that comes a different set of trials and tribulations because the spiritual battle against the devil is based on identity. Its a fight for my God given one. Read more>>

Ebony Lewis

It has been a smooth road for the most part being that there wasn’t a super ton of startup costs, but the costs do add up when you don’t having bookings flowing upon opening. Sourcing for startup grants has been a big struggle for me, but I stay hopeful and keep doing my research. Outside of that it has been fun and rewarding building the Luxe Grazing Table. Read more>>

Kennya Davis

Today, I can honestly say that I love what I do. Nail artistry is more than just a job to me—it’s a way to connect with people, boost their confidence, and help them feel beautiful. There’s something truly special about seeing someone walk out of the salon with a smile on their face, knowing that I had a part in making their day brighter. In a world where things can often feel heavy, putting a smile on someone’s face means everything to me. Read more>>

Sydney Dean

Afterward, I would go on to design a complete collection for a fashion show at my church, and later present my work at a college scholarship fundraiser. I received my first sewing machine from my pastor in front of the congregation, and my second sewing machine from my manager at a thrift store I worked at. Sewing has always found me in times when I felt like I didn’t have a purpose. It’s lifted me up from the lowest of lows and has been the fire inside me ever since I was taught to thread a needle. I truly love it and I know its what I’m meant to do in this lifetime, and sharing my passion with others, watching their faces light up when they wear my pieces, their confident sashays down the runway- for me, that’s what life is all about. Read more>>

Elias Herrera

But this is only the beginning. I have big plans ahead. My end goal has never been fame or money—it’s to get big so I can give big. I’m all about service and being present for others as much as I can. I’m ambitious in the best sense of the word—I want it all so I can give more. And if music is the path that’s taking me there, then I’ll keep working to be the best version of myself to make those dreams a reality Read more>>

Yher Dollz

Yher Dollz Model Group is a creative Plussize modeling and entertainment collective known for promoting diverse beauty, confidence, and empowerment, especially among young women of color. The group typically focuses on fashion, runway, photoshoots, and social media content creation, often blending urban aesthetics with bold, trendsetting styles. Yher Dollz also emphasizes community building and self-expression, providing a platform for aspiring Plus-size models and influencers to showcase their talent and style. Read more>>

Weston Cox

Those conversations were different than all the others I had when I spoke up about what I was thinking about doing. They had been in my shoes, they saw the value in the mission, and they were rooting for me. Mark Batterson says, “prayer without action is just self-talk”. It was time to get moving. As soon as I said yes, the first few weeks were full of affirmations and connections for TCS. I felt confident knowing that I was doing what I felt called to do in this season of my life. Read more>>

Ray Tookes

I linked up with my brother now manager Tru Mc, who was formally with the group The Alliance who had hit song “Tatted up” featuring Fabo. We began attacking the Atlanta music scene and making myself known as an Artist who is serious. To date I’ve released 4 projects and 6 singles. By 2021 me and my manager were able to partner up and start our own show with a live band called “FollowMe Atl”. This show took the city by storm and is now 20 artists strong. Now entering into 2025 I have achieved another goal by having 4 of my songs placed on the sound track of movie “Allure part one” starring Young Joc. Read more>>

Dion Davis

It has not always been smooth. To be the current iteration of myself, I’ve had to give up what I thought I wanted. There was an internal war within me regarding my sexuality and being involved in spaces of faith. I lived in a sort of torture trying to exist in those spaces. I had to hide who I was to belong. I knew I had to be vulnerable and honest with myself–and then the world to become the artist who would have the most impact. I had been crippled by fear for many years and stuck in that struggle until one day, I decided there is no way god would intend or ask me to live in torture and an unsatisfied life. Read more>>

Christopher Davis

I’ve had the opportunity to work in-house for a corporate business and at a creative agency prior to starting Merrill Film Group. I was able to take what I learned from those experiences and apply them to my own business. This helped me create a perfect scenario for myself. I’m very grateful for those opportunities because it taught me how I wanted to run my own business. Of course I’m still building, and I hope to continue to build for my entire career. I believe learning never stops. I will continue to work extremely hard to better my craft, perfect my skills, and keep making impactful videos. Read more>>

Arielle And Alanna (ALARIE) Brown

Our journey started the moment we could talk, but we truly found our harmony as a duo when we were just 6 and 7 years old, and it’s grown ever since. We were both trained in classical and gospel music, singing in church choirs and performing with the Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel and the Washington National Cathedral Choir. We have had the opportunity to perform in many different places, such as the Kennedy Center, the Washington National Cathedral, and several embassies. We have also performed with notable artists such as Wynton Marsalis, Bebe Winans, and Sweet Honey and the Rock. Read more>>

Ariana Wilder

I spend majority of my free ghost shopping to see what might be in trend during the season or looking for inspiration on what I can do differently in my own wardrobe based on my favorite fashion influencers/creators. My goal is to be invited to Paris Fashion Week or be involved with a campaign that speaks to who I am as a creative, which is bold, colorful, expressive, and fun all wrapped up into one. That’s how I would describe my style and who I am as an individual. I am still in pursuit of my further my skills as a graphic designer by learning more about user experience design, but ultimately I have always wanted to combine my love fashion and eye for graphic design into one. Read more>>

Mamta Khairajani

Relocating to the United States from Mumbai, India at the age of 40 meant leaving behind a fulfilling career in Educational Leadership and starting life from scratch — a challenging yet courageous step for me and my family. Our shared love for travel and exploring diverse cuisines inspired the creation of Braving_Atlanta. Through this platform, I share a blend of our memorable experiences while proudly bringing elements of my Indian heritage to a new audience.” Read more>>

Robert Dumas

I started my career in public accounting but quickly realized it wasn’t for me. After working in corporate tax and feeling stuck, I took a leap and started consulting—doing whatever I could to support my family. That’s when an opportunity in sales tax came my way. Though I had no prior experience, I took on a 50-state taxability study and found myself diving deep into the complexities of sales tax compliance. Read more>>

Cassieandre Jones

And she was right about that part. I didn’t know a thing about lashes, brows, facials, or teeth whitening. But what I did know was how to run a business and make smart investments. So, I took the leap and opened Pink Caviar Lash and Brow Spa. It was a bold move, and a few people definitely doubted me in the beginning. But here we are, seven years later, and my spa is still thriving. I may not be the one holding the tweezers or mixing the tint, but I’ve built a strong brand, a solid team, and a business that keeps growing. That’s how I got started—by turning doubt into drive, and proving that you don’t have to be a beauty expert to run a successful beauty business. Read more>>

Tionna Belk

I have been residing in Atlanta,GA for the last 4 years now. I moved to Atlanta to not only enjoy the ride of the amazing Culture and networks here but to also expand my horizons with my businesses as well. My latest business venture is a beauty business brand called TBNaturals Co. that was launched in 2021. We offer a diverse range of Haircare and Bodycare products and accessories. We have become the #1 source for all the beauty needs! Big Thanks to God, My Ambition, and the Major support behind these ventures alone have got me where I am today! Read more>>

Hashonah Lockette

Dr. Lockette’s journey began with a B.A. in Business Administration from Marymount Manhattan College in New York City, followed by a distinguished career in healthcare. She served in leadership roles at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York Hospital, and Lincoln Hospital, and later spent over 15 years at the American Cancer Society, where she led strategic initiatives to combat health disparities in underserved communities. Read more>>

Liz Gubler

I started my theatre journey back in high school and loved it so much that I went on to get a college degree in theatre while also working in the props department at Tuacahn Amphitheatre. In 2017, I was thrilled to be accepted into the Scenography program at the University of Georgia, which felt like the perfect fit due to its fantastic theatre and film programs. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I returned to my hometown in Utah for a couple of years, but I made my way back to Georgia in 2022, and fully started my career designing and drafting for the entertainment industry. Read more>>

Dhayany Walker

When my husband, Demetrius, and I first started building our businesses, we didn’t realize how much the pressure of entrepreneurship would test our relationship. We were both ambitious, both passionate, and both carrying unspoken expectations of each other. The late nights, financial stress, and constant problem-solving started bleeding into our home life. Instead of working as a team, we often found ourselves on opposite sides—misunderstood, frustrated, and at times, emotionally distant. Read more>>

LaShanna Stephens

After earning my degrees and becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor, I opened my private practice, Sound Advice Counseling, LLC, in Macon, Georgia. From day one, my mission has been to help individuals and couples heal, grow, and thrive. Over the years, I’ve expanded my work beyond the therapy room—writing, speaking, and creating resources that empower people to take charge of their mental wellness. Read more>>

Noel Ferreira

I was born to Dominican parents in Camden, New Jersey, and moved to Georgia at the age of 13. My social media journey started for fun on Musical.ly, where I quickly gained popularity. As the platform transitioned into TikTok, I expanded my content to include modeling, fashion, and lifestyle on Instagram while continuing to grow my following with lip-sync and relatable content. Over time, my presence on both platforms flourished, leading me to opportunities in brand ambassadorship. Today, I hold positions in brand partnerships and aim to take my career to the next level, with a combined following of over 800,000 across platforms. Read more>>

Tiffany Nycole

I’ve always loved fashion. My parents owned a store growing up named Tiffany’s Shoes in Florida. I would go on trips to LA and Miami with my father to help buy clothes for the store when I was like seven or eight. I was completely mesmerized with dressing up. Kids used to tease me in school because I always wore dresses and heels, even in elementary school. They would call me Barbie girl and sing the song as I walk down the halls. It actually used to make me cry… But looking back, they were teasing me because I was dressed nice. Like a Barbie.  Read more>>

B. Jade

I’ve always wanted to play some kind of role in setting Black women and children up to thrive in a system that was never designed for us to. Not thrive solely financially, but also spiritually, mentally, emotionally, romantically, all the things. And while there were a number of ways I could have gone about doing that, I felt most called to work toward creating safe spaces and connecting people with the resources and knowledge that already exist. Read more>>

Leah Taylor

No, it hasn’t always been sunshine and book deals. The book world can be brutal and unforgiving—and that’s just the professional side of things. Personally? One of my most defining losses was the passing of my mother, a moment that cracked my heart wide open. Grief became a quiet, constant companion, but also a powerful teacher. It deepened my writing, sharpened my empathy, and reminded me just how fleeting—and precious—life really is. Read more>>

Jatiana Smith

I grew on on Martin, Jamie Fox show, Mad TV and In Living Color re-runs so sketch comedy has always been a dream of mine, I just never took a chance on it. But anyways I go this set the next day and he’s filming an independent film, “Juice” and on set is where I met Bigg Jah and the rest was history after that. I started regularly collabing with him, from there I branched out and began to travel to collaborate with other creators. I saw my following go up pretty quick and it dawned on me, okay I must have an actual talent here, then I started making my own sketches. One of the places I traveled to often was here in ATL, and to switch it up a bit I decided to take my talents here full time (lol) to take my comedic acting more seriously. Read more>>

Amber Barnes

Everybody knows me from being on tv, especially being in a lot of Tubi movies. I started off in theatre and worked my way into being mainstream. Director Karlton Clay was the first person who gave me the opportunity to showcase my skills and with that I took it and kept going. I’ve also took training classes with coach Vas Saranga at the Online Training Actor studio. If y’all need any training use my code “actressamber” for a discount. lol I studied my craft and networked. I’m always open to networking and meeting new people. Read more>>

Mya & Terrance

Me and Terrance has been best friends since 9th grade back in 2019. We started dating at our 4 year mark of being best friends back in 2023. We were looking on TikTok one day and decided why not start making content of us being ourselves since a lot of people around us were interested in our story of us being best friends for so long then all of a sudden started dating. We were being consistent and started gaining thousands of followers and even had 2 videos that blew up to 1 million views within our 1st year of being on TikTok in 2023. Read more>>

Shania Joseph

It hasn’t always been easy. There were moments of doubt, times when I questioned whether I was good enough, and struggles with balancing my passion with everything else in life. Even now, engagement and wedding planning have brought their own challenges, making it hard to feel supported in my dreams. But through it all, I’ve held onto the truth that this isn’t just something I love—it’s something God has placed on my heart for a reason. Read more>>

James Chester

I had a period of isolation where I locked myself in my room and dealt with me. I faced all of my crap and issues, stared them in the eye and told them they would not continue to have a hold on me. I cried, I got angry, I cried some more. But within that two months I realized how amazing I am, I realized how resilient I am, I realized how unstoppable I am. Today, even though I am still a work in progress, I stand here more confident, healed, and level headed than I’ve been in my forty years on this earth. I realize that I have so much to smile and be happy about and this is only the beginning. Read more>>

Summer Lowe

Summer was raised in Southern California and earned an M.F.A in Painting from UCLA, where she was fortunate to study under a faculty of famous artists. She was a K-!2 Art teacher with Los Angeles Municipal school district. After moving to Atlanta, she taught courses in art and design at The Art Institute of Atlanta for over twenty years. She has also taught painting courses at community art centers, such as Spruill Center for the Arts, Norcross Art Gallery, Suwannee Arts Center and at The Art Center,Johns Creek. She continues to teach and tutor painting classes on a part time basis. Read more>>

Hilary Cheeseman

I had to learn very quickly how different cultures live and had to learn to change some of my own views and prejudice against people different to me. I had to learn how to be respectful to the Muslim community here and give them understanding regarding how they live especially when it comes to women and the many restrictions and expectations are placed on them. I had to learn how to help people have a step up but not keep handing out. I to learn not to enable people and help them to stand on their own two feet. Read more>>

Chinar And Faraji

I was born in Iraq during Saddam Hussein’s reign, and in 1988, I survived the Halabja chemical attack, an experience that shaped me, but didn’t define me. After escaping that tragedy, I came to the U.S. and worked hard to make a new life. I spent years working in the restaurant industry, learning everything I could. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t just here to survive—I was here to create something. I wanted to build something that would stand the test of time. Read more>>

Josue Esteves

I decided to stay in the United States to deal with my brother’s situation and the political crisis in Venezuela. My brother’s body was able to be repatriated to Venezuela. Since then, I’ve been through the worst situations of my life, but I decided to be strong and move forward. I’ve had ups and downs, but I’ve managed to recover. It’s been a very difficult learning process, far from my country, from my family, alone, but with the support of excellent people I’ve met since that March 18, 2019. Over time, I’ve prepared myself, acquiring skills and knowledge that have led me to currently work as an industrial electrician and, at the same time, as a health insurance advisor. Read more>>

Sajalie

As the world becomes increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence, I believe there will be a growing hunger for genuine, human-centered connections. With the support of your grant, I will expand these experiences into, large-scale worlds that inspire and reconnect us to the essence of what it means to be truly alive. Read more>>

IQ Jones

I started releasing music in 1999 as IQ, 1/2 of female duo Kin4life. I am out of Mt. Vernon, NY but born in the Bronx. I’m an nyc girl so when I was performing in ATL and saw the price of houses were better than ny. Purchased a home here and built my professional studio. I engineer, produce, songwriter and artist. Started my label. Kin Factory Entertainment in 2020. 7 artist on the label and over 2 million streams Read more>>

Kyia Young

I’m from New Orleans, and if you know anything about my city, you know it stays with you. It’s in the way I talk, the way I move, the way I see the world. But in 2005, Hurricane Katrina forced my family to leave, and we ended up in Baton Rouge. I was young, but I remember the feeling….watching everything change overnight, seeing how the people in power responded (or didn’t). It made me pay attention in a way I probably wouldn’t have otherwise. Read more>>

Brooke Jackson

It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road — but every bump along the way taught me something valuable. When I first started BrookeNation, I had no blueprint, no big team, and no major funding outside of the investment my grandmother gave me. I wore every hat — formulator, marketer, customer service, shipping — all while still working a full-time job and providing 1-on-1 behavioral services for kids with autism. Read more>>

Mikayla Geer

I started my social media journey in high school because my close friend at the time was trying to build her photography portfolio. As time went on and our friendship faded, I continue to plan out photoshoots and took instagram more seriously. My sophomore year of college, I got my first brand deal with Twist Hair Co. and this changed the game for me. I was more motivated than ever to get more collabs and really take influencing seriously. Almost a year later, my friends were starting a rave wear brand and asked me to model for it.  Read more>>

Quia Morgan- Hill

Along the way, I’ve had the honor of interviewing some of the most iconic and nostalgic celebrities of our time, including: Headkrack, Hope Flood, Adina Howard, Truth Hurts, Bushwick Bill, Phil Lamar, Tweet, and many more Read more>>

Cortez Bufford

Hey My Name Is Cortez! I’m From a small town called Auburn, AL. I’m 19 and I run a clothing brand called “Deprived Benefits”, A Model, and upcoming Youtuber! I would say about 2 years i was working and going to school and realized that it wasn’t for me so i tried many things like trading, i started youtube but didn’t take it serious and many other things but i lacked confidence in myself so i was crushed when i was seeing no progress in what i was doing. Fast Forward a couple of months i lost my grandma on my birthday and fell into a deep hole with sadness and constantly questioned God? Not later I started going back to church and gave my life back to Christ and that’s where it all Changed! Read more>>

Yalan Wen

Working full-time as a designer to support my art projects presents significant challenges, a situation many creative professionals might relate to. After a long day of addressing client requests, managing bills, and seeking new opportunities, I often feel burnt out. Adding to the complexity, as an international individual, I also navigate concerns like visa status and other logistical matters. Despite these demands, I try to take time to maintain my health and preserve the energy needed to create art. It’s never easy, but I remain committed to my vision, moving forward step by step. Read more>>

Danica Eakman

As a solo entrepreneur, I wear all the hats—facilitator, marketer, designer, event planner, and everything in between. It can be overwhelming at times, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I love what I do, and I truly believe in the work. My hope is to not only spread awareness of sound baths but to offer people real, lasting benefits through them—whether that’s a moment of peace, deep healing, or a renewed sense of connection. Read more>>

Carl Adams

Multi-genre composer. Just depends on what I feel like doing. Might be classical, might be electronic, might be metal, might be some weird blend of genres with my musical identity at the center. I largely do what the hell I want without paying attention to the result. The journey there is usually much more fun and rewarding. Read more>>

Erika Fortner

Beautiful Weddings started in the most unintentional way and has become one of the biggest blessings we have in this family. The owner had just come through one of the hardest chapters she has faced with overcoming the many challenges post partum depression presents. She took it minute by minute pulling herself through with the love and support of her amazing family for a little over 2 years. Shortly after getting on the right medication and finally feeling the weight starting to lift off her shoulders… her middle child, Faith, got engaged and did what all “little girls” do- started dreaming of their big day! She told Faith whatever she could dream, she would provide. Faith imagined the dream wedding in the Twilight movie, so Marlene started collecting invoices and researching what all it would require from location to decor and florals, down to restrooms and transportation. Read More>>